Working Abroad Frequently Asked Questions
General FAQs
Q. How does the application procedure work?
Q. When should I apply?
Q. Once I've submitted my complete second application, how quickly will I find out about my placement?
Q. What if I do not receive a placement?
Q. What kind of visa will I need?
Q. What if I encounter problems during my placement?
Q. Can I apply again if I've already participated in a program?
Q. Will I be able to meet other people on the program?
Q. I have seen many free postings for au pair positions on the Internet; why should I go through an agency such as InterExchange?
Work & Travel Australia FAQs
Q. What are the costs involved?
Q. Where will I live?
Q. Will I work with other travelers?
Q. How will I get around if I want to travel?
Q. How does the Job Offer Guarantee work?
Q. What kinds of jobs are available?
Q. What if I want to stay in Australia after my 4-month Special Program 416 Visa is up?
General FAQs
Q. How does the application procedure work?
A. Once you identify the program you're interested in, download and complete the Preliminary Application and send it to us with your $75 Application Fee. Upon acceptance, we will mail you a program-specific second application with instructions on submitting supporting materials (e.g., letters of reference, self-introductory essays and medical statements). (top)
Q. When should I apply?
A. To ensure we have sufficient time to arrange your placement and assist with pre-departure logistics, we advise submitting applications at least 3 months prior to desired start dates. Please see individual program descriptions for more details. There are exceptions for certain programs - please contact us if you would like to find out if you can start on short notice. (top)
Q. Once I've submitted my complete second application, how quickly will I find out about my placement?
A. Once we've received and accepted your complete second application, we will contact you and keep you posted on your placement status. We try to provide placement details as early as possible and no later than 2-3 weeks prior to desired start dates. Placement is contingent upon many factors, including the number of available positions during your desired period of participation, your experience and skills, any preferences you may have requested, and the overall strength of your application. (top)
Q. What if I do not receive a placement?
A. Unfortunately, we are unable to guarantee placements. If you do not receive a placement 2-3 weeks prior to your desired start date and you applied within the application deadline, we will issue a full refund of your Program Fee. Please refer to the Participant Agreement for further details. (top)
Q. What kind of visa will I need?
A. This depends on the program, but you will usually enter your host country on a 90-day visitor's visa. Most of the opportunities we offer are considered cultural exchange programs, therefore work permits are generally not required. Please note that you will not be allowed to seek paid, non-program related employment while on a visitor's visa. (top)
Q. What if I encounter problems during my placement?
A. One of the benefits of our program is the support and guidance we provide throughout your placement. We strongly urge you to contact InterExchange or our partner organization in your host country as soon as possible. We will not be able to help if we are unaware of your situation. (top)
Q. Can I apply again if I've already participated in a program?
A. Yes! We look forward to helping you experience as much of the world as possible. (top)
Q. Will I be able to meet other people on the program?
A. Yes. Before you leave, InterExchange will provide you with contact information for other participants who will be on the program at the same time as you, as will our partner office in your host country once you arrive. (top)
Q. I have seen many free postings for au pair positions on the Internet; why should I go through an agency such as InterExchange?
A. Securing an au pair position abroad through a reputable organization such as InterExchange has the following benefits: the security of knowing that host families have been carefully screened, and that you will have the support of an in-country office should problems arise. We will also help you navigate through complicated visa procedures. (top)
Work & Travel Australia FAQs
Q. What are the costs involved?
A. The pre-departure costs are as follows:
Application Fee: USD 75
Program Fee: USD 595
To see what this includes, please go to:
http://www.workingabroad.org/worktravel/worktravel_australia.html
Special Programs 416 Visa processing fee: AUD 180 (payable to the Australian Department of Immigration)
Insurance: USD 60 per month (if purchased through InterExchange)
Flights: Dependant on flight
Once in Australia, the amount of money each person spends will vary, but the following will give you a basic idea of what you can expect: earn AUD 400 per week, spend AUD 100-150 for rent and AUD 60-80 for food. Your entertainment and travel costs will depend greatly on your lifestyle. (top)
Q. Where will I live?
A. It's up to you. We will help you find affordable housing and there are also many posters on notice boards around town. Most participants choose "house- or apartment-shares" with rent costing approximately AUD 100-150 per week. Accommodation is not included in the Program Fee, except for the first 2 nights at the hostel. (top)
Q. Will I work with other travelers?
A. Most likely, as the types of jobs we help you find are the seasonal, casual kinds backpackers/travelers usually look for. (top)
Q. How will I get around if I want to travel?
A. Australia has an extensive and affordable bus network that goes to all parts of the country. Your Program Fee includes membership to "VIP Backpackers" and "Backpackers World" which offer discounts to bus, plane and train travel as well as hostels, tours and trips. (top)
Q. How does the Job Offer Guarantee work?
A. Worldwide Workers guarantees to find you a job within 5 working days of your registration in their service. This first job they find you could be a one-off, 8-hour day job, or a longer position lasting up to 3 months. After this first job, they will continue to find you work if and when you require it. Group emails will also be sent to inform you of jobs in your chosen areas (hospitality work in Sydney, fruit-picking work in Queensland, etc.). (top)
Q. What kinds of jobs are available?
A. Most jobs available to you on the Special Programs 416 Visa are seasonal, casual-type jobs, such as waiting tables, bartending, working in a call center, at a shop, at a resort, or on a farm. (top)
Q. What if I want to stay in Australia after my 4-month Special Program 416 Visa is up?
A. You can apply for a 3-month visitor visa, but you will not be allowed to work. Applications should be submitted to DIMIA (Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs) in Australia. (top)
