YDP Work & Travel

YDP Work & Travel Have you always wanted to travel but not sure how to afford it? YDP has the solution for you! Contact
[email protected]

To find out how we can help you!

Youth Discovery Programmes t/a YDP Work&Travel, founded in 1993, assists young people to afford to travel overseas by working while travelling. We believe in the power of Gap Year Travel; a power that broadens perspective and turns strangers into family. It is this belief that motivates us to provide life-changing adventures to any young South African who wants to travel. YDP Work&Travel is passionate about providing a purposeful gap year for Au Pairs / Bro Pairs (also known as nanny’s, child minders, care givers), Interns and Summer Camp Counsellors wanting to engage in cultural experiences in countries around the world. A purposeful gap year is an opportunity to:

- Explore your interests.
- Reset your intentions.
- Build a toolbelt for life.
- Build a sense of purpose as to why and what you decide to study in the future. YDP SERVICES

We place young South African adults who are wanting to travel abroad, and who have a limited budget, on our professional and immersive Gap Year Programmes. Working within strict guidelines and with only professional recognised organisations, we can ensure that our applicants will have a secure home away from home, an enriched cultural exchange experience, and the opportunity to earn valuable foreign currency.

Wishing you all the best on this amazing experience in Mauritius 🏖️✈️
01/07/2026

Wishing you all the best on this amazing experience in Mauritius 🏖️✈️

29/06/2026
We still have a few positions available for a hotel that we are currently recruiting for in Mauritious - 5 Star hotel. S...
07/05/2026

We still have a few positions available for a hotel that we are currently recruiting for in Mauritious - 5 Star hotel.

Salary Expectations
Demi Chef – MUR 30,000 (approximately ZAR 10,800)
Chef de Partie – MUR 40,000 (approximately ZAR 14,400)
Summary of the Position
We are looking for a skilled and passionate Chef specializing in barbecue, grilled seafood, and premium meat dishes. The role requires strong expertise in grilling, smoking, roasting, and flame-cooking techniques.

The ideal candidate should have experience in:

Selecting high-quality cuts of meat and fresh seafood
Preparing marinades and seasonings
Cooking dishes to precise temperatures to enhance natural flavours
Managing grill stations and controlling heat and cooking times
Maintaining consistent food quality and presentation
The successful candidate must also maintain high standards of food safety, hygiene, and kitchen efficiency while delivering exceptional barbecue and grilled dishes.

Profile & Qualifications
Certificate or Diploma in Culinary Arts, Professional Cookery, or Food Preparation from a recognised institution
Proven experience as a Grill Chef, Barbecue Chef, or Chef de Partie (Grill Section) within a hotel environment
Strong knowledge of meat cuts, seafood preparation, and grilling techniques
Ability to operate and maintain barbecue grills, smokers, and commercial kitchen equipment
Good understanding of food safety, hygiene standards, and kitchen sanitation practices
Strong organisational and time-management skills
Ability to work well under pressure
Good teamwork and communication skills
Passion for creating high-quality grilled and barbecue dishes

What We Offer
Competitive salary and benefits package
Work permit arrangements
Accommodation arrangements and transportation
Health insurance
Opportunities for professional development and training
Flights included
Overtime pay

Please note that the cost of the Internship programme is R24,000.
Please send me any CV's that would like to apply [email protected]

🌍✨ NEW EUROPEAN OPPORTUNITY — PORTUGAL! ✨🌍 INTERNATIONAL HOSPITALITY & CULINARY INTERNSHIPSWe’re excited to announce tha...
09/03/2026

🌍✨ NEW EUROPEAN OPPORTUNITY — PORTUGAL! ✨🌍 INTERNATIONAL HOSPITALITY & CULINARY INTERNSHIPS

We’re excited to announce that YDP is now introducing candidates to 4- and 5-star hotels in Portugal 🇵🇹

Host hotels are based in Lisbon, Cascais, Algarve, and Porto, with some HR managers ready to start shortlisting and interviews immediately!

🏨 Available Departments
• Food & Beverage
• Front Office
• Housekeeping
• Kitchen
• Other hotel departments

🎓 Program Options
• Hospitality & Business Internship (for enrolled students)
• Management Training Program (for enrolled students)

⏳ Duration: 6–12 months
💶 Monthly allowance: €350 – €800

🎁 Benefits may include
• Accommodation options
• Meals
• Additional living benefits

💼 Program Costs
• Once-off YDP registration fee: R500 (non-refundable)
• Registration fee: $500 (R2,500 payable upfront)
• Partnership fee: $1,500
• International return airfare: At participant’s own cost
• Visa fee: Included (some locations may incur an additional $80)
• Health & travel insurance: Included

🛂 Visa: Temporary Stay Visa (processed via VFS in participant’s country of residence)
🏥 Medical insurance: To be arranged by the participant

🇪🇺 Portugal offers an incredible opportunity for students looking to gain international hospitality experience in Europe!

⚠️ Important Note:
Portugal cannot currently be selected as a stand-alone destination. Applicants must choose at least one main destination in addition to Portugal. If selected for interviews, we’ll happily proceed — but we must ensure applicants always have options.

Primary Destinations
United Arab Emirates

Maldives

Thailand

Hong Kong

MATRIC CLASS OF 2026 – HAVE YOU GOT A PLAN YET?March is the FINAL month for Summer Camp USA registrations.Are you taking...
26/02/2026

MATRIC CLASS OF 2026 – HAVE YOU GOT A PLAN YET?

March is the FINAL month for Summer Camp USA registrations.

Are you taking a gap year?
Still unsure what to do after school?
Not quite ready to jump straight into university?

Here’s an opportunity to work, travel, and gain real international experience all in one summer.

🌲 Become a Camp Counsellor in the USA with YDP

Spend up to 12 weeks living and working at an accredited American summer camp.

This isn’t just babysitting.

As a camp counsellor, you will:
✔ Live in a cabin mentoring a group of campers
✔ Help lead daily activities like sports, arts & crafts, team challenges and outdoor adventures
✔ Facilitate bonding sessions, games and evening programs
✔ Develop leadership, communication and problem-solving skills
✔ Be part of a global staff team

For those with specific talents (sports, arts, music, outdoor activities), you may even lead specialist sessions.

All staff receive training before campers arrive.

✈️ What’s Included?

✔ Accommodation provided
✔ 3 meals per day
✔ Camp allowance/stipend
✔ J1 Visa support
✔ Comprehensive pre-departure guidance
✔ 30-day travel period after camp
✔ Travel allowance from $1,700 up to $3000 to explore the USA after your contract

Work hard. Then travel America.

📌 Requirements

* Aged 18–30
* Matric certificate
* Police clearance certificate
* Fit, active, and comfortable working with children
* Confident English communication
* Positive attitude and team spirit

This is more than a gap year idea.
It’s international work experience.
It’s cultural exchange.
It’s personal growth.
It’s stepping out of your comfort zone.

🌟 Have a Special Skill? Even Better.

Many camps look for counsellors who can lead or assist in specific activity areas.

If you have experience in any of the following, you may be placed as a specialist or activity leader:

✔ Lifeguarding or strong swimming ability
✔ Soccer, rugby, hockey or general sports coaching
✔ Archery
✔ Horse riding / equestrian experience
✔ Drama, dance or musical theatre
✔ Guitar, piano or vocal coaching
✔ Arts & crafts, design or creative workshops
✔ Outdoor adventure skills (hiking, climbing, canoeing)
✔ First aid certification
✔ Leadership roles (prefect, team captain, youth leader)

Specialist counsellors often help plan and run structured activity sessions, teaching campers new skills while ensuring safety and engagement.

Even if you don’t have a formal qualification, enthusiasm, energy and a willingness to lead activities are highly valued.

Spots are limited, and March is the final registration month for this intake.

If you’re ready to do something different in 2026, comment “USA” or send us a direct message for full details.

🌎 Your summer could look very different this year.

Contact YDP Work and Travel today!Amazing Hospitality & Culinary opportunities in the UAE are waiting for you.Start your...
11/12/2025

Contact YDP Work and Travel today!
Amazing Hospitality & Culinary opportunities in the UAE are waiting for you.
Start your journey abroad now! ✈️🇦🇪✨

Step into the vibrant world of luxury hospitality in the United Arab Emirates! 🇦🇪From Dubai’s iconic skyline to Abu Dhabi’s cultural heritage, the UAE is a...

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Cape Town

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 08:00 - 17:00
Thursday 08:00 - 17:00
Friday 08:00 - 17:00

Telephone

+27716600931

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