Newly authorised by the New Zealand government, Work New Zealand offers US students & other young people (18-30) the opportunity to work & travel in New Zealand for up to a year - considerably longer than any existing program allows. New Zealand is an exciting travel destination combining magnificent & varied natural scenery with a unique & fascinating history and culture. Participants will find plenty of short term work available but are most likely to take employment in tourism, agriculture, office jobs or in the fast-growing IT sector.
Sponsorship & on-the-spot support is provided by IEP (international Exchange programs) in Auckland & includes job & accommodation listings, arrival orientation & accommodation, help with tax & bank account set-up, & on-going support for the duration of the participant's stay. The program fee of $450 also covers application, visa processing & pre-departure information & support from BUNAC. Places on this pilot program are limited to 150 & so early application is encouraged.
Participants can enter New Zealand at any time during the year but have to specify their arrival date when applying for the special visa (via BUNAC). The 12 month clock starts 'ticking' on arrival in New Zealand.
Brochures & application forms are now available from BUNAC.
Also available is the long-awaited updated information on the Work Australia program. The good news is that for January-June 2000, the Australian government has increased the number of places available (through BUNAC) from 150 to 600. The bad news is that the length of stay in Australia has been cut from one year to four months - in line with the length of time young Australians can work in the USA on a summer Work/Travel J-1 visa. The number of places available beyond July 2000 will be announced by the Australian government later this year.
Participants wishing to stay in Australia as a tourist beyond the 4 months work stay, may be able to switch to a tourist visa (for up to 3 months). The special work visa can be issued up to 3 months in advance of the proposed date of entry in Australia.
As with current sucessful BUNAC Work Australia program support & help 'down under', is via IEP & services offered are similar to those detailed above for Work New Zealand. BUNAC also hopes to offer special work opportunities in & around the Olympic Games taking place in Sydney in Sept/Oct. Details will be available in February.
For further information on both programs contact BUNAC in Connecticut on 1-800-462-8622; e-mail: info@bunacusa.org; or visit the BUNAC website at: http://www.bunac.org.
Jill Tabuteau
Manager
Incoming Programmes
BUNAC Travel Services Ltd
http://www.bunac.org.uk
Tel. 0171-251-3472
Fax 0171-251-0215