[Yankee]

Hi all,

I'm a graduating high school student here in the US (17 years old). Lately i've been seriously considering catching a flight across the pond and working this summer in the UK. I think it would be a great experience to support myself for a couple months during summer break before I begin college here in America, while being able to live in and learn about another part of the world. Right now i'm just trying to figure out the logistics of such a plan.

I have some travel experience already (I was an exchange student to the Philippines for a full year) but none so far as having to support myself. Currently, i'm employed at a grocery store where I have worked for the past 9 months, and previously I was an intern last summer doing clerical work at a law office. Would I have much trouble finding an 'under the table' job while being in the UK on a tourist visa with my work experience? (I only plan on staying for 2 months - mid june to mid august). Would I be able to live on a low salary by myself, while still being able to pay for rent, food, transportation, and entertainment? I'd prefer to live/work in a larger city (london, manchester, liverpool, etc.) would this be considerably more difficult then finding employment out in the countryside?

I'm a very bright kid; eagle scout, 3.79 GPA, attending a good private college in the fall on a full scholarship, and i'll have about $2000USD saved up by mid june to fund my adventure (I figure it's enough for the flight and enough to get by for a week or two while I look for work), but does this sound like a realistic plan to anyone, or am I completely out of my mind? None of my friends would dream about taking such a risk, but I believe this could be one of the defining times of my life. Any advice?

[Bluey]

Perhaps it would be a little too adventurous for you to be deported back over the pond for working illegally or refused entry on landing here...

you might prefer to just be a tourist for that short period of time...

[teefay410]

It's good to have dreams. I did the same thing last summer except I was going to school for 5 weeks in Wales and while in the UK I met a guy fell deeply in love and decided to stay. I was fortunate to find 3 jobs in the UK where two were couple live-in jobs even though I didn't have a work visa for I am also an American. That's a really rare thing to find, especially a live in job, but I guess it was just my luck! I won't recommend going to the UK if you need to rely on finding work since we are not suppose to be working there but I definalty recommend you going for holiday... but SAVE MONEY! it can get expensive especially in larger cities like London. Good luck with everything though!

[kymm]

honestly? i think it might be hard getting a visa here.. i dunno though. have a look into it

i would say definatly give it a go! i did.. but just to warn you that i asnt planning on staying here long and its not been over 2 years