Australia Work and Travel Program Begins Accepting Applications

NEW YORK, NY — January 2007 InterExchange Working Abroad (www.WorkingAbroad.org) has begun accepting reservations for the 2007 Work & Travel Australia program. Work & Travel Australia is a 4-month program that offers students and young adults an adventure-filled and affordable opportunity to work and experience life "Down-Under.”  Working Abroad sponsors participants on an Australian Working Holiday Visa for up to 4 months and assists them in obtaining the necessary documents to work legally and help pay for their travel abroad.

“We are excited to offer young Americans the opportunity to explore Australia while working to earn money during their travels, but it’s our level of service and benefits offered that makes our program unique,” said Tara Cavanagh, Working Abroad Program Manager

Participants are met at Sydney airport and brought to the most conveniently located hostel in town, where they stay for the first two nights and are given an orientation covering important, practical information such as opening a bank account, and employee rights and obligations in Australia. Participants are guaranteed job offers within five days of registering with InterExchange’s local partner, giving them an added advantage in an otherwise highly competitive backpackers’ job market.

Positions are varied, but can include:

• waiting tables,
• bartending,
• retail,
• telemarketing
• fruit picking, and more.

Free internet access at all Backpacker World stores and hundreds of travel discounts are just some of the benefits participants enjoy throughout their time in Australia. They are free to travel around as frequently as they choose and can check in with InterExchange’s local partner office for job offers whenever they are ready to work.

One participant summed up his experience: "I had the best time in Australia. One of my biggest concerns upon arriving was the security of a place to live and a job. But someone met me at the airport, and I felt very comfortable! The program is great; I wouldn't change a thing of it. The best part about the program was the 'friendly,' 'willing' attitudes the people at Work & Travel Company had. [They] tried the best they could to give me whatever information or help I needed. I wouldn't say there’s a bad part about the program; it was great."