Learn about Australia with Work & Holiday Visa

Australia is a relatively safe country to visit with good infrastructure, which makes it an excellent destination for all kinds of travelers. Better yet, if you under the age of 31, without dependents and have a desire to travel abroad, you may be eligible for this country’s Work & Holiday visa. According to the Australian government’s Department of Immigration and Border Protection website:

“The Work & Holiday (Temporary) visa (subclass 462) is for young people who want to holiday and work in Australia for up to a year. It is a temporary visa that encourages cultural exchange and closer ties between Australia and eligible partner countries.”

As a US-based travel agent, I saw the Work & Holiday visa as an opportunity to learn more about this unique destination. I spent my time in Australia working in tourism and hospitality while squeezing in plenty of activities and site inspections. As a result, I’ve gained valuable insight from first-hand experiences that will make me a more knowledgeable travel advisor.

READ MORE: Tips for Getting a Work Visa When Traveling Abroad

One of the most sought after jobs for visitors with Work & Holiday visas is to work on the Great Barrier Reef. I had the chance to do so as a cook for a three-day snorkeling and diving boat expedition. There was a lot of hard work involved with this job. I had to wake up at five in the morning and spend all day preparing snacks and meals for forty passengers and crew members onboard. I needed to master the art of cutting vegetables and managing a hot stove while at sea as the ship rocked back and forth. The experience was definitely challenging but worth all the labor to learn more about overnight boat tours to the Great Barrier Reef. It also gave me the opportunity to jump in the ocean and experience this UNESCO natural world heritage site for myself.

READ MORE: A Day on The Great Barrier Reef

If you’re a travel agent like me, you’re probably super organized and like to confirm your trip details well in advance. However, it’s incredibly rare for Australian companies to hire employees before they enter the country. They’re going to request that you show up for an in-person interview, maybe even participate in unpaid training, before you are offered any employment. If you’re counting on having a job lined up before you leave for Australia, think again! This will only result in unnecessary stress. I know it can be nerve-racking when you have a type-A personality and are used to having all your ducks in a row. Try to see it as an exercise in being cool and collected while learning how to go with the flow.

Not only does Australia’s Work & Holiday visa offer a valuable educational experience, it’s an opportunity to earn some money, as well. The minimum wage in Australia was raised to $16.87 AUD an hour as of Jan. 1, 2017. Furthermore, participants receive an additional 9.5 percent of their total wages earned as a pension upon leaving the country. Since it might take a while to find the right job, I recommend bringing enough money to last a month or so until you start earning a more steady income. You should also have money set aside in case of emergency or if you need to fly home unexpectedly.

It’s a good idea to purchase travel insurance before you leave home because there’s no coverage included with the Work & Holiday visa.

As a travel consultant, I’m grateful to have had this opportunity to live and work in Australia. In the future, when my clients ask about traveling to this destination, I’ll be able to provide the most expert advice! Furthermore, employment in Australia demonstrates international experience, which looks great on resumes for rising travel professionals. Couple that with a certificate from the Aussie Specialist Program and you’ll return home a down under expert!

Even if you’re not a travel industry professional, if you’re between the ages of 18-31 without dependents, I would definitely recommend taking a gap year to take advantage of Australia’s Work & Holiday visa. Almost anyone can benefit from this type of experience. The program offers an incredible opportunity for young people to finance their travel abroad and immerse themselves into another culture. Please visit the Australian government’s official website to see if you qualify and for more information.

For more travel adventures with Kat Vallera, check out her other articles here.