#Asia Passports out, workers: This programme can help you work, learn, and travel to three countries

//

Professional development programme YonderWork provides an opportunity to learn, network, and work in Bali, Chiang Mai, and Buenos Aires

2016-03-31

Workcation is a big thing now as businesses and freelancers are seeing the benefits of working remotely in exotic locations.

Not only can employees continue being productive by maximising the use of technology, professionals can also live a more meaningful life through travel by opening doors to learning, networking, and life experiences.

But, that does not mean the workcation life is always picture perfect.

“A common complaint among traveling remote workers and digital nomad types is loneliness on the road,” says Nick Messina, Co-Founder of YonderWork.

“We are also aware that many mid-level professionals are interested in continued education and professional growth, but perhaps not at the high cost of traditional university models,” he adds.

The problem motivated Nick and Kristin Messina to found YonderWork, a professional development programme targetted at remote workers.

It aims to provide a diverse and intellectual community as well professional development workshops and talks, so ‘remote workers can enjoy companionship and grow their skillsets and networks’.

The YonderWork programme is held in three different locations — Bali (Indonesia), Chiang Mai (Thailand), and Buenos Aires (Argentina) — for six months.

Participants will spend two months at each city. The programme requires a US$5,200 down payment and the monthly fee is US$2,250 for the first five months. YonderWork provides premium lodging, dedicated workspace, social and professional events, and flights between locations.

The trainings offered by the programme range from local language classes, workshops on social impact, design thinking, and even 3D printing.

The company is currently opening application for its first batch in July 2016, with slots available for 20-35 participants.

The programme is run by a team of five who are spread across the globe, from Beijing to Bali.

Though it currently has no institutional funding partners, YonderWork claims to be working on new partnerships to enhance its professional development offerings on topics of entrepreneurship, innovation, design thinking, social impact, leadership, and language.

Also Read: At Coworking Unconference Asia, coworking spaces reveal the future of work

The YonderWork Founders developed the programme thanks to a combination of their love for travel, and a realisation that today’s workforce lacks sufficient work-life balance.

“We noticed that people our age are starting to demand more fulfillment out of their careers and lives. They don’t want to be restricted by the rigidity of a traditional office culture where they’re required to clock in from nine-to-five and work in often times uninspiring environments,” Nick Messina explains.

There is also a higher, more idealistic purpose that YonderWork wants to fulfill.

“Additionally, given the hate and lack of compassion in today’s world, we believe it is more important than ever to encourage global connection and understanding,” Messina adds.

When asked to describe the ideal candidate for the programme, Messina said that they would be a mid-level professional who has the ability to work remotely, and is interested in seeing and bettering the world.

“Our community is the heart of the YonderWork experience, so we are selecting candidates that can share unique perspectives and skills,” he adds.

Also Read: From Archives: 7 ways to motivate your remote workers

When asked what is the company’s big agenda for 2016, Messina stresses that they are going to focus on running the first batch of the programme.

However, he also stated that YonderWork will add more destinations next year, apart from continuing its current locations.

“We chose these locations for their desirability as travel destinations, high quality of life, developed entrepreneurial ecosystems, and coworking spaces,” Messina explains.

“Some of the places we have in mind for expansion include Copenhagen (Denmark), Dubrovnik (Croatia), Da Nang (Vietnam) [and] Medellín (Colombia),” he closes.

Echelon Indonesia returns to Jakarta this April! Save over 35% off your tickets with promo code Empower20 exclusive to e27 readers only! Tickets available at http://ift.tt/1T0g7ts

The post Passports out, workers: This programme can help you work, learn, and travel to three countries appeared first on e27.

from e27 http://ift.tt/1Y1szcr

This entry was posted in #Asia by Startup365. Bookmark the permalink.

About Startup365

Chaque jour nous vous présenterons une nouvelle Startup française ! Notre pays regorge de talents et d'entrepreneurs brillants ! Alors partons à la découverte des meilleures startup françaises ! Certaines d'entre elles sont dans une étape essentielle dans la vie d'une startup : la recherche de financement, notamment par le financement participatif (ou crowdfunding en anglais). Alors participez à cette grande aventure en leur faisant une petite donation ! Les startups françaises ont besoin de vous !