Category Archives: work abroad

Moving Abroad? Ask the Right Questions to Find the Right House for You

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If you’re going to study abroad, work abroad or just live somewhere new for a while then you might need to find a shared house or apartment. And while apartment hunting at home is a pain, trying to do it in a new city, and maybe in a foreign language, can be even more stressful.

Luckily, this list of tips will make it super easy and pain-free for you.

Even though you may feel pressure to find a house or flat quickly when you arrive in a new place, don’t jump into a situation until you’ve seen at least three or four different places.Book a hostel for at least the first week so you don’t have to worry about packing and moving right away.

Next, when you go to see a place and meet your potential new flatmates be sure to ask all of the right questions.

What questions are those you wonder? Why, they’re written right here. Don’t be offended if some of them seem obvious. Sometimes it’s the most obvious questions that are the easiest to forget. Printing them out and taking them with you won’t hurt either.

Questions to Ask Potential Flatmates:

1. How much is rent? (Depending on the country, you might see rent listed as a weekly price, not monthly. Ask if a price seems too good to be true.)
2. How often is rent due? Weekly, fortnightly (every two weeks)? What day of the week? (All important information if you have a job that only pays once or twice a month and you need to budget ahead.)
3. How much is the bond/security deposit, and under what conditions do I get it back? (It can be equal to a week’s rent or a month’s, depending on who you rent from.)
4. Are there other bills that I’ll be responsible for? (Phone, gas, water…)
5. Is there Internet access, and do I need to chip in for it?
6. What’s the cockroach/bug situation? (Don’t laugh. Do you want to find out two days after you move in that all food has to be kept in the fridge because the cabinets are infested?)
7. Does anyone here smoke? In the house or just outside?
8. Is it alright if I use your kitchen appliances and cookware?
9. Do you share food?
10. Do you split the cost for items like toilet paper, dish soap, cleaning items?
11. Is there heat/air conditioning?
12. What’s the minimum amount of time you’d like a flatmate to stay? Is there a specific date I need to leave by? (In case a missing flatmate is moving back.)

You may also want to ask about proximity to public transportation, noise, where the nearest grocery shopping is, safety issues in the neighborhood, and anything else that’s important to you feeling comfortable.

Most of all, consider whether or not you can see yourself enjoying getting to know these people. The main advantage to getting a room in a shared house or flat instead of living on your own, is that you can live with some friendly locals. So make sure you pick locals who you can imagine turning into friends.

Are You Willing to Work, or WWOOF, for Your Supper?

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An Australian sunset might look even sweeter after an honest day's work

When I travelled Australia I met a lot of student travellers who were working their way around the country by doing farm work. This wasn’t my idea of vacation, but then I had the luxury of spending my first three months in Sydney doing temp work and saving up, so I didn’t have to work once I hit the road.

Also, I sunburn very easily.

If you want to spend more time on the road, or if you really have an interest in locally grown food, then you may want to look into WWOOFing your way around.

WWOOF stands for Worldwide Opportunities On Organic Farms, and it’s a way that you can sleep and eat for free in exchange for doing some work. The amount of work you have to do, and what exactly you get in exchange for it, is something you have to negotiate, and this article from BootsnAll Travel does a good job of explaining just how to do that: The How-To’s of WWOOF’ing.

If all you want to do on your travels is sleep, drink, lay on a beach and maybe take in a few sights, then this isn’t for you. But if you want to meet locals, spend time really getting to know other young travellers and see smaller towns off the beaten path, then this could be a great way to do all that.

As the article points out, just make sure you’ve set clear expectations with your employer, and be prepared to hold up your end of the bargain.

 

 

Live and Work Abroad with a SWAP Holiday

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Are you beyond burnt out with classes right now? Do you want to be anywhere but where you are?

Well let’s talk about how a SWAP working holiday can help you to refresh.

Yes, there is the word “working” in there, so maybe that doesn’t sound like much of a holiday to you. And if you can afford to spend a few months doing nothing but hanging out at beaches, paying for hostels and food and entertainment, then maybe it’s not your thing.

But if you’d like to trade your life in for a new one – new job, new friends, new local hangouts – then SWAP is a great way to do it.

Pick from one of 12 destinations, including Australia, New Zealand, Japan, France, the U.K., South Africa or even the U.S., and SWAP will help you sort out the rest – job, accommodation, visas, whatever you need.

Being a tourist is one thing. Living a whole life abroad is another. I worked as an office temp in Sydney for three months and loved it. The work wasn’t thrilling, but it paid all my bills while I was there (so I had no guilt about racking up debt), plus a little extra to travel around with.

I met lots of other working travellers, along well as locals, and got to spend more than a few hours getting to know them. I also found all kids of fantastic nooks and crannies while exploring Sydney on my free evenings and weekends and left feeling like it was more my home than my sightseeing destination.

Sound like something you want to do? Check out SWAP today and start planning for the new life you want to live!

Allons-y!
Lisa

Attend a Go Abroad Fair to Make Your Dream Trip a Reality

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If you’re in Vancouver, Montreal or Toronto and are thinking about going abroad, you can’t afford to miss the free Study and Go Abroad Fairs. You’ll learn how to save money without spending any.

The fair will help you learn more about:

  • Study abroad and student exchange programs
  • Universities, Colleges and Technical Institutes from around the world offering full-degree, diploma, professional and short-term programs
  • Eco/adventure and language travel opportunities
  • Internship and volunteer abroad opportunities
  • Work abroad programs for students and youth
  • International job opportunities with an emphasis on teaching English as a foreign language
  • Scholarship and financial aid information, travel deals, housing and cultural information
  • Information seminars on a range of topics to help you choose and get the most out of your international experience:

Catch the fair in one of these locations:

  • Vancouver – Vancouver Convention Centre
    Thursday March 3, 2011 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Montreal – Le Centre Sheraton
    Saturday, March 5, 2011 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Toronto – Sheraton Parkway
    Sunday, March 6, 2008 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Visit www.studyandgoabroad.com for more information. Happy planning!

Summer 2011 Is Coming! Work and Travel Around Australia

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Australia and New Zealand are just two of the fabulous destinations yuo can choose from with SWAP.

Whatcha doin’ this summer? How about working and travelling your way around (the hopefully unflooded and headed into recovery) Australia?

If you’re a Canadian between the ages of 18 and 30, you can apply for a working holidaymaker visa to a few different countries, including Britain, Ireland, France, Germany, Australia and New Zealand. (For Ireland and New Zealand, you can apply up to age 35.)

A working holiday visa allows you to live and work in a country, just like a local, usually for up to a year. Instead of living in hostels and tour buses, you’ll have a chance to settle in, get to know your neighbors, and develop a deeper understanding of a place.

There are no bad destinations, but for now let’s concentrate on Australia. It’s beautiful, slightly exotic, has great weather, friendly people, plenty of opportunities for adventure and is more affordable than some European destinations.

You’ll be working and earning some money, which is a responsible thing to do, and you might even find a job that will give you experience that can be applied to a future career. You’ll also be in a country full of backpackers who are looking to have a good time. It’s the best of both worlds, really.

If you’re ready to apply, or if you have some questions about working holidays, visit swap.ca.

Don't Work to Travel, Travel to Work with a SWAP Holiday!

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If you’re a student, you have lots of options to study abroad. But what about after you graduate? Do you have to become a tourist like everyone else?

Nope.

If you’re a Canadian between the ages of 18 and 30, you can apply for a working holidaymaker visa to a few different countries, including Britain, Ireland, France, Germany, Australia and New Zealand. (For Ireland and New Zealand, you can apply up to age 35.)

A working holiday visa allows you to live and work in a country, just like a local, usually for up to a year. Instead of living in hostels and tour buses, you’ll have a chance to settle in, get to know your neighbors, and develop a deeper understanding of a place.

There are no bad destinations, but for now let’s concentrate on Australia. It’s beautiful, slightly exotic, has great weather, friendly people, plenty of opportunities for adventure and is more affordable than some European destinations.

So if you’re in your mid-20s, having a bit of a quarter-life crisis and trying to figure out what to do next (quit your job? go back to school? have a little more fun while you’re still young and unattached enough to enjoy it?) working in Australia for a year could be a great next step.

You’ll be working and earning some money, which is a responsible thing to do, and you might even find a job that will give you experience that can be applied to a future career. You’ll also be in a country full of backpackers who are looking to have a good time. It’s the best of both worlds, really.

If you’re ready to apply, or if you have some questions about working holidays, visit swap.ca.

Find Part-Time Work in Australia

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Australia and New Zealand are just two of the fabulous destinations you can choose from with SWAP.

If you’re going to study in Australia, or if you’re going on a working holiday visa, then you’re going to need to find a decent job once you get there. Where to look?

Universities: Most universities have a job placement centre that has listings of available positions. You might also get help through whatever office assists international students.

Hostels: For really temporary work, maybe a few days at a time, check bulletin boards at hostels. They’re a great resource in cities and more rural areas alike, especially if you’re looking for seasonal work doing fruit picking or other labour.

Windows: Found an area of town you like? Job hunt the old fashioned way and look for help wanted signs in shops, cafes or whatever interests you.

The Internet: While most job sites online are geared toward people looking for full-time, long-term work, there are some that list temp positions. Or if there’s a specific place you’d like to work – a museum, theatre, sporting arena – check their website directly to see if they’re hiring.

Temp agencies: If you can type pretty well, answer phones, run errands and prefer to work in an office environment, sign up with a temp agency or two. Julia Ross is one of the largest agencies, but there are plenty to choose from.

Consider interning or volunteering: No, it doesn’t pay cash, but it could give you some great experience. Check out volunteering.com.au to see what kind of opportunities are available.

No matter what kind of position you’re looking for, be ready to make a great first impression at an interview and have the following things ready to go:

  • Your tax file number (apply for a TFN as soon as you arrive) or the application receipt from the tax office that proves you’re getting one soon
  • Your Australian bank information to arrange for direct deposit (get an account when you arrive, too)
  • A paper copy of your resume
  • An electronic version of your resume, in case a recruiter wants it available to email to clients
  • A list of at least three references and their contact information, including email addresses for those further away than a local phone call
  • The results of any skill tests (typing, computer programs) you have taken at temp agencies

Dress as you would for any professional interview, even if you just want work as a telemarketer. The more responsible you look, the better your chances of getting steady work.

Good luck!
Lisa

Find a Place to Call Home in Australia

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I got to live in this happy yellow house in Newtown during my time in Sydney.

Finding a good flat in Australia is a lot like apartment hunting back home. The difference is that if you’re on a working holiday or studying abroad, you probably won’t want to sign a long-term lease, which means you’ll either be subletting or looking for flatmates who only need a roommate for a short time.

There are plenty of ads in the newspaper and online for flatmates wanted (flatmates.com.au is a good site to start with), but your best bet might be looking on the street. Get an idea of what part of town you want to call home, and look for fliers.

There are always ads up around hostels and university campuses. These areas have a large turnover of students and travelers, so finding a room for a few weeks or months shouldn’t be difficult. Expect to pay anywhere from AUS$90 to $140 per week, depending on how many people you share with and location.

Even though you may feel pressure to find a flat quickly when you arrive, don’t jump into a situation until you’ve seen at least three or four different places and have asked all of the right questions. What questions are those you wonder? Why, they’re written right here. Don’t be offended if some of them seem obvious. Sometimes it’s the most obvious questions that are the easiest to forget.

Sites like flatmates.com.au are great for finding "flatmate wanted" ads, but fliers in hostels and cafes are another great resource.

Questions to Ask Potential Flatmates:

1. How much is weekly rent? (You’ll almost always see rent listed as a weekly price, not monthly.)
2. How often is rent due? Weekly, fortnightly (every two weeks)? What day of the week? (All important information if you have a job that only pays once or twice a month and you need to budget ahead.)
3. How much is the bond, and under what conditions do I get it back? (A bond is like a security deposit and can be equal to a week’s rent or a month’s, depending on who you rent from.)
4. Are there other bills that I’ll be responsible for? (Phone, gas, water…)
5. Is there Internet access, and do I need to chip in for it?
6. What’s the cockroach/bug situation? (Don’t laugh. It really is an issue here. Do you want to find out two days after you move in that all food has to be kept in the fridge because the cabinets are infested?)
7. Does anyone here smoke? In the house?
8. Is it alright if I use your kitchen appliances and cookware?
9. Do you share food? Do you split the cost for items like toilet paper, dish soap, cleaning items?
10. Is there heat/air conditioning? (Probably not, but it’s worth checking.)
11. What’s the minimum amount of time you’d like a flatmate to stay? Is there a specific date I need to leave by? (In case a missing flatmate is moving back.)

You may also want to ask about proximity to public transportation, noise, where the nearest grocery shopping is, safety issues in the neighborhood, and anything else that’s important to you feeling comfortable.

Most of all, consider whether or not you can see yourself enjoying getting to know these people. The main advantage to getting a room in a flat, instead of a hostel or travelers house, is that you can live with some friendly locals, so make sure you pick locals who you can imagine turning into friends.

Where Should I Live in Australia?

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Map by Lonely Planet

If my last blog post about working holidays in Australia made you at least consider doing it, and I really hope it did, then the next step is to start making plans about what to do after you get there.

The first question you should ask yourself: Where am I going to live?

As far as picking a town to settle down in, do you want the urban excitement of Sydney? The casual cool of Melbourne? Someplace close to adventure, like Cairns? Or maybe you want to pick a dusty little outback town and see how the ranchers and miners used to – and sometimes still do – live.

This is where guidebooks and other travelers can come in handy. I chose Sydney when I did my working holiday, mostly because I had friends there, but also because it’s a beautiful place near both beaches and mountains and with lots of nightlife and activities.

Other things to consider:

  1. What kind of work are you looking for? If you have the skills and experience for an office job, then the big cities will have more opportunities and pay higher wages. If you’d rather pick fruit up and down the east coast, then you might look into smaller, rural towns.
  2. What kind of adventures do you want to have? If you’re into scuba diving or boating, head north, around the Great Barrier Reef. If you want to hike and rock climb, take a look at cities around the Grampians.

There really aren’t any bad parts of Australia to live in, and you might want to try more than one area out. Be flexible with your expectations, and your itinerary, and you’re sure to have an amazing experience.

So where are you headed?
Lisa

Start Planning Your Australian Working Holiday

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If you’re a student, you have lots of options to study abroad. But what about after you graduate? Do you have to become a tourist like everyone else?

Nope.

If you’re a Canadian between the ages of 18 and 30, you can apply for a working holidaymaker visa to a few different countries, including Britain, Ireland, France, Germany, Australia and New Zealand. (For Ireland and New Zealand, you can apply up to age 35.)

A working holiday visa allows you to live and work in a country, just like a local, usually for up to a year. Instead of living in hostels and tour buses, you’ll have a chance to settle in, get to know your neighbors, and develop a deeper understanding of a place.

There are no bad destinations, but for now let’s concentrate on Australia. It’s beautiful, slightly exotic, has great weather, friendly people, plenty of opportunities for adventure and is more affordable than some European destinations.

So if you’re in your mid-20s, having a bit of a quarter-life crisis and trying to figure out what to do next (quit your job? go back to school? have a little more fun while you’re still young and unattached enough to enjoy it?) working in Australia for a year could be a great next step.

You’ll be working and earning some money, which is a responsible thing to do, and you might even find a job that will give you experience that can be applied to a future career. You’ll also be in a country full of backpackers who are looking to have a good time. It’s the best of both worlds, really.

If you’re ready to apply, or if you have some questions about working holidays, visit swap.ca.