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Global Exclusive

Working Holiday in UK

4.8(1504 reviews)
Experience
Working Holiday
Destination
United Kingdom
Duration
4 to 36 months
Ages
18 to 35

Extremely high demand. 3,000+ views since yesterday already! Don’t miss out by starting today.

Book now, pay later. Cancel anytime.

Trip overview

London. Manchester. The Scottish Highlands. Just a few dreamy locations that should be on every traveller's list.

Get ready for a land of fascinatnig history, diverse culture, world-class cities & beautiful countryside - there is literally something for everyone. And the only way to truly experience it all is by going on a working holiday.

But venturing into the unknown can be a daunting, lonely and costly endeavour, even for the most seasoned traveller. And although you technically could give it a go on your own, it will often lead to a lot more headache, anxiety, cost & even failure. Why bother? That's why over 95,000 travellers before you have chosen to go with us, the world’s leaders in working holidays since 2008. And just like them, you could:

  • With our Money-Back Guarantee in place, receive a UK Job Match before you even arrive* – year-round & all-done virtually from home (with no job fairs to travel to & compete at, unlike our competitors).
  • 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.
  • Get help with flights, travel insurance, accommodation, visa applications & more.

Don’t spend 4+ weeks job hunting in a foreign country alone with no income. Travel smart, prepared and hassle-free. 

Most travellers book 6-12 months ahead, dates are flexible, but spaces are strictly limited, so start planning today!y!

Looking for more support & even better inclusions? Check out our Working Holiday in UK (Plus) trip, which includes unlimited job matches, epic side tours & even more support.

Inclusions

Tap to expand

Guaranteed Job Match Pre-Arrival*
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
Nightclub party tour
Permanent accommodation resources
Ongoing local team support
Global Emergency Line
Tax return assistance
gWorld access
Social
Global Academy
Marketplace deals
$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

Get more info!

Got questions or need to know more? Ask us here, we're online 24hrs Mo-Fr.

Trip details

A Working Holiday should be nothing short of fun, exciting and the adventure of a lifetime. Stressful? Hard? We don’t believe in that. That’s why we have designed our Working Holiday trips to help you secure a local full-time job in a great location, often with some amazing perks, right from the get-go and before you land. And here is how we do it:

After completing your quick & easy registration (by clicking the red ‘Check dates’ button) you’ll be given access to gWorld - your very first, and very cool, digital travel buddy & app.

This will enable you to get your adventure started off right. You can plan your trip, get exclusive deals, access over a dozen courses from language basics to bar work & customer service 101, and even make some new travel buddies on our exclusive social network.

On the human side of things, you will be assigned a dedicated Trip Coordinator. They will guide you through the next steps and answer all your questions, even those ‘better be safe than sorry’ questions the ‘rents might have. 

They’ll also help you with pesky visas. No guesswork – only the right paperwork in your hands, before you leave. These applications are often a one-shot deal, so not something you want to screw up. 

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. 

And of course, your guaranteed job match, that almost always happens before your arrival. This means you can jump on the plane feeling confident and excited, rather than nervous and worried about how long that travel budget will last (like most people winging it are doing right now!)

Once you arrive in London, there will be a private driver waiting to take you to your city-centre accommodation. This means no getting ripped off by taxi drivers or desperately trying to hook on to that airport WIFI to figure out where you’re going or cramming into public transport underneath someone’s smelly armpit. 

Your included accommodation is 3 nights at the best hostel in the centre of London. Location, location, location is the name of the game in this city. You’ll meet other Global Travellers while you relax and settle in, then shake off the jet lag with a night out on the town.

During these first few days you’ll be heading out on some awesome tours, bound to make all your friends and family back home jealous. First up, an open-top bus trip of London – the very best way to see the highlights & history of the city in just one day, and getting off & back on wherever you please to look around (or maybe even to start a pub crawl with other Global Travellers you met through our app). 

Next, a nighclub party tour for a night out on the town where you'll get the chance to mix and mingle with other partygoers while experiencing one of the best (if not the best) pub & club scenes in the world.

We’ll also help with all your local life essentials, including:

- A local SIM card with data and unlimited call & SMS credit for your first month, so you can stay in touch with your new friends and employer, get an Uber late at night, or send messages back home. 

- Your UK bank account. Exchange rates? Withdrawal fees? Forget about it. With a local bank account you’ll earn - and spend - in the local currency, saving you money and hassle in the process.

- Help getting your National Insurance Number which you need to legally work in the UK. This can be a long, tedious process. Our local team will help you with the tips and tricks on how to get this done as easily & fast as possible. Another reason why having our local Global team on your side makes your life easier, and paycheck-ready faster. 

Speaking of paychecks. Finding a job on a Working Holiday is one of your main challenges. You’re competing with a bunch of travellers on the same mission as you. Plus – not all businesses will even hire a traveller.

We build & maintain relationships with a huge network of pre-approved local businesses who will hire travellers, just like you, allowing you to be matched with a job before you even arrive, or within the first couple days after getting in.

So that’s your job & income sorted, but what about accommodation? Most host companies provide live-in accommodation (which is an amazing perk and usually given to those who get in early enough), but if yours doesn’t our in-country team will provide you with all the guidance & support to find a safe, comfortable and affordable place to live. (In fact, you may even find your new flat-mate in our social network)

Our support doesn’t stop there either. We’ll be in touch during your trip to make sure everything is going smoothly. If you have any questions or concerns we’re one quick message, DM, email, or carrier pigeon away. 

When your trip eventually does come to an end, we’ll get your tax return organised through a partner to ensure you get the most back you’re entitled to, meaning this experience becomes even cheaper!

Word to the wise traveller - those who get started early (6-12+ months in advance) not only have something to look forward to, they usually get matched with the best job opportunities in the best locations. 

The first step can be the hardest, but we make sure every step after that is easy. So stop dreaming, start doing, and let’s turn your UK Working Holiday dream into reality.

Did you know we have another working holiday trip to the UK? With more inclusions, side trips and support, check out our Working Holiday in UK (Plus) trip.

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

Time for your 'Welcome to the UK' orientation! You'll learn valuable information about your trip, important local resources, and can access this anytime 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

Today’s the day you get the proper London welcome experience! We’ll give you your pass for the hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour with live commentary at your in-person Global orientation with our travellers, as well as a nightclub party tour, so you can check out London’s best spots and get a real feel for the city. Go solo, or with your new Global travel buddies, it’s entirely up to you. If you're heading off to your new job right away, these inclusions remain valid for any future time you'd prefer to use it instead.

Ongoing

Our team will always keep in touch with you throughout your stay. If at any point during your trip you need advice or support, our UK team will be on hand to answer all your questions.  Make use of our epic Central London office as much as you can, whether it be for getting your mail held while you travel, hopping on some WiFi whenever you need or catching up with our friendly crew over a coffee or hot chocolate made by our in-house barista. Call up and book an appointment!  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. We’ve also partnered with a company that specialises in tax returns for working holidaymakers so you can easily lodge this online and return home with a little extra cash in your pocket! Get in touch with our team for more information about this.  Did you know we have an even better trip than this one for the UK? With more inclusions, side trips and support, check out our premium, most popular Working Holiday in UK (Plus) trip.  

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 are you the best company to choose?

As the world’s leading gap-year and "work & travel" company, we pride ourselves on providing a premium service for Global Travellers. Choose from a variety of awesome experiences worldwide, and let us assist you with visas, pre-departure preparations, flights, insurance, and tours. Throughout your journey, our cool tech features will support you every step of the way. As a Global Traveller, gain access to gWorld, our personalised app designed to enhance your travel experience. Keep important documents and trip details handy, and take advantage of exclusive Marketplace deals, a vibrant social network, language learning resources, side trips, meet-ups, and more. It's like having all your favorite travel apps merged into one, but even better! But our support doesn't end there. With four international offices, over 100 dedicated staff members, a 24/5 emergency team, and the backing of over 90,000 Global Travellers who have turned their travel dreams into reality with us, rest assured you're in good hands. We also proudly boast the most and best reviews in the biz, and maintain a massive following on our social channels including Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Embark on your next adventure with confidence and ease. Join us and discover the world in a meaningful way!

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. In the unlikely chance you are unsuccessful with your initial interview, our team will get to work organising you another interview. You can rest assured 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. For more details, please refer to your booking conditions.

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 24/5 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?

After the last unexpected disruption to travel caused by the..c word..people are now more eager than ever to venture out and explore the world, determined not to miss out on any experiences. 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 or partner?

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 need 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. Global support

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

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, 24/5.

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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