Expat Story: Working Holiday Visa in OZ

ABOUT

Manon grew up in Carcassonne, in the South of France, studied in Toulouse, and she currently works in Toulouse as a Business Legal Counsel. She speaks French and English.

Moving to Australia

When and why did you move to Australia?

I arrived in Australia with a one-year Working Holiday Visa in September 2014. My goal was to practice English while traveling and to discover this amazing country. After one year I came back to France to do my Masters degree.

How can people immigrate to Australia?

If you come from the list of eligible countries and under 36 years old, you can come on a Working Holiday Visa. Check your eligibility beforehand. Otherwise you can get a work visa sponsorship from a company there (harder).

How did you get set up? (phone plan, bank ..)

I opened a bank account at Commonwealth Bank, bought a SIM card in a kiosk to have an Australian number.
To find a job, you can go door to door, and I also used the Gumtree website.

Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?

Before going there, it was easy to subscribe to Chapka Insurance online.

What should people consider before deciding to move to Australia?

It’s expensive, especially if you move to Sydney which is the tenth most expensive city to live in the world, but life is good there! Also, sunscreen is mandatory as there is a hole in the ozone layer. Unfortunately, Australia has a high skin cancer rate.

Do you need to speak English well to live in Australia?

When I moved to Australia, I couldn’t have a real conversation in English and I could find jobs in the hospitality sector as a hostess or waitress. But of course, it is better to speak English fluently when you move there, to have more professional opportunities. It depends on what you are looking for.

Living in Australia

What surprised you about life there when you first arrived?

People are so friendly and relaxed, I had the opportunity to volunteer with local families in exchange for food and accommodation, it was quite easy. I felt really safe there.

What are the main differences between French people and Australians?

In Australia people are very disciplined and truthful. They naturally follow government rules, local authorities, and… they use Cheddar as regular cheese!

What are your favorite things to do in Australia?

So many things, but if I have to choose it would be going to the beach and watching wonderful sunsets. The sky is special in Australia, I swear!

How much money do you need to live comfortably in Australia?

I think 3k AUD per week, maybe more.

Where are the best beaches and islands?

There is a long list: Fraser Island, Kangaroo Island, the 74 Whitsunday Island..

Are there any experiences that surprised you?

One day, I was gardening knowing that there was a python earlier in the morning. Unfortunately (or fortunately for me…) I did not see it!

Final Thoughts

Was it easy making friends and meeting people?

Very easy with flatmates, at work, or in hostels. I met mostly expats and volunteering in families gave me the opportunity to meet locals as well.

What books should people read to learn more about Australia?

“Down Under”, also entitled “In a Sunburned Country”, by the best-selling travel author Bill Bryson. It’s about his adventures throughout Australia and he gives valuable insights into the culture, nature, history, geography and economy of the country.

What are the biggest challenges that Australia faces today?

Global warming. We need to increase our environmental sustainability and use energy based on wind and solar power, protect the forests, among other things.

Can you tell us something else about Australia that we might not know?

Australia is about 14 times bigger than France!

Thank you so much Manon for answering my questions, you lived quite an adventure! If some of you are interested in the Working Holiday Visa, it seems to be a really fun way to discover the country while meeting lots of people and traveling around the country!