The Coronavirus pandemic has been tough, and I would forgive anyone for wanting a long holiday in the sun. The Working Holiday Visa to Australia gives sun-starved Brits the perfect opportunity to earn money, whilst escaping the dreary weather. It will be a must for graduates and young people, as soon as the circumstances allow.
The visa gives British citizens full working rights Down Under. The idea is that one can earn the money to fund their travels around the country, which means that the trip ultimately finances itself. However, there is more on offer than a free holiday.
The pay rates in Australia are significantly better than in the UK. This, coupled with the low cost of rent, means that it is possible to save some serious money.
I worked in a bar, whilst I was over there. I was able to live independently and comfortably on my wage, which is impossible to do so in the same role at home. My accommodation was cheap, and my wages were high. As a result, I enjoyed a fantastic quality of life, whilst adding a tonne of capital into my savings.
There are other obvious benefits. The beaches are stunning, the weather luxurious and the people friendly. Socially, it is almost impossible not to have a good time.
Furthermore, travelling, and experiencing a different culture, look impressive on a CV. It shows bravery, adaptability and strong interpersonal abilities. Employers will see these as transferable skills across a host of different sectors, such as sales, recruitment and finance.
However, the visa does have some conditions. Firstly, participants must be under 30 to apply. Secondly, the Australian government requires the visa participant to have up to $5000 AUD (£2500) in their bank account, upon arrival. This is so anyone arriving in to the country has the money to support themselves during their job hunt. Therefore, a working holiday requires some saving and pre-planning.
The visa normally lasts for a year, however it can be extended if the holidaymaker completes three months of paid farm work. This can often be quite tough in the heat, but it offers a unique opportunity to work within nature. Some enjoy it, others do not, but it is in no way mandatory.
It is possible to apply for this Working Holiday Visa on the Australian government website. Once the visa is purchased, a person has twelve months to enter the country and activate it.
I encourage any young Brits to apply for the visa, as soon as the pandemic concludes. Personally, I had an incredible experience on my Working Holiday. I was able to live well, and earn solid money. Furthermore, I made connections with some incredible people, and created memories that I'll treasure forever. Not only is it a smart move financially, but travelling enhances many transferrable skills. Therefore, any participant will arrive back, and be ready to pounce on their dream job!
Here at Spiela we aim to uncover opportunities for young people who hope to expand their skillset, and we believe that the Working Holiday visa achieves precisely this.
11 Jan 2021
