OTW roles and progression

Our aim is for every participant who joins our programmes to gain important skills such as confidence and leadership. We measure success by giving programme participants the opportunity to progress to leading teams themselves, getting paid to travel abroad and enhancing their CVs and leadership experience in their holidays. 

There are a limited number of positions available for programme participants who want to take on more responsibility. These positions are subsidised. You can apply for one of these positions on the application form for each destination.

CURRENTLY RECRUITING

What benefits do you get?

  • As OTW representatives, you will receive £50* for each participant you refer who is accepted onto the programme. There is no limit to this bonus (up to the maximum number of places available)
  • The responsibility of the role adds depth and experience to your resume, and gives you concrete real-life examples to use in interviews
  • Sales and marketing experience
  • No need to reapply – you can stay a representative until you turn 30
* You can either receive this as credit off your own trip or directly in your bank account. If you are coming on a trip with us you can benefit from our referral offer (give £200 to a friend, get £200 off your own trip) for the first person you refer. For any additional person you refer after this you will receive £50.
 

Who are we looking for?

OTW Representatives should demonstrate some or all of the following qualities:

  • Sociable, friendly, well-connected
  • Go-getter energy

Trips cannot run unless at least 4 places are filled. The OTW Representative role will be to market these positions to their extended networks in order for the trips to go ahead. So bonus items for your application (not essential) include:

  • Shows potential to be good at sales during interview or written responses
  • Knowledge of or experience with socials, both organic and paid (Tiktok, Instagram etc.)
  • Creative skills e.g. videography, photography, graphic design 
  • Proficiency in additional languages (as well as English)
  • Signing up to an OTW trip yourself 

How do I apply?

Click the ‘Apply Now’ button below to go to the Sri Lanka application page, follow the instructions for the OTW Representative role. If you want to be a OTW Representative but don’t have time to go to Sri Lanka this summer, please use the same link.

Can I apply for other roles?

Yes, you can select to be considered for all available roles through the application form 

 

What does the role involve?

The Deputy Lead plays a crucial role in supporting the Team Lead to ensure the smooth operation and success of our Global Travel Programmes. This position requires a highly organised and adaptable individual with strong leadership and interpersonal skills. The Deputy Lead will assist in planning, coordinating, and managing all aspects of the trip, ensuring a safe, enjoyable, and enriching experience for all participants. Key responsibilities include: 

  • Travel coordination (e.g. assist the Team Lead in planning and coordinating travel between different destinations)
  • Organising activities (e.g. attractions, classes and events) 
  • Emergency assistance (e.g. provide support in any emergency situations and maintain an emergency contact list)
  • Timekeeping and group management (e.g. assist in managing the group’s activities and movements, keeping everyone informed and organised)
  • Participant wellbeing and situational awareness (e.g. keep an eye on both internal group dynamics and external factors, escalating any potential issues to the Team Lead promptly.
  • Mentorship (provide guidance and support to participants, helping them navigate challenges and make the most of their experience, foster a sense of community and teamwork within the group)
  • Administrative duties (assist as required e.g. expense tracking)
  • Social media management (e.g. documenting the trip through photos / videos, uploading Instagram stories)
  1.  

What benefits do you get?

  • Programme cost partially subsidised by OTW (£200 subsidy towards the 16-day programme cost, £100 subsidy towards the 12-day programme)
  • Progression to Team Lead after assessment 
  • Resume enhancement 
  • Strong examples to use in competency-based interviews for graduate jobs

Who are we looking for?

Deputy Leads should have the same qualities as Student Representatives, as well as the following:

  • EITHER: 1 or more OTW trips under their belt
  • OR: No OTW trips taken yet but an experienced solo traveller 
  • OR: No OTW trips taken yet but demonstrates strong leadership and/or organisational capabilities 

Deputy Leads will always be paired with a Team Lead

How do I apply?

Click the ‘Apply Now’ button below to go to the Sri Lanka application page and follow the instructions.

Can I apply for other roles?

Yes, you may choose to be considered for all available roles through the application form. However, please note that you cannot simultaneously serve as both a Deputy Lead and a Media Representative. If you apply for both positions, OTW will determine which role, if any, will be offered to you.

DEADLINE: 30 AUGUST 2024

EXCLUSIVE opportunity this summer – subsidised trip available for amateur media and content creators (e.g. photographers, videographers, micro-influencers, student press). 

What does the role involve?

  • Depending on your area of expertise, we will set expectations during the application process on a case-by-case basis
  • As an example, for photographers, we will expect at least 20-30 high quality usable images and videos by the end of the programme, showcasing most activities in our itinerary and our participants. Please consider joining the trip only if it genuinely interests you, independent of the media component, as this is not a fully paid professional assignment. We also reserve the right to decide on the purchase of royalty-free licenses for your images after reviewing them.
  • We’d like to use the images royalty-free for digital purposes on our website and social media channels, in perpetuity. We can negotiate a lump sum payment with you for a set of images. You retain the rights to publish or license these images elsewhere, as we do not require exclusivity.

What benefits do you get?

  • Subsidised travel (£200 subsidy towards the 16-day programme cost, £100 subsidy towards the 12-day programme)
  • Portfolio enhancement 

How do I apply?

Click the ‘Apply Now’ button below to go to the Sri Lanka application page and follow the instructions. 

Can I apply for other roles?

Yes, you may choose to be considered for all available roles through the application form. However, please note that you cannot simultaneously serve as both a Deputy Lead and a Media Representative. If you apply for both positions, OTW will determine which role, if any, will be offered to you.

DEADLINE: 30 AUGUST 2024

Role descriptions

Student Reps
Deputy lead
Team Lead
Application status

NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS

Open by invitation only

Not yet open

What benefits do you get?
  • As student representatives for your university or school, you will receive £100* for each student you refer who is accepted onto the programme. There is no limit to this bonus (up to the maximum number of places available)
  • The responsibility of the role adds depth and experience to your resume, and gives you concrete real-life examples to use in interviews
  • Sales and marketing experience
  • No need to reapply – you can stay a student representative until you turn 25
* You can either receive this as credit off your own trip or as cash in your bank account
  • Programme cost partially subsidised by OTW 
  • Progression to Team Lead after assessment 
  • Resume enhancement 
  • Strong examples to use in competency-based interviews for graduate jobs
  • Programme cost completely subsidised by OTW
  • Flights paid for (dates of your choice – allowing you to travel for as long as you like after you lead an OTW trip)
  • Flexibility to lead trips whenever it suits your schedule. Even with a full time job, OTW trips only require 12 days of paid leave (4 days are weekends so do not come out of your holiday allowance). In the UK holiday allowances are typically 28-35 days. Many jobs also provide longer opportunities to take time out e.g. qualification leave after 2 years as a trainee solicitor, sabbaticals 
  • Resume and personal profile enhancement 
What are we looking for?

Student Representatives should demonstrate some or all of the following qualities:

  • Sociable, friendly, well-connected
  • Go-getter energy
  • Student at or graduate of a top 50 global university

Trips cannot run unless at least 4 places are filled. The Student Representative role will be to market these positions to their extended networks in order for the trips to go ahead. So bonus items for your application (not essential) include:

  • Shows potential to be good at sales during interview or written responses
  • Knowledge of or experience with socials, both organic and paid (Tiktok, Instagram, Xiaohongshu)
  • Creative skills e.g. videography, photography, graphic design 
  • Proficiency in additional languages (as well as English)
  • Signing up to an OTW trip yourself 

Deputy Leads should have the same qualities as Student Representatives, as well as the following:

  • EITHER: 1 or more OTW trips under their belt
  • OR: No OTW trips taken yet but an experienced solo traveller 

Deputy Leads will always be paired with a Team Lead

Team Leads will have the same qualities as Deputy Leads, with the added criteria:

  • At least 2 OTW trips taken OR experienced solo travel experience and 1 OTW trip taken 
  • Proactive, self-motivated individual, someone who thinks on their feet, responds well to challenges, is flexible, adaptable and communicative. These are the qualities we seek to develop in all participants, so we firmly believe all Adventure Associates have it in them to make it to the Team Lead stage if they want to
  • Additional languages are advantageous (e.g. Chinese, Spanish, Russian, French, Portuguese, Hindi)

Role descriptions

Student Representatives

NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS

What benefits do you get?
  • As student representatives for your university or school, you will receive £100* for each student refer who is accepted onto the programme. There is no limit to this bonus (up to the maximum number of places available)
  • The responsibility of the role adds depth and experience to your resume, and gives you concrete real-life examples to use in interviews
  • Sales and marketing experience
  • No need to reapply – you can stay a student representative until you turn 25

*Either as credit off your own trip or cash in your bank account

What are we looking for?

Student Representatives should demonstrate some or all of the following qualities:

  • Sociable, friendly, well-connected
  • Go-getter energy
  • Student at or graduate of a top 50 global university

Trips cannot run unless at least 4 places are filled. The Student Representative role will be to market trip places to your extended networks in order for the trips to go ahead. So bonus items for your application (not essential) include:

  • Shows potential to be good at sales during interview or written responses
  • Knowledge of or experience with socials, both organic and paid (Tiktok, Instagram, Xiaohongshu)
  • Creative skills e.g. videography, photography, graphic design 
  • Additional language proficiency (as well as English)
  • Signing up to an OTW trip yourself 

Assistant Team Lead

Open by invitation only

  • Programme cost subsidised by OTW 
  • Progression to Team Lead after assessment 
  • Resume enhancement 
  • Strong examples to use in competency-based interview questions 

Assistant Team Leads should have the same qualities as Student Representatives, as well as the following:

  • EITHER: 1 or more OTW trips under their belt, not necessarily as an Adventure Associate ‘in training’
  • OR: No OTW trips taken yet but an experienced solo traveller 

Assistant Team Leads will always be paired with a Team Lead

Team Lead

Not currently open for applications

  • Programme cost completely subsidised by OTW
  • Flights paid for (dates of your choice – allowing you to travel for as long as you like after you lead an OTW trip)
  • Flexibility to lead trips whenever it suits your schedule. Even with a full time job, OTW trips only require 12 days of paid leave (4 days are weekends so do not come out of your holiday allowance). In the UK holiday allowances are typically 28-35 days. Many jobs also provide longer opportunities to take time out e.g. qualification leave after 2 years as a trainee solicitor, sabbaticals 
  • Resume and personal profile enhancement 

Team Leads will have the same qualities as Assistant Team Leads, with the added criteria:

  • At least 2 OTW trips taken OR experienced solo travel experience and 1 OTW trip taken 
  • Proactive, self-motivated individual, someone who thinks on their feet, responds well to challenges, is flexible, adaptable and communicative. These are the qualities we seek to develop in all participants, so we firmly believe all Adventure Associates have it in them to make it to the Team Lead stage
  • Additional languages are advantageous (e.g. Chinese, Spanish, Russian, French, Portuguese, Hindi)