I.C.E. Internships
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About Wellington
In our survey of New Zealand cities to house our urban-based internships, Wellington stood out above the rest. As the country's capital city, Wellington is a sea-side gem with a vibrant population energized by numerous universities and travelers. The city has a population approaching 180,824, while the region boasts 450,765. The earliest name for Wellington from Maori legend is Te Upoko o te Ika a Maui, which means the head of Maui's fish. Caught and pulled to the surface by Polynesian navigator Maui, the fish became New Zealand's North Island.
Bound by its magnificent harbour, with wooden Victorian buildings terraced up steep hills, New Zealand's capital boasts spectacular views, challenging walks, a thriving cafe and entertainment scene, and serious dedication to the arts make Wellington an enormously enjoyable place in which to spend a few days.
Wellington boasts an impressive array of museums ranging from maritime exhibits to natural history to indiginous and modern art. And while the countryside may not be known for its cuisine, Wellington celebrates some of the best of Asian and middle-eastern cuisine in the Pacific.
It will not be difficult to make friends in Wellington as university students and travelers pour into the streets, pubs and discotecs after nightfall on a nightly basis.
Youth Hostel Management
The YHA is much more than just a place to stay, it is about the spirit of travel - challenge your spirit, stretch your mind, choose your adventure.
YHA hostel facilities are the gateway to a cultural exploration of New Zealand and its natural environment, with the overriding philosophy 'Travel without a Trace' or in Maori 'Toitu te whenua - leave the land undisturbed'. A not-for-profit incorporated society, owned by the members, it is a pioneer in the backpacking industry worldwide. Its charter provides a framework from which the New Zealand organization strives to develop its hostels into Sustainable Living Centers (SLC) that help to minimize YHA's impact on the environment.
The SLC's also provide the opportunity for the traveler to gain knowledge and practical experience in conservation practices, that can be easily adopted in their own communities back home. The Organization's Environment Care Code encourages all travelers to play an active role in conserving the environment - 'leave all stones unturned'.
This internship at the Wellington City YHA provides the opportunity to be situated in the capital - the political and cultural hub of New Zealand. This dynamic city boasts fantastic cafes, bars, restaurants, cinemas, theatres, museums and galleries. You will also have the opportunity to take time out to travel during this internship in order to contribute to visitors' enquiries and possibly assisting in the YHA's travel booking service for those planning, reserving and ticketing transport, accommodation and activities.
This internship at the Wellington City YHA provides the opportunity to be situated in the capital - the political and cultural hub of New Zealand. This dynamic city boasts fantastic cafes, bars, restaurants, cinemas, theatres, museums and galleries. You will also have the opportunity to take time out to travel during this internship in order to contribute to visitors' enquiries and possibly assisting in the YHA's travel booking service for those planning, reserving and ticketing transport, accommodation and activities.
Forget drab dormitory-style hostels, this is a vibrant modern hostel with private and shared accommodation (some with en suite facilities), a well-equipped kitchen, large comfortable lounges, even laundry facilities with a TV and harbor views! An intern will be expected to 'roll up their sleeves' and to be involved in all aspects of the management of this hostel. All the staff are young (many from other countries) and, therefore, you are guaranteed a great time socially, while being part of a pioneering hostelling organization committed to environmental education and protection.
Travel Consultancy
Interested in gaining job skills in travel industry management and working in a fast-paced, fun environment? I.C.E. and Wellington's main information center have kicked off a partnership that will allow interns the opportunity to work on the frontline in directing tourists to the four corners of the country. Located in the heart of the capital city, the central location is a magnet for New Zealand visitors. After some study, you will advise on places to stay, adventures to pursue, as well as making bookings for ferry trips and other outings. You will be joined by an internationally diverse crew of fellow interns (along with locals from nearby Victoria University) as you gain experience working with clients and attending meetings in which continually changing travel information is processed and distributed.
This internship is ideal for someone interested in pursuing a Travel Industry Management or even a Hotel Management career. The dynamic of working with a transient population in a professional setting will help you develop the cooperation, efficiency, and communication skills necessary for quality customer service. Interns need to be outgoing, personable, patient, willing to share information, and must have a good work ethic to find success in this challenging profession.
Job responsibilities include:
Ship's Mate
Ahoy matey! If you have a love of boats, vast oceans, and salty breezes, we have the internship for you. The opportunity to share the high seas with Skipper Dan awaits. Skipper Dan, whose homeport is Wellington, is the master of a seventy-two foot launch that takes clients out for trips across Cook Strait; this is the stretch of water that separates the two islands of New Zealand. Your duties include serving as a deckhand on both half-day and several-day voyages. When there is fishing, you will help bait the hooks and assist clients in landing the catch (usually blue cod). The position demands a strong work ethic and people skills.
There is always something to be done on a boat--from general maintenance, cleaning, and polishing, to giving the hull a good barnacle scrape. This is an opportunity to discover if you have what it takes to succeed in the service industry. Being a good mate means you are attentive to clients' needs and perform tasks without being asked twice. The launch is moored on the docks opposite Wellington's city center. As such, the internship allows for enjoyment of both the city and sea. Meet new friends working on other boats and students attending nearby universities.
Housing for the internship may be aboard the launch or a combination of shipboard and land-based accommodation. Within walking distance from the dock are countless cafes and restaurants, internet shops, major museums, and numerous pubs and night clubs. This is the perfect marine internship, available in one of the best natural harbors in the world, with a myriad of cultural and social activities for you to enjoy right at the water's edge.