by Kim Joo Eun, Ko Gyeongju, Kim Su Kyeong
Do you want to meet with a new experience in another country? Here is a choice worth considering: a working holiday. A working holiday visa is a residence permit which allows travelers to undertake employment in the country issuing the visa for the purpose of supplementing their travel funds. The working holiday visa holder could experience other countries, train in foreign languages, and travel.
Do you want to meet with a new experience in another country? Here is a choice worth considering: a working holiday. A working holiday visa is a residence permit which allows travelers to undertake employment in the country issuing the visa for the purpose of supplementing their travel funds. The working holiday visa holder could experience other countries, train in foreign languages, and travel.
Australia
When leaving school, you could make foreign friends, and experience Australian culture. Working holiday visas allow you to do all kinds of jobs such as waitressing or farm-work to pay your way while you are touring. Although some of you might think that it is hard, others are fascinated by Australia`s warm sunlight.
A holiday visa is for 12 months and you can apply online anytime by visiting the Australian Immigration office website on http://www.immi.gov.au/e_visa/working-holiday.htm. There are some restrictions on applications, but essentially you need to be 18 – 30 years old and have a minimum of $5000 to cover initial living expenses and a return flight. Also, students on the visas may only study in a course for a maximum of 4 months.
There are almost no limits to what employment a working holiday visa holder can undertake. Although traditionally most of the jobs have been in harvest work, many are finding opportunities in education, health care and other industries. How about trying Australia?
Canada
The conditions for working holidays to Canada are mostly the same as they are for Australia. It is open to those who are 18 – 30 and who have $5000 minimum. The term of 12 months is also the same. The main difference is that a visa holders can study for up to 6 months and the applications can only be made twice a year.
Ireland
Ireland also offers working holiday visas with similar conditions to Canada. The same age limitations (18-30) and study limitation (6 months) apply. However, you can only apply in March. The benefit of Ireland is that there are few Korean students so you can improve your English very much. There are plenty of cheap youth hostels in Ireland, but home-stay is also an option.
We introduced the typical working holiday visa conditions of three countries: Australia, Canada, and Ireland. If you want further information, just contact the embassy website.