working at a hostel?

[Elizabeth]

How does one go about getting a job at a hostel? How easy would it be to find a job from home rather than flying to Europe and then just finding one by chance?

What do you usually do (reception? cleaning? both?) and for how long per day? Do they just give you a free bed or do you get some money as well?

[bellelass]

Dont bother trying to get one from home. Sometimes you need a work visa, mostly they dont care. Generally, if you speak english (at least in britain) you'll be behind the desk rather than cleaning. But seriously, its a shit job. 9 out of 10 people who come in are total assholes or worse. Completely thankless. That said, I do have quite a colorful collection of tales from my time as a receptionist and I dont think I'd trade the experience. I also dont think Id do it again.

[bellelass]

Also, the hours and compensation vary from hostel to hostel. At mine, I worked around 40-45 hours a week and made five pounds an hour. twenty of that went for a bed in the staff room, though I never really paid. heh. Other places give you a bed in exchange for a few hours of chores. It really just depends.

[zylah]

at the hostel I'm staying in now, you can work for 2 hours and get a free night. most of the work is cleaning, but there is also reception. or you can sell 14 hours for 50 pounds but its not much pay.