[gemelli]

Hi all,
I am thinking about going to croatia for a few months this summer. I would like to stay on the coast somewhere and hope to find some work when i am there. Has anyone done this before and have any suggestions about where to go and what type of work is available? Cheers!

[rebeccapatrick]

Croatia is in a little different playing field right now than its counterparts in Central and Eastern Europe since it isn't experiencing the influx of tourists that it once had. (Although they're still there and you'll see many in the warm months.) In other places you might be able to find work in hostels, backpacker type bars and clubs, and other tourist-y venues that tend to hire young people throughout the season. The people that I know that are in Croatia right now and are not citizens (doesn't seem to matter if they're Euro, Canadian, or American) are having a really difficult time finding jobs because the businesses just aren't there yet. Split didn't even have a full time, year-round hostel until a couple of months ago (and it's still not REALLY up and running yet) and Dubrovnik only has one. (Considering that Cesky Krumlov in Czech has about ten and is the size of my high school is saying something.) Most budget travellers tend to stay in private rooms and small guesthouses. My advice is this: try the local Internet cafes. I have found the most helpful information from the people that work there. There are two great ones in Split and both owners will be more than happy to set you on the right path. There may be pension owners on some of the islands that need seasonal help and the internet cafes themself might be looking for someone. (A really nice Aussie works at the one near the bus station.) In Dubrovinik I would reccommend the same thing. These places tend to be gathering places where messages and other items of interest are posted. You MIGHT have better luck in Zagreb. Check at the Ravnice Hostel and talk to Vera. She can at least point you in the right direction.

I know this is wordy. Sorry about that! I would say that all in all, getting tehre around late May would be the ideal to start job searching. But don't expect too much at first. There are a lot of people down there looking already, and most of them are local.

[uktrail]

"Most budget travellers tend to stay in private rooms and small guesthouses."

Yes, they do this BECAUSE there are almost no hostels. If there were hostels and they were good and known about, I'm sure they would get a lot of visitors.

I know someone who contributes to another travel forum who is probably getting a job working on a campsite in the Pula area of Croatia.

If you can speak a bit of the language you will be greatly respected and will have an advantage on those who dont.

[rebeccapatrick]

"Most budget travellers tend to stay in private rooms and small guesthouses."

Yes, they do this BECAUSE there are almost no hostels. If there were hostels and they were good and known about, I'm sure they would get a lot of visitors.


--- Yes, that's what I meant. I guess I just didn't say it clearly enough. I'm actually in Split right now and checked out the new hostel. I think I'll still be staying in my fave sobe. Wasn't that impressed.