Summer Jobs in Portugal

The guide to getting in first and securing the best summer jobs in Portugal

Yes I know it’s September, the summer’s over and the kids are back at school already - but when it comes to finding summer holiday work abroad did you know that you will find the best paying and most exciting opportunities if you plan and research well in advance?

Summer jobs in Portugal for example range from working in hotels and on golf courses to working as travel company representatives, teachers, estate agents, guides or in bars and restaurants.  Naturally enough the best jobs are always little advertised and massively over subscribed, so this is your essential guide to finding the best summer jobs in Portugal for 2007.

As Portugal is such a popular summer holiday location the majority of jobs available are related in one way or another to the travel industry.  Some of the best jobs with excellent perks but long hours are working as travel and tour reps for the leading travel companies. 

Reps will be required to do everything from airport runs and sorting out dramas, crises and complaints to organising extra tours and entertainment - and the life led by such individuals is usually high pressure, fast paced but massively fun and rewarding.

Pay levels vary and there is often a performance based scale; those who are interested in such a position and the chance to live in Portugal for at least a summer season could consider doing an internet based search on something like ‘package holidays Portugal’ to find out which tour operators work in Portugal in the summer and via their websites a direct application for employment can be made by sending a brief covering letter describing the position requested and why the individual in question feels they are right for the job.

GapYear.com, the leading website for those looking to take some time out and travel and work overseas, states quite clearly that to get summer jobs in Europe December and January are the best times to apply to tour operators as this is when they begin recruiting for the coming summer period.

Those with TEFL qualifications can find work by applying early to language schools in Portugal which offer summer schools.  Again one of the best ways to find such work is by doing an internet based search on something like ‘learn English in Portugal’ or by going to the British Council’s site or specific TEFL based sites.  All have listings of institutions where TEFL teachers are required.  Teaching English as a foreign language can be hugely rewarding, relatively well paid, low stress and it can allow for the person looking for a summer job in Portugal to have plenty of free time to sunbathe, relax and explore.

Golf is a hugely popular sport in Portugal with the Algarve region home to many world renowned courses, those with experience as greenskeepers, caddies, trainers or who are looking for work as bar or restaurant staff within slightly more sophisticated settings than a beach front location for example can of course approach specific courses and enquire about summer vacancies.

Generally speaking those who are determined to get summer jobs in Portugal should begin targeting their preferred niche as soon as possible to ensure their application is at the top of the pile and that they are considered before and above all other candidates.