travel questions & answers

What's most important to make a good travel & work experience trip?
A ~ Flexibility! Being energetic & totally open & really interested to try new things. Really going out to meet new people & see different things. Not expecting it should be the same as at home or it has to be a certain way. Being flexible.

How safe is international travel at the moment?
A ~ How safe is crossing the road? Clearly there are always places it is dumb to go to when there's trouble on but most of the world is safe most of the time with the locals going about their normal daily lives. Obviously it's wise to avoid places of conflict or known health risk. These are usually well known to travel agents, airlines & embassies. Now is a great time to be traveling when so many are staying home there are some discounts on tickets & less crowds!

When & how long

What is the best time of year to go?
A ~ The seasons are what most drive your decision. When can you be away from home job or education? When is best time of season to experience what you aim for in the host country(s) you're planning on? For many places start of spring is a good time to begin. In others it's wine vintage or planting or grain harvest or calving which effects best time for the experience you want.

How long can I go for?
A ~ Many go from 7 to 12 months with some up to 20. Perhaps 7 to 9 in one country or 2 x 6 in two counties lets you get a mix of experiences from 2 places & cultures. Also different production systems from extensive to intensive. Maybe one place via an IRE partner then backpacking awhile on your later travels.

Can I work just 1 or 2 months in different places?
A ~ It seems to work best to have at least 5 or 6 months in one place for many farm, hort. or horse places. For hosts it's often more helpful if you can stay a while after they spend time showing & training you on their systems. Often you also learn more seeing a longer part of the season. You get more of a connection with a local community too.

Host place & program

Can I find my own placement?
A ~ Yep about 5 to 10% of places are self placed with the host program still helping you with visa, orientation, site support, general help & info. Self placing is more in wine or where people need a very specialized experience. It is still good to have the host program check the place to be sure it is a good training place where you will be well treated, paid properly & the housing is okay.

What if I don't like the place?
A ~ We normally see about 6 to 8% of placements we make don't work. Maybe it's the chemistry between people or perhaps not the experience you hoped for. First discuss it with your hosts. If there is still a problem then contact your supervisor or program coordinator. As in so much of life it needs clear & open communication.

What if IRE's partner can't solve a problem?
A ~ Mmmm….. pretty unusual. Have a really good talk to them & your host. Ask to speak to the national coordinator or director. As a last resort call or email IRE. Whatever you do don't "just disappear" without communicating as nobody can help then. It may also be outside your visa. The occasional "downer" is inevitable but can always be sorted out.

Visa

Does IRE apply for my passport & visa?
A ~ No, it's always the applicant who has to apply for these. At each stage ~ passport, visa, international license, insurance etc we give you the info you need (how, what, when, how much etc) plus most of the forms needed.

How long can I get a visa for?
A ~ Most counties issue a visa for up to a year (US is 18 months).

What type of a visa do I get?
A ~ Each country has heaps of different visa classes, tourist, student, business etc. For most the ones used thru the IRE sort of program are ~ "youth work experience ~ cultural exchange training" type visas. The US J-1 & Aus 416 are typical. The US "H", labor type visa's are not normally applicable. For Aussies going to some countries the "working holiday" visa is used although this does not need the support of an accredited sponsor program. For people using an IRE type program most of the paperwork is usually managed for you by the program which is familiar with what's needed & when.

Do I need a tourist visa anywhere ?
A ~ mostly no. In your main host country(s) the training or work visa is all you need. If you're going "off the beaten track" more into central Europe or some parts of Asia, Africa or S America you may. Best to ask your travel agent.

Travel

Can I do some extra travel along the way?
A ~ Certainly. For most the place arranged thru IRE is just the start point. Once you start it is soon clear there's just so much to see & do in the world. Many travel for about 15% of their time away. If away longer it maybe around 20%. Some of this may be longer trips of 3 to 5 or 6 weeks with some as long weekends to see the local region. Make sure you plan these & discuss well ahead with hosts.

Where is the best place to get a plane ticket?
A ~ In Aus IRE work with an agent in a country town we find excellent on service & price for international travel. Sometimes they are also cheaper for people coming to Qz, ie from USA. For short haul travel in Aus or around Europe there are often discount airfare web sites. We're big Virgin fans here. Great prices but even Qantas have some too. If you're flying in Europe Ryanair or Easyjet seem pretty good. In North America www.cheapairlines.com is an option.

Do I need a return ticket to get into the host country?
A ~ Different countries have different rules. US is mostly okay when they see you have a longer visa. UK can be pretty picky so watch it. Most times if you're traveling less than a year a return ticket (or an around the world) will always be cheaper but it means you need to be home inside a year.

What about a student card?
A ~ If you have been a student in the past year be sure to get an ISIC www.isic.org (International Student card) via your college or Uni. It can save you a lot of money thru discounts. IRE make you a "student identification" which helps in many places but not buses or trains. A YHA or VIP card is often another way to save some money.

What insurance do I need?
A ~ A good quality comprehensive travel policy is absolutely essential. It's "totally crazy" to move without "home door to home door" protection. Medical, luggage, death, repatriation, personal liability. Dental too if you can get it. IRE can get SmartCover for you at 20% discount. Great value & good quality protection both in or out of Oz. See insurance for more detail of our recommendation. For outbound unlimited medical is best or at least A$10 million. Hosts have workers compensation.

What if I buy a car?
A ~ Yes well that opens up another world & for insurance it varies by country. You need to talk to hosts or host program at seminar or local police or insurance in the host country. There are 3 areas to consider ~ 3rd party person (if you hit a person), 3rd party property (if you hit another car) and vehicle (if your car gets damaged). In Aus & some other countries the 1st is automatic in the car license. The 2nd is also most important but you often have to buy it separately from an insurance company. You are crazy to drive without it.. The 3rd is usually a crazy price for people under 25 & often more than the average old trainee car is worth!!

Do I need an international driver license & who does these?
A ~ Yes, yes, yes. Most places it's the motor association. (RAC, NRMA, RAA, AAA etc)

Health

What vaccinations do I need?
A ~ Depends where you're going but for most western places it's the same as at your home so make sure your tetanus vaccination is up to date. In some tropical places Malaria is a risk. Talk to a travel agent or doctor if planning any "off the track" counties.

What other health stuff is there?
A ~ Like at home it's mostly things you put into your body which are most likely to effect your health. If you haven't been to the dentist in the last 6 months its best to go before you leave. Not that you should have any problems in other countries but even in western countries it's not always easy to see a dentist or doctor if you're not local. Oh yeah & always always ~ use a condom! If it's not on, it's not on!!

Money

How much money do I need to take?
A ~ So how many beers & how many burgers do you need to get thru the week?
You know people who spend it like water while others can "live on the smell of an oily rag". Do you plan to buy an old car in US or Canada (maybe US$1000) & do you plan to take a camping safari tour in Europe? How long are you going & how long do you plan to work. Perhaps $2000 to $3000 for 6 mths or $4000 to $5000 for a year. Maybe best is to talk to someone who just got home from a year or so overseas.

What's best way to take my money?
A ~ When traveling, it's best to play safe & have backups. Cash ~ it's handy to have small amounts of local currency when arriving in a new country. As it's irreplaceable if lost keep cash to a minimum. Travelers cheques are safer. Be sure you keep the sales receipt & cheque numbers in a separate part of your luggage. Credit cards ~ major cards are accepted in most countries & can be used in many ATMs. Check with your home bank as they often have sister banks in other countries.
Cash Card is another useful system, see www.cashpassportcard.com

Should I open a bank account in my host country?
A ~ Check with your hosts & program but for most if you are in a country more than a few months it's best to open an account there. With some hosts it will be essential as your allowance (wages) can only be paid by direct "e" transfer to your bank a/c.

Getting ready to go

What clothes should I take?
A ~ The less the better cause you gotta carry it there! Maybe 2 sets of work clothes. Maybe boots if you like something special. 4 or 5 sets of undies & sox. Something for disco or party could be good too plus a wind or thermal jacket.

How much luggage can I have? How much should I take?
A ~ 20kg is the international standard airlines accept to check in plus a cabin bag. North American airlines may take more but it's really a question of how much are you comfortable to carry if you have to walk a few hundred meters or a K or 2. Often the more kilo's you have when backpacking, the more you pay for the bed as you can't walk so far from the bus or train station to the better priced beds further away.

What is best type of bag to have & do I need to take a sleeping bag?
A ~ If you're traveling or backpacking a bit then a backpack is most flexible. Maybe with a small one which attaches on the top or back so you can take it off when you check in. It can be "overnighter" while away or your cabin bag with book & "jocks & sox" etc. Many don't take a sleeping bag but the really lightweight ones are easy to strap on top then you're more flexible where you stay.

What can I take on the plane & what do I need?
A ~ Normally one cabin bag of up to 5kg & limited size to fit overhead lockers. As you will often be flying for over 24 hours it's more comfortable to take a spare pair of under-ware & sox, maybe a spare light shirt or blouse & guys even a razor, a comb, deodorant & toothbrush. After flying the long 12 hour legs, a quick trip to the "loo" a bit before landing for a wash & freshen up can make the rest of the trip (which could still be ½ a day) more comfortable for you & others!

Should I take a mobile phone?
A ~ Depends on what you can afford! For most people the answer is probably no at the start even tho GSM digital works in most countries except Canada & USA. Mobiles can be VERY expensive outside your home country unless you get a host country SIM card. In many places discount international phone cards cost much less.

How else can I stay in touch?
A ~ Some just use a separate voice mail box without a mobile. Also if you haven't already, do get an email address before leaving. If using a hosts computer, make sure that they have antivirus software so your emails or disks don't "crash their business"!!

Off & doing it

What happens if I miss a flight or my bag doesn't arrive?
A ~ First thing is to relax & work it thru calmly. Millions of people fly every day so the airlines have procedures to help you manage these situations. If you're not going to get to a flight let the airline know before departure time or you'll become a "no show" & loose your ticket. If you miss a connection or flight is delayed let your hosts know. Before flying make sure your luggage has your name & destination address & phone inside or on it. Then watch at check-in to see it gets correctly tagged for where your going. If it doesn't arrive on your plane report it to the luggage service people at arrival airport. They often have an overnight pack for you or some money to get a few sox & underwear. Get a contact phone & person from them & give them your phone & address plus plans so they know where to send it on to. Most times the airlines are pretty good at getting lost bags to you at their expense over the next day or 2.

Will I travel with others & will I be met on arrival?
A ~ It depends where you are going & what time of year. Sometimes IRE or it's partner can get a group discount for part of the way. Other times it maybe 2 or 3 going together but often you maybe the only one going at that time to that country. Often you will be met by either your hosts or our partner but it does depend on the time of year, day and time. We should always be able to have you know what the arrangement will be before you leave home.

How bad is "jet lag"?
A ~ For normal fit & healthy youth travelers it's no big deal. More than anything it's about managing your fluid intake to avoid dehydration. The air up there is less dense & so much drier. If you're drinking any alcohol or much coffee these also dry you out. So the deal is ~ a glass of water for every hour you're flying & for 3 hours after plus a glass for each glass of alcohol or coffee you have. As for time zones or missing some sleep, mostly the body can survive these quite okay. A good stretch & a walk around every 4 or 5 hours really helps the body too.

Info & links

Where is best to get travel info about different places?
A ~ There is just so much travel info published. Weekend newspapers, a travel agent, the local bookshop or library. But more & more it's the heaps of good websites. Lonely Planet is one of the best and their books on each country or region are also excellent. For sure the more reading you do & info you gather before traveling, the richer your experience & the further your pocket will last! Enjoy & have fun!

For more information contact IRE or the IRE partner in your country.

For a short summary about going OS via IRE, print off summary out

For a short summary about coming to Aus via IRE, print off summary in

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