Our mission is to inspire the people and organisations involved in Hospitality to build a more sustainable industry, i.e. one that focuses on the synergies between training and developing teams who in turn will deliver and exceed the guests’ expectations.

Our vision is to ignite the transformation in the hospitality industry with innovation, partnership, and ecosystem-building activities.

Our Philosophy: We have a unique way of looking at the way the Hospitality industry works, by putting guests, organisations, and people at the centre of everything we do. We bring a caring and nurturing mindset and impeccable professionalism that is reflected in our relationships with our clients as well as candidates.

We put people first: We recognise that Hospitality runs on passion, motivation, and dedication. The key is to ensure that people enjoy their jobs so much that commitment and excellence come naturally. In organisations, this happens when each person in the team feels purposeful and motivated. The secret sauce behind returning guests is more than just grand properties – it lies in the simple act of investing in people. We make this happen by fostering relationships between people and businesses in this field.

We focus on creating lasting partnerships: We recognise that there are clear benefits of playing the long-term game for the people and organisations we work with. When it comes to career management, organisations must be committed to passionately and professionally training their people. This needs to happen despite the possibility that they will leave them to work with someone else, but quite possibly return to them in the future in a more senior role. For the people, it’s about being committed to spending at least 18 months in a role developing the skills and experience needed to be ready to take the next step forward in their career when the correct position is available.

We believe that Hospitality is all about exceeding guests’ expectations: We know that success in hospitality is inseparably tied to turning your random customers into brand ambassadors. Just meeting customer expectations is not enough; you need to be able to exceed their expectations and leave them with a burning desire to come back repeatedly with friends and family. The first step in this direction is to understand what guests really want – i.e. both their stated and unstated needs. The next step is to invest in building a motivated, passionate and committed team that delivers those needs every time.

Bē is an experience, a community, and above all, a family. We bring a caring and nurturing mindset and impeccable professionalism that is reflected in our relationships with our clients as well as candidates. As an organisation in the Hospitality industry, you will gain by associating with Bē only if you share our core values and beliefs. Our exclusive screening process ensures that we work with like-minded clients; that is, they believe in putting people first because they know that it is indispensable to keep their guests returning to them. They understand that they are in the business of delighting guests, and that makes people their most significant assets. That’s why they look up to Bē to benefit from our exceptional Talent Sourcing and Talent Management solutions.

Our professionally screened, assessed, and trained hospitality professionals are not only competent and capable but also passionate and committed. This sets us apart from the crowd. Join us if you seek to refine and augment your existing teams, improve team motivation, and increase staff retention the Bē way. We help you achieve the highest levels of hospitality service and standards.

Raise your potential to secure the right fit for your organisation by benchmarking relevant candidates and their profiles against the industry standards. Rely on our objective screening methodology to source candidates who can create synergy with your brand values and goals. Never again fall into the trap of hiring people who fail to delight guests or are not aligned with your work ethics.

Our in-depth screening process helps us to understand the long term career goals of candidates, which then seamlessly translates into less new hires in senior positions. We help you to create a future senior team that is already oriented to your company culture. You will never have to worry about putting misfit or incompetent people in important positions ever again.

We are with you every step of the way and are invested in seeing you grow and flourish. Once you join our family, you belong and reap the benefits forever. Your career is our priority, and so are your passion, skills, and talent. We align these elements to craft a tailor-made journey that fulfils your goals. Bē uses a unique combination of screening professionals, training them, and matching them with nurturing employers to fuel rewarding careers.

Whether you are looking to get started with the Hospitality industry, secure a better job, get a promotion, gain a new experience, or get professional expertise in planning to fulfil your long term career goals, we work with you every step of the way. We gain insights into your professional and personal goals while highlighting the skills to be developed to help you progress and gain promotions faster.

When it comes to your career, you shouldn’t have to settle. We have an extensive network of handpicked partner organisations who have proven themselves to be reliable and nurturing employers. We not only work with you to secure opportunities with our partners, but we will also educate you on each one of them. This way, we can identify the employers you will enjoy working with as well as excel in professionally.

No matter where you start, Bē is here to help you for a lifetime of meaningful career opportunities. Whether you are at the entry-level, mid-level, or senior level, we have opportunities that no one else can offer. We are proud to be in a unique position in the Hospitality industry to meet your specific career needs. Our professionally managed career development services keep your career stable, strong and growing.

We are committed to seeing you succeed and do what it takes to achieve the same. We understand your goals and needs and will provide you with access to our online training academy. We will also make sure to align you with organisations that will commit to your ongoing training and development. This way, we help you to effortlessly thrive in the competitive Hospitality industry while staying rooted in your passion and goals.

At Bē, we recognise that building strong, passionate, and committed teams is the key to success, especially in Hospitality. We also understand that people are not just a cog in the wheel – they have personal and professional goals of their own. Therefore, managing their career development with them and for them is indispensable. This is where we come in.

Highly skilled professionals are already scarce in the Hospitality industry. By working with people with their long-term careers in mind and monitoring the industry trends, we help you stay ahead of your competition through improved staff retention. This empowers the management to invest in their people for training and development, knowing that their goals are in alignment.

Bē works with focused and committed people to secure them rewarding jobs and prosperous careers in the hospitality industry. Managing your career and aligning it with your personal and professional goals is at the forefront of all our decisions. Whether you are looking to kick start a career or take the next steps in developing your career in the Hospitality industry, we are here for you. By joining Bē, you will never have to worry again about ending up in an unfulfilling job, working with an inattentive employer, or failing to align your career path with your long-term goals.

We typically have opportunities each year for:

• Bartenders
• Servers (waiter/waitress)
• Hosts (receptionist for restaurants)
• Line Cook (chef de partie)
• Dishwasher
• Food Expo (commis chef)
• Tennis Attendants (should have a playing interest in tennis)
• Golf Attendant (should have a playing interest in golf)
• Fitness Attendant (should be a member of a gym)

1. Personality
2. Aptitude
3. Skills

Likewise, if you choose to take all the three and have 40 mins to spare, you can simply complete all of them at once.

Profile Building: Once you have completed the assessment centre, we will invite you to start building your profile through our platform. Once we have your profile complete we will share this with the Clubs to secure you interviews.

What we will need the following from you ay this stage.

• Profile Picture
• Updated CV
• Video Clips

Enrollment Form: You will need to sign our Enrollment Form which we will send to you electronically.

The Following Costs Will Apply Only If You Have Been Successfully Hired.

Police Clearance fee payable to police/agency.

The Republic of Ireland – No Charge.

Northern Ireland/United Kingdom – £45.00.

US Embassy Appointment Fee – payable to US Consulate.

Visa processing fee $190.

Recommended spending money:

To tide you over for the first 2 to 3 weeks you will need $800.

Please note:

You will be refunded your police clearance fee and visa cost within the first month of your employment.

Payable in Irish currency or Euro at the current exchange rate.

The majority of clubs are located on the East Coast of Florida in:

• Boca Raton
• Vero Beach
• Stuart
• Delray Beach
• Jupiter Beach

We do have one club located on the West Coast of Florida located in:

• Sarasota

Dress appropriately and look neat and presentable. A suit is always recommended for male candidates, but the bare minimum to appear professional is to wear a shirt and tie with trousers and shoes.

Avoid bright colours and patterned clothes – try sticking to colours like grey, white and blue as these are more professional and show sophistication and maturity. We also recommend not wearing excessive jewellery, ensuring your hair and nails are clean and neat and paying attention to your body language.

Be Well-mannered: Greet your interviewer(s) by standing up and instigating a firm handshake with a warm smile. This will illustrate great professionalism as well as favourable etiquette. One of the most important, and often a determining factor of the interview’s outcome, is the use of cell phones. We can’t stress this enough, switch off your Mobile before entering the interview. Not doing so could cost you the position. Be mindful of your language and avoid swearing, offensive jokes, or bad-mouthing others.

Prepare Well: It is crucial that you do thorough research on your prospective employer – both the company and person, if possible – ahead of the interview. This will ensure that you are able to hold an intelligent discussion about the company during your interview, and will help you to assess what questions they may ask and what they may be looking for in a prospective employee. You should also try to speak to others who are currently working for the company, or who have worked for it before so that you can gain a better understanding of the company culture, management style and the duties your position will entail.

We will share the location of interviews with you through email and in our Workaway Slack channel so please make sure to have notification turned on.

It is compulsory for successfully hired people to attend and complete a medical exam at our clinic in Dublin. We will cover all the costs associated with this exam an provide you with a link to book your appointment at the clinic.

The exam will take roughly one hour and will consist of the following:

• General Health Q&A
• Chest Xray
• Blood Test
• Urine Sample

The purpose of this exam is to make sure we have a record of your health and any previously existing conditions in advance of providing you with health insurance in the USA.

We also use this exam to make sure nobody is currently using any illegal drugs as we have a complete zero-tolerance approach to any drug use.

Important Note

• Do not take any pain killers for 7 days leading up to your exam as products’ such as Nurofen Plus or Solpadeine.
• There is NO need to fast before your medical.

Typically in the 1st week of September, we will be inviting you to start the process of securing your H2B visa which allows you to live and work in the USA.

This is one of the most tedious processes you will ever go through but together we will get you through it. The important things to remember here are read all the information and instructions you are provided with. if you simply follow them one step at a time you will sail through this. However, if all else fails please go to the slack platform and ask your questions there.

Important Notes:

• You will need to have $190 in your bank account at the time of application.
• You will need an electronic US Passport Size photo
• This H2B visa will only allow you to work with your chosen club

Please make sure to visit the Slack Channel securing “My H2B” where we have laid out the process into three separate steps.

1. DS-260 Application
2. Securing Embassy Appointment

The day of the Embassy Appointment

You are allowed 1 checked piece of luggage weighing no more than 23 KG, 1 carry on bag and 1 purse or laptop bag.

Tips for packing:

• Pack as if you are going on a two week holiday, as you will buy lots of stuff when out there at much cheaper prices.
• Roll your clothes instead of folding them – This consumes less space and prevents your clothes from creasing.
• Remember you are going to be working 5 days a week and on your days off mostly lounging by the pools or beaches. So shorts and tees over jeans and hoodies.
• Lauren Cunningham, a 3 year veteran of the programme says “We learned to stock up on black socks, as they cost a fortune out there! Penney’s is a godsend”, She also says “Don’t be worrying about toiletries (saves on space and weight in the case) – there is usually a Walmart/CVS/Publix within walking distance from where you are living.”
• Pack clothes that can be worn more than once – This helps you to avoid over-packing and having to deal with too much laundry.
• Keep important travel documents handy – A mini travel bag should hold your important documentation – passport, aeroplane ticket, travel insurance details and medical information – so that it is accessible at all times.
• Don’t pack unnecessary items – Only pack what you really need and don’t include the “just in case” items – chances are good you will not make use of them and they will consume your luggage space.
• Don’t pack valuable items into your checked luggage – Items like expensive jewellery, electronic appliances, money, credit cards, and even sentimental items like photographs should be packed with your hand luggage to avoid theft.

You may either arrange your own accommodation or for a nominal fee, make use of the experienced team of the appointed housing company, who will arrange accommodation on your behalf. If you decide to secure accommodation from the appointed housing company, you will be required to sign a sub-lease for the apartment and will be subjected to all terms and conditions therein.

If you decide to utilize the housing option, you cannot during the employment contract decide to move to your own accommodation. Be prepared to share a 2 to 3 bedroom apartment with another 3 to 5 co-ed flatmates. Flatmate requests will be honoured whenever possible. However, they (including same-gender requests) cannot be guaranteed.

Many of the apartments provide such amenities as microwaves, dishwasher, swimming pools, exercise facilities, and laundromats. However, housing is assigned randomly and the amenities may vary. Grocery, pharmacy and miscellaneous shopping are within city bus routes and biking/walking distance from the location of the housing.

If you choose to arrange your own accommodation you will not be able to move into the optional housing offered through the program at a later date. Unfortunately, there is only enough housing available for those who opt to utilize the housing accommodation.

Accommodation costs approximately $160 and $170 per week.

Visiting a doctor or a hospital in the US may be very different than what you are accustomed to. Outlined below are the steps you should take to get the best benefit from your travel insurance coverage:

1. If you have a LIFE-THREATENING EMERGENCY immediately call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. If the treatment was not life-threatening and you were not ADMITTED into the facility you will be responsible for paying $350.00 U.S.
2. For all other doctor visits, exams, shots, etc. you should contact Olympus Managed Health Care to ensure that the doctor or facility that you plan on going to is “In-Network” and covered under this health plan.

Important Notes:

Carry your insurance ID card with you at all times. When you go to a doctor’s office or to the Hospital, be sure to bring your insurance identification card.

With the MyInsurance Mobile app you have all your travel information right at your fingertips: Show your Insurance ID-Card on your phone to the doctor, view all the important contact details and service hotlines, search for a doctor or hospital near your location and view the summary of your benefits.

1. MdNow walk-in clinics are “In-Network” and are open 365 days a year from 8 am to 8 pm.  You will have to pay $100 non-refundable fee to be seen and MUST take your insurance card and a photo ID to any walk-in clinic. http://www.mymdnow.com/locations/
2. You may save some money by going to a CVS or Walgreens on-site clinic that is staffed by a nurse practitioner. While not a doctor, these health-care professionals can help if you need some medications for an infection, minor injuries etc. Not all Walgreens or CVS has this benefit. You can go to the Walgreens, or CVS web-site to find a store with this feature nearest your location.
   Walgreens – http://www.walgreens.com/topic/pharmacy/healthcare-clinic.jsp
   CVS – http://www.minuteclinic.com/en/USA/
3. To submit a claim, use the information on the www.eSecutive.com/myinsurance web site. It has claim forms, procedures, and other important insurance coverage information.
4. Worker’s Compensation.  If you are injured while at work it is imperative that you inform management immediately. Do not leave work before informing your shift manager. Work-related injuries are covered by Worker’s Compensation Insurance rather than your Workaway provided insurance. Worker’s Compensation coverage is through your employer that is why notification to your supervisor is mandatory.
5. Walgreens, CVS, Target, Publix, Walmart and Winn Dixie all have pharmacy departments that can be a great source of helpful advice.  Ask to speak with the pharmacist and explain your situation, the pharmacist can suggest certain medications etc. Remember: Pharmacist advice is FREE.
6. Unwell? Unsure? Confused? Need Help? Have Questions? Your Housing Manager is on hand to help you if you have questions or are unsure about which option you should choose.
7. For minor ailments such as sore throat, tickly cough, grazed knee, minor cuts and scrapes and hangovers, most of these things can be taken care of at home. Make sure you keep a few first aid essentials in your apartment.

911 can be used to report any emergency. This includes medical emergencies, fire and suspected acts of violence and/or crime. Bē encourages the use of 911 in any situation where the participant feels concerned for his/her or any other person’s safety or health. In the event that there is a fire in your apartment, irrespective of how small, it is imperative that the fire department be called out to inspect the apartment.

It is important to carry your medical insurance card in your wallet. Should you be involved in an accident, emergency services personnel will most likely check your wallet for identification and information on your medical insurance provider.

The simple answer here is – Yes, you can. However, we cannot guarantee you will both be offered positions by the same clubs. What we can guarantee is we will work with you to try and secure you both interviews with the same club.

Thereafter, we will leave it up to you both to shine and impress the interviewer!

• Professional Talent Sourcing and Management for Organizations in the Hospitality Industry.
• Infuse your team with the most suitable candidates with matching skill-set, professional experience, and personal qualities.
• Raise your standards of service by benchmarking relevant candidates and their profiles against the highest quality standards in the industry.
• Rely on our objective screening methodology to source candidates who can create synergy with your brand values and goals.
• Get a headstart on succession planning by partnering with us. Our in-depth screening process helps us to understand the long term career goals of candidates, which then seamlessly translates into less new hires in senior positions. We help you to create a future senior team that is already oriented to your company culture.
• Stay ahead of others through improved staff retention and reduced attrition.

Step 1: We capture all the relevant information about your company

Step 2: We research your company in-depth to anticipate your staffing needs.

Step 3: Virtual meeting with your executives (if an in-person meeting is not possible).

Step 4: Identify the core needs: Talent Sourcing vs Talent Management.

Step 5: Compile all the requirements and signing of the contract between the two parties.

Step 6: Build your detailed company profile on the Bē platform for.

Step 7: Launch a press release to announce the partnership between Bē and your company.

Step 8: Provide your team access to the Client Portal and walk them through it.

Step 9: Submit people and coordinate interviews for your review and feedback.

Step 10: Introduce you to the full array of benefits that come with being a part of Bē.

These Costs Only Apply If You Have Been Successfully Hired

Police Clearance fee payable to police / agency

Republic of Ireland – No Charge
Northern Ireland/United Kingdom – £45.00

US Embassy Appointment Fee – payable to US Consulate
Visa processing fee $190

Recommend spending money
To tide you over for the first 2 to 3 weeks you will need $800

PLEASE NOTE
You will be refunded your police clearance fee and visa cost within the first month of your employment.

We usually host face to face to interviews with specific clubs on specific dates and times during the month of July in Dublin.

We also host Skype interviews with specific clubs on specific dates and times during the month of August.

The simple answer here is Yes you can however we cannot guarantee you will both be offered positions by the same clubs.

What we can guarantee is we will work with you to try and secure you both interviews with the same club

Then we leave it up to you both to shine and impress the interviewer.

The majority of clubs are located on the east coast of Florida in

• Boca Raton
• Vero Beach
• Stuart
• Delray Beach
• Jupiter Beach

We do have one club located on the west coast of Florida located in

• Sarasota

We typically have opportunities each for year for

• Bartenders
• Servers (waiter/waitress)
• Hosts (receptionist for restaurants)
• Line Cook (chef de partie)
• Dishwasher
• Food Expo (commis chef)
• Tennis Attendants (have a playing interest in tennis)
• Golf Attendant (have a playing interest in golf)
• Fitness Attendant (be a member of a gym)

You will need to sign our Enrollment form which we will send to you electronically

Once you have completed the assessment center, We will invite you to start building your profile through our platform.

Once we have approved your application we will work with you to gather a Professional Profile Picture – Updated Resume showcasing Hospitality/Customer Service Skills and Video Clips , Once we have all this information we can share your profile with our clubs to ideally secure you an interview.

• Profile Picture
• Updated CV
• Video Clips

First impressions are vital as this is the image a prospective employer may carry with him/her forever, and may even set the tone of the interview. You want to make a good one if you are serious about clinching the position. “Dress appropriately and look neat and presentable, A suit is always recommended for males but definitely a shirt and tie with trousers and shoes.

You should avoid bright colours and patterned clothes – try sticking to colours like grey, white and blue as these are more professional and show sophistication and maturity, We also recommend not wearing excessive jewellery, ensuring your hair and nails are clean and neat, and paying attention to your body language which sometimes speaks louder than words.

The number one rule of any interview is to not be late. Always ensure that you leave home earlier than usual so that you are on time. Being punctual shows that you have respect for other people’s time, and that you appreciate them making time to see you.

Being late creates an immediate negative impression which may lead prospective employers to think that you are unreliable and tardy. If you are visiting a venue you aren’t familiar with, give yourself an extra 15 – 30 minutes to allow for any unexpected traffic or in case you get lost.

Greet your interviewer(s) by standing up and instigating a firm handshake with a warm smile. This will illustrate great professionalism as well as favourable etiquette.

One of the most important, and often a determining factor of the interview’s outcome, is the use of cell phones. We cant stress enough, switch off your Mobile before entering the interview. It is the height of rudeness to answer a ringing phone during an interview, let alone have it ring aloud – in many cases; it will mean you won’t even be considered for the position.

You should also be mindful of your language and avoid swearing, offensive jokes or bad-mouthing others.

It is crucial that you do thorough research on your prospective employer – both the company and person, if possible – ahead of the interview,. This will ensure that you are able to hold an intelligent discussion about the company during your interview, and will help you to assess what questions they may ask and what they may be looking for in a prospective employee.

You should also try to speak to others who are currently working for the company, or who have worked for it before, so that you can gain a better understanding of the company culture, management style and the duties your position will entail.

We will share the location of interviews with you through email and in our Workaway Slack channel so please make sure to have notification turned on

It is compulsory for successfully hired people to attend and complete a medical exam at our clinic in Dublin. We will cover all the costs associated to this exam an provide you with a link to book your appointment at the clinic.

The exam will take roughly 1 hr and will consist of the following

• General Health Q&A
• Chest Xray
• Blood Test
• Urine Sample

The purpose of this exam is to make sure we have a record of your heath and any previously existing conditions in advance of providing you with health insurance in USA.

We also use this exam to make sure nobody is currently using any illegal drugs as The Workaway Programme has a complete zero tolerance approach to any drug use.

Important Note

• Do not take any pain killers for 7 days leading up to your exam as products’ such as Nurofen plus or Solpadeine.
• There is NO need to fast before your medical.

It is compulsory for all successfully hired people to secure and provide a clean police certificate showing NO criminal convictions in the last 5 years.

Republic Of Ireland -A Police Certificate is issued by the Superintendent in the District where the relevant applicant resides, or formerly resided, in the Republic of Ireland. Please go to our Station Directory to find out who your District Superintendent is.

Steps to securing a Police Clearance:

• Bring proof of address
• Bring Signed Offer Letter
• Bring Photo Id

United Kingdom/Northern Ireland- A Police certificate is issues through the online platform and can be found by click HERE. Please make sure to read all the steps and follow the instructions clearly.

Important Note

We cannot issue you a ticket to fly without receiving your police clearance and in most cases this will take ten days to receive back once you have applied.

Typically in the 1st week of September, we will be inviting you to start the process of securing your H2B visa which allows you to live and work in the USA.

This is one of the most tedious processes you will ever go through but together we will get you through it. The important things to remember here are read all the information and instructions you are provided with. if you simply follow them one step at a time you will sail through this. However, if all else fails please go to the slack platform and ask your questions there.

Important Notes:

• You will need to have $190 in your bank account at the time of application.
• You will need an electronic US Passport Size photo
• This H2B visa will only allow you to work with your chosen club

Please make sure to visit the Slack Channel securing “My H2B” where we have laid out the process into three separate steps.

1. DS-260 Application
2. Securing Embassy Appointment
3. The day of the Embassy Appointment

We will meet you at the check in area on the morning of your flight, typically everyone flies out with their team or part of their team so nobody is left flying alone.

Once you land at your final destination there will be transportation organized to pick you up and take you to the apartments – details will have been shared with you in advance along with your E-Ticket.

Important Note

Remember if there is any issues or delays during your travel day you are advised to immediately get in touch with us through slack and we will assist you and more importantly make sure your club in Florida are kept in the loop.

We will issue you with an E-Ticket that will be emailed to you with your flight details including connections if any. It is imperative that you double check the name on the ticket is the same as on your passport.

Our advice is to not self check-in on any apps but to arrive at check-in desk as suggested and along with your team check-in together. this way everyone can get seats together.

You are allowed 1 checked piece of luggage weighing no more than 23 KG, 1 carry on bag and 1 purse or laptop bag.

Tips for packing

• Pack as if you are going on a two week holiday, as you will buy lots of stuff when out there at much cheaper prices
• Roll your clothes instead of folding them – This consumes less space and prevents your clothes from creasing
• Remember you are going to be working 5 days a week and on your days off mostly lounging by the pools or beaches. So shorts and tees over jeans and hoodies.
• Lauren Cunningham a 3 year veteran of the programme says “We learned to stock up on black socks, as they cost a fortune out there!  Penney’s is a god send”, She also says “Don’t be worrying about toiletries (saves on space and weight in the case) – there is usually a Walmart/CVS/publix within walking distance from where you are living”
• Pack clothes that can be worn more than once – This helps you to avoid over-packing and having to deal with too much laundry.
• Keep important travel documents handy – A mini travel bag should hold your important documentation – passport, airplane ticket, travel insurance details and medical information – so that it is accessible at all times.
• Don’t pack unnecessary items – Only pack what you really need and don’t include the “just in case” items – chances are good you will not make use of them and they will consume your luggage space.
• Don’t pack valuable items into your checked luggage – Items like expensive jewelry, electronic appliances, money, credit cards, and even sentimental items like photographs should be packed with your hand luggage to avoid theft

If there is any issues or delays with your travel, immediately get in touch with us through the slack channel and we will help resolve the issues.

While also keeping your club in Florida in the loop so they can make sure your driver is aware.

Travelling abroad is very exciting, but coming across any inconveniences like getting sick, being unsure about how to spend your free time, or suffering from home-sickness could put a dampener on your trip. We has some tips we have learned from the last 10+ yrs to ensure that you stay happy and healthy while working overseas.

• Be prepared – Before travelling, a trip to your local GP is advised. If you are on medication, you need to take enough to last you for your time overseas or take a script so you can get your medication wherever you’re travelling to. Pack cold and flu remedies that you normally take when you are sick – this reduces the risk of taking medication you may have an adverse reaction to. Ensure you take vitamins every day to build your immune system and ward off any viruses.
• Eat and drink properly – Staying hydrated is vital to being healthy. It is also important that you get enough nutrition from your food. Try not to change your eating habits drastically and eat as much fresh fruit and vegetables as possible. We suggests being your own chef; “Cooking your own food gives you the power to control the ingredients and portion sizes, and it could be cheaper!”
• Get enough sleep – Many people don’t realise that travelling really tires you out and although you don’t feel like you want to sleep, jet-lag can take its toll, When working, you need to be on top form and if you are tired, it becomes harder to concentrate and be efficient. Achieve a balance between social activities and your work schedule.
• Exercise – Getting exercise and fresh air is essential, so pack your running shoes as a reminder to keep fit. Being active helps you feel better physically and mentally. Exercise strengthens and boosts your immune system, and helps ward off any nasty illnesses that could otherwise leave you feeling dreadful. There are many easy ways to keep active and enjoy your new surroundings, including hikes, guided walking tours, running along the beach or cycling.
• Socialise and step out of your comfort zone – You want to meet as many people as possible when abroad, so it is best to start with making friends with the locals – they will play a big part in helping you get to know the city. You should always try new things you wouldn’t normally do back home: Go see, do and experience whatever you can for as long as you can!
• Don’t let homesickness ruin your experience – The combination of culture shock, new people and a new home can create homesickness. This is completely normal and naturally you will feel it from time to time, but try not to let it get the better of you. Keeping in contact with family and friends will give you the comfort you need when in a foreign place.
• Beware of culture shock and know how to handle it – Culture shock is a normal process of adjustment in a new environment. Watch out for the symptoms or ‘warning signals’ telling you that something is out of sorts. This includes depression, exaggerated homesickness or negative stereotyping of nationals. It is important to conduct research, read books and gain an understanding of the culture before going to another country. Once you arrive at your destination, you should build a support system by keeping close contact with family and friends, and don’t forget to show respect to the country you are visiting. Try to keep an open mind – you will learn something new! Our people work extremely hard on the programme, but we also encourage them to take full advantage of their free time and create the most unforgettable memories while in the US. By implementing these tips, their trips are sure to be successful and enjoyable.

You may arrange your own accommodation or for a nominal fee, make use of the experienced team of the appointed housing company, who will arrange accommodation on your behalf. If you decide to secure accommodation from the appointed housing company, you will be required to sign a sub-lease for the apartment and will be subjected to all terms and conditions therein.

If you decide to utilize the housing option, you cannot during the employment contract decide to move to your own accommodation. Be prepared to share a 2 to 3 bedroom apartment with another 3 to 5 co-ed flatmates. Flatmate requests will be honoured whenever possible. However, they (including same gender requests) cannot be guaranteed.

Many of the apartments provide such amenities as microwaves, dishwasher, swimming pools, exercise facilities, and laundromats. However, housing is assigned randomly and the amenities may vary. Grocery, pharmacy and miscellaneous shopping are within city bus routes and biking/walking distance from the location of the housing.

If you choose to arrange your own accommodation you will not be able to move into the optional housing offered through the program at a later date. Unfortunately, there is only enough housing available for those who opt to utilize the housing accommodation.

Please Note

It is your responsibility to leave the apartment just as you found it. Noise disruption, parties and underage drinking are strictly prohibited.

Visiting a doctor or a hospital in the US may be very different than what you are accustomed to. Outlined below are the steps you should take to get the best benefit from your travel insurance coverage:

1. If you have a LIFE-THREATENING EMERGENCY immediately call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. If the treatment was not life threatening and you were not ADMITTED into the facility you will be responsible for paying $350.00 U.S.
2. For all other doctor visits, exams, shots, etc. you should contact Olympus Managed Health Care to ensure that the doctor or facility that you plan on going to is “In-Network” and covered under this health plan.

Important Notes

Carry your insurance ID card with you at all times. When you go to a Doctor’s office or to the Hospital, be sure to bring your insurance identification card.

With the MyInsurance Mobile app you have all your travel information right at your fingertips: Show your Insurance ID- Card on your phone to the doctor, view all important contact details and service hotlines, search for a doctor or hospital near your location and view the summary of your benefits.

1. Download the App
2. MdNow walk in clinics are “In-Network” and are open 365 days a year from 8am to 8pm.  You will have to pay $100 non refundable fee to be seen and MUST take your insurance card and a photo ID to any walk-in clinic. http://www.mymdnow.com/locations/
3. You may save some money by going to a CVS or Walgreens on-site clinic that is staffed by a nurse practitioner. While not a doctor, these health-care professionals can help if you need some medications for an infection, minor injuries etc. Not all Walgreens or CVS have this benefit. You can go to the Walgreens, or CVS web-site to find a store with this feature nearest your location.
   Walgreens – http://www.walgreens.com/topic/pharmacy/healthcare-clinic.jsp
   CVS – http://www.minuteclinic.com/en/USA/
4. To submit a claim, use the information on the www.eSecutive.com/myinsurance web site. It has claim forms, procedures, and other important insurance coverage information.
5. Worker’s Compensation.  If you are injured while at work it is imperative that you inform management immediately. Do not leave work before informing your shift manager. Work related injuries are covered by Worker’s Compensation Insurance rather than your Workaway provided insurance. Worker’s Compensation coverage is through your employer that is why notification to your supervisor is mandatory.
6. Walgreens, CVS, Target, Publix, Walmart and Winn Dixie all have pharmacy departments that can be a great source of helpful advice.  Ask to speak with the pharmacist and explain your situation, the pharmacist can suggest certain medications etc. Remember: Pharmacist advice is FREE.
7. Unwell? Unsure? Confused? Need Help? Have Questions? Your Housing Manager is on hand to help you if you have questions or are unsure which option you should choose.
8. For minor ailments such as sore throat, tickly cough, grazed knee, minor cuts and scrapes and hangovers, most of these things can be taken care of at home. Make sure you keep a few first aid essentials in your apartment.

911 can be used to report any emergency. This includes medical emergencies, fire and suspected acts of violence and / or crime. Workaway International encourages the use of 911 in any situation where the participant feels concerned for his / her or any other person’s safety or health. In the event that there is a fire in your apartment, irrespective of how small, it is imperative that the fire department be called out to inspect the apartment.

It is important to carry your medical insurance card in your wallet. Should you be involved in an accident, emergency services personnel will most likely check your wallet for identification and information on your medical insurance provider.