I’ve never understood why more people don’t take advantage of Working Holiday Visas. They give young people the chance to go abroad, earn a (temporary) living, and explore new countries.
In essence, Working Holiday Visas allow you to travel while you’re already traveling.
How can you say no to that? (Unless, of course, you aren’t eligible for a WHV, in which case, I’m really sorry and you should stop reading right now.)
Then I thought back to my first experience on a WHV in Ireland. I had just turned 22 and had absolutely no idea what to expect. My only experience with visas had been swiping them at the mall. Hostels were a completely foreign concept, and I was convinced they were full of people who wanted to steal my stuff.
Moving overseas is scary. Finding a job is scary. Being alone is scary.
But quit trying to talk yourself out of it. I’m here to tell you why you should do it anyway.
1. It seems so complicated. Do I really need a visa?
Look. Life is complicated. Do you want to travel or don’t you?
If you’re not confident filling the application forms out on your own, I can personally recommend the BUNAC program. It costs a little bit more, but in return you get assistance with your working holiday visa application, a helpful handbook, and an orientation once you arrive.
Red tape is an unavoidable part of working abroad, but it’s not a reason to avoid it altogether.
And YES. You need a visa.
2. I’d love to take a working holiday, but it’s expensive.
A mortgage is expensive. Vacations are expensive. That daily Starbucks habit is expensive.
Traveling is all about priorities. Yes, the initial outlay for a WHV can be pricey. You need to pay the visa fees, airfares, and bring enough money to survive on until you find work. But if that’s what you really, truly, want to do, it’s worth it. Remember that you’ll be working once you arrive, so it’s not one long vacation. There is a paycheck in it for you.
Just between you and me, though – it can feel like one long vacation. Especially if you’re working in Australia.
3. What if I don’t find a job?
This was the number one question I got from people before I left. It’s legitimate, but extremely unhelpful. The real question you need to ask yourself is, “What if I don’t find the job I want? What kind of work am I willing to do?” If you’re open to fruit picking, bar work, and retail, relax. You will find a job. If you refuse to take a job that isn’t explicitly linked to your degree, sit down and reconsider.
The key thing to remember is that this is a working holiday. It’s not a career, even if some of us *ahem* pretend that it is. You must be flexible and persistent in your job search. Do something different. Don’t take yourself too seriously.聽 Have fun.
4. What if I don’t find an apartment?
Finding an apartment in a foreign country is surprisingly like finding an apartment at home. All you need is a little bit of patience and a cash deposit.
Okay, a lot of patience. Of course, I can’t guarantee that you’ll find a place; but I did it! In Galway, London (four times!), Coffs Harbour, Auckland, and Christchurch.
And if I did it, you can do it. Look in the papers. Talk to people in your hostel. Get on Google. You might share a studio apartment with someone else. You may share a house with strangers. You could find your own place. There’s no knowing how it will turn out, but don’t stress. It works out in the end.
5. What if I don’t meet anyone?
At first it was tough. I can be pretty introverted and had to force myself to start conversations with strangers. My friends at home actually told me afterwards that they’d been worried I wouldn’t talk to anyone.
But it got easier and easier. Suddenly, I was living with people I’d just met, going for drinks after work, and, well, making friends. I’m not going to lie – travel can be lonely, especially if things aren’t going smoothly. But give it time. You won’t be alone for long.
So what are you waiting for?
Rebecca says
To quote myself-
“Why more Americans don’t utilize the NZ WHV is beyond my comprehension”
Seriously, a free visa to live and work in NZ FOR A YEAR, with like the least restrictions, of any country?!?!??! I just don’t get it….
Kaylin says
OMG How much do I agree with Rebecca (and the entire article really). I am planning to go to NZ next year. I am finishing up a year contract in Korea right now teaching English, then going to France for 7 months to teach, but after that, BAM KIWI TIME. It’s definitely gonna happen. I mean you only need $3500 US and a plane ticket (ok, you need a visa but it’s free! And not that hard to apply for). That’s so simple!
Lauren says
I (obviously) 100% agree with you both! It’s insanely easy to get the visa, especially compared to all of the hoops you have to jump through to teach in Korea. My Australian one was simple, too – applied online and had it granted in less than 48 hours!
Kaylin – I’m SO jealous that you’re teaching in France. I have an unquenchable lust for that country.
Kaylin says
Ha, yeah! Korea, so many hoops to jump through, before coming and after you get here! Good money but sometimes feels not worth it (I’ve just had my worst class who as usual spent it running around like monkeys screaming, so I’m not in the best mood lol). It is good pay and benefits though, and easy to save alot of money!
For France, I applied through TAPIF (www.frenchculture.org/assistantshipprogram) You have to have a working knowledge of French (meaning at least be able to write a coherent essay in French) but you don’t have to be fluent. There are similar programs in Germany/Austria for German speakers, and Spain for Spanish speakers, with roughly similar pay (around 750-800 euros after taxes). You do get to be on the social security healthcare program as an employee and you’re eligible for housing assistance through the gov’t so it’s not too bad. I’m really excited about going to France because the last time I went was 4 years ago and I love it there!
The NZ/Aus working holiday visas are great for Americans. It makes me so happy you don’t have to be a student for them. I wish they still had the one in the UK but they ended it the year I finished university before I had the funds to apply 馃檨 There’s still one for Ireland and Canada too but you have to be students or just graduated, unfortunately for me (I graduated in 2009). If I could change anything in my life I would’ve done one of those back then instead of bumming around in the US working retail for two years.
Lauren says
I got so pumped about France then realized I’m 30 and therefore ineligible! But, silver lining – my fiance can get a yearlong work visa for France because he’s Australian. Don’t know yet what we’ll do, but at least there are possibilities.
Yeah, I slid into the UK/Ireland WHV right before they cut it off, immediately after graduating from college. Then I cheated and went back to do my MA in London, which led to 2 additional years of working in the UK!
Jillian says
I wish I had known about working holidays when I was in uni! I definitely would have lived in NZ/Oz for a year or two after graduation. My cousin is trying to go back to Oz, she’s still in her 20s, I hope she gets her WHV soon!!!
Rebecca says
Love these comments! Yeah, totally agree about the Australia WHV too, dead easy to get (but it costs minimal and you can only stay at a job for 6 months, which you don’t have to do for NZ:-))
I nearly fell out of my chair at work in New Zealand when I discovered it back in 2007, which was when I was starting to look at what visa I would need for Australia and is how I ended up staying overseas for 2+ years, instead of the one I originally planed on. WHOOPS! :-).
The best WOOPS of my life EVER!
Removals says
Just hearing visa and my headche is activated! But in relation to that, I also experienced all of the benefits of travelling on Working Holiday Visas and have to admit that will never regreat about it! I was in England too and was really striken by the so high pound, but a dream remained for me, to visit Australia and am wondering only, if ther are any age requirements for such working holiday visas, cuz I am getting in my 30s now and that changes a bit the picture. But thanks for the great ideas and sharing of ur experiences:)
Lauren says
I know what you mean about visa headaches! But actually, Working Holiday Visas are the easiest ones to apply for. Glad you got a chance to try them out – I haven’t had much luck finding WHV options for the over-30s. So far I’ve only seen teaching-related visas. You should still visit Australia, even if it’s just on holiday! (Or do what I’m doing – marry an Australian!)
Removals says
Thats a great idea, lol:) I heard they are pretty good man too..so may go for that..it sounds as an easist option indeed:D thanks for the advice:))
AdventureRob says
I’ve used up 2 of my WHV options – Australia and Japan. Canada never appealed (too cold!), and NZ I never got round to doing.
All well worth doing, but unfortunately they are all in expensive to live countries. However that’s where the working part of the visa comes in! It’s possible to plan jobs in advance, but that takes away part of the thrill and spirit of the WH visa in my opinion.
Shame it is only for the 18-30 year olds (or 25 is the limit in some cases like Irish nationals coming to Japan), as so many people start travelling in their late 20s so don’t have the years available to use them all up. Or end up in a relationship which reduces options (the path I’ve gone down – another benefit of a WHV is you could end up in a relationship with someone beautiful from that country too).
Lauren says
The 18-30 age restriction is something I never thought much about…until I turned 30 last year. Thought I found a way to work in France until I saw that I was too old! Luckily I, too, took advantage of the WHV while I was still young enough to do it. I think it’s reasonably well publicized in the UK, Australia & New Zealand…many young people seem aware of the option. In the states, it’s still growing in notoriety.
But I agree – can’t beat falling for someone from another country! Though that brings about new complications altogether…