Greece Short-Term Work

Since traveling can get expensive, many travelers try their hand at odd jobs for a few weeks at a time to help finance another month or two of touring around. For citizens of Greece and of EU countries, getting a job in Greece is relatively simple. For all others, finding work in Greece can be difficult, as job opportunities are scarce, and the government tries to restrict employment to citizens and visitors from the EU. If your parents were born in an EU country, you may be able to claim dual citizenship or at least the right to a work permit. Arrive in the spring and early summer to search for hotel jobs (bartending, cleaning, etc.). Most nightspots don’t require much paperwork, but offer meager pay. Check the bulletin boards of hostels and the classified ads of local newspapers, such as the Athens News.

Another popular option is to work at a hostel in exchange for free or discounted room and/or board. Most often, these short-term jobs are found by word of mouth, or simply by talking to the owner of a hostel or restaurant. Due to the high turnover in the tourism industry, many places are eager for even temporary help.

Milos Beach Bar and Cafe, Skala, Kephalonia (May-Oct. ☎26710 83 188; Nov.-Apr. 83 231). Hires waitstaff, bartenders, and chefs for summer. Payment depends on qualifications and experience. Call in advance and ask for Joya Grouzi.
The Pink Palace, Agios Gordios, Corfu 490 84 (☎26610 53 103; www.thepinkpalace.com). Hires hotel staff, nightclub staff, and DJs. Send a letter of introduction, a resume, and a photo to Dr. George (georgegrammenos@yahoo.gr). Min. 2-month commitment required .

Further Reading On Beyond Tourism
Alternatives to the Peace Corps: A Directory of Global Volunteer Opportunities. Jennifer S. Willsea. Food First Books, 2003 (US$11).
Back Door Guide to Short-Term Job Adventures: Internships, Extraordinary Experiences, Seasonal Jobs, Volunteering, Working Abroad, by Michael Landes. Ten Speed Press, 2002 (US$21).
Green Volunteers: The World Guide to Voluntary Work in Nature. Fabio Ausenda. Universe, 2005 (US$15).
How to Get a Job in Europe. Robert Sanborn and Cheryl Matherly. Planning Communications, 2003 (US$23).
How to Live Your Dream of Volunteering Overseas, by Joseph Collins, Stefano DeZerega, and Zahara Heckscher. Penguin Books, 2002 (US$20).
International Directory of Voluntary Work, by Victoria Pybus. Peterson’s Guides and Vacation Work, 2007 (US$20).
International Job Finder: Where the Jobs Are Worldwide, by Daniel Lauber and Kraig Rice. Planning Communications, 2002 (US$20).
Invest Yourself: The Catalogue of Volunteer Opportunities, published by the Commission on Voluntary Service and Action, 1997 (US$8).
Live and Work Abroad: A Guide for Modern Nomads, by Huw Francis and Michelyne Callan. Vacation-Work Publications, 2001 (US$16).
Summer Jobs Abroad 2007. Victoria Pybus and David Woodworth. Vacation Work Publications, 2004 (US$20).
Volunteer Vacations: Short-term Adventures That Will Benefit You and Others, by Doug Cutchins, Anne Geissinger, and Bill McMillon. Chicago Review Press, 2003 (US$18).
Work Abroad: The Complete Guide to Finding a Job Overseas, by Clayton A. Hubbs. Transitions Abroad Publishing, 2002 (US$16).
Work Your Way Around the World, by Susan Griffith. Vacation Work Publications, 2005 (US$22).