Westcoast Connection Jobs

Staff Testimonials

I was a program leader for the Californian Extravaganza and it was one of the greatest experiences of my life. I had no expectations going into this summer but if I did, they were blown out of the water. Getting to connect with each and every participant on a meaningful level, make them comfortable in uncomfortable situations and get to explore new places with them was incredible. As a first year staff I was nervous for all the new people and experiences I would have but the company was supportive and helpful through the entire process. I felt as a first year staff, this was an opportunity to learn and evolve for the future. I had many chances to reflect and grow throughout this program and evaluate my efforts as a PL.
Skylar P.

Coming back to my Westcoast family was an amazing feeling. After being a two-time participant, I’ve been longing for an experience like Westcoast again, and I finally got the chance to do it as a staff. The itineraries are incredible, but what really sets Westcoast apart is the sense of family you build. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. It’s not like camp, it’s something uniquely its own. This summer was one of the best of my life. I learned and grew so much through the experience, and being part of Westcoast as staff gave me the chance to create the same unforgettable memories for others that I once had as a participant. If I could give anyone advice, it would be simple: sign up. Being on staff is one of the most rewarding ways you can spend a summer, an opportunity to change teenagers’ lives while also changing your own.
Zane B.

Working as a staff member with WCC this summer was an incredible experience. I loved building connections with the teens and my co-staff while exploring amazing places together. Every day brought something new, and even when challenges came up, the support from my Program Director and the company made me feel confident and valued. It’s a job that pushes you to grow, creates lifelong memories, and surrounds you with people who truly care. I’d recommend it to anyone who wants to make a difference and have the summer of a lifetime!
Amber L.

Being a Program Director was an unforgettable experience leading a team, inspiring teens, and creating moments they’ll remember for a lifetime. The role challenged me to think on my feet, adapt to any situation, and build a community where every participant felt safe, supported, and excited to be there. This position strengthened my ability to lead a team, adapt quickly to changing circumstances, and make decisions that prioritized both safety and joy.
Mary G.

This past summer has prepared me so much as a future educator. Traveling to Barcelona, Nice, and Florence with a group of teens was so adventurous. We learned to be flexible, formed new friendships, and created memories that will last a lifetime. Every moment on the trip brought excitement and wonder in our eyes. I cannot wait to be part of this organization for many years to come!
Chloe O.

Working as a Program Leader with Westcoast Connection has been one of the most empowering job opportunities I have ever had. I appreciate the company’s commitment to creating a family atmosphere among its staff from Precamp training to the summer, and I love how well-organized the company is as a whole. This role has allowed me to gain even more hands-on experience working with youth by passionately fostering their cultural curiosity, sharpening their leadership skills, and nurturing their love for lifelong learning.
Victoria S.

Each summer I come back to Westcoast I always worry that it won’t be as good as the last, but every summer I am blown away because it just keeps getting better! While the places we visit and activities we do are phenomenal, there’s nothing more special than seeing a group teens come in as strangers and become life-long friends in just a few weeks. The connections that are made on WCC trips are unlike any other. I am so lucky to be able to guide teens as they take on new challenges and grow both socially and emotionally. It’s truly the best summer job! Being a staff on a WCC trip is hard work but I always felt supported along the way. The people in our Westcoast world are truly the best and are always there to help when necessary. At the end of each summer I always look back and have the best memories from my WCC trips!
Allie R.

Each time I gush about my experiences with Westcoast Connection, I get a similar response, “You get paid to travel, doesn’t the job sort of sell itself?!” I respond the same way each time, “You’re mistaken, this job is SO much more than that.” Don’t get me wrong, I am so thankful for the travel opportunities I am allowed by working with the company. However, what makes WCC so special is how much it allows both program leaders and participants to grow as people. I have grown to be more culturally sensitive and accepting of people, while learning to be a more generous, selfless and caring person. Working with such first class co-staff has pushed me to be the best possible program leader and person I can possibly be. Interacting and learning from such remarkable people has taught me invaluable skills I will take with me through all of my future endeavors. I can’t stress enough how amazing the company (and its programs) are. I dread the day that I am no longer able to lead trips with Westcoast Connection. Thank you so much for everything!
Brittany G.

I just finished my 6th year of teaching high school, and nothing I have experienced in those 6 years compares to what I experienced in 3 weeks of Pre-College Enrichment Montreal. There is something special about watching students learn for the purpose of learning and not for earning an A. Students were engaged in learning, excited to attend class, and eager to complete and present homework. They took charge and had reason behind the courses they selected. Having the opportunity to witness this first hand and get to know this amazing group of teens was a refreshing and heartwarming change from just teaching them math!
Staci G.

Being a Program Director on a WCC program can be summed up in the following sentence: a meaningful and inspiring summer adventure filled with a lifetime of memories. As a teacher with my summers off, there is no other job that is as fun or meaningful, for both myself and the teens I work with. Westcoast gives you the ability to staff incredible programs to amazing places around the world, and build lifelong friendships and relationships along the way. The places you will see and the memories you will make are worth every second!
Lauren G.

I originally applied to Westcoast Connection thinking it would be a one time thing. Five programs, three different roles, and 12 years later, there aren’t enough words to describe how much WCC has meant to me. I feel so lucky to get to come back and work with awesome people, meet, mentor, and laugh with incredible kids, and see some pretty cool places with a bunch of teens in tow. WCC allows me to bring my full self to work everyday and they support me, challenge me, and most importantly, make me feel a part of the family. The best part is that I am not even unique. Most staff come back year after year. We see each other out on the road or at training weekends, and it’s a true testament to the type of company WCC is. The westcoast connection is real!
Sam T.

I could not be happier to have had the opportunity to work with Westcoast Connection as a program leader. I felt a sense of belonging immediately after meeting the other staff, and left training weekend feeling prepared and capable. All throughout the program, every detail was accounted for and well organized. The entire experience was truly life changing and something I will never forget. It was impossible not to leave the program with a full heart and optimistic outlook on the world – there are amazing people out there that can teach us so much if we allow them to, the teens are leaders in the making and are sure to contribute to a bright future. I feel so lucky to have seen what I’ve seen alongside some of the best people I’ve ever met.
Madeline F.

There is not enough good that I can say about WCC Community Service programs. This is my second summer and service program with WCC. To me, there’s no better thought than traveling and giving back. Wait there is, watching up to 24 teens come together and become a family as they embark on various projects in beautiful places around the world. I feel lucky and blessed to witness this summer after summer. WCC Community Service programs give a new meaning to service and leaves these teens with a great sense of pride and unity. It makes you feel so good. Leading a service program is truly the best of both worlds that I love being a part of.
Jessica D.