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Global Exclusive

Working Holiday in UK (Plus)

4.9(1491 reviews)
Experience
Working Holiday
Destination
United Kingdom
Duration
4 to 36 months
Ages
18 to 35

390 others looking at this too. Next opening is May 2024, with limited spots.

Book now, pay later. Cancel anytime.

Trip overview

No wonder the UK is such a popular place for a Working Holiday. Besides the lush countryside, charming cities, and dramatic coastlines – it’s the perfect home base while exploring the rest of Europe. 

And when you go on a Working Holiday in the UK, you can live and work for up to three years in the country while you discover Europe on your own terms. 

You could wing it and try to do everything yourself. Sure, some people do, but more often than not, it’ll be confusing, expensive, anxiety-inducing and time-consuming heading to a land unknown for the first time.

This is an experience you’ll likely only do once, and the last thing you'd want is to be returning home with your tail between your legs just after you had your going away party (& blown all your savings).

But, luckily, we've been working on the solution since 2008 that over 85,000 others before you have chosen, as the world's leaders in working holidays. What if you could instead:

  • Have your UK job sorted before you even arrive* – year-round & all-done virtually from home (with no job fairs to travel to, unlike our competitors) & unlimited extra job matches.
  • Land a job almost anywhere, from cozy pubs in the English countryside to centuries-old castles in the Scottish Highlands, with the largest network of partner companies loaded with perks like staff accommodation, food & beverage & more!
  • Meet others before you go through our exclusive app. Join Global Traveller side-trips & meet-up events too.
  • Save time, money, and stress with your own dedicated Trip Coordinator & 24/7 support.
  • Get help with flights, travel insurance, accommodation, visa applications & more.

The ultimate way to have a hassle-free working holiday. Working to live (and not living to work), meeting other travellers, waking up every day to a new adventure, and making everyone back home severely jealous of all your stories.

Land in the UK prepared & excited, not anxious and scared - life’s too short for that.

*For a similar trip with the essentials only, check out this Working Holiday in UK package. Keep a very careful eye on dates though, as capacity for both these trips are limited.

Inclusions

Tap to expand

Guaranteed job match pre-arrival*
Unlimited extra matches*
Dedicated Trip Coordinator
Working holiday visa guidance
Pre-Departure Guide
Personal Travel Concierge
Private airport transfer
3 nights of hostel accommodation
"Welcome to the UK" virtual orientation
Local life essentials
London hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour
Visit to iconic London Eye
Nightclub party tour
2 nights to party at Oktoberfest, Barcelona or Surf in San Sebastian
Permanent accommodation resources
Tax return assistance
Ongoing local team support
24/7 Global Emergency Line
gWorld access
SocialNEW
Global AcademyNEW
Invites to Global GetawaysNEW
Marketplace dealsNEW
$250 off your next trip

Just in case it’s not clear already, we’re not an employment or recruitment agency. Read more

Qualification

To qualify for this trip you must meet the following requirements:

  • Be between 18-35 years of age
  • Be a citizen of an eligible country
  • Have no criminal convictions in the past 5 years

Ask a question

Chat with us online now, or we can call you back for free, 24 hours Mon-Fri.

Meet your very first travel buddy, gWorld

Trip details

Can you picture it? You're working at a beautiful old English pub without a worry in the world. The pub hooked you and your new international besties up with accommodation just down the road. You're pouring pints for the locals who all love the bartender. Especially when you’re from overseas with a cool accent and stories from home. It’s a special day. You and your housemate just booked return flights over to Amsterdam for the price of some new sneakers. 

And all this sorted without potentially spending over a month or longer hunting for a job in a foreign country with no income and your savings dwindling by the hour!

Get a job sorted before you land with our Guaranteed Job Match Pre-Arrival*, the ultimate way to explore another country without having to chew through your savings like most people who decide to wing it generally do.

Our robust trip planning process, perfected after serving tens of thousands of Global Travellers since 2008, includes visa guidance and a virtual interview you can do from the comfort of home. Our team will be in your corner to answer any questions you or your family may have too, so you can exchange most of those nerves with pure excitement about the adventure of a lifetime ahead.

Accommodation? We can help with that as well. Your first 3 nights are covered at a top-rated hostel in the heart of London. After that, most jobs provide staff housing at a really low rate (but these ones can go quick). If your job doesn’t, our team will provide you all the guidance and tips you need to find something suitable - yet another reason why going with Global means you get the best of the best with access to a local team and office in London (unlike our competitors).

And when it’s time for a change of scenery during or after your initial job, book a short and cheap flight to a place packed with beach clubs, cheap baguettes, or snow-packed alps.  

While you're galavanting across Europe, you’re not worried about finding a new job or running out of money. Why?

Because you told your dedicated Trip Coordinator about your plans and that you’d like to secure your next job opportunity, in a completely new and interesting part of the UK before you left. 

Our team gets to work and the whole of the UK stretches out in front of you. Will your next job be at a cozy inn south of London? A manor in Oxford? Or at a fairytale-like Castle in the Scottish Highlands?

We’ll leave it up to you. And with the largest network of partner companies – you could land a job almost anywhere in the UK, usually loaded with staff perks.

You’ll have an instant friend group wherever you end up, too – even if you decide to take a job in a tiny town in the Welsh countryside. 

Because our social network app – gWorld – connects you with other Global Travellers in your area. So you can go on a hike, meet at the pub, or just talk to someone with the same accent as you.

We take care of pretty much everything so you don’t have to.

BUT! There’s a catch….

Most travellers book their trip 6-12 months in advance, or more! Dates are flexible, but spaces are limited, and intakes are closing off regularly without much notice. So if you’re serious about living in the UK, check dates & prices now to get things started before you’re too late, or too old.

With our Book Now, Decide Later option, you can get started with a small deposit today, and take up to a full year to choose your dates. 

We’ll take over from there, helping you with visas, flights, accommodation, and matching you with a job opportunity before you go*. 

If you’re after the ultimate, and the best, working holiday to the UK out there, complete with everything you need and 24/7 worldwide support, click the red box and follow the quick & easy steps to secure your spot. You, your parents and your bank account should thank us later.

If you’re looking for less, but still want to travel with the best, check out our other Working Holiday in UK package too (but this one is our best & most popular).

Requirements

To qualify for this trip you must meet the visa requirements, and have 6 months of paid work experience by time of arrival.

What extra costs will I have?

Flights, travel insurance, visa, criminal background check, souvenirs & spending money.

Trip itinerary

Before you leave

We’re on your side from the moment you get started. You’ll be assigned a dedicated Trip Coordinator. They’ll guide you through the next steps and answer all your questions. They’ll also help you with the pesky visa. No guesswork – only the right paperwork, approved the first time. Your personal Travel Concierge will help with flights, insurance, and any add-ons you’d like for your trip. These are real humans too – no robots here.  Most travellers have their job match sorted before they even leave home. This means you can focus on having fun right from the get-go since you're not having to spend weeks finding a job on your own.

Arrival

Once you arrive in London, there’ll be a private car & driver waiting to take you to your accommodation to avoid getting lost, stuck or ripped off by a taxi.  Your included accommodation is 3 nights at one of the best hostels in London. You can spend your evening getting to know fellow Global Travellers while you relax in the hostel or getting out to enjoy the endless sights, pubs, bars & restaurants within walking distance.

Day 2

Join us virtually for your 'Welcome to the UK' orientation! You'll learn valuable information about your trip, important local resources, and will have access to this to refer back to throughout your entire trip! You will also be hooked up with the following: - UK SIM with loads of data, SMS & calling for your first month, so you can stay in touch with your new friends and employers, get an Uber late at night, or send messages back home.  - UK bank account. (..which can be a tricky & tedious process to organise - but our London team is there to make it easy). And with a British bank account you’ll earn - and spend - in the local currency.  - National Insurance Number. This is a requirement for employment in the UK. Our team will help you get this as fast as possible with our know-how.

Day 3

Since you’re travelling smarter than the other guy who decided to wing it - there is no need to be hunting down a job, place to stay or trying to meet new friends. Instead, you’ll be heading out on these awesome included experiences: - London hop-on hop-off bus tour. The best way to see London, included with your trip.  - London Eye visit. The most visited paid tourist attraction in the UK. No trip to the UK is complete without a ride on the iconic London Eye. - Nightclub tour. You heard that right. Skip the queues at London’s most infamous clubs as you party the night away with your new crew! And for further down the track, we throw in your choice of 2 nights in Barcelona, 2 nights in the Spanish surf town of San Sebastian, or 2 nights at the legendary Oktoberfest in Munich. With our social app – gWorld – you can link up with a bunch of other Global Travellers in your area to tackle some epic side trips together!

Ongoing

We’ll constantly keep in touch with you throughout your stay. If at any point during your trip you need advice or support, our team will be on hand to answer all your questions. Remember, you can jump on our social media pages too or buzz our 24/7 emergency support line for urgent matters. Stay connected with Social, where you can reach out to your Community Manager, stay updated with events happening in the country and chat with Global Travellers near you. You will also be invited to traveller meet-ups and exclusive Global Getaways, giving you access to short bucket-list side trips to awesome locations so you can continue to make new friends and see the world together.

Working Holiday jobs & locations in the United Kingdom

Land an entry to mid-level job in the UK which will be fun and social, so you can make friends, learn new skills and have the freedom to explore new places. Located all across the country, here’s a list of the industries most of our UK Partner Organisations are in, and where you can expect to find yourself being matched with too!

  • Hospitality like bars, cafés & restaurants
  • Tourism
  • Historic UK Pubs & Bars
  • Scottish Castles
  • Summer Camps
  • Hotels & Manors
  • Labour & Construction
  • Sales
  • + More

Important to remember: The host company decides who they hire and for what, so you need to be flexible & open minded. You’ll be matched with something you are suitable for.

 

Picture yourself catching the London Underground each day and working in one of the most bustling cities in the world. Or perhaps the idea of a 16th-century castle nestled among the countryside is more your scene. We’ve got connections to host companies dotted all over the UK, so you could find yourself working in any of these destinations. 

  • London
  • Oxford
  • Solihull
  • Thame
  • Hertfordshire
  • Cotswolds
  • Surrey
  • Hampshire
  • Scotland
  • Dorset
  • Guernsey
  • + More

We'll try for your preferences, but locations are subject to availability at your time of arrival.

Reviews

Christopher P
Vedrana has been very helpful and has given useful information about how things operate. She has gone out of her way to make sure everything runs smoothly, has been contactable from the first moment, and been a warm person to be with during the orientation.
Dale C
V has been absolutely phenomenal. Extremely helpful and understanding. Could not have asked for a better arrival coordinator and she has exceeded all my expectations not just as a travel coordinator but Global Work as a whole. Super welcoming and easy going. She has helped me fit in so much easier than I thought and has provided alot of essential information. Extremely happy!
Gemma M
My experience so far with The Global Work and Travel company has been outstanding. Katy and Kirsty have been very helpful and have met every need or requirement I have presented them with. I am most satisfied with their level of efficiency considering the time zones before I came over to the UK. Can’t wait to commence this journey, feeling even better knowing I’m in good hands with plenty of support.
Harrison G
Kirsty has been an excellent coordinator throughout my moving process. I was constantly listing emails and important information and I received fast replies with no judgment. She has made the orientation very simple and easy, explaining all perks and problems in an easy efficient way. She has a very bubbly personality which makes her very approachable easy going.
Simon D
Jaz was a fantastic trip coordinator. Any questions I had she answered diligently and if she didn't have an answer at the time she would follow up and get one for me. Additionally, if I had any objections or queries her responses were well thought out, had great reasoning, and consulted me and provided recommendations. She was fantastic. I couldn't recommend anyone more thorough than Jaz was.

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Frequently asked questions

Why go with Global Work & Travel?

As the world’s leading gap-year and "work & travel" company, we provide a premium service for Global Travellers. Choose from a variety of awesome experiences worldwide. We assist with visas, pre-departure, flights, insurance, and tours. Our cool tech features support you throughout the journey. As a Global Traveller, access gWorld, our personalized app. Keep important documents and trip details handy. Enjoy exclusive Marketplace deals, a social network, language learning, side trips, meet-ups, and more. It's like all your favorite apps merged into one, but better! Our support doesn't stop there. With a 24/7 emergency team, 90+ staff, and ongoing assistance, we ensure you feel like a local. Join the 80,000+ Global Travellers who have turned their travel dreams into reality with us. We proudly boast the most & best reviews in the biz!

Are flights & insurance included?

While we would love to include flights and insurance in our trip packages, it is not feasible to have a fixed price due to the diverse destinations, trip durations, and individual coverage needs of our travellers from around the globe. However, once you register for the trip, we will assign you a dedicated Travel Concierge. They will work closely with you to arrange the ideal flights and insurance tailored to your specific adventure. Rest assured, our team is here to ensure you have a smooth and hassle-free travel experience from start to finish!

How does accommodation work?

When it comes to accommodation, we have some great options available for you. Many of our partner organisations offer staff accommodation as a fantastic perk. This usually entails a shared apartment or house with other like-minded travelers, conveniently located near your job. The best part is that these accommodations are often available at a subsidised rate, allowing you to save more toward side trips and fun! In the event that staff accommodation is not included with your job match, don't worry. Your Arrival Coordinator will be there to provide you with valuable resources and helpful tips on finding a suitable place to stay.

What's the difference between your standard Working Holiday and Plus?

The Standard and Plus Working Holiday trips offer similar features, such as our comprehensive job matching process. However, there are a couple key differences between the two: Standard: With the Standard trip, you will receive a guaranteed job match prior to your arrival*. Plus: The Plus trip includes a guaranteed job match prior to your arrival*, just like the Standard trip. In addition, it offers the unique benefit of a 2nd job match in an entirely new country! This includes any Working Holiday, Au Pair or Tutor trip we offer, except USA, Germany & South Korea. Visa guidance will also be provided, TCs apply. Along with this, the Plus trip also provides additional tours and a side trip to enhance your experience. If you like the idea of working and travelling in more than one country, the Plus option is best suited for you. It provides the opportunity for ongoing exploration and variety during your time abroad. No need to make a decision right away on which option to choose. If you initially book the Standard trip, you can always upgrade to the Plus trip after getting registered and connecting with your dedicated Trip Coordinator.

Do I get to choose where I work?

While we strive to take your preferences into account, it's important to note that we are not a recruitment agency. Therefore, we cannot guarantee job matches in specific professions, fields, or locations. As a foreign worker on a temporary visa, it can be challenging to compete with locals for more specialised positions. Employers often prioritise candidates they can train and retain in the long term, rather than taking a risk on someone who may leave in a year or two, or less. However, the jobs we help organise on your working holiday will offer a fantastic experience. They will be enjoyable and social, allowing you to make new friends, acquire new skills, and have the freedom to explore exciting new places. Our aim is to provide you with an amazing working holiday experience, where you can embrace adventure and create unforgettable memories.

What is a job match, does this mean a guaranteed job?

A job match is a seamless process designed to help you secure a suitable job opportunity. Here's how it works: First, we arrange an interview for you, taking into consideration your preferences whenever possible. The interviews are typically conducted virtually over platforms like Zoom, Skype, or FaceTime, making it convenient for you to participate from the comfort of your home before you embark on your trip. The key to a successful job match is simple: attend the interview on time and approach it just like any other professional interview. By demonstrating professionalism and enthusiasm, you'll increase your chances of securing a job offer without any complications. Our team strives to ensure a smooth and efficient experience throughout the entire process. We are committed to finding the right opportunity for you and guiding you through each and every step of the job matching process to ensure success.

Will I have any free time to travel?

Absolutely! While the jobs we help you land usually provide full-time hours, they often come with flexibility that will allow you to take time off for side trips, exploring, and fun. We understand the importance of travel experiences, and our aim is to provide opportunities that balance work and leisure. While the level of flexibility can vary based on the specific job and employer, we strive to match you with positions that provide allowances or arrangements for time off. This way, you can plan and enjoy additional adventures before, during, or after your work placement!

What job opportunities do you offer?

Ever since our inception in 2008, we have been dedicated to providing exceptional job opportunities to our travellers. We take pride in having built the largest network of partner organisations across the country, all vetted and perfectly suited to host a working holidayer. One of the greatest advantages of going Global is that we streamline the entire process for you, meaning, you won't need to go through the hassle of attending job fairs (like our competitors make you do) or spending countless hours job hunting. We take care of the hard work by understanding your job and location preferences, then connect you with one of our awesome partner organisations. We then ensure you are well-prepared for the interview, to help you land a job before you leave home*. To explore all the amazing options available, we invite you to check out our Working Holiday jobs & locations section located above.

Why do a working holiday?

The benefits of doing a Working Holiday trip are numerous. It offers you the opportunity to experience a new country, immerse yourself in a different culture, gain international work experience, develop new skills, make lifelong connections, and create unforgettable memories. It is a chance to combine travel and work while exploring a new destination.

What support is provided by Global Work & Travel during my Working Holiday trip?

We provide comprehensive support throughout your Working Holiday trip, from the initial planning stages until your return home. Our team is available to assist you with visa applications, job placements, accommodation options, and ongoing support from our worldwide offices while you are overseas, including a 24/7 emergency line. We also provide pre-departure guidance and resources to help you prepare for your adventure.

Will I earn enough to support myself?

Absolutely! While the earning potential may vary based on your destination and job type, the income you'll receive is more than sufficient to support you comfortably while abroad. It can cover all your living expenses, accommodation, transportation, and even allows for savings to explore your new home or continue travelling afterward. Additionally, many of our partner organisations offer fantastic perks like discounted staff housing, food and beverage, ski passes, and more, helping you save money and make the most of your Working Holiday experience.

Why should I book now?

Covid-19 threw us a curve ball and pretty much halted all travel. This means that we have a backlog of travellers, just like you, who are desperate to get out and explore the world! Global Work & Travel works on a first-in-best-dressed basis. Booking earlier ensures that you don’t miss out on the best intake, season, placements and more! We recommend our travellers take 6-12 months to plan their trip for a reason - to make sure you’ve got everything organised perfectly, stress-free. As a Global Traveller you’ll get exclusive access to gWorld, our personalised app where you can keep all of your important documents and trip details in one spot and gain insider access to everything Global. This is where you will find exclusive Marketplace Deals, a unique social network to connect you with other like-minded Global Travellers, access to our Academy with an ever-growing range of skills & languages, and so much more. Think all of your favourite apps merged into one, but like, better? Why not give yourself something to look forward to by booking that trip!

Can I travel with a friend?

Yes you can! Simply tell your Trip Coordinator after booking that your friend is also going and they can link your profiles. For most of our trips we should be able to have you and your friends placed together or nearby. Meaning that you can live, work, play & travel together! But wait there's more! Not only can you travel the world with your besties at your side, you can also earn some extra cash towards your own trip just by referring your friends to Global Work & Travel. You can learn more about the great referral rewards program inside your gWorld account once you join. And for those who decide to go-it-solo, we’ve made it easier to meet other Global Travellers in the same region as you. Just like any other social platform, you’ll be able to interact, share, chat and meet with some really cool people who are doing trips just like you!

Can I bring my pet along?

At Global Work & Travel, we share a deep love for animals and fully understand the special bond you have with your pet. We recognise the challenges of embarking on a trip without them. Due to travel restrictions, requirements, and limited pet-friendly accommodations among our host organisations, we regretfully cannot facilitate their inclusion in the journey. However, many of our customers choose to entrust their pets to a family member or friend, embark on their adventure, and return home to wagging tails and furry cuddles.

What happens if I want to cancel my trip?

We know that life can get in the way of travel, so all our trips come with a great deal of flexibility. In most cases, if you cannot travel on your selected date, you can place your trip on hold to deal with whatever is holding you back, and continue in the future without incurring any penalty. You may also have the option of transferring to an entirely different trip and destination as well, or even transferring your trip to a friend or family member. In the event that you need to outright cancel your trip, if you give us 84* days notice you can do so with only a 50% cancellation fee. Your refund of the balance will come in the form of a Store Credit which you can put toward any other trip that we offer, including tours through third-party providers, as well as holidays through DealsAway.com, and is valid for 2 years from date of issue. As international travel can be complex, your options are based on the progress of your trip organisation and our support team can assist you in finding the best solution for your needs.

How it works

1. Choose a trip style

Find your dream experience & destination, then secure your spot with a flexible & low deposit. Activate your gWorld to unlock some cool perks. Well done! The hardest part’s over!

2. We become friends

Book a time to meet your dedicated Trip Coordinator who knows all the ins & outs of your trip. They’ll be by your side and working behind-the-scenes to pull everything together.

3. Time to go!

We’ll get your tickets, accommodation & transfers ready. Our in-country team or partner will have everything prepared & waiting for your arrival. Get on the plane with no worries!

4. 24/7 support

Never stress, knowing we’re there with you when you need us with ongoing & unlimited local team support and check-ins. And just in case, we’ve got an emergency team on stand-by, 24/7.

Still have questions?

Why go Global

Flexible trips

The unexpected can happen sometimes. Can't travel right now? Swap your trip, gift it or save it for later with our Lifetime Deposit Guarantee.

Worldwide support

Know that someone is always ready to assist throughout the journey & they’re only a call, tweet, comment, text or double tap away, 24/7.

We're the experts

With over 10 years in the industry and a team of over 90 passionate pros, you can bet we know our stuff better than anyone else.

Partner network

We have over 1,200 partners around the globe, so we have access to plenty of exclusive opportunities to make your trip the best it can be.

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