For many young South Africans, the completion of Matric or a bachelor’s degree is celebrated by a gap year in which international travel is combined with employment on a working holiday.

But with changes in the legislation which determine where and how young professionals can gain on-the-job experience while travelling the world, those with the wanderlust may wish to look to new shores to satisfy their adventurous spirit.

That’s the view of Marc Whitmill, Managing Director of YDP (Youth Discovery Programmes), an organisation that assists young people to secure international work and travel experience - thereby enriching their lives.

Whitmill concedes that increased restrictions are a reality, especially in terms of entering the United Kingdom, where new visa requirements make it more difficult for young people to gain entry.

“The UK is a ‘traditional’ starting point for many, and the base from which South Africans travel Europe. The fact that the British Home Office has instituted entry and work permit regulations via a new points based system does complicate the possibility of living and working in these territories – but it doesn’t remove the opportunity,” he explains.

Since March 2009, only those with a Masters degree and R45 000 in available funds qualify; this rules out the great majority of candidates.

However, Whitmill says the aspirant working traveller should be as flexible in his or her expectations as possible when applying for international work experience.

“The other big destination is the United States; however, the recession is making this more difficult,” he notes. The ‘traditional’ drawcard of unskilled seasonal work is no longer an option; mostly due to recent visa changes as well as employers being encouraged to hire Americans as opposed to internationals,” Whitmill adds.

Income should not be the primary determinant for the working traveller, but rather the opportunity to experience other cultures. With such an approach, the US remains a distinct possibility for summer camp or au pair work.

Those who hold university degrees are able to secure internships, to some extent, but Whitmill says these opportunities come at a not-inconsiderable cost.

“A degree plus exposure to this sort of work is very advantageous for the individual’s career; however, the cost of up to R30 000 can put this option out of the reach of many youngsters,” he explains.

New opportunities for international work experience are coming from territories in the Far East, where a pronounced requirement for certain skills is emerging.

For example, says Whitmill, there is a need for English teachers in countries such as China, Taiwan and Korea, particularly with the increased interest in the people of these countries to work internationally.

“The emergence of these countries as economic powerhouses in the world economy is driving the requirement for their citizens to speak the language of international business – English. This creates a great demand for individuals capable of teaching the language,” he explains.

The Israeli experience of working as a volunteer on a kibbutz, or communal farm, is a well-known and recognised experience which many young South Africans have enjoyed over the years. “This too, remains a popular option, providing a rich experience of alternative ways of life,” Whitmill notes.

He says living and working abroad offers real advantages for young graduates seeking to broaden their cultural horizons.

"Certainly there are changes to the requirements for travel and work, but these are minor challenges which can be navigated with the appropriate expertise; South Africa’s young people, however, remain attractive to employers internationally.

"And for those who do choose this exciting avenue before starting their careers, the chance to make a substantial cultural - rather than professional gain – provides for experiences which will last a lifetime."

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