Jacinta Da Silva – Mirasol
I would love to take this opportunity to thank Workaway for this amazing opportunity! I’m loving my job and my apartment. I’ve made so many friends and family here. It’s just been blessed! Thanks once again for this amazing once in a lifetime opportunity to grow. Love you guys! Keep making people’s dreams come true.
Natricia Heenen – Boca West
I had a really good experience with Workaway. I’d just like to thank everyone that made it possible and gave me an opportunity like this I worked at Boca West country club my time there was phenomenal…. I made lots of overtime I had great managers etc. The friends I met have opened doors for me and the lessons I have learned I will never forget. Experience of a life time! I’ll go on to recommend this to all young people in the future…THE MOST IMPORTANT THING I want to share with you is that I have reached my goal in life I’m 22 years old and with the money I saved in Florida I came back and bought my house. Not cash however I put R100 000 down… I’m now studying at the International Hotel School and I feel a lot more advanced than most students because of what I learned at Boca West country club.
Mother of Melani and Clarissa Gouws – Boca West
This thank you letter is long overdue, and for that I apologise. Both Melani and Clarissa have settled in and are very, very happy to be in sunny Florida! Melani was a bit homesick for the first couple of weeks, but when she got over that she has not looked back once.
We will be forever grateful to you and you absolutely fantastic staff who dealt so efficiently and professionally with all the aspects of this opportunity for our kids. We are especially grateful that you were willing to give Melani a second chance. It has turned out to be the best decision she has ever made. She told me yesterday that she would love to stay on for another six months if any of the other country clubs will have her! Clarissa is also keen on staying on, so whatever the clubs are offering these kids, they are doing it right!
We miss them terribly, but we know that they are fine, that they are taking huge steps to becoming independent young adults and that they are safe, thanks to you, your team and your partners in the USA.
Thank you very very much, from the bottom of my heart! I hope that all of you have a blessed Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year.
Sunel Bodenstein – Mirasol
Workaway gave me the opportunity to see and experience the US and that’s where I realised what my dream was and now I’m busy recording my upcoming Pop/Rock album! Such an amazing journey!
Sarah Randles – Boca West
I’d like to thank Charlotte and the team for everything they’ve done with this programme. I’ve just finished up my last day of work at Boca West Country Club, and what an amazing 6 months it has been. I’m flying back to SA on Wednesday, very excited to see all my friends and family.
To everyone that’s applying to work in Florida you’re going to have the time of your life! It’s hard work, and there are times you will miss home (especially Xmas time) BUT America is amazing! There is so much to do and see. Every day was a new adventure! You make a ton of new friends who become your family, and the working environment I had was amazing. I am so blessed to have been a part of such an awesome programme as Workaway, thank you so much!!
Nolwandle Ngwenya – Glen Eagles
I would just like to thank the Workaway International team for giving me an opportunity to experience working abroad with an awesome country club named Gleneagles in Delray and enjoying USA, Florida. My experience was extraordinary. I managed to work hard and competently from the beginning of the season till the very last day. I have learnt a lot and I certainly have grown as a person. Gaining international experience is a good asset for my resume back here in South Africa. I am glad I took the opportunity and will definitely be part this experience again.
Dorothy Du Plessis – Parent of participant at Boca West Country Club
My husband and I are currently in America with Elania! We came to visit her. At the moment we are in a hotel for the night, on our way to Chicago. Just wanted to thank Workaway again for the opportunity that you have given our children. They have experienced so much! Not only have they learnt a lot about themselves but have also experienced and developed in terms of relationships, work ethic etc. THANK YOU!
Samuel Ntuli – Admirals Cove
I would to thank everyone who is working at Workaway International. You are so brilliant and dedicated. Keep up the good work, you are Angels of God! Thank you Charlotte for leading Workaway Team! Now I’m going to enrich myself at Admirals Cove and gain more experience in hospitality industry.
Shaun Gillespie – Woodfield
Just came across Workaway’s website today and wanted to thank Workaway for getting me to where I am today. Well it has been 6 years since I last worked for you guys. I worked at Woodfield Country Club back in 2005 and 2006 season and then The Landings Club in Savannah in 2006, where I met my wife. We have been married for 3 years and I have my permanent green card, amazing how time flies and things change. I am the restaurant manager at a private resident club called Grand Lake Lodge and Spa in Savannah.
Just wanted to thank you and say how much I appreciate everything you guys did to help me take the first steps to getting to the States and helping me move in the right direction.
Busie Isabel Makhanya – Boca West
The experience thus far is just amazing! I stay with great people, I work with a wonderful team, the work environment is so great and different…the party was a blast! I had a great time everything was well organized! The transportation is just great… Life here is awesome so far, it has exceeded my expectations! Thank you it’s an experience of a lifetime! It’s awesome!
Doug Henderson – Boca Grove
Doug Henderson here, just saying hi, I went on your program with Workaway in 2009 October and I just got back on the 5 October 2011. I started at Boca Grove (Florida), then the Sagamore (New York), Pelican Bay (Naples), the Sagamore (New York), Keywest (Florida) and then lastly back to the Sagamore.
Americans love South Africans, I have had the time of my life there, and am wanting to go back and work and travel some more.
This message was to thank you for all your help in the initial step of getting me to the States with no problems!!
Jabulile Mtambo Fazakas – Hunters Run
Thank you for my birthday wish. Not only have you made my day, you have also rewritten my entire future. I’ve got a lot to thank you for, never met you in person but you have made a lot of difference in my life, through the Workaway program. The staff at Workaway both in South Africa and in the USA are amazing people. I got to see the world, met and made friends all over, met my husband and we are expecting our first child. Extremely grateful to you all!
Russell Van Wyk – Mariner Sands Golf & Country Club
“Just want to extend my gratitude and thanks to you and your team for the hard work you put into getting me to the USA. I really loved where I worked and can’t wait to start at Windsor Country Club next season. Everyone did an amazing job in taking care of us while we are there and I’m recommending Workaway to everyone.”
Michelle Lowe – Boca West Country Club
“I have been home just over a month now and I just wanted to say a huge thanks for everything you do for everyone, my experience was amazing and if it wasn’t for your help I would never have had it. I made amazing friends and learnt so much.”
Illze Lubbe (daughter Liandi) – Sailfish Point
“Just want to thank you for the opportunity Workaway gave my daughter Liandi Lubbe to do her practical training in the USA! She came back more mature but is still my sparkling, bubbly little miss sunshine! The way you treat the participants is something to remember.”
Wendy Hutton – The Country Club at Mirasol
“I come from a very big and close family and was very nervous about stepping out alone from my comfort zone (and into another country). Workaway was my safety net in South Africa and in the USA. They as well as all the friends I made on the program are now an extension of my own family!”
Charlene Persence – Boca West Country Club
“Whether you go on the program once or twice, it’s the best thing you can do. Put in some hard work, show respect and a ton of great attitude – you’ll be hooked! The friends that are made become family. It’s the best you can do to have your dreams fulfilled. Workaway rocks!”
Bevan Arendse – Addison Reserve Country Club
“I want to extend my thanks and appreciation for all your time, effort and care. During my injury you were a great help. Thank you for being there as a mother, friend and as my agency representative”.
Michelle Ganas – St. Andrews Country Club
“I thank Workaway for helping me build a dream and for as long as I possibly can I will always be part of Workaway International. I always recommend my friends to join in on this family of fun.”
Joseph Noma – Addison Reserve Country Club
“A warm and wonderful greetings to you all from New York! I do hope that this email finds you well! Well, another fun winter season has come and gone, it’s amazing how time flies when you working hard, hahah, just kidding, the past winter like any other was fun and filled with a lot of new experiences once again. I just want to take a second to thank you all for the wonderful effort each one of you put in making every season an amazing experience for all from immigration paperwork to accommodation arrangements in Florida to the fun field day tours that you organize. My sincere gratitude to those working behind the scenes, ensuring that we get our paychecks on time, helping us with the internet connections and so on. The season almost didn’t end very well for me due to an injury at work, a big thank you for being by my bedside and ensuring that I got all the necessary medical assistance and getting me home when I got discharged from hospital. Thank you for driving me to and from the doctor visits, really appreciate it! Thank you very much for always being polite to us over the phone and giving us the best possible answers every time we inquire about various HR related questions. I was really touched by the quick response and the assistance with my back injuries. Once again, my sincere gratitude to each and every one of you wonderful people.”
Eduan Van Der Merwe – Wade Hampton Golf Club
“Away from the big city, away from the lights. In the middle of the mountains lies the jewel of North Carolina. It will take your breath away every time you arrive at Wade Hampton. The members and staff are your family and you never want to leave. The wildlife and nature is like no other you have experienced before. Work hard and be rewarded with a dream come true and an opportunity that you will remember forever!”
Chandre Steenkamp – Boca West Country Club
“I just truly want to thank you for the most amazing experience of my life! You gave me the opportunity to work and travel in the most beautiful state-Florida!!! I had the time of my life!! You also made all my dreams come true! I have very exciting news! During my 6 months at Boca West, I fell in love with a South African who worked in golf- Eduan Van Der Merwe! We got engaged and we are getting married in South Africa next year. Thank you so much for this amazing opportunity!!! You are the most amazing company I have ever worked with!!! Best of luck with all your new applicants!!!”
Kim Rutgers – St. Andrews Country Club
“Workaway has given me the platform to fulfill my travelling dreams and enrich my resume with international skills and qualifications! The friendships I have made have been amazing!!! Thanks Workaway!”
Natasha Venter – Boca West Country Club
“Being part of the 2008/2009 program of Workaway was truly a life changing experience. Professionally it taught me that if I put my mind to something, I can achieve anything. Coming from an accounting background I thought I would struggle. The program also gave me a lot of confidence professionally. Personally my (now) husband proposed to me at Universal Studios and we got married 11 months later. Thank you for the wonderful program.”
Julien Fielden – Glen Oaks Club
“If it wasn’t for Workaway I don’t know where I would be right now. Going to the States changed my life.”
Miranda Piet – Mariner Sands Golf & Country Club
“I had an amazing time. Thank you so much.”
Eion Snell – Boca West Country Club
“Thanks Workaway for everything, I had the best 3 years in Florida and New York, you guys do a great job.”
Astrid Jacobs – Hunters Run Golf & Racquet Club
“Thanks for all you do, I had a great time!”
Mogamat Abrahams – Sailfish Point
“Last two days in Florida and I am sad because I love this place and the people so much. Thank you kindly for this opportunity, it was the best time I ever had in my life.”
Kathleen O’Farrell – Boca West Country Club
“I would just like to say going to the States was the best thing in my life, it was a great experience.”
Zita Hearne – Sailfish Point
“Thank you for everything. I had a sensational season at Sailfish Point, was a perfect fit for me. Doug, Jacob and Adam were great, I learnt a lot from them. I am so excited because I leave for New Jersey on the 12 May going to Baltusrol Golf Club, so keen to see what lies ahead. Hope to come back to Sailfish Point next season; I met so many incredible people, thank you, thank you”.
Inge Zinkfontein – Palm Beach Country Club
“I would just like to take the opportunity to thank you and your team for giving me the opportunity to go to the USA. It was an unforgettable experience that can never be taken away from me. I really had a wonderful season at Palm Beach Country Club and met a lot of wonderful people which I am so certain will remain lifelong friends. Thank you for all the hard work you and the rest of the Workaway team has done to make all our South Africans experiences in America unforgettable. I will be sure to spread the word to my peers in South Africa about your amazing agency.”
Lee-Roy Staunton and Johan Prins – Boca Rio Golf Club
“Lee-Roy and myself just want to thank you for this opportunity. So far this has been a great experience. Day by day it keeps getting better. We want to specially thank you and the company for being so well organised in the manner that we had a place to stay “a beautiful apartment,” good pay, fun times and the chance for us to grow as a person.”
Rowan Munro – Sailfish Point
“I have only one season’s experience behind me but all the experience and opportunities that I have had are priceless and I would really like to share them with new participants who are looking for the same opportunities that I have had the fortunate pleasure of experiencing. I could see myself representing the awesome Country Club that I work for and sharing their quality of management and work ethic that they promote to new participants.”
Paul Van Staden – Boca West Country Club
“I would like to thank you and everyone involved in making this experience possible. I had probably the best 6 months of my life. I met some awesome people, made great friends and had a great time working at Boca West Country Club. My managers were better than I could have hoped for and we were assisted any and every time we needed it.”
