I want to work with Concordia, what is the next step?

Concordia publicises its service through the British Council and universities in an expanding range of countries. In most countries recruiting is through local universities or agents, or where there is no such arrangement applications may be received from individuals. For more information on where to apply please click here.

Are there any fees and do I need to arrange travel insurance?

Concordia runs a membership programme that we recommend participants join. This includes travel insurance, a travel pack and other services. All applicants through Concordia need to have travel suitable insurance.

Can I apply with my friends/partner?

Yes. If you are applying with friends and wish to be placed together, you must apply together giving the names of all the people you wish to be placed with. Concordia does not guarantee that a place will be made available, but agrees to consider your application for that placement if you apply within the specified period.

How do I reach my placement and where will I stay?

Prior to arrival, you are responsible for paying your own fares to the placement. Concordia sends out full directions which include the name of local bus and train stations and contact details for your employer. Upon arrival at the locality in which you are working most participants are met by the employer and driven to their accommodation.

Participants stay in rented accommodation made available by the employer. This may be a mobile home or purpose-built student accommodation. Cooking and laundry facilities are provided, and there is a communal area for the evenings. You will normally be responsible for buying and cooking their own food and doing their own laundry.

How much will I earn?

Students are paid the official UK agricultural wage rate. However, some work is paid as piecework, that is by the amount of work done, and there is the opportunity to earn more than the minimum wage. After paying for their living expenses, most participants are able to make savings to take back home.

Can I travel elsewhere in the UK?

Yes. You are entitled to a minimum of one day off each week, you may want to explore the country and major nearby cities.
Participantss from the EU are also free to stay in the UK after their work period has finished and many use this time to visit places of interest.

Will I be well treated?

One of the benefits of applying to work through Concordia is the level of support that is continually on offer to you. Farmers and growers value their seasonal labour and recognise the need to treat their workers well. Employers ensure that responsibility is taken for the students' welfare, handling anything from homesickness to weekly shopping arrangements, doctors' appointments and entertainment.

In addition, Concordia employs Field Officers who monitor our employers on a regular basis and check that the accommodation and facilities for participants are of a good quality. They are also available to the participants for help and advice during their stay in the UK.

The Concordia office also has a student support team whose primary role is to help the participants out of any difficult situations. The Concordia UK staff are available to help if you have a problem, and will do their best to assist both participants and employers to resolve any difficulties.