Working at a cafe, bar or restaurant abroad: what is it, why would you do it, and where is the best place to go?
Working at a cafe, bar or restaurant abroad: what, why, and where is the best place to go?
- What is working in catering and hospitality abroad like?
- What are reasons for working in hospitality abroad?
- What skills and motivation do you need to work in hospitality abroad?
- What are the best countries and locations to work in hospitality abroad?
- What are the risks of working in hospitality abroad, and are you insured against those risks?
What is working in catering and hospitality abroad like?
- Working in hospitality abroad means making people happy with food, drinks, and good company, and having the time of your life yourself.
- You could be behind the bar on a tropical island, cleaning rooms in the Alps, or greeting guests at a boutique hotel in Portugal.
- Responsibilities: The work ranges from serving and cooking food, to hosting, cleaning, and event planning. Sometimes you will volunteer or intern at an eco lodge or surf hostel, and sometimes you will earn a good salary at a resort or restaurant.
- What you do depends on where you work, a smile is always welcome. For example, you could:
- Serve or run bar shifts.
- Prepare breakfast or help in the kitchen.
- Work at the reception desk in hotels or hostels.
- Organize events and dinners.
- Clean, manage inventory, or handle check-ins. Welcoming guests and providing local tips.
- In small hostels or lodges, your responsibilities are often all-in-one: barista one day, gardener the next, DJ the third.
- Working conditions (salary, allowance, and expenses): The conditions vary by country and organization.
- In tourist countries like Australia, New Zealand, or Spain, you will receive a local salary, sometimes with tips.
- In countries in Asia or South America, you might receive room and board, and in return, you will work a few hours a day in a hostel.
- You will usually stay in hostels/hotels, shared rooms, or a bungalow next to the beach, often cozy but not always quiet.
- When you work in a bar or restaurant, you almost always have to find your own accommodation.
- In the hospitality industry, you work closely together with other staff members. It often creates a bond, especially if you also have drinks together after work (after all, you are already there!). It can be tough, but it also creates friendships and experiences you will never forget!
What are reasons for working in hospitality abroad?
- To gain experience and adventure: Every day is different, every guest is new.
- To practice service orientation: You learn to sense guests, to make small talk, and exceed expectations.
- To improve your communication skills: You learn to listen, to improvise, and use your gestures.
- To gain self-confidence: You learn to manage stress, to improvise, and take responsibility.
- To foster your sense of connection: You work long days together, share pizzas after closing time, and become a kind of temporary family member.
What skills and motivation do you need to work in hospitality abroad?
- Communication and empathy: A kind word can go a long way, even in a different language.
- Team spirit: Laughing together, stressing together, drinking drinks together after closing time.
- Service orientation: The guest is king, even when they are difficult.
- Self-confidence and flexibility: Every day is different, every country is different, and you learn to adapt. Professional conduct: You remain friendly and reliable, even if someone spills their drink on you.
- Self-awareness: You must know your boundaries; not every employer respects this.
What are the best countries and locations to work in hospitality abroad?
- Beach bars and beach clubs: Spain, Portugal, Greece, Bali, Curaçao
- Restaurants and cafes: Italy, France, Australia, New Zealand
- Food trucks and festivals: The Netherlands, Germany, Czech Republic, Croatia
- Food projects and community cafes (volunteers): Ghana, Nepal, Thailand, Costa Rica
- Each country has its own unique atmosphere: in Austria you get schnitzels and snow, in Bali coconuts and sunsets.
What are the risks of working in hospitality abroad, and are you insured against those risks?
- What are the risks of working in the hospitality industry?
- Long days, short nights, and limited resistance.
- Significant physical strain due to standing, lifting, and walking a lot.
- High stress levels during busy seasons.
- Risk of injuries or accidents in the kitchen or with sharp objects.
- Physical risks in the workplace such as burns, cuts, back problems, or falls are common.
- Working in a hot or humid climate: overheating, dehydration or food poisoning can lead to (additional) medical costs.
- Work and residence status: without the correct work permit or contract, your insurance may be (partially) invalidated.
- Damage to third parties or company property: think of spilled wine on expensive equipment or personal injury to a guest.
- There may be several reasons why you need separate insurance when working abroad. Check the following pages: insuring international Insurances for working abroad, for internships abroad, for volunteering abroad, or for expats and emigrants.
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