Working abroad as campsite courier

student100

I'm sorry if this is too off topic to post here but it's kind of relevant:

I was looking at what I might want to do next summer vacation in order to help my student finances along a bit whilst preferably doing something interesting at the same time. I found several adverts for summer jobs working as a Eurocamp/Keycamp/Canvas holidays "campsite courier" on a campsite in Europe. It sounds quite interesting but I'd like a bit of inside info before I commit myself... Has anyone ever done this or anything similar?

Cheers

starlite_2

dont know if this will help but my flatmate worked in america on a campsite in the stables last summer, looking after horses etc. she had fun, but the hours are unbelievably long, the accomodation and wages poor and the companies usually expect you to pay a large fee up front. go to your university careers office as they can advise you on the best companies to work for, and provide more information on what to expect

student100

Yeah, I actually spent this summer working on a summer camp in the USA (a BUNAC exchange programme). I enjoyed it - it was a good one-off experience - but I didn't actually bring much money home because of the application fee, visa fee, insurance etc (and the fact that I spent the rest of the money on two weeks travelling ::)) but if you're a student and want a self-financing trip to the USA for a summer I would highly recommend it. You were more or less stuck on camp 2 miles away from the nearest village which is itself miles from anywhere for 10 weeks though, but all the staff were in a similar position and I made great friends with lots of new people.

I was thinking about doing something a little closer to home this year that will hopefully earn me some money too. Our Careers service has a load of summer jobs listed on their website, but all the work placement type jobs are for penultimate year students only (I'm in the 2nd year of a 4 year course). I noticed there were links to companies like Holidaybreak (Keycamp/Eurocamp) and Canvas Holidays who want summer staff to work on campsites in Europe. The pay is not bad (~£450/month take-home pay, paid in Sterling) considering you are provided with accommodation, insurance, and travel to/from the site, and would only have to pay for food. I was just wondering if anyone had actually done this and if so whether they'd recommend it.

squarecat

I worked for Eurocamp after I graduated, and boy what a wake up call that was. I worked as demontage, that is taking the tents etc down at the end of the season. It was long hard work, but it depends upon your team leader how much you get out of it. Ours was not pleasant, food was basic and apart from providing your own sleeping bad the bed was a piece of foam on the ground. But I did meet some amazing people from all over Europe and used my rusty GCSE french!

They do expect you to work hard, and the conditions that they will provide your return travel are used as blackmail to get that extra hours work from you.

As long as you go into it with your eyes open, it is an amazing thing to do.

The childrens couriers did seem to be on quite a good deal, better hours and conditions etc. It might be worth looking at doing a basic 4 week evening class in childcare, to qualify for this?

Hope this helps

student100

Thanks squarecat! I'm aware that it will be hard work but I think I would enjoy it nonetheless. I was looking at being a Courier rather than the Montage/Demontage work (I'm not available early or late enough in the season to do that). From what I've read elsewhere the Courier work isn't quite as physically taxing (although it is still hard work).

I'd just like to do something a bit different with my summer instead of working in a shop or something in Britain and hopefully re-learn some French.

I have filled in Canvas Holidays' form already and the person I spoke to on the phone was really helpful and said I should hear within a week or so as to whether I've been shortlisted for interview - if not then I may apply to Holidaybreak (Eurocamp/Keycamp).

If anyone else is interested I found some info on http://www.seasonworkers.com/ as well as the companies' sites at http://www.canvasholidays.co.uk/recruitment/recruit-index.asp and http://www.holidaybreakjobs.com/

Chick

Hi there,

I worked as a campsite rep/courier in my 2nd year at uni and just after I graduated, I had a fantastic time and it was a great way to improve my french.

Lots of mates were in London temping/on placements and I think were rather jealous of me working in the sun (was in the south of france)

However, it was pretty hard work at times, did some demo stuff- not really my thing. Going in as a high season rep each time seemed the best as you miss the mess and confusion of start up and just enjoy high season, and hopefully get away before shut down begins!

However, I don't know if you'll come away with a load of money saved as the pay is pretty low to start with, though you get accomm, food, travel etc so not that bad. As a complete change from the norm e.g. temping, I would definitely recommend it. Though, go in with an open mind, seasons can be quite a rollercoaster!

Good luck!

student100

Thanks for your reassuring comments. I have an interview with Canvas Holidays on Wednesday...

student100

In case anyone cares, I had an interview with Canvas Holidays yesterday and got a job offer from them by email today!

So looks like I'll be spending next summer in sunny France 8)