Post: #1

Hello everyone - and especially those of you who live in the UK.

In order to not waste time between school and university I am currently looking into "Work and Travel" as an option for me. First I wanted to go to Japan or something exotic, but I figured that I'd be better of with a country that is not that far away because of the travelling costs that come with such an exotic target (btw. right word here?). This is why I've chosen the UK. I am perfectly fine with the language, the culture is similar to the German one - a lot more similar than the Japanese one that is - and it's not that far away.

My questions are as follows:

- Have you ever done a Work and Travel or something comparable? If so, can you give me a run-down of the things you found most important, things to avoid, and things that are a must to plan ahead if you want to be successful.
- If you live in the UK, what kinds of affordable living space is there? Would you go to a hotel or would the costs of that completely ruin me? Are hostels or other private "Inns" an option? Are there groups of students or travellers who share a flat - known as a "Living Community" in Germany?
- Again for the UK people? Where would you look for a job for a couple of months? I'm a fast learner, have no problem to get into contact with people so as a shop assistant or so I'd be fine, and I have some decent crafting skills. Is it possible to apply from Germany? Do you know a specific shop / company that you think would employ me for the time? Or do you even own a shop / little company yourself and would be comfortable with employing a fellow and sociable member of the CN family?

I don't really care where in the UK I'd live as I plan to reserve a few weeks to just travel around and enjoy the country on my own. Estimated time would be July-October 2012.

I appreciate all kinds of feedback.

Cheers and thanks in advance

Dogmar

Post: #2

Hi Dogmar,

Firstly can I say good luck in your quest. Secondly can I refer you to the British Home Office, The German Embassy in London (and perhaps the British Embassy in Germany - Berlin?). These institutions will be able to give you far more accurate advice and really help you to put a plan together. I'm not quite sure how it works for EU members.

I can however offer you a little advice based on what I know as a British Subject.

Currently the job opportunities in this country are limited due to the current global economy. That said, it doesn't mean there aren't any. It all depends what skills you can offer and where you look. Areas such as Staffordshire are very poor for job opportunities at the minute, however southern counties seem to fare better.

As for living I can tell you that hotels/inns will cripple you financially. It may be better trying to 'lodge' with someone/a family. This is a great way for you to keep costs down as they tend to be reasonably priced and include all bills. Typically as a lodger you can spend between £250 - £400 a month. Similarly you could also flatshare with other like-minded individuals. This tends to range from around £300-£500 per month but doesn't always include bills. The prices tend to increase the further south (and closer to London) you go.

For places to live I can highly recommend http://www.spareroom.co.uk

As for jobs the best thing I can suggest is looking on various English jobsites based or your skill sets. If you have a particular place you want to live you could try the websites of local councils. These tend to offer good, reliable jobs.

I can't think of anything else off the top of my head but I'd be happy to help you in your quest!

Cheers,

u_m

Post: #3

Thanks a lot u_m, this has been helpful already.

On the job issue: It's basically the same here in Germany, but as I'm only looking for a job that lasts a couple months I don't think the overall limited job market will affect me that much and I'm not too choosey with what I'm doing either. I'd be extremely (!) glad though if someone on here could directly offer me an assistant job. Doesn't have to be that well paid as long as it helps me pay the rent for a shared flat - that site is awesome by the way.

I haven't decided on where I want to go really, but it should be close to a medium/large city as I want to have some activities for the weekends and the time after work around and cities offer the best ratio of possible things to do per surface

On the jobsites: could you name any as I'm not too familiar with that. I'll definitely check the ambassys for info, too.

Cheers

Edit: If the opportunity arises I'd do something similar in the U.S. as well, I'd just have to figure out how to pay the flight, but I'm sure there'd be a way to get there. What I really need though is a job in advance as I'd quickly run out of money if I had to search and apply when I'm already there.

To all you small company / (game) store owners out there: Hit me up, I'm a very versatile worker