Global Citizenship vs University Degrees: Gen Z is Redefining the Future of Work and Travel

Employment expert shares insights on the future of work and travel and how those at all stages of life can make the most of work opportunities abroad.

The eight-hour-a-day, five-day workweek revolutionised work for the masses. Famously introduced in 1926 by Henry Ford of the Ford Motor Company, it has stood the test of time as our working standard for nearly a century. However, thanks to the unique characteristics of Gen Z, times are changing.

Kristian Webber, employment expert at B Corp™ certified youth-led work and travel brand JENZA says: “Gen Z is so much more than the social media obsessed stereotype. Financially pragmatic, entrepreneurial and health conscious; they are a generation known for valuing authenticity, diversity and community. It’s little wonder that they are ripping up the rulebook and wanting to live, work and travel on their own terms.

“Bringing an end to the increase in university applications we’ve seen over the last decade, in 2025 the number of 18-year olds applying for university plateaued – reducing marginally from 41.9% in 2024 to 41.2% .

“Not content with the traditional nine-to-five or working to the detriment of enjoying life, they are actively rejecting the system and forging their own path.

“The reason for this being simple – the incentive to go to university just doesn’t hold the same weight in today’s climate. With the combination of the rising cost of living and ever-increasing fees – the Government recently announced that, starting from 2026, university fees in England will increase in line with inflation – why would young people choose to give up life experiences for a lifetime of debt?

“Combining work and travel enables you to experience new destinations, immerse yourself in new cultures and communities all the while enhancing your employability with hands-on experience.

“And it won’t take long before we see a ripple effect amongst older generations – after all, why should the younger generation be the only ones to experience the benefits of combining work and travel?

“No matter what stage of life you’re at or whether you’re wanting to take an extended holiday, sabbatical or completely change your set-up, there are opportunities for everyone.”

Kristian shares his guide to work and travel for those at all stages of life, below.

• Summer abroad and enhance your CV

For those aged 18+ but who still have the benefit of an extended summer break, nine weeks at a US summer camp surrounded by like-minded people is a stand-out option. Not only will you be able to make the most of living out your childhood dream of experiencing a traditional summer camp, but you’ll be gaining valuable skills that will enhance your employability once you return home.

From coaching sports to teaching crafts, you’ll get to live in incredible locations, make friends from all over the world, and experience the joy that comes with knowing you’re doing a job that truly matters.

• Make an impact: volunteer abroad

Purpose beyond pay feels like a pipedream for most but it doesn’t have to be. Combining travel with volunteering provides the perfect opportunity to give back to a community and develop new skills all the while experiencing the thrill that comes with exploring a new destination.

If you’re on the fence about an extended career break, but want to experience living and working abroad, volunteering is the perfect first step as many programmes offer annual leave friendly two week placements allowing volunteers to work during the week, with evenings and weekends free to explore.

For those considering a sabbatical, you have the benefit of years of work and life experience, and savings to boot. Volunteering is the perfect opportunity to learn new skills and meet new people, providing new enriching experiences that will undoubtedly boost your CV.

• The new gap year: boost your CV with an international internship

So much more than pulling pints in a dodgy student bar down under, the term ‘gap year’ has come to refer to any significant break in a CV whether that’s pre or post uni, a mid-life career break or sabbatical. Put simply, combining career growth with meaningful travel is in.

For students and grads, an internship abroad is ideal as it allows you to earn as you explore all the while growing your network and levelling up your skillset.

There are also plenty of opportunities for those wanting to explore vocational opportunities. How does working as a photographer in Niseko, Japan sound? Construction work in Toronto, Canada? Landscaping in Big Sky, Montana, USA?

• Digital nomads: the new normal

Having gained popularity during the pandemic, digital nomadism and ‘workcations’ are for those seeking life beyond the traditional nine-to-five. With the ability to work from anywhere in the world and set your own hours, it’s often billed as the dream but with a significant increase in companies offering remote working, the dream is fast becoming a reality.

Our advice – make an effort to be an active member of the community. It’s easy to fall into the trap of only socialising with other ex-pats, but you’ll gain so much more from your experience by fully immersing yourself in the local community.

After all, what’s the point of travelling to the other side of the world, only to hang out with other Brits?

For free support finding your dream internship abroad, check out the JENZA Intern Hub: jenza.com/infohub/intern-hub

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For further press information, please contact:
Cait Lesko | Sarah Geppert | Elsa Findlay
Rooster.
T: +44 (0)203 440 8930
E: Jenza@rooster.co.uk

About The JENZA Travel Group:
The JENZA Travel Group consists of Summer Camp USA brand, BUNAC, Irish work and travel brand, USIT, Canadian work and travel brand, SWAP, and B Corp™ certified youth-led work and travel brand, JENZA.

The JENZA Travel Group has been creating life-shaping adventures for students, grads and 18-30s for 60+ years.

To check out the experiences offered, visit: www.jenza.com

About JENZA:
JENZA exists so that young people never have to choose between getting a job or going travelling. The working holiday and intern abroad experts – earn and explore in Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, the USA and UK.

In June 2025 JENZA received B Corporation™ certification – joining a global community of businesses that meet high standards of social and environmental impact.

For more information, visit: www.jenza.com