Summer Jobs: The Long Haul

In a tunnel with only May Week at the end?  Have a quick think about the bigger picture.  Months and months of freedom are ahead, but summer jobs are now hard to come by. Here are some ways of getting out of the house and making a bit of money if you have longer periods of time to spare.  But, apply fast.  In all cases, there are only a few places left. 

Neilson Summer Holidays, described by 3rd year Homerton Student Alana Hutton-Shaw as “Mark Warner on adrenaline”, have a few places available.  

Pros: You live somewhere like Egypt or Greece and perks, like free tennis tuition are often thrown in.  During her time there, Alana ‘specialised in watersports and job offers go from anything to watersports instructing to waitressing to cocktail making to rearing greek pigs (if you like)’.

When I spoke to them, they said it would be worth filling in an application form anyway, as they always have people dropping out.  Pay starts from £300/month including accommodation.  

Cons: A lot of the remaining roles require hefty qualifications. Got any sailing stats and want a summer in the sun?  In that case, but pretty much only that case, it's the job for you.  

Fill out an application form here. 

PGL, who run activity holidays for children, are still recruiting for support roles across the U.K. 

Pros: Varied length placements, varied pay and a long list of locations.  You're away from the adventure camp front line, so no drying homesick eyes.  

Cons: The minimum contract is 12 weeks and the jobs left are in catering, domestic or retail.  Missing out on the activities and chance to march your own army of twelve year olds around could be painful.  

Click here to apply.  

Embassy Summer Schools teach English both in the UK and worldwide.  They are looking for both teachers with over 120 hours of TEFL or a PGCE with lots of experience, but also activity leaders with a sports background and an interest in children (a healthy interest that is, as the nice lady on the phone felt necessary to qualify).  

Pros:  There are lots of placements available, and most contracts are only for 6 weeks, beginning mid June.  Starting after May Week shouldn’t be a problem.  For accommodation and meals they only dock a very reasonable £30 per week from your pay.  If there is a centre near you, you are £30 minus a bus fair richer. 

Cons: The pay starts at £227/week which doesn’t sound great.  However, the hours are flexible so it’s worth finding out more.  

Apply here or call 01273339400 for more information. 

International Camp Suisse are looking for drivers over the age of 21.  Read on if you fit the bill… 

Pros: The package includes transfers from the U.K to Switzerland.  Yes, you would be working in Switzerland (how The Sound of Music-esque).  Meals and accommodation are thrown in along with access to all the activities available. 

Cons: Pay was kept hush and there are only a few spots left. 

Apply here or call 0845 5191 031

BUNAC, or the British Universities Overseas Club is a non profit organisation that can help you find work in Canada or North America.  They help you with visas and finding seasonal work in the states – selling ice creams or working as a hotel receptionist. 

Pros: You can live it up stateside. They are very flexible so you can work for any period of time you want and then do some travelling.  A road trip is always advisable.  Spend your tips (which are very high in American hospitality jobs) on some Raybans and you're good to go. 

Third year Magdalene student Katy King is signed up:

"I'm working as a waitress in The Hamptons for 3 months, being paid 6 dollars an hour – and then tips. Accommodation and food are provided when working 6 days a week (half days). I'm allowed to use the hotel's facilities when I'm not working. The resort takes 10 university students each year.

You have to pay quite a lot for visa, flights, insurance, but I should make it back – whilst living on a beach."

Cons: The registration fee with them is £260 and then you've got to pay for flights, and then visa costs.  Expect to break even but not to come back with a lot of change. 

For more information click here or call 0207 251 3472.