Working Adventures is a weekly series of work 'n travel talks in which we will provide you with info, tips and advice on how to travel affordably. Travel is one of life's best learning experiences and we hope to make it part of your world. This week we explore the options of earning US Dollars while travelling. You can either opt to find your own job in the USA or have a pre-placement. Either way it'll be an experience of a life-time. Please feel free to email us and let us know which topics, in particular, you are interested in. Also, we would love to hear all about your travel and working adventure experiences - where you went, who you met, what you did, what you learnt. Lisa, travel editor

Young South Africans now have the fantastic opportunity to live the American Dream. With the help of SASTS, you can find your own job in the USA in practically any field that you wish, for a period of 3-4 months during your summer vacation (Nov/Dec.) So if you are between 19 and 27 years of age and a full time tertiary student or graduate, and want to know how you can earn dollars…....then read on..... At SASTS Working Adventures, we offer both a placement and a freedom option in the USA – the choice is yours...

Ski USA
Ski USA is a pre-placement work and travel programme that confirms employment on a ski resort for you prior to your departure. (Meanwhile, you sit back and dream of snowy slopes or plan good-bye parties with your friends.) Having a job pre-arranged saves you the anxiety and cost of searching for employment upon arrival in a new place. You can relax and live life to the fullest before you leave, and then arrive at the airport only to be whisked away to a hostel in New York for two nights pre-paid accommodation and an arrival orientation.

SASTS Working Adventures offers special student airfares, pre-departure orientations, and the support and emergency assistance of our partner organization throughout your stay in the USA. You will begin to work and earn money virtually as soon as you arrive and you can start saving up for your travels in a fascinating, and also enormous, country.

Work USA
If you prefer the freedom and flexibility to find your own job anywhere in the USA for a maximum of four months, then Work USA is for you. You might work on a ski resort, or could opt for the bright lights of an American city. You might travel from place to place, finding employment and accommodation as you go and experiencing more of America’s diverse states.

With Work USA you are never entirely on your own. SASTS Working Adventures offers support services and assistance prior to your adventure — competitive student airfares, pre-departure orientation, and tips on preparing your resume (CV) to highlight the skills and qualities that make you stand out.

You will receive a participant’s handbook, a telekey card, a programme ID card, a 24-hour emergency telephone help line and job-website address. In the USA, we arrange an airport pickup (for groups of 25 or more) as well as two night’s accommodation at a hostel in New York where an orientation will take place.

A past participant on Work USA, Paul Maughan, had the following to say about this unique adventure:
"It was with great sadness that I left the snow and friends of Lake Tahoe. I had truly made the most of my holidays. After another year of accounting exams, I’ll be right back for more."

A working adventure will be a valuable asset throughout your career. Your Work or Ski USA experience will signal to prospective employers that you are adaptable and adventurous, and that your life has been enriched with an international perspective and the confidence that comes from living on your own overseas.

The opportunity to earn US dollars and so extend your travels in the USA is fabulous. Through it, you will make everlasting international friendships and connections with the people whose lives you once entered daily

So whether you want to buy a car, need financing for your studies, feel like travelling the world or simply want the experience of lifetime, a SASTS Working Adventure can make it happen.

Book your own work 'n travel adventure For more information contact SASTS on (021) 418 3794 or email: info@sasts.org.za