11 Mar 2020

Choosing what you want to do after high school is never going to be easy, especially when there’s a tonne of options out there for you to decide from as well as a tonne of opinions trying to lead you into certain directions. One thing we can say for sure is that taking a gap year is always a great decision and a great time.

However, what isn’t always a great time is trying to pay for a gap year. Saving up for everything from flights and insurance to accommodation and food is quite a feat, and it can require hours upon hours of you working some average job to afford it all.

Of course, there’s always the option of working while you travel.

“But aren’t gap years about having fun and not worrying about things like study or work?”

You’re damn right. That’s why when you choose to work on your year off, ya wanna make sure you’re getting paid to do something fun. Here at Year13, we’ve got a bunch of sick paid gap year programs for you to choose from that barely feel like work at all. Here are some of our faves:

1. Canada Winter or Summer (or both)

If you want a travel job that doesn’t feel like a job, then get yourself to Canada ASAP. That country is made for people who like to get outdoors and have a good time.

Whether you’re an adrenalin junkie, or you prefer things a little more chilled out, Canada probably has what you’re after. In the summer you can do everything from camping under the stars to rock climbing and mountain biking, and in winter the place turns into a wonderland blessed by some of the best snow in the world.

The legends at IEP can hook you up with a job in Canada before you even leave Australia. If you wanna check out their winter program, they have a bunch of roles available for the super-experienced skiers’ looking to teach, to those who have never set foot on snow in their life.

If you’re more interested in their summer program, you could find yourself becoming an outdoor guide, or looking after a bunch of interesting and exciting travellers in a retail or hospo gig.

If ya can’t make up your mind between winter or summer, it’s no stress either. The visa IEP helps you obtain is valid for 24 months, meaning you can do a bit of both!

Who can apply?  To be eligible for these jobs you need to be aged between 18 and 35 and keen to explore Canada. Most roles don’t require any previous experience – as long as you’ve got a good attitude IEP will find you the perfect job for your skill level.

2. Summer Camp USA

You know those epic American summer camps that ya see in the movies? Well, it turns out they’re not just restricted to the big screens – they actually exist and they’re just as fun as they look.

Our mates at IEP can help you land a gig working a summer camp in the States, as well as helping you set everything else up (like visas, flights and accommodation). Whether you’re running the high ropes courses, going water skiing, getting creative with arts and crafts, or exploring the local waters via kayak – summer camps are all about having a great time, all the time.

And even though you’re technically working, summer camps are ridiculously fun. It takes so many people to make a camp run and keep the kiddies happy that you’ll find yourself making heaps of new friends and creating a tonne of classic memories in the process.

There’s a reason so many Aussies fly over to do these camps every year!

Who can apply? If you’re aged between 18 – 35 and have experience working with kids then a summer camp gap year is callin’ your name.

3. AU Pair or Nanny

Imagine doing a few hours of housework and babysitting each day and in return you get to live in Italy! And not just live there, but live with a family, your own private furnished bedroom, all your rent covered, and all meals provided… And even earn some cash on top of all that!

JCR AU Pairs and Nannies has a program that sets you up to do exactly that. In exchange for some light housework, childcare, and helping the kids with their English practice, you’ll get to become part of a local family.

You also get a couple of days off each week, meaning you actually get to see the country while you’re there. You can check all the available programs over here. JCR has programs in the UK, USA Canada, Italy and Spain.

Who can apply? You don’t need any formal childcare qualifications for this one but you do need to be comfortable with kids and have some experience working with children. You’ll also need to be aged between 18 and 30 when you go on this program.

 

Paid work gap years allow you to have absolutely amazing experiences, while doing work that is both satisfying and rewarding.

Whether you’re helping kids learn English in Spain, teaching your fave sport at summer camp, or teaching rookies how to snowboard in Canada, it’s easy to find gap year work that’ll fund your travels while having you explore the world.