Preparing for Work Experience

Work experience in Australia and New Zealand

Gaining work experience in either Australia or New Zealand can be a rewarding experience. You will not only improve your English skills, but you will meet many new friends from the local area and many from around the world. You will learn new job related skills, and if you've never lived independently before, you will also learn many useful living skills such as budgeting, paying the bills, cooking and doing the laundry. You will learn a lot about yourself, and the work experience will also give you a huge boost for your CV.

To make sure that your work experience in your chosen country will go as trouble-free as possible, there are a few things that you will need to consider and have organised before you head off to either one of these countries:  

Visa - you will need to get an appropriate Visa to enter either Australia or New Zealand. Normally, you will have to get a Working Holiday Visa. To qualify, you'll have to be between the age of 18 – 30.

For more information about the Australian WHV, go to : work-experience.net/working-holiday-visa-australia/
For more information about the New Zealand WHV, go to: work-experience.net/working-holiday-visa-new-zealand/

Customs regulations – Since the Customs regulations are quite strict in Australia and New Zealand, it's useful to find out what the rules are so that you know exactly what you can and can't bring into the country. This will save you a lot of trouble when entering these countries.

Tax number – In order to begin work in either Australia or New Zealand, you'll need to have a Tax number. In Australia, this is called a TFN (Tax File Number) and in New Zealand, it's called an IRD number (Inland Revenue Department number).
To find more information about TFNs and to apply, go to: www.ato.gov.au
To find more information about IRD numbers and to apply, go to: www.ird.govt.nz

Driving rules - If you intend to drive in Australia or New Zealand, it'll also be helpful to find out what the driving conditions are like and what you need to do in order to drive legally in either Australia or New Zealand.

Bank account – You will need to open a bank account in the country you intend to work in. Do your home work now and find out as much information as you can about all the banks available to you in your chosen country. Compare the different services provided by each bank, choose the bank that suits YOUR needs, find out what documents you'll need to open the account and make sure that you have them all prepared and ready to go!

Have an open mind – It's important to have an open mind if you intend to work in either Australia or New Zealand. You need to have an open mind about other cultures, be understanding about diversity and different ways of doing things. It'll also be good for you to keep an open mind about the opportunities presented to you. For example, if you can't land a work placement as a manager, why not consider a placement working as a fruit picker on a farm in the breathtaking countryside or work as an Au Pair and get to live life as a true local? It might not be your ideal job, but it can be a very rewarding and unique experience.

Internship fees – Some internships are voluntary and some will require a placement fee. Other costs connected to the internship will usually be paid for by the intern, these include things such as travel and accommodation costs.

Insurances – It is strongly advisable to take out insurances when travelling and working in either Australia or New Zealand. Find out if your employer is willing to pay for some of your insurances. If not, you should purchase your own insurances to cover things like health, travel and indemnity. If you intend to drive in your host country, it is also advisable to get a car insurance.

If you have further questions and inquiries, please feel free to contact AA Education. Our team at AA Education will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have, and we'd be more than happy to point you to the right direction.