As students, we often find ourselves in situations where we are unsure about our future and which paths to take either before we have started or after we have completed our studies.

A Gap Year is an extremely popular choice to help students realise where they want to be and what life holds in stall for them. For the most part, it involves travelling and meeting new people and discovering new adventures, hence proving to be a completely worthwhile experience.

The following are organizations and agencies in South Africa which we at Stoogle believe to be the best at making sure the process is simple and worth your while!

Chilli Adventures

As far as a gap year or student overseas work experience goes, there are very few better organizations to go through in South Africa, than Chilli Adventures. The focus is all on students and the promotion of cross-cultural exchange for reasonably affordable rates. The work and travel programs offer the opportunity to earn foreign currency, interact with people from all over the world and gain invaluable life experiences for your future.

Jobs abroad include:

  • Au Pairing (USA)
  • Internships (USA)
  • Winter Work and Travel (USA)
  • Summer Camps (USA)
  • Agricultural Work (Australia)
  • Teaching English (Globally but focused in East Asia)
  • Cruise Ship Photography (Global)
  • Working on Super Yachts (Global)

Chilli advisors will guide you in the right direction as to the process for flights, VISA applications, insurance etc.

For more information contact Chilli Adventures on:

0861 CHILLI or 0861 244554

Or visit the website http://www.chilliadventures.com/

You can also find them on Facebook at ‘Chilli Adventures’

Reviews:

James Kieser,

In November of 2013 I participated on one of Chilli Adventures’ Winter Work & Travel USA programs for 3 months. I can, without a doubt say it was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. I was based in Breckenridge, Colorado and I worked as a Housekeeper. When I wasn’t on duty, I spent my time snowboarding on some of the best ski slopes in the world, meeting new and exciting people (not just Americans) and partying my heart out in the small town of Breckenridge. I was also fortunate enough to go road tripping through California for two weeks after my time in Colorado and I visited places like The Grand Canyon, Las Vegas and San Francisco. Chilli Adventures made this all possible and were unbelievably professional and efficient at organizing everything from job placements to flights to accommodation. I definitely recommend this amazing program for anyone who loves to travel and has an appetite for adventure!

Jean-Emile Jammine,

From November 2013 through to February 2014, myself and about 50 other South African’s participated in Chilli Adventures Winter Work and travel program in America. For the most part, the places and jobs on offer were located in areas geared for life in the snow and were ski and snowboard orientated. These included Breckenridge, Aspen (CO), YMCA Rockies and Lake Placid in New York State… Jobs on offer ranged from House Keeping to Ski instructing and my own job – a bussing boy in the Hilton Hotel in Breckenridge. For something a little bit different, you could work as a waiter in New Orleans or a clerk in retail for a supermarket chain (Publix) in Florida – the jobs vary year on year it just depends on how early you apply and what is available.

As far as my own job was concerned, I applied late and was therefore given a different job to that of my friends. The pay was not quite up to scratch with the others so my advice would be to apply early to get the position of your choice. Accommodation is for the most part provided so no “rent-seeking” is necessary and every job comes with its quirks which will help reduce costs.

The full experience including flights, accommodation and spending money as well as Chilli agency fees should come to more or less R45-50 000. However don’t be deterred from the experience because your earned money should cover just about everything while you’re there. Add to that the fact that you’ll be earning in dollars, it is well worth a shout and the experience.

The whole idea is to broaden your understanding of cross-cultural differences and to expand your horizons as far as living abroad and understanding what you are capable of as an individual. The social scene for me was probably the highlight (not to mention the incredible skiing and snowboarding available)… You will make friends which will last a lifetime and will come back a completely different person. Even though at certain points it does get very tough in this new environment, I strongly recommend the experience as it will provide invaluable lessons for your future life.