live and work in London

How I did it: I'd always wanted to go to London. While walking by the study abroad office at my college I saw a table with pamphlets of a "Work in Britain" program. The requirements were that I had to take a minimum of 8 semester units previous of when I intended to leave, be a US citizen and/or Permanent Resident, and a program fee.

So, I took 11 units during the semester which took about 6 months. Since I wasn't a US Citizen...there were a lot more fees and paperworks I had to go through, which was most discouraging. There were days where I would cry and want to tear my hair out because I thought it was never going to happen, but I kept at it. "I AM GOING" I thought to myself.

I didn't want any financial help from my family, this was something I wanted to do on my own- So, another 6 months I worked fulltime and even overtime as a Waitress at Applebee's to save up some money for the plane ticket, program fees, and the program requirement that you had to have atleast $1,500 upon arrival in the UK.

As soon as I had just the right amount, I booked my flight and left within a week....I DID IT.

I had a 6 month work visa and so I stayed exactly 6 months in London. I worked in an office for 2 months, decided it wasn't how I imagined I would spend my time in LONDON and so I got another job as a bartender =)

I was a bartender at TigerTiger, the biggest and most busiest club in all of Europe and by far the best experience I've ever had in my life. I worked with Brazilians, Italians, French, Polish, British, people from all places of the world!! Made great friends along the way, gained priceless memories and experiences, and grew so much as a person.

Sadly, I had to come back on November 20, 2008 and I wouldn't take back the experience for anything! I plan on going back one day and I strongly encourage anyone and everyone who wants to go to London to DO IT.

I got to see the british culture, experience the british lifestyle and got to meet so many great people not just from London but from all over the World!

One memory that stands out: One day when it was raining, I just went into the middle of London and walked...and walked and walked and walked. For 6 hours in the rain. By the time I came home my shoes and feet were soaked and I had blisters on both feet haha, but I got to really see London- ALL of London on my own two feet and it was priceless =)

Lessons & tips: It'll take time, money, and patience for paperworks, visas, living expenses, and flight expenses etc etc- don't let that stop or discourage you, it'll be worth it in the end.

Resources: www.BUNAC.org

-though their "Work in Britain" program closes in 2008 (after 40 years!) but they have other programs like "Work in France" or "Work in New Zealand"!! ^_^

Hope this helps someone out there!

Dec 30, 2008, 12:55AM PST | 1 comment