All About Remote Year
So you've seen the little RY logo in the ad box on Facebook, you've creeped on their Instagram, but you still don't know what Remote Year is! Below, you'll learn exactly what Remote Year is, and if it's for you.
First, let's start with the elephant in the room. Cost.
How much does Remote Year cost?
Remote Year costs anywhere from $21,150 to $27,000 (these numbers are old as off 2019). Let's see the breakdown:
Single Travelers
Without discounts:
Downpayment: $5000 (includes last month's payment)
Monthly: $2000
Total = 11 x $2000 + $5000 = $27,000
With all discounts:
Discounts:
Pay downpayment in Full: $4000
Sign at least 90 days out from program start date: $3750
Use referral link/name: $200 off first month
Total = 10 x $2000 + 1800 (referral month) + $3750 = $25,550
Couple Travelers
Without discounts (each):
Downpayment: $5000 (includes last month's payment)
Monthly: $1600
Total = 11 x $1600 + $5000 = $22,600
With all discounts:
Discounts:
Pay downpayment in Full: $4000
Sign at least 90 days out from program start date: $3750
Use referral link/name: $200 off first month
Total = 10 x $1600 + 1400 (referral month) + $3750 = $21,150 each
What does Remote Year Provide?
Housing in every city with wifi (not as strong as the coworking space wifi), one free local event called a "track" event, coworking space with coffee and wifi, flights in between every city, community, side trip opportunities (extra cost), local team who is familiar with the culture, language, and city, sim card (optional), transition day deviation trips (extra cost).
What does Remote Year NOT Provide?
Your first flight to the program, and your last from the program, food, drinks, side trips, technology, jobs.
What do most remotes do for work?
Digital nomads on remote year are referred to as "Remotes." Many own their own business, there are many freelancers, and others work as engineers, web developers and designers, customer support reps, project managers, and English teachers. There isn't a "set" job you have to work, but you do have to provide your own job. Remote Year does not provide you with a job.
I work as a customer success manager, training clients on our company's software, supporting them once they're up and running, and doing technical and account management support. I work East Coast hours, so I do work some funky times when in SouthEast Asia (it's currently 10:45pm here in Hanoi, Vietnam, and my day is just a few hours in).
What luggage is best and how much?
Luggage is mixed. We have a few travelers who are carry-on only, but they still have to wait for the group to gather their luggage. Some have large roller bags, a carry-on roller bag, and a personal item or backpack. Others have backpacking backpacks, and a work backpack they carry on their front. Personally, I carry my 50L Gregory Wander and a work backpack (about 10L). I like this over a large roller bag because you have to haul your own bags, and in some cities, that's trickier than others to drag around.
There are weight limits on different airlines. We have run into some very strict airlines, where a few of our remotes were charged $500 for overweight fees. Try to stick to less than 23kg if you can! My backpack clocks in at 12kg.
What do the apartments look like?
Every city is unique! Some cities you'll share with roomies, some you'll have your own place. You'll always have your own private room, though (except couples). Below are a few examples of apartments/rooms I've had so far.