GENERAL
What's most important to make a good travel & work experience trip?
A ~ Flexibility! Being energetic, totally open and really interested to try new things. Really going out to meet new people and see different things. Not expecting it should be the same as at home or it has to be a certain way. Either out of Australia or into Australia, you need to go for the right reasons – to further your education or learn new practices. Money shouldn’t be a major enticement.
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, 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 risks. These are usually well known to travel agents, airlines and embassies.
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 the best time for the experience you want. Keep in mind – most countries have certain intake dates. If this is the case – you will have to fit in with these.
COMING TO AUSTRALIA
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 placement. 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.
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, support, general help and information. 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 and paid properly.
What if I don't like the place?
A ~ We see a small percentage of placements that just 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 Co-ordinator. As in so much of life it needs clear and open communication.
What if IRE can't solve the problem?
A ~ Mmmm….. pretty unusual. Have a really good talk to your host first, then Supervisor and if needed –IRE National Co-ordinator. You can email at any time.
Whatever you do don't "just disappear" without communicating as nobody can help then. As part of your 416 visa regulations, we need to be aware of where you are. The occasional "downer" is inevitable but can always be sorted out. Communication is the key.
Does IRE apply for my passport & visa?
A ~ You have to have a current passport. IRE’s Partner Program overseas will work with you to fill out your visa and then IRE will apply for your visa within Australia on your behalf.
How long can I get a visa for?
A ~ Maximum in Australia on a 416 visa is 12 months. This is a ‘’one off visa”. It cannot be extended past 12 months.
Do I need a tourist visa anywhere ?
A ~ If you are wanting to travel after your placement of 12 months for more than 4 weeks, you will need to change to a Tourist Visa. This is very important. The cost at the moment for a Tourist Visa is $250.
 Click here to download tourist visa
Click here to download tourist visa instructions
Can I do some extra travel along the way?
A ~ Certainly – Keep in mind once you get to your hosts you will need to discuss this with them. Hosts are flexible, but you need to work in with them re the best time to travel (e.g. busy or quiet times). Holidays will accrue at a rate of 2.923 hours per working week. If you want to holiday longer than your accrued time, you must change to a tourist visa.
Flights
A ~ There are many flights you can get. You really just need to have a good look on the internet or with your travel agent in your home country.
In Australia IRE work with a travel agent in a country town we find excellent on service & price for both international and domestic travel. The Travel Agent we use is at Harvey World Travel in Western Australia. www.greatsouthern.harveyworld.com.au
Do I need a return ticket to get into the host country?
A ~ If coming into Australia – you are required to have a return ticket or pay a $1,000 bond.
What about a student card?
A ~ We recommend that you apply for a Identification Card. This can be done online at www.statravel.com.au or www.isiccards.com.au
What insurance do I need?
A ~ If coming to Australia – you must take out Covermore Insurance through IRE. This is compulsory.
What if I buy a car?
A ~ You need to talk to your hosts or host program at seminar. 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 Australia and 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 and often more than the average old trainee car is worth!!
Should I open a bank account in Australia?
A ~ Yes – your host family will help you organise this.
How much money do I need to take?
A ~ This will vary from country to country and person to person. I think if you use your common sense and think about how much money you would use in a day and work it out from there. IRE would recommend you DO NOT have any less than $1000.00 in your bank account.
What's the best way to take my money?
A ~ When travelling, it's best to play safe & have backups. You definitely need Australian currency when arriving in Australia. Also, most Trainee’s have a debit card which can be used in our atm machines. Contact your bank before leaving your home country and talk with them about this. 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.
What clothes should I take?
A ~ Don’t overpack as you will buy new things, but remember that some of you are in isolated placements – so you need to be prepared. Its very hot here in Summer and pretty cold in Winter. Don’t underestimate.
How much luggage can I have? How much should I take?
A ~ Please check with individual airlines, as this may vary (it is generally 25 kg)
Should I take a mobile phone?
A ~ You are more than welcome to bring your home mobile – although many don’t work here. Our suggestion is to purchase a Pre paid Telstra Next G Phone when you arrive in Australia. You can get a decent one for around $100. PLEASE NOTE – do not let the Sales Assistant talk you into any other phone apart from a Next G Phone. Always tell the Sales Assistant you will be in a rural isolated area – that is why you need a Next G phone. If you buy another sort – IT WILL NOT WORK IN THE COUNTRY – ONLY IN THE CITY, so won’t be much use to you whilst travelling.
How else can I stay in touch?
A ~ Nowadays, it is very easy to stay in contact with family and friends at home. We encourage you to bring a laptop if you want. Skype is great as is email. Mobile Internet cards are available from any Telstra shop for $49.95 per month and these are great. Talk to your hosts when you arrive at your placements about this.
What happens if I miss a flight or my bag doesn't arrive?
A ~ First thing is to relax and work it through 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" & lose your ticket. If you miss a connection or flight is delayed let your hosts know. Before flying make sure your luggage has your name and destination address and 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. Get a contact phone number and name from them and give them your phone and address plus plans so they know where to send it on to (most probably your host families address). Most times the airlines are pretty good at getting lost bags to you at their expense over the next day or 2.
GOING OVERSEAS
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 two places and cultures. Also different production systems from extensive to intensive. Maybe one place via an IRE partner then backpacking awhile on your later travels.
Does IRE apply for my passport & visa?
A ~ No, it's always the applicant who has to apply for these – but we will guide and help you. At each stage ~ passport, visa, international license, insurance etc we give you the info you need (how, what, when, how much etc) plus the forms needed.
How long can I get a visa for?
A ~ Most counties issue a visa for up to a year.
What type of a visa do I get?
A ~ Each country has heaps of different visa classes, tourist, student, business etc. Most of the ones used through the IRE sort of program are ~ "youth work experience ~ cultural exchange training" type visas. The US J-1 & Australian 416 are typical. 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 and when.
Do I need a tourist visa anywhere ?
A ~ Depending on which country! You need to talk with Program Partners to establish this.
Do I need an international driver license?
A ~ Yes, yes and yes.
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" countries.
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. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, please note these will not be covered in your insurance. If you need medication or tests to be done, please make sure you do these before you leave your home country and bring the required medication for the duration of your stay.
Should I open a bank account in my host country?
A ~ Yes your host family will help you organise this. When travelling out of Australia, it will depend on the way in which your host pays you. Discuss this with your host on arrival.
Info & links
Where is best to get travel info about different places?
A ~ We have two fantastic Travel Agents who can help you.
Richard at Travel Forever –
Mel at Harvey World Travel - www.greatsouthern.harveyworld.com.au
For more information contact IRE or the IRE partner in your country.
For a short summary about going Overseas via IRE, print off summary out
For a short summary about coming to Australia via IRE, print off summary in
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