Gap year in Sydney programme

February 3rd, 2012 in Paid work Sydney by | No Comments

Oyster are delighted to announce our great new programme running in Sydney. Check it out to know all about the paid work gap year in Sydney information!

Sunday

You and your group arrive in Sydney. You will catch a transfer bus to the Wake Up hostel in central Sydney-the perfect location for exploring and really getting to know the city!

Monday

We think that it is best to get all the compulsory admin done and dusted before the fun and the job hunting can start in earnest. You will meet the team on the ground in Sydney, who will tell you loads more about the coming weeks and get you sorted with your bank account and your tax file number. They will also tell you loads more about jobs and travelling in Oceania.

Once all the nitty gritty is sorted out, there is a great orientation walking tour of the city- find out where all the Sydney highlights are located, including the Circular Quay, Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Opera House and the Botanic Gardens.

That evening you and the group will all head out to dinner to welcome you all toSydney. One drink included with your dinner.  (more…)

Oyster’s Brazil rep, Jonathon Hannay, awarded an MBE

February 2nd, 2012 in Brazil teaching and childcare by | No Comments

Jonothan Hannay receiving his MBEOyster Worldwide would like to congratulate our rep in Brazil, Jonathon Hannay, on receiving an MBE from Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace on January 26th 2012.

Jonathon received the award in recognition of his twenty years of work dedicated to helping Brazilian children and young people. He works continuously for social change in Brazil, helping to develop the local community and conditions in some of Brazil’s more impoverished areas.

Jonathon has tirelessly worked at improving conditions in Diadema. Oyster have been proud to work with him on these projects for the past 6 years, sending out volunteers to help on this important mission.

For those who are interested in getting involved with Jonathon’s work, have a look at our Oyster Worldwide childcare in Brazil web page.

Oyster Reviews: paid work in Tremblant, Canadian ski resort

February 1st, 2012 in Paid work Canada, Reviews by | No Comments

Find out what past Oyster workers have said about their time working in Tremblant in these Oyster reviews

Sarah Richards, winter 2010/11

Paid work in Tremblant“I loved the job and it was much more exciting than I thought it would be, especially working in the bar! The skiing was also really fun and I enjoyed having an attempt at snowboarding!

 

 

 

Kara Burnett, spring/summer 2009

Paid work on your gap year

“I had such a good time and I’m really glad I went.  It was definitely worth it and I heartily recommend it to anyone.”


 

 

Alice McCallum, summer 2009

Summer jobs in Canada

“The people at work were very friendly and welcoming, the working hours were sociable, the pay was fine and surviving 4 months of room cleaning does make me feel like I’ve achieved something!”

 

 

 

Antonia Morgan, winter 2007/08

Paid ski season in Tremblant“The weather in winter was incredible.  Definitely a true Canadian experience!  My work mates were great fun, as were my flat mates.  Also, the accommodation was unbelievable. The program was perfect for your first experience away from home, with just the right amount of support.”

“I loved the job and it was much more exciting than I thought it would be, especially working in the bar! The skiing was also really fun and I enjoyed having an attempt at snowboarding!”

To find out more about working a summer or winter season in Tremblant, check out the Tremblant paid work page on the Oyster Worldwide website.

 

Trekking in Nepal: the start of the journey before volunteering

January 31st, 2012 in Nepal teaching and childcare by | No Comments

Trekking in Nepal

 

Melanie Bowman, who is out in Nepal with Oyster, updates us on the beginning of her adventures trekking in Nepal. Thanks Melanie!

“I am now with my Nepali family in Dhaparkel –  they are so lovely!  The palsy centre and school look fantastic and really looking forward to getting stuck in!

On the 21st Jan, we woke at 5am for banana pancakes (an UTSE Hotel favourite!) and chia (tea), then crammed into a tiny white Suzuki taxi with our guide – trekking bags balanced precariously on the roof!  We waited as the sun rose and then piled into a large local bus,headed for Syabrubesi, our trek starting point at 1600m.  Nina and I were fortunate enough to grab a window seat – poor Tom next to me in an aisle seat was accompanied throughout the journey by various locals virtually sitting on his lap!  As we wound our way out of and above Kathmandu, the villages became increasingly rural.  At this point, the forest vegetation of the wintry Himalayas is peppered with palm, bamboo and cacti – indicative of its subtropical climate in summer. We passed road-side shrines, elderly women and young children alike laden with goods to sell, from stacks of fire wood to baskets brimming with fresh spinach.  Wicker baskets are filled to overflowing, and these huge caskets are carried on the back, held by a single strap of material which rests across the carrier’s forehead, and bears the full weight of the basket.  Young mothers tirelessly brush the steps to their homes, babies strapped to their backs.  Chillis are laid out on roof-tops to dry and husks of corn hang on huts to ripen.  Spinach leaves poke out of stone walls and tier upon tier of brilliant green terraces are freshly raked or sown with wild flowers, potatoes and rape-seed.

As our bus climbs ever higher, the hard work and harsh conditions the locals toil in becomes ever apparent.  Yet they present a tranquil cheerfulness and always have a warm smile to offer!”

To find out more about the teaching and trekking programme that Melanie is on, check out our Nepal teach and trek website.

Volunteering in Nepal

Oyster Reviews: Ski instructor in Whistler

January 30th, 2012 in Paid work Canada, Reviews by | No Comments

Find out what previous Whistler workers have said about their time there in our Oyster Reviews

Heather Hughes, Whistler Kids 2010/11

Become a ski instructor in Whistler“The job was one of the best in Whistler as you get to ski, even at work! The lifestyle of skiing and going out was perfect. Everyone in Whistler has the same mentality and is there for the same reasons so it’s really easy to get along with people.”

 

 

Jake Moran, Oyster food and beverage worker 2010/11

Paid ski season in Whistler“Just want to say thank you for all your help, you made my arrangements to get to Canada very easy and my journey smooth and stress free.”

 

 

 

Matt Ravenscroft, Whistler Kids 2009/10

Become a ski instructor on your gap year“The placement lived up to my expectations and much more!  The group got on well and made friends straight away, the work was really good and the supervisors were easy to talk to. I didn’t have any problems while I was there, but it was reassuring to know that Tory was there if we needed some backup.”

 

 

Kelly Moore, Whistler Kids 2008/09

Paid work in Whistler“I just wanted to say a big THANK YOU! I had the most amazing time last year and even though I’m at Uni now and really enjoying it, it just does not compare to my experience in Whistler.

There is not one person I didn’t get along with and still today, a year after first meeting them we still speak regularly and try to arrange get togethers! I miss it just as much today as I did the day I got back and I know everybody else does too.

It was the time of my life. Nothing will ever compare and I met some of the loveliest people ever! Thank you so much for making it possible for me.”

Will Huddy, Whistler Kids 2008/09

Gap year as a ski instructor“I would like to thank you and the Oyster team for everything you have done. By coming out here I have opened a door I didn’t even know was there.”

 

 

 

Jas Parker, Den Master 2008/09

Ski season in WhistlerI just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you a million times over for the amazing work you do, especially for organising my placement in Whistler. I went over with the group in November and had the time of my life, I began with absolutely no knowledge of skiing, I am now proud to say I have come away from the experience as, if nothing else, a pretty competent all mountain skier and an unending love for western Canada.

Summer is, if possible just as epic as winter in Whistler, the five lakes provide an amazing range of activities and the weather is gorgeous. We also went road tripping, and reached about middle Canada before having to turn back due to time constraints, brilliant country.

I can honestly say it was the best thing I have ever done and could never have done it without you. I have met some unparalleled personalities, and made lifelong friends.

Nicola Rata, Whistler Kids 2007/08

Working in Whistler“I settled in quickly and found everyone in Whistler very friendly and welcoming.

I always have a bit of doubt before going to a new place. Will I enjoy the job? Will I like the place? Will I get on with the people? But as soon as I arrived I loved it, everything seemed perfect!”

 

Catherine Gibson, parent of Dom – Oyster worker 2011/12

“Thank you for all the helpful emails and very efficient service you have provided in getting Dom off to Whistler. Can’t believe it was a week ago!  He is very happy and no doubt going to have a wonderful experience. Please pass on our thanks to everyone involved. We have been very impressed with Oyster’s service.”

To find out more about working a season in Whistler, check out our Whistler page on the Oyster Worldwide website.

Oyster Reviews: volunteering with kids in Nepal

January 27th, 2012 in Nepal teaching and childcare, Reviews by | No Comments

Find out below about what our past Oyster volunteers have said about their time volunteering in Nepal in these great Oyster reviews

Emma Jones, January 2011 for 4 months

Volunteer teaching Nepal“I had a really really good experience, and in that sense the placement exceeded my expectations. I did not expect to come away with such strong friendships, and a feeling that all the people I left in Nepal really will miss me – and I them. The teachers at the school were friendly and accommodating, and the children were lovely (but not as easy to control as you made out they would be!!). My host family was the best – from my point of view – so kind and they really made me feel part of the family. All the extra trips were also an excellent way to break up teaching and enjoy myself with the rest of the group.”

Aaron Butterfield, January 2011 for 4 months

Volunteer teaching in Nepal“I found Nepali people exceptionally accomodating, friendly, funny and so easy to get on with, so getting on with my hosts was no problem. Equally, we had an amazing group, I loved everyone I travelled with and have no doubt in my mind that I’ve made eight friends for life.”

 

 

Sophie Clarke, January 2009 for 4 months

teach on your gap yearI had the most amazing time teaching, it was great fun and very rewarding to teach. It has helped me with my preparation to become a teacher and given me so much more confidence to face a class in England!!!

The Nepali people are so friendly and learning about their culture and life was an amazing opportunity I will always take with me.Basant was absolutely amazing and couldn’t of been more helpful, his help during our stay made things much more relaxed and enjoyable.

Alice Peck, January 2009 for 4 months

volunteer teaching gap yearNepalis, Basant and the pupils and teachers were the friendliest people imaginable!

Alice Foren, January 2008 for 4 months

“I think the program as a whole was very well organised. I never had to worry because I felt like I was a part of a well planned placement where I could join in with the Nepali life as much as possible and always knew what I was doing.

I think the best part of the placement were the kids in the school. I felt I was really close to them. It was great to feel so appreciated. I‘ve never felt so flattered until the day they transformed the school to celebrate my birthday.”

Lucy Brims, January 2007 for 4 months

Gap year in Nepal“One of the most exciting, mind expanding and valuable things you can do during a gap year. My experience in Nepal was rich, illuminating, sometimes challenging, often bizarre and never boring. I thoroughly recommend volunteering in a foreign country and experiencing a completely new culture as part of a gap year”

 

 

Joe Hewson, January 2009 for 4 months

Teach in Nepal“During the 4 months I was out there I taught in different schools ranging from the basic government funded schools to the top private institutions in the country. I had classes with ages ranging from 6 to 14 and had standards of beginner up to advanced. During the time I was there I was mainly based at Kathmandu University High School (KUHS) and my role wasn’t strictly tied in with the syllabus as so much as giving the kids a chance to test their all-round skills of English with a native speaker.

Class activities involved a number of things from basic picture recognition of objects to the mastering of tenses involved with applying for jobs and sending letters. While teaching, the resources I had at hand were minimal only using pen, paper and sometimes reading books. Sometimes I would be doing one-on-one tuition and other times I would have groups of up to 40. A normal day’s work would usually be 2-3 hours of teaching along with monitoring the kid’s activities after school.”

If you would like more information about this project, check out the volunteering in Nepal webpage on the Oyster Worldwide website.

Oyster Reviews: Volunteering with kids in Tanzania

January 26th, 2012 in Reviews, Tanzania teaching and childcare by | No Comments

Find out what Oyster Tanzania volunteers have said about volunteering with kids in Tanzania in these Oyster reviews

Ellen Fitton, January 2011

Volunteer with kids in Tanzania“The first few lessons were a bit chaotic.  However, after a few days they began to respect me and enjoy the English lessons, so they calmed down a lot and after that I had no problems.

The placement definitely lived up to my expectations.  The school was absolutely fantastic and the teachers were lovely.  They obviously really needed our help and really appreciated everything we did, which was great.  I also enjoyed all the extra things we were able to do, such as the orphanage and clinic.

The pre-departure course was excellent.  It was really good to meet everyone and it made me less nervous about leaving.  A lot of my friends did the same kind of thing in different African countries with different companies but none of them had a pre-departure course and they said they would have loved to have one.

The rep was very good at dealing with things quickly when you had a problem and she left us to it when we didn’t need her, which was good. The program was absolutely fantastic and I enjoyed every moment of it.”

Anna Wyatt, January 2010

Childcare volunteering Tanzania“I loved the feeling of independence, and creating a whole new life out there!

It was exactly as the company had warned us it would be- hard to adjust at first but got better and better with time. I loved living in a completely different culture, especially as I could explore and enjoy it with other volunteers in the same situation. In my last few months I felt as at home in Arusha as I do in Leeds!”

Rachel Weston-Smith, Medical Volunteer, January 2009

Medical volunteer Tanzania“My time in Tanzania with Oyster has given me the best medical experience that I could have wished for; it has made me even more excited about starting medicine at University in September!! All the doctors and nurses were very welcoming and friendly and I thoroughly enjoyed working there and maybe someday when I’m a trained doctor I will go back!”

 

 

Alice Trant, January 2007

Teaching volunteer Tanzania“I loved having to adapt to a different way of life.  In times of difficulty, like no running water or electricity all you’ve got to say to yourself is ‘deal with it, loads of people do, why can’t I?’

The safari was better than I could ever have imagined. The orientation was brilliant.  It was the perfect way of easing into life there and getting to know everyone on the placement.  The rep was excellent; everything we needed. The best part was seeing the faces of our colouring club when we gave them ‘party bags’ at the end and they realised they were for them to keep.

The program was immense!”

Adele Rousell, February 2006

“What I absolutely loved about the placement was the Teach kids in Tanzaniachildren at the school, walking into the classroom and having a laugh outside as well – many fond memories!

Alasdair Murray, September 2003“You do not have to go to Africa to know that it is a poor continent but by going there it gives a far better insight to the nature of its poverty, its people, its expectations and its possible future. It also broadens the mind, I have a far more active interest in African news than before my trip.”

Adam Driscoll, September 2002

“I went without expectation, other than to teach spoken English to the students. The placement more than exceeded my expectations – it invigorates me and opened my eyes to the realities before me.

I believe 100% that the more you put into learning local culture and the language, the more you get out of it.”

For more information on this project, check out the volunteering in Tanzania webpage on the Oyster Worldwide website

Oyster Reviews: Volunteering with kids in Romania

January 25th, 2012 in Reviews, Romania teaching and childcare by | No Comments

Find out what our Oyster volunteers are saying about their time volunteering with kids in Romania in these Oyster reviews

Tasmin Clube, 3 months April 2007

Volunteering with kids in Romania“There is a great choice of placements and this means that volunteers can use their skills as well as challenging themselves. The programme is excellent and flexible enough to keep volunteers using the best of their abilities. Oyster had flight, living and work arrangements efficiently organised. It’s no surprise that so many people return to Romania and with Oyster. I definitely will.”

 

Laura Marzaroli, 3 months August 2007
Orphanages volunteering Romania“My time in Romania taught me so much; I made new friends and learnt new life skills that have proved invaluable in new jobs and difficult situations. I will definitely be making every effort to return as soon as possible!”

 

 

 

Annie Stevens, 3 months January 2008
“The children I worked with are unforgettable; I shall always remember their smiling faces, and their constant resilience to whatever was thrown their way. I remember them always being so happy to see me as if I was Father Christmas with loads of presents; one of the family homes houses 9 children aged 3 to 8 and as soon as I rang the gate door bell I would hear shouts and screams of “Annie! Annie!” then as I stepped through the door I would have nine pairs of arms around me, pushing each other to try to get nearer. These children were lovely, even though sometimes very boisterous they were forever making me laugh. ThVolunteer with kids in Romaniae other family home I worked at was for children with more severe special needs; there might not have been much recognition of who I was but they were still really pleased to see me. In the homes, the staff are constantly busy and don’t always have time to play with each child as they have to spend most of their time looking after the children’s’ physical needs, so the volunteers play with them and give the crucial one-to-one affection and attention. It was through the efforts of the volunteers that a 4 year old girl with Down’s syndrome learned to walk when the doctors said it was unlikely. I was lucky enough to see her first steps without assistance and see her grow in confidence and start to explore her surroundings; I can’t explain how it was to see her do this, I don’t think I’ve ever done something so worthwhile and rewarding, it was amazing. I also worked in the state children hospital alongside a play therapist on a ward of about 30-40 babies and older children up to the age of 16. Some parents have trouble getting to the hospital or are just too busy, so many of the babies would have to stay in their cots all day with no stimulation and interaction if it wasn’t for the volunteers – it made me feel so needed as these children were so desperate for comfort and support. I loved my time in Romania and was so sad to leave; Brasov (the city where I lived) was so beautiful and scenic and full of character.

Oyster was brilliant – very supportive and the representative in Romania was so helpful and made the transition much easier, helping us with any problems and the language (as most phrases I needed for looking after the kids were not found in common tourist phrase books!). I truly can’t wait to return, it was one of the best experiences of my life and has made me really appreciate what I have from seeing children that have nothing, and I would recommend it to anyone.”

Hannah Loxley, 3 months July 2008
Childcare volunteering Romania“The best part of the placement was being able to see the kids laugh and smile – especially at Codlea. Also seeing Flori progress in her walking and seeing Marian slowly being able to hold his head up for longer!”

 

 

 

Reima Pryor, 4 weeks June 2011

Care for kids in Romania“I had a great time in Romania. Your warm and friendly approach is what made me go ‘yes I will do this, and with Oyster’. I made some nice friends with the kids, with some staff and with some others that Razvan linked me in with. Razvan is a really lovely and fun guy and was very good and professional in his role. I had a few great laughs with him, which helped to ‘make’ my trip. He kept in touch by phone and made me feel comfortable to ask for anything I needed.
I know I personally really appreciated the opportunity to just hang out with the kids and build relationships (even without common language!). They were beautiful and enriched my life in that short time. Children bring so much to your life, and are so vulnerable, and what happens in those early years has such  bearing on their life outcomes. So, the experience has been wonderful for me both personally and professionally.

Thanks again to you and Razvan for arranging my experience, which as you can hear, has been really wonderful for me.”

For more information about this project, check out our volunteering with kids in Romania web page on the Oyster Worldwide website.

Oyster Reviews: Volunteer with bears in Romania

January 24th, 2012 in Bears Romania, Reviews by | No Comments

Find out what our volunteers have said in these Oyster reviews of volunteering with bears in Romania

Anna McDermott, 3 months September 2007

Romania bears volunteerThe sanctuary is an incredible place to work and the people there are so lovely. It is set in beautiful countryside overlooked by mountains and is a wonderful, tranquil place. It is fantastic and very moving to see these beautiful animals back in the wild living happy lives in a natural environment. The country has some of the most warm, friendly, kind people I’ve ever met. My advice is to come here with an open mind and an open heart and you will have the experience of a lifetime.”

 

Anne Smellie, 3 months August 2009

Volunteer with bears in Romania“The three months that I spent in Romania with the bears were three of the best months of my life. Spending my days within mere metres of the bears, watching them cavort around the sanctuary, play fighting with each other and scampering up trees, was an absolute highlight. Feeding the bears was incredible, watching them sort through the foods looking for their favourite bits. I also had the pleasure of being there at the same time as the WSPA film crew, so helped out with the filming of an advert asking for donations. I helped out in various sanctuary tours and learned so much. Romania is an incredibly beautiful country, and the exploring in my free time was such an eye-opener.”

Rob Hill, 3 months, July 2010

Oyster bears volunteer Romania“I’m having a pretty great time. The bears are great. The food is amazing and it’s summer here so I’m also getting a sweet tan. I hang out with bears every day – it’s hard for that to be anything but awesome!”

 

 

 

Lynn Stephenson, 2 weeks September 2011

“I have just returned from 2 weeks working in a Bear Sanctuary in Romania, and it was an amazing experience.  Monday was the first day at the bear sanctuary which was also in an incredible location with beautiful views all around. The first thing that strikes you is the size, 69 hectares of it certainly keeps you fit! Every day we received a welcoming committee of tBear volunteer Romaniahe very friendly sanctuary dogs. Then it’s your first sight of the bears. The first day I was invited on one of many tours around the sanctuary. This gave me the perfect chance to get an orientation of the sanctuary and meet the bears and learn about their history. There are many things I shall miss, the lovely scenary, friendly people, good food and wine but most of all the bears. I have some incredible photos and some equally incredible memories. I would reccommend this programme to anyone, any age, you won’t regret it.”

Zantel le Grange, 4 weeks September 2011

Volunteer at a bear sanctuary in Romania“I just wanted to thank you personally for all your help and support during my trip! It proved to be such an exciting month at the sanctuary! We were fortunate enough to see so many changes take place not only in the enclosures, but also the weather! It was such a great experience seeing two young, playful bears move from quarantine into their new enclosures! We experienced their first plunge in the swimming pool and even a few fail attempts at climbing a tree. Very amusing!

The trip as a whole was so much fun, it honestly exceeded my expectations!I think what made it so exciting was the fact that there was no specific routine, we were constantly surprised or left curious, which I quite liked! Every week held a different adventure and a lot of laughs.

I’m so glad that I had the opportunity to do something meaningful in such a great place with a company so dedicated! Oyster’s support through the entire process has meant a lot to me!Thanks again fro all your effort and support!”

Martin and Marion Sausins, 2 weeks October 2011

Bear volunteers Romania“Bears and Romania were brilliant. We had a fantastic time and enjoyed out time at the sanctuary. We hope the bears and the people at the sanctuary were happy with what we achieved . We had some fantastic interaction with the bears and it was great watching the younger bears play fighting – although it didn’t always seem like play!!! Romania was great – lots to see and do and some very nice people. Thank you for everything!”

For more information on this project, check out the bear sanctuary volunteering page of the Oyster Worldwide website

 

First update from our Nepal gap year volunteers

January 23rd, 2012 in Nepal teaching and childcare by | No Comments

Melanie (left), Tom and Nina at their UK briefing.

Melanie, Tom and Nina arrived in Kathmandu last Wednesday morning. They are currently out in the Himalayas enjoying their 8 day Langtang trek before settling down to their teaching project. Here is what Melanie had to say about her first couple of days in Nepal…

 

“Namaste! So Nina, Tom and I have been spending the last three days acclimatising to life inNepal- our new home for the next few months!  We landed amidst the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu on Wednesday - and wow what a hit to the senses this city is!  It’s hard to know where to look first – the streets are crammed with cars, cows, children, the sound of horns, drums and chatter fill the air as do the smells of incense and Nepali cooking.  (more…)

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