If you are a young adult looking to expand your horizons, travel is usually a good starting point. Many young Australians decide to get work experience and travel under their belt in the one go, arranging working visas to enable them to work overseas. Working abroad is a wonderful way to see the world and gain access to unique working opportunities you might not otherwise find on home soil. Australia is so remote from many wonderful cities and countries, but being based somewhere in Europe, America or the UK is an easy way to venture further afield on your long weekends and holidays.
If you plan on working overseas you need to apply for a Working Visa well before you make plans to leave. This involves paying an upfront fee (which is nonrefundable even if you don’t get approved) and sitting for an interview. You also need to have met other requirements including age and having a certain amount of money in your bank account.
There are so many places to visit, and many countries with reciprocal work and holiday arrangements, but often Aussies end up living and working in countries with English as their native language. However, working in a country where you have to learn a new language and become familiar with a different culture can be a fabulously rich and rewarding experience.
A Working Holiday Visa is the best bet for most young people as it allows the flexibility to travel and earn limited funds in your country of choice to help fund your adventures. Acquiring a Working Visa is often a bit more complicated and has more requirements and restrictions. However, if you want to be able to work full time while overseas (many Aussies successfully meet the requirements and enjoy a wonderful career abroad) you can apply through the foreign embassy of the country in which you want to work.
If you have a good work ethic and like the idea of an extended overseas holiday you can take advantage of the Working Holiday Maker (WHM) Program which encourages cultural exchange by allowing young adults (aged 18-30 years) to have holidays in partner countries. While overseas, those in the program can take part in short-term work or study.
For Australian citizens, the WHM program provides the opportunity to travel and work in over 40 countries. Each country has its own name for the program, eligibility criteria and conditions so you’ll need to contact the relevant country's representation in Australia for details on visa requirements and conditions. In most cases the visas will allow you to stay in the application country for up to 12 months and work for a limited time so you can supplement your travel funds and gain new skills or study for a short period.
If working overseas is a goal for the near future you’ll need to start by setting up a savings account, so why not aim for one that allows you to earn interest too? The Australian Mutual Bank iNet Saver is a fee free, easy access online savings account which pays you interest while you grow your savings. Many countries will require you to have a minimum amount in your bank account as part of the application requirements. If a working holiday is a goal for 12-18 months’ time, if you begin by putting aside $100 per week, you’ll have $5,000 by the end of 2025 while a more aggressive savings plan will obviously get you more money in a shorter time frame.
Whether you decide to study for a semester or two, or take up a part time job while overseas, cultivating experiences for yourself in new environments is guaranteed to equip you with new skills and shower you with plenty of wonderful memories.
Alison Gallagher is a freelance writer, resourcefulness expert and small business owner. She has been featured in various publications including Stellar Magazine, Australian Health and Fitness Magazine, and Cleo Magazine. Alison is particularly passionate about sharing practical tips on how to live simply, sustainably and seasonally.
