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Vacancies, Leads, Links, Inspiration & Ideas For Working Abroad, Travel Jobs, Working Holidays, Work Exchanges, Career Breaks, Gap Years & Volunteering
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Featured Jobs
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Paid TEFL Internship In Thailand
SEE TEFL offers TEFL training and a paid 4-5 month placement in, or outside of, Chiang Mai.
Join Our Team On Samos
All our services rely on an amazing team of volunteers to carry out our activities. If you are a team player, have a lot of great ideas, and would like to make a difference for people on the move, you should consider joining us!
Kyrgyzstan, Switzerland, Sulawesi, Japan, teaching, poop picking, hoof cleaning, sailing, Sundance, & more…
⭐️Sleep In A Glass Igloo In Lapland
SWEDEN > SKOG Aurora Igloos, a glass igloo and aurora resort located in Swedish Lapland, is looking for volunteers during two periods of winter 2026/27: November 15 to January 7, and February 12 to March 30. Accommodation and meals are provided. In a glass igloo when available. You may have to feed reindeer.
⭐️It’s Churchill Fellowship Time Yet Again
WORLDWIDE > Applications are open until October 20 for another year of Churchill Fellowship awards. Each year, the UK charity supports individual UK citizens to follow their passion for change through learning from the world and bringing that knowledge back to the UK.
Grants cover all travel expenses, food, accommodation and insurance for four to eight weeks to enable recipients to study areas of topical and personal interest for the benefit of their profession or community. This year, they have introduced a brand new Fellowship programme: Civic and democratic engagement.
⭐️Camp Leader
GERMANY > Language Farm is looking for a camp leader for the remainder of this season (until he end of October) and for next season, starting by the end of March 2027. You must have experience working with kids in English or international camps, hold a valid first aid certificate, and be fluent in English.
⭐️Barge Hostess
FRANCE > The Recrewters are looking for an experienced, enthusiastic hostess to join a six passenger hotel barge in France for one week in October, with a view to offering many more weeks throughout 2027.
⭐️World Challenge Expedition Leaders
WORLDWIDE > World Challenge has taken to Season Workers to advertise for people to lead overseas expeditions to a variety of incredible destinations in July 2027. Their freelance leaders come from all walks of life: outdoor professionals, youth workers, teachers, ex-challengers, medics, global travellers.
⭐️Experience Life And Culture In Africa’s Smallest Country
THE GAMBIA > Would you like to spend some time experiencing the culture, sunshine and smiles of The Gambia, West Africa whilst doing something amazing to make a real difference? If so, Gambian Projects, a UK based charity, would love to hear from you as they’re opening applications for volunteers to join their expanding volunteer programme.
They want people with skills in teaching of any kind, music, art, sports, photography, videography, social media, cooking, gardening, carpentry, building or general maintenance, and are open to applications from young people wanting to add volunteering experience to their CV. We don’t know if there are any fees to join this programme.
⭐️Learn Kyrgyz Culture And Traditions In Bishkek
KYRGYZSTAN > Nurbübü Abdirashitova and her family had never hosted travellers in their home until working as a tour guide in Bishkek helped her realise how much she enjoyed telling people about Kyrgyzstan, its history, traditions, and culture.
⭐️Ross Sea Heritage Restoration Project
ANTARCTICA > Could you be one of the New Zealand Antarctic Heritage Trust's next Inspiring Explorers™? Their next expedition celebrates their 40th anniversary and the collaboration that has made their Ross Sea Heritage Restoration Project one of the world’s largest and longest running cold climate conservation programmes.
Alongside young people from across New Zealand, places are available to young people from the UK, Ireland, and the USA currently residing in New Zealand. There are three types of roles to apply for in the team: a general role, a heritage professional role, and a videographer role.
The expedition will take place between January 5 and February 3, 2027, beginning and ending in Queenstown, New Zealand. There is a fee, but at around €1000, you’d probably spend as much staying in New Zealand. Apply by October 5.
⭐️Sous Chef
FRANCE > Work in a traditional family run hotel and restaurant for the winter season in Les Gets. You will have several years of relevant work experience and be ready to assist the head chef or owner in producing a varied and interesting range of menus.
⭐️Volunteering In A Natural Paradise
SPAIN > Would you like to spend some time in a magical corner of northern Tenerife, surrounded by nature, with ocean views and the sound of the waves as your soundtrack? That’s Al Cafone’s pitch to a volunteer couple who can help out on his rustic finca.
⭐️Duck House And Chicken Coop Cleaning
SPAIN > A long term voluntary position is offered in exchange for full board in your very own self contained chalet, set in the grounds of our rescue sanctuary for farm animals and birds.
⭐️Volunteer At Hopeland Dog Sanctuary Near Thessaloniki
GREECE > Big dogs, small dogs, puppies, older dogs, shy souls, crazy, playful ones, dogs who need patience - they have all sorts of dogs at Hopeland Dog Sanctuary, but this year they don’t have enough volunteers to help with feeding, cleaning, dog care, exercise, socialisation and the daily routine of the sanctuary. Accommodation and groceries are provided at the sanctuary for a volunteer contribution of €125 per week.
⭐️Stoked For The Big Air Scene
AUSTRALIA > Kite Republic is looking for a passionate and stoked instructor to join their water sports shop crew in sunny St Kilda. You will spend your summer on the water teaching, working in their retail environment, and helping run events and clinics - particularly within the Big Air scene.
⭐️Hotel All Rounders
AUSTRALIA > The Linville Hotel, a busy destination pub sitting right on the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, is readvertising some of its vacancies due to successful applicants no longer able to take up the position. Find more details (private group) and email them at management@thelinvillehotel.com.au.
⭐️Bar Tender/ Entertainments Host
GREECE > Mark Warner invites you to join his team as a bartender/ entertainments host, where one of Mark’s beautiful Mediterranean resorts becomes your workplace.
⭐️Resort Manager Wanted In Morzine
FRANCE > TG Ski is currently recruiting for a resort manager to join them in Morzine this winter.
⭐️Italian Alps This winter?
ITALY > Looking for chefs and waiters is Villa Klint, a high end hotel with 18 rooms, a restaurant and a lounge area, right on the slopes above Champoluc in Aosta. They say very good staff accommodation will be provided and to send applications to tore@villaklint.com.
⭐️Tall Ships That May Be Looking For Crew Or Volunteers
AT SEA > The Statsraad Lehmkuhl (for which we had a science coordinator vacancy that we’ve now deleted as the application deadline has passed) was one of the pointers directed to Sophie Willcocks, who has been living aboard tall ships for about a year now, by helpful participants in the Tall Ships Opportunities Facegroup group. She’d already been in touch with the Götheborg, and The Lord Nelson was mentioned, both of which we have featured in recent JAB Extra issues.
Hanna Lönnqvist suggested Briggen Tre Kronor and two Norwegian boats: Christian Radich, which she knows sails with a volunteer crew, and the Sörlandet. For sailors aged around the low twenties, there is also a Danish school ship called Danmark. She also suggests applying to Draken Harald Hårfagre, the world’s largest Viking ship sailing in modern times. It takes on professional crew, deckhands and volunteers.
Oscar Lexell says most Swedish ships operate as small clubs with volunteer crew. Most will sail until October, when they are laid up for winter maintenance. Heating and comfort onboard are limited, and most of the time Swedish is the working language onboard, but English is common. Ellen and Constantia, Sunbeam, Shamrock and Ariel, Ingo, Westkust, Mathilda, Kvartsita and Atene all got a name check, as did two sailing high school ships, Gunilla and Älva.
In Europe, he said to also look into the Dutch fleet (try Bark Europa or Stad Amsterdam) or the UK fleet, including Pelican of London. The Bessie Ellen has placements for young people, aged 18 to 26, teaching skills and offering full board for £400 per month.
A few years ago, we featured the Atyla, owned by a Spanish charity promoting life skills through adventure sailing experiences. The ship took on volunteer crew and volunteers in Bilbao over the winter. With the ship currently up for sale, it is unclear if this is still the case.
⭐️Ski Higher
FRANCE > We spotted ski and snowboard rental specialists Ski Higher very recently encouraging seasonaires to send their CVs to jobs@skihigher.com.
⭐️Chalet Manager
FRANCE > Previous high end chalet, yacht or villa experience, ideally for a minimum of two winter seasons, nudges the door ajar for Purple Ski’s chalet manager position.
⭐️Look Forward To A Chalet Job With Premier Neige
FRANCE > Premier Neige were still referencing the 2024/5 winter season on its jobs page when we last looked in on them back in April this year and, jeez, they still are. More recently (September 6, 2026), they posted an advert to Season Workers for a chalet chef.
⭐️Chalet Host
FRANCE > Les Propriétés Mont Amour, a chalet rental and property management company in Montriond, Haute-Savoie, is looking for a chalet host to join its team for the upcoming winter season.
⭐️Ski Rental Staff
ITALY & FRANCE > The winter season is just around the corner, and three ski rental and service shops in Italy’s Upper Susa Valley and Montgenevre Hautes-Alpes, in France, are expanding their teams.
⭐️Ski Technicians
SWITZERLAND > Pitstop is hiring someone to service skis and snowboards. More details below or via Zermatt Employment Opportunities.
⭐️Japanese Ski Resort Vacancies
JAPAN > DNA Niseko is now recruiting for chefs and a kitchen manager to work in Kutchan, Niseko. Chalet Madarao, at Madarao Mountain Resort, 15 minutes from Iiyama, is looking for all round winter staff. And Chris Smith is looking for a small crew to do light maintenance and repairs, cosmetic upgrades, cleaning, snow clearing and the like at a new hotel in Akakura Onsen, Myoko. He’s looking for practical, reliable people who are happy to pitch in and get things done.
⭐️Winter Season Staff Wanted In Hakuba And Nozawa Onsen
JAPAN > Nagano Snow Shuttle is recruiting staff for the 2026/27 winter season, from mid December through to mid March. They need someone to manage operations and reservations. Applications are open until September 10.
⭐️Hokkaido Help Exchange
JAPAN > Join Scott Walker, founder of NisekoAccommodation, in Kutchan Town, at the base of Mt Yotei. He is hosting volunteers until October 31. Renovation work on next season’s staff housing and moving furniture need to be done.
⭐️Resort Managers
ANDORRA > For those who are ready to swap the boring 9 to 5 for fresh powder, sunny mountain peaks, and the ultimate winter adventure, Topflight Ski is looking for energetic, mountain obsessed people to join them as resort managers in Andorra for the 2026/27 season.
⭐️Ski Nannies In Tignes
FRANCE > ABSki Childcare is recruiting experienced nannies to join our team in Tignes for the 2026/27 winter season.
⭐️Seasonal Nannies Wanted In The French Alps
FRANCE > Completing t4nanny’s form is the first step to express interest in freelance childcare positions in the Tarantaise Valley.
⭐️Experienced Nannies Wanted
SWITZERLAND > Petit Verbier is still offering full time and peak week roles in Zermatt.
⭐️Chalet Couple Wanted In Méribel
FRANCE > Laura Achieve Hospitality has what they describe as a fantastic opportunity for a professional chalet chef/chauffeur and an experienced host/housekeeper to take responsibility for the day to day running of an exclusive six bedroom chalet sleeping up to 15 guests.
⭐️Ski Resort Cleaning And Housekeeping
SWEDEN & NORWAY > Three new and thoroughly clean Word docs have appeared in the crisp, snow covered village of Hemsedal, where IDP is encouraging EU/EEA citizens to apply for its ski resort housekeeping, cleaning and supervisor positions for the 2026/27 winter season.
⭐️Frugal Off-Grid Cave House Co-Living Project In Andalucia
SPAIN > We spotted Alain Dubois replying recently to a volunteering wanted post in an attempt to attract help to what their Facebook profile describes as a frugal off-grid cave house co-living project in Andalucia. In exchange for 20 hours a week, the deal here is housing in a private cave dwelling, food and drinks, starlink internet, nature and peace.
⭐️Beach Staff Still Wanted In Mallorca
SPAIN > We shared in one of our recent JAB Extras Mar Cala Estancia’s efforts in looking for beach staff / sunbed attendants to join them at Cala Estància Beach in Mallorca. Our reader can’t have been interested, so they reposted the job.
⭐️Plant Based Cook
AUSTRIA > MoaAlm Mountain Retreat is looking for a mountain loving plant based cook to join them for the winter season in Kals-Am Großglockner. Email austria@wearactive.com for more details.
⭐️Abel Tasman Canyons Is Hiring For The 2026/27 Canyoning Season
NEW ZEALAND > Enthusiastic, motivated people are wanted in Motueka, on the Abel Tasman Canyons team. Current opportunities include canyoning trip leaders, assistant guides, and trainee guides. Apply by September 13.
⭐️Volunteer In Chacahua
MEXICO > Art, nature and slow living are the keywords on the website of Arte Arena. They start welcoming volunteers in Chacahua from October 17 and are looking for people who ideally can stay for two weeks or longer throughout October, November, and December. No special skills are necessary, but they especially appreciate people with experience in gardening, permaculture, carpentry, building, painting, cooking, or creative projects. 20 hours a week earns accommodation in a tent and two meals a day.
⭐️Ayurveda And Yoga Retreat Working Holiday
GERMANY > The people behind our favourite potato hotel in Germany have a similar, if less carbohydrate rich, working holiday option at another of their hotels in northern Germany: Wellnesshotel Rundlingsdorf Sagasfeld.
⭐️Teach English Classes In Local Children In Sulawesi
INDONESIA > Motoyungo Foundation is looking for international volunteers to teach free English classes for local children in Gorontalo, Sulawesi. More details below or via Volunteer South East Asia.
⭐️Applications For JET 2027 Open Soon
JAPAN > Applications for the 2027 JET Programme, where foreign nationals can apply to be an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) in Japan next year, will open shortly, says their British website. Their American one says fall, and Canada not really anything (but is getting their ducks in a row by hiring a JET Programme Assistant to work with the National JET Coordinator to process applications, promote the programme, manage social media).
⭐️Teach In Somaliland
SOMALILAND > The American run Abaarso Network is a system of nonprofit schools in Somaliland. They want teachers, preferably with a BA in education.
⭐️Teaching Experience In Kathmandu
NEPAL > Star Valley Hotel in Thamel, Kathmandu, presents its hotel that also operates an integrated English language school. They are looking for passionate English teaching volunteers from Europe, North America, and other English speaking regions around the world to join them in helping their students build English speaking confidence.
⭐️Helo Again
CAMBODIA > There’s no fee to volunteer near Siem Reap with this small local NGO providing free English teaching to uneducated children in Cambodia, but a daily donation of US$10 from those staying at their homestays sustains their programmes and covers three daily meals and basic amenities.
| HELO |
⭐️Experience Farm Life In Malaysia
MALAYSIA > TUAI is building a community of people interested in experiencing farm life and supporting local farmers across Malaysia. We don’t know much more about them aside from that they are currently collecting interest for future farm volunteering opportunities via a form.
⭐️Blackberry Irrigator
AUSTRALIA > September 12 is the last day this year to join Costa’s irrigation team from October at their Tasmania blackberry farm.
⭐️Rural Property Caretaker Couple
AUSTRALIA > A reliable, practical and trustworthy couple are wanted to help manage and maintain a large private rural property in the Byron Hinterland, approximately 30 minutes from Byron Bay. The position is expected to commence in late December 2026 or early January 2027.
⭐️Theme Park Games Operators
AUSTRALIA > HBL is seeking seasonal games operators for skill games and amusements in theme parks. They should be physically fit and able to stand for long periods of time.
⭐️Join The Freedom Rainbow Beach Family
AUSTRALIA > Swap ordinary for extraordinary, say Freedom Hostels. They are looking for travellers to join their work for accommodation programme. More details below or via Work For Accommodation In Australia.
⭐️Allround Cleaners
AUSTRALIA > Apollo Bay Holiday Park, on the iconic Great Ocean Road, requires a couple or two singles to fill the role of an allrounder in their park.
⭐️Onion Grading And Packing
NEW ZEALAND > Work in Lincoln grading and packing onions. You will be required to stand and grade onions or stack onion bags for your whole shift.
⭐️Care For Rescue Horses
NEW ZEALAND > We found Kind Farm in South Cardona in The Grand National Guide. With nothing much doing until next April, they reported Kind Farm is offering onsite accommodation to volunteers who can spend around four hours each morning helping care for rescued horses, ponies, donkeys and other animals.
⭐️Experienced Barista
NEW ZEALAND > Kaikōura is said to be a pretty special place to spend the summer, and this could be a great opportunity for a traveller looking to settle down, work hard and enjoy everything Kaikōura has to offer.
⭐️Six Months In The New Zealand Wilderness
NEW ZEALAND > Canoe Safaris New Zealand is seeking guides for the summer 2026/27 season down the Whanganui River.
⭐️Surfing Hostel Staff
NEW ZEALAND > Help Bazil’s Hostel & Surf School with cleaning, painting, reception, surf school and other hostel duties. If you can teach yoga or make pizzas, even better. This is a work exchange deal but, due to government rules, they will pay you for the work you do, and then you will pay them back for the accommodation and the surfing. They should be able to point you towards paid work locally in Westport, too.
⭐️Some Eco Volunteering Leads In Portugal
PORTUGAL > Many of the posts from Boa Hora Eco Accommodation’s Instagram are hashtagged volunteer. What the connection is with them to Quinta PazPazes, in Medelim, Idanha-a-Nova, we can’t remember right now, but Bruno Teixeira also says volunteers are welcome, so we’d guess it’s that, and they are both in Portugal, at the very least.
⭐️Volunteer Programmes In Cameroon
CAMEROON > In the last few days voluntouring.org have taken the trouble to list a number of ways to make yourself useful in Cameroon without purchasing an expensive international placement package.
⭐️Youth Development Teacher
ESWATINI >The Peace Corps has a high need for a youth development teacher to join them for over two years in southern Africa.
⭐️Detox Curious Volunteers Wanted
ITALY > At Eatvolve, a small experimental project near Brescia, they are asking what happens when we change not only what we eat, but what we allow into our lives. They provide accommodation, three meals a day, wifi and bicycles to people helping with their experiment.
⭐️Summer 2027 Camp Positions
USA > While we suspect they never really stopped, thoughts at American Summer Camps once again turn to rope swings and canoe races. They are now accepting applications for working at camp in 2027.
⭐️Woofers Wanted In The Middle Of The Jungle
FRENCH GUIANA > Mina and Harris are looking for help on a 14 hectare eco lodge in the Amazon forest.
⭐️Women And Travel Writing
REMOTE > Wanderful is paying US$250 per article to fill two or three paid slots each month centred on women and travel.
⭐️Travel Writing Residential Free Place Available
UK > Steph Dyson and Lottie Gross are giving someone until September 13 to apply for one fully funded place available on their travel writing course in the Cotswolds in November.
⭐️Travel Creator Opportunities
NORWAY > A $6,000 surf trip, a Norway expedition and more were some of the travel creator opps that just ‘slipped and fell’ into this issue of our newsletter from Destination Influence.
⭐️Go DEEP
THAILAND > Association for Development of Environmental Education and Participation (DEEP) has two volunteer positions - in environmental education and a garden volunteer - on its pilot programme across two remote schools in Phayao, Northern Thailand.
⭐️Germany-USA Youth Exchange
GERMANY > The Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) for Young Professionals is a fellowship that annually young professionals from Germany and the US the opportunity to spend one year in each other’s countries. The scholarship includes a round trip transatlantic flight, university tuition, language training, living stipend, insurance and programme related travel costs while in Germany. American applicants have until November 3 to apply. They should be 18 and a half to 24 years old high school graduates with a strong interest in Germany and world affairs. Germans going the other way only have until September 11 to apply.
⭐️Fulbright Irish Scholar Awards
USA > The Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program grants awards to Irish citizens, or EU and UK citizens resident in the Republic of Ireland for five or more years, to complete postdoctoral or professional research or lecturing for a period of three months to ten months. The deadline for applications is October 29.
⭐️Farm Narava
SLOVENIA > Since we mentioned them last year, Farm Narava took a €12,000 hit of severe windstorm damage, so we’d expect they would welcome volunteer help in activities which include forestry work, gardening, DIY projects, and caring for the animals at their mini cuddle farm. They say their programme is well suited for single parents and families with children. Last information we had said there is a one time €35 per person contribution for one week.
⭐️Sailaway On A Workaway
AT SEA > Is it possible to sail around the world for free? Yes, it is, according to Workaway, who list themselves among a selection of places where volunteers can leverage skills in DIY, repairs, carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and engine skills to convince a skipper to let them on board to help with owning, maintaining, and living on a boat.
⭐️Intentional Internationals In Tuscany
ITALY > Villa Sentire is accepting volunteers until October to join its community in the hills of Tuscany, near Arezzo.
⭐️The Essence
MEXICO > Describing themselves as a conscious community practising awareness in daily life, not isolation, Tulum’s The Essence doesn’t share information that we could find about work exchanges on their website. But we recently saw cofounder Chi Om replying with an offer of food and accommodation to someone looking for exactly that.
⭐️Volunteer In Paphos
CYPRUS > People have asked Dalite Gold-Dryer for her Facebook page. She’s building a container home eco village 15 minutes from the beach.
⭐️Chef And General Assistant To Finish The Season
UK > A small, family run inn in the Scottish Highlands is looking for a chef and general assistant to finish the season. Couples or friends are welcome to apply.
⭐️Join The Crew Aboard The Lord Nelson
AT SEA > Volunteer aboard the tall ship Lord Nelson. More Details below or via Sailing Crew Finders Whole World • Long Sailing Trip.
⭐️Boat Barber
SPAIN > A hairdresser is wanted to join the interior team on a busy, private 111m motor yacht. This is a dual role position combining hairdressing, spa and interior duties.
⭐️Tips For Working And Volunteering In A Hostel
WORLDWIDE > Working in a backpackers hostel is often sold as a dream lifestyle: free accommodation, instant friendships, late night adventures, and the chance to meet people from every corner of the world. So says the tame AI the-notoriously-bad-at-writing-an-intro-JAB sometimes turns to once we’ve been staring at a page for over an hour.
But behind the social atmosphere and Instagram worthy moments lies a reality that is far more complicated. Hostel work can be exhausting, unpredictable, and emotionally draining. Long hours, low pay, chaotic guests, constant noise, and blurred boundaries between work and personal life can quickly wear people down. Living where you work means there is rarely an “off switch,” and the same environment that feels exciting at first can become overwhelming over time.
We’ve tracked down a bunch of advice from blogs and Reddit, ranked them from good to bad, cut and pasted them below, corrected a few typos, and given credit where it is due. And, because that’s why we are all here, we have added hostels that regularly take on volunteers or paid staff underneath each comment or tip. These have no relation to any of the opinions given in this post, and to avoid any misunderstandings, we have only done so under the good ones.
The Good
“Do it! It’s the best. I spent almost half the year working in Central/Eastern Europe. The jobs usually don’t pay very much, if at all, but they will cover most your expenses. The best way is to look for jobs is 1-2 months in advance. If you just show up, they will hire people on the spot, but only if they have open positions (people flake out all the time; however, I’ve also seen people wait around for a month for an opening to come up).” - MONSTERTACO
* Volunteer in Sofia: free stay, food & professional training at Hostel N1.
“The atmosphere was fantastic, and the best part was the direct contact with local people, who treated me as one of their own. The friendships I made there will last a lifetime.” - Irene García Felipe writing about her hostel work exchange in Port Barton, in the Philippines
* Jobs at Europe’s most Famous Hostels.
“My time there was exactly what I needed. To stay put for a while in a beautiful and chill town with amazing people and have a purpose. I got to know the staff fairly well and truly enjoyed working with them. The locals quickly realized I was there to stay for a while and treated me like a neighbor.” - Jen Eggener on her time volunteering in Chefchaouen in the Rif Mountains of Northwest Morocco
* Join Paintshop Hostel by the beach in Figueira da Foz, Portugal.
“I’ve worked in several hostels for room (and sometimes board). To me, the key was not to think of it as a job, but an experience. The reality is that if you look at things in dollars/hour you probably won’t enjoy it. I would never accept the conditions I worked under in a real job, but I was able to approach hostel volunteering with a different attitude and quite enjoyed it.” - Sea_Concert4946
* Volunteer in Oaxaca, Mexico at Leveli Coliving & Hostel.
“Where I was, it was neither easy nor difficult to get a job there. Cleaners would come and go every week; free accommodation for cleaning a few hours a day, and being behind reception a new job came up every 3-4 months. The best job in the hostel was the ‘Entertainment Manager’, which I did for around 6 months. I had to take anyone who wanted to go out to a certain bar each night and get them the free drinks available. I got free alcohol every night and free accommodation. Best job ever, if you stick around long enough or are popular enough in the hostel to get it.” - PiratePegLeg
* Volunteer with Dreamboat Hostel in Panachajel, Guatemala.
“...as a general rule with some exceptions, party hostels (even more if they have their own bar) are more likely to have this kind of programs than family style ones or those who offer just a bed to sleep. Those which are worth working at, take advantage of having a group of people living there, not just on the economy side but because they help create a friendly atmosphere, making it easier for guests to feel comfortable and have a better overall experience.” - Buck Shelford, who has worked in more than 20 different hostels around the world.
* Join Backpackers @ 1770 working two hours per day for accommodation in Agnes Water, Australia.
“I worked at Brodies Backpackers in Edinburgh, Footprints Backpackers in Sydney, Australia and finally I was the overnight manager at Kanga House Backpackers in the King’s Cross area of Sydney. All three were pretty sweet gigs, and I would highly recommend hostel-work as a fantastic way to earn cash while traveling! Make sure you have a working visa for the country you’re entering though!” - spazberryjam
* Bposhtels offers exchange opportunities in the USA.
“...my experience being a volunteer at a very social/party hostel chain in northern Europe may be of help to anyone considering it! I think if you have worked in demanding environments before (long shifts/bartending/night shifts/partying etc) you will thrive here. For me, I found that I was constantly tired and lacking in energy etc staying in the hostel dorm on my time off sleeping. Of course, I made some great memories, but these all revolved around drinking/going out.” - No-Break7415
* Get paid to run parties and lead tours for Naughty Squirrel in Riga, Latvia.
“I did this in Cusco, Peru for about 6-8 weeks. I worked behind the bar, which was great fun, and a really good way to meet people. From memory, we had to work every second night, which was a good balance between work and play. I didn’t get paid anything, but got free accommodation (saved me about US$20 a night), one free meal per day, and 50% off all booze. It was a good way to live the dream for a while, but it’s pretty hard on the body.” - HairyBeanbags
* Roll up your sleeves and help the UK Youth Hostel Association with painting, decorating, cleaning and more, through their working holiday programme.
“You’ll have to put up with a lot and deal with every sort of bodily fluid. That said, working at hostels has become my favourite thing ever, and I hope you have a blast. You’ll bond with the other volunteers and meet the best people from around the world. It’s definitely worth it all.” - StuckAllOver
* Volunteer in London with Saint James Backpackers.
“My advice is just fucking do it. Half the fun is the unknown.” - finners_
* Whether you’re a musician, DJ, artist, writer, performer, or designer, the Drifters Talent in Residence programme offers you the chance to stay with them on the house in Australia and New Zealand.
Mixed Feelings
“I did it in San Diego. It was great at first (outside the part where they told us there would actually be pay and there wasn’t). Some of the guests are cool. Some people can’t hold their liquor. Some people are just obnoxious for no reason.” - Over-Arrival-1089
“One thing that has not been mentioned is the madness caused by working where you live. The hostel can very easily become your prison. I worked at the bar. Sometimes the bar would run until 4 AM, and I would get to sleep at 5-6, sleep until 12-1 (in the hostel dungeon/staff room), have a couple of hours free before I would get the bar prepared at 5. Also be prepared to DESPISE hostel small talk, “So where you from? What city did you just come from? What city next? Oh really, what hostel did you stay at? Oh, wow, me tooo!” Ughhhhhh! Ok, ok, but you meet tons of great people!” - A-Logueaha
The Bad And The Ugly
“If a business is reliant on free labor to remain profitable it is most likely poorly run. Expect semi-organized chaos and an owner who doesn’t really know what they’re doing.” - magictravelblog
“Be prepared to do absolutely anything. And some of it ain’t pretty. You’ll learn more about bodily functions and plumbing than you’ve ever dreamed.” - Kananaskis_Country
“I have worked in a hostel in a more normal, day-to-day context, and it was horrible. You’d think most hostel guests are travelers having a good time, but there’s a lot of quasi-homeless people as well as older adults only booking because of how cheap it is. And they complain about stuff all the time. And then other people end up complaining about them. Depends on the hostel, of course, but having to charge for every little thing is pretty exhausting. Hearing people complain about their roommate smelling bad, snoring, or masturbating is also exhausting.” - iamcode101
“I’ve volunteered in a few hostels in exchange for a bed and it’s not something I’d do again unless I found a chill, small one where I respected management and had an end date pre booked. In my experience, I’ve ended up being overworked, taking on more duties than originally agreed and it’s been hard to recognise/stand up for myself because I live there too and have a close relationship with those in charge so struggle a bit with boundaries. The bed they give you is usually in a dorm too so your whole life is the hostel with no privacy. At one of them I felt bad socialising with the guests because they didn’t give me set hours but would ask me to help out whilst I was having a smoke or drink.” - soph0809
“I’ve walked into rooms that were supposed to be vacant, but contained horny couples instead. Lots of handjobs in common areas (and shower sex). A drunken Irishman once forgot his key and attempted to break-in with a pumice stone. When that (naturally) didn’t work, he used his fist instead. A crazy South African bouncer/cop-wannabe kid liked to sit next to newer guests and display his ostensibly illegal knives; he was eventually removed when he decided to ‘show off’ his pepper spray in a crowded room. I’ve had guests come to our office because there were homeless people sleeping in their beds. I’ve had to unclog vacuums of condoms, and sacks of weed and various dubious power-like substances. Oh, and we once had a hooker staying with us who ‘disappeared’ for about 3-4 days and left all of her shit behind.” - tumbler_fluff
“Don’t watch the movie.” - Steez-n-Treez
For more bad and ugly, this at once amusing and horrifying Reddit post asking staff of hostels all around the world what is the weirdest shit you’ve ever seen happening amongst backpackers is well worth a read. Most stories involve drugs, nudity, piss or Australians.
⭐️Casting Call For Confident And Bubbly UK Based American Teens
UK > Romey Casting is looking for confident, bubbly teenagers for a shoot for a well-known brand. More details below or via Romey Casting.
⭐️Nature Reserves Assistant Officer
UK > Lancashire Wildlife Trust are seeking an enthusiastic and skilled nature reserves assistant officer to support in the management of habitats and visitor infrastructure at Brockholes Nature Reserve.
⭐️Studio Lambert Spark Trainee Programme
UK > Studio Lambert, the award winning production company behind The Traitors, Race Across the World, Squid Game: The Challenge, Gogglebox and The Grand Tour, is looking for a bright, creative and ambitious trainee for its annual SPARK programme. Paid at or above the London Living Wage, the 12 week programme starts in early January 2027.
⭐️Volunteer For The 2027 Sundance Film Festival
USA > Next year, the 2027 Sundance Film Festival will take place in Boulder, Colorado from January 21 to 31. Applications are open to enjoy the experience as a volunteer.
⭐️Make Money On The Road
WORLDWIDE > From Facebook pages and freelance work to gate guarding and travel nursing, Kristin Hanes has tested and ranked 56 ways to make money while travelling full time.
⭐️Working Holiday Canada Guide
CANADA > A working holiday in Canada is an opportunity to make money while funding your travels around the Great White North, says Sabrina, who delves into International Experience Canada’s working holiday programme.
⭐️The Whole Volunteering Trend In Tamraght, Taghazout And Imsouane
MOROCCO > Salah Bou thinks the whole volunteering trend in Tamraght, Taghazout and Imsouane deserves a serious discussion, so starts one with the thought that real volunteering is valuable, especially in charities, elderly care, social or environmental projects, but doesn’t seem quite so keen when it comes to hostel jobs.
⭐️Black Stunt Performers
UK > Road Casting is urgently looking for black stunt performers aged 18 to 35 for an upcoming commercial. More details below or via Casting Calls UK.
⭐️Scam Avoidance
AUSTRALIA > In the Backpacker Jobs in Australia (private) group, Emma Hedlund has shared some advice on avoiding scammers.
⭐️General Or Skilled Labourer Wanted In Woolloongabba
AUSTRALIA > We did not select this vacancy in Woolloongabba just because we liked the name Woolloongabba.
⭐️Enter The Travel Photographer Of The Year Awards
WORLDWIDE > Travel Photographer of the Year is in their 24th year of celebrating images from around the world and the best in travel photography. Entries for the 2026 competition close on October 12.
⭐️Winter Wonderland Still Yet To Begin Hiring
UK > Winter Wonderland is returning to Hyde Park this year from November 19 to January 3. Unlike this time last year, they haven’t yet announced they are hiring for positions including magical ice kingdom hosts, ice rink assistants and bar staff, but we’d expect them to do so soon.
⭐️Smooze Cruising
UK > The Southampton International Boat Show will be held this year from September 18 to 27. Attendees may be able to have face to face chats with potential future employers such as Sail Ionian, Sailing Holidays or Sunsail.
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Red Tape
JAB is thrown together quickly on a shoestring and contains information and advertising that we believe is authentic and currently available. However, we recommend checking things out for yourselves, as we could be wrong about everything. We remind our readers that there are many scams on the internet aimed at people looking for work abroad, and suggest reading our Warnings, Safety and Spotting Scams pages.