Can I make money in Europe?

[vintagemix]

I'm new here so be nice if this is a common topic... but I'm a bit desperate.

Ok here's my dilemma: I have three months off before I start college in the fall and I wanted to spend it backpacking through Europe but I need to make money this summer. Now, of course, I can't just sit around here all summer and make money (boring), so I thought "Work abroad! Easy enough, right?"

Well no, actually. I initally thought of spending my summer as an au pair or even teaching English somewhere in Europe. But all the programs charge like $1700 + airfare! And that just doesn't work for me cause I want to earn money- not give it away.

Anyway, does anyone have advice/experience of working abroad for a few months or over the summer? Even some good websites would really help me out, everyone around here really knows their stuff!

[lost in texas]

I've heard it's difficult to get most kinds of jobs without being European or having a work visa. Of course, you could always do cash jobs: bar tending, waiting tables, prostitution... ok, hopefully someone else will have more helpful information.

Welcome to the boards!

[aliz]

if you haven't already checked out gumtree.com, its worth a look. Lots of job ads there for all kinds of work, it's mainly london but has other major cities in the UK and some other countries. Most of the employers who advertise there want people with work visas though, i don't know where you're from so I'm not sure whether thats an issue. otherwise as lost in texas said, there are cash jobs aplenty over there. wouldn't recommend prostitution though. lol

[mowark]

It's alwasy possible to work under the table at hostels. I have been teaching English and working at a hostle in Budapest for a few months now. The best way to go about it is find a hostel with someone working there who is obviously not legal...like an American...and get to know them. Broach the topic and just see what happens. Of course, this isn't a guaranteed job, but it's a good possibility.

[McHopsky]

You probably cant make A LOT of money this way, but atleast its money and a job. My cousins travelled throughout Australia for a year and basically walked up to a farm, knocked on the door and asked if they need any help. They worked on a banana farm for a few months, got high everyday and got paid to chop down banana trees (?). It may be manual labor, but it would be a good experience and a good story to tell your kids, hah. In Europe it shouldnt be much differant. However, in the cities of Europe everyone speaks english, but in Switzerland's case, the further away from the city (the farms) the less they speak english, so knowing their language might help a little bit.

I met a guy who worked as a gardener at the Funny Farm in Interlaken and got to stay free and a little money on the side. Doesnt sound like a bad deal.

Good luck.