Summer is coming, and we can already feel that good energy rolling in. The sun warming your skin, fresh drinks in the park, long days filled with laughter, and the buzz of joyful festivals, honestly, I could go on forever about this season. And we love the vibe.
But if this is your first time taking summer jobs abroad , especially in another country, there’s something important to keep in mind: your behavior on the job matters more than you think.
It’s easy to focus on the exciting side of joining a work & travel program. You’ll explore a new country, meet people from all over the world, and have unforgettable experiences. But there’s another side to it too, learning how to show up professionally at your job. And believe me, it can make all the difference.
We’re not robots, and no one expects you to be one. Everyone makes mistakes, especially when it’s your first time as an intern or employee. But we’ve seen a few situations where some candidates took “creative freedom” a little too far…
So here’s your chance to learn from their missteps and make sure you don’t repeat them (please lol).
True Stories From the Field
Here are a few examples of what not to do on the job. Base on true story:
- One time, a candidate said she was “on shift,” but forgot her camera was still on during a Zoom call. The manager saw her wearing flip-flops and relaxing somewhere sunny.
- Another candidate joined a video call while casually strolling through town. HR saw nothing but blue skies and trees.
- She filmed a dance video in uniform and posted it during her lunch break… while customers were still waiting to be served, and it got views online.
- One candidate arrived to an interview wearing an open shirt, revealing his chest. Not quite the kind of “transparency” we mean when we talk about professionalism.
- A candidate who couldn’t stop scrolling while guests were still waiting for a menu during his shift.
- When asked why he was 45 minutes late, one candidate simply said, “Mercury is in retrograde.”
Your attitude, your choices, your presence, says more then simple words. Employers abroad are looking for people who are reliable, respectful, and ready to work, in the end, a professional behavior is a mix of attitude, appearance, and actions.
It’s how you present yourself when no one’s watching. When in doubt, ask yourself: If I were the employer, would I hire someone acting like me right now?
10 Habits That Will Elevate Your Summer Job Experience
- Be punctual. Always aim to show up 5-10 minutes early.
- Dress appropriately. You don’t need a suit, but showing up neat, clean, and presentable goes a long way.
- Listen and ask questions. No one expects perfection, just effort and curiosity.
- Respect the culture. Learn a few basic phrases, understand local customs, and be mindful of what’s considered polite or rude.
- Be ethical. Give your full effort. Own your actions, even the mistakes.
- Have a great attitude. Stay calm under pressure and look for solutions when problems come up.
- Know your “why.” Remind yourself why you’re here, working and traveling, and let that guide your choices.
- Communicate clearly. If you’re unsure, ask. If you’re late, let someone know. Keep things transparent.
- Adapt and be flexible. Not everything will go as planned, and that’s okay. Stay open and positive.
- Balance work and fun. Enjoy your free time, but remember, your job comes first.
To make the most of your time abroad, find your balance between working and traveling. That’s what this adventure is all about.
The beauty of this program is that it helps you grow both as a professional and as a person. During work hours, show up with responsibility and professionalism. During your time off, go explore, meet people, and have fun.
We’re here to support you every step of the way-from your security and admin processes to your full journey abroad. Let’s live, work, and travel abroad.Discover more at roastjobs.com
This blog post was written by Júlia Zapparolli. Thank you for reading! 😊
You might want to read as well A Day in the Life of a Volunteer, 8 Awesome Benefits of Volunteering, the Find Your Perfect Program, How to Feel Confident About Volunteering Abroad and much more.
