How I did it: Like at least one other 43thing'er, I worked abroad and lived in London through the program called BUNAC. BUNAC has quite a few programs, some of which you have to be a student but there are others that you don't. You do have to be a student for the London program. The program helps you with getting the working visa and they take care of all the legal paperwork for you.

Well, I was in grad school, and within 2 months of being there I wrecked my car.  Instead of using the money to get another car, I decided to save it for a trip somewhere that summer.  I looked at all these travel tours, that would last 2-3 weeks, they seemed interesting, but I wanted to stay longer.  Then I came across BUNAC, perfect!!  The work visa was good for up to 6 months, I was only able to stay for 3. This was a great program, and unfortunately I recently read that the Work In Britain program through BUNAC has ended because of changes in UK immigration rules.

I had two jobs during my stay in London.  My first job was in as a bartender in a pub in Islington.  I lived upstairs from the pub.  Since it was so far from the city center I looked for a job closer, and I found a job as a receptionist at a residential hotel in Notting Hill called the Vincent House.  I lived in the hotel, ate many of my meals there, which were both provided for free since I was working there.  I went to London with no reservations and no job, but quickly found both.  I was not a bit scared and I was just so excited about everything!!

London is such an amazing city, easy to get around with the public transportation, so many people from all over the world, affordable flights and train rides to other European countries. It is expensive, a lot like New York City, but so much more history.

Lessons & tips:

• Since BUNAC is no longer doing the work in Britain program, may have to find other ways to live & work in London - look up UK Immigration rules

Resources:

• BUNAC
• Vincent House

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Jan 20, 2009, 07:06PM PST | 0 comments | 2 cheers