Harvesting Jobs Abroad For First-Time Applicants
The first-time international-traveller should do the seasonal agricultural labour in other countries. It is an entry level agricultural position, which needs little/no experience and is good paid in addition to introducing you to a new culture. You do not need to find a job in some expensive resorts, and it is most genuine to have your hands dirty in one of the foreign fields, which is also the most cost-effective way to visit the world.
It is a guidebook to all the safe steps you take to land your first harvest laborer job and transform your traveling fantasy into a real one with steps to follow and program specifications.
The Best Places to work as an Entry-Level Seasonal Farm Worker
The most favorable countries to which first-time applicants can apply include organized visa schemes tailored to temporary agricultural employees making the legal procedures much easier and the payment fair.
Visa-Sponsored Work
In Europe, lots of countries operate national or sponsored schemes so that it is now possible to obtain a visa to work a season in another country without a general WHV.
- France (Vineyard Worker): The vendange (grape harvest) in September/October is global fame. Though formal visas may be tricky, several farms employ locals to work on the farms and to travel.
- Germany and Poland: There are great places to be on working the asparagus, strawberry, or even the vegetable harvest with an official seasonal work permit.
- Spain: It has good chances of picking citrus and olives especially in Andalucia.
None on farm Work Overseas
Of you are afraid of not having experience jobs on farms abroad, you need not be worried! The jobs are meant to be repetitive and heavy work rather than specialized.
Fruit Picking and Vegetable Picking
This is the traditional seasonal employment. The reason you are paid is to select, harvest and even pack produce with great caution.
- Main responsibilities: Hand picking when the fruits are at optimum maturity, crates lifting, sorting and grading of produce.
- Fruit Picking: It requires a good degree of physical fitness since it requires standing, bending, and reaching of up to 8-10 hours per day.
Packing Shed Work
Sometimes not as physically challenging as the picking and packing shed jobs, sorting, cleaning, and preparing the newly harvested products to be moved is a part of the job. This would be a wonderful option to those employees who would want a work inside.
Farm Hand / General Labour
This general category comprises of activities such as irrigation installation, pruning, weeding, and general repairs. However, a Farm Hand Gap Year experience can be as diverse as possible and will give you a significant amount of agricultural skills.
The safe way to find your first harvesting job
The greatest problem of a first time applicant is to evade scams and seek ethical seasonal job overseas. This step-by-step manual can help you to protect yourself.
Get the Right Visa/ Permit First.
It is advisable to first find out what your legal status regarding working in the country is.
- WHV Countries (Australia, NZ): Get the Working Holiday Visa.
- Sponsored Schemes (UK, Canada SAWP): A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued by a Government-Approved Seasonal Recruiter or Operator is required prior to making an application to the Requirement of Seasonal Work Permits.
Use Authoritative and Authorized Channels
Should not pay an initial fee to any job placement agency who is not a certified Seasonal Worker Scheme Agency.
- UK: Official scheme operators approved by the Home Office should be used (e.g., Concordia, Pro-Force).
- New Zealand: See the list of employers of RSE scheme.
- Australia: Check the register of Seasonal Labor Job Boards such as Harvest Trail or the official government resource pages to confirm the credibility of the farm.
Understand the Pay Structure
Before working it is always important to clarify if the Fruit Picking Pay rate is Hourly vs Piece rate.
- Hourly Rate: Minimum wage is guaranteed no matter the quantity you collect.
- Piece Rate: This is paid by the cubic ( crate, bucket or kilo ). You have the chance of earning a lot more when you work fast, but you can also make very little when you work slow. Always ensure that the piece rate is legally in a position to exceed the minimum wage.
Accommodation and Safety should be prioritized
Living conditions are the major determinants of the quality of life as a seasonal farm worker.
- Search specifically Farm Work with Accommodation Provided because it removes the anxiety of trying to locate a place to reside in the countryside.
- Consider the reviews of former workers in order to be assured of good Farm Work Health and Safety Overseas standards.
Consider Volunteer Work
In case you want to save money is not your biggest priority and you are interested in traveling and experiencing the culture, visit non-paid sites such as Farm Stay Work Exchange programs (WWOOF or HelpX). You get to eat free and have free room in return of few hours work a day. It is a brilliant low-commitment approach of experiencing a Life as a Seasonal Agricultural Worker.
FAQs
Will I be required to speak the native language?
It is not to work there because most of the fruit picking works overseas have been populated by foreign laborers supervised by English speaking managers. Nevertheless, basic local language knowledge (e.g. in France or Spain) will make your travelling experience much more fulfilling.
What should I pack?
Sturdy work shoes, a wide hat, sun protective clothing, durable clothing, and a reusable water bottle. Simple first-aid kits are also required.
How much money can I expect to save?
This varies wildly. You can make substantial savings in the high-wage WHV countries (Australia, NZ) particularly in cases where accommodation is cheap or included. In Europe, the wage may not be higher, but usually it will be enough to cover you living expenses, and you can travel later.
Is it a safe place to a female traveling alone?
Yes, but caution is essential. Always select Government-Approved Seasonal Recruiter programs and provide your place of work and employer information to someone at home that you can trust.
Is this an experience that I can include in my resume/CV?
Absolutely. It shows great work ethic, physical endurance, cross cultural communication and flexibility, which is very desirable in workplace.
Final Thought
Going to work as a harvester in a foreign country is not only a proving ground, a tryout of endurance, but also a travel course of the cultural multiculture and an unforgettable economic shot in the air, go-around-the-world barrel. With a good plan, a check of your employer and you will soon be spending the rewarding and sun-filled Life as a Seasonal Agricultural Worker.
Disclaimer
This employment information is provided on an educational and informational basis. Before applying, please ensure that the information is correct by check on the formal employer site or government.