Finding a job

There is generally plenty of short-term or casual work available and IEP offers participants a job offer guarantee for the Sydney area, as well as general support and job leads elsewhere. Be prepared to be flexible and open to opportunities when job hunting and you will be successful.

Australia has a thriving tourist industry and there are always positions available in offices, hotels, shops and restaurants. Career-related work is an option for some participants. Agricultural work is also plentiful. When you arrive, IEP will tell you which crops are in season and how to find such work but be prepared for hard physical work in varied weather conditions!

Remember that the seasons are reversed in Australia. Our winter is their summer and vice versa. Australian students start their summer break in mid-November and are potential job competition until mid-January/early-February.

Costs in Australia

Previous Work Australia participants earned an average of A$350-400 per week. It could be some time after arrival before you receive your first paycheck so it is vital that you arrive with sufficient funds in-hand to pay for your food, accommodation, travel and other expenses during these initial weeks.

When you find accommodation, you will probably have to pay your first month’s rent in advance along with a security deposit or bond (approx. A$600 in total). Once you have settled in, expect to pay A$175-200 per week for food and accommodation. With reasonable budgeting, you should be able to save enough to finance your travels.

Travel in Australia

You will undoubtedly want to see as much of the Australian continent as possible. The Australian landscape is vast and varied with arid deserts, golden beaches, rugged mountains and lush tropical forests, making it one of the most exciting places on earth to explore.

Australia is also a great place for adventure and ‘ultimate’ sports. Scuba diving, bungee jumping, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, sailing, surfing and climbing are as widely available as less extreme options such as bush walking and horse riding in the outback. Alternatively head for one of Australia’s vibrant and exciting cities such as Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne.

Although there are often enormous distances involved, traveling from place to place is easy via bus, plane, train or car. The cheapest and most popular way to travel is by bus and there is an extensive network operated by several companies including Greyhound. Discounted bus, air and rail passes can be readily purchased on arrival.

There is plenty of budget accommodation throughout the country, both through the Youth Hostel Association (YHA) and in independent hostels. Hostels are also great places to meet other young people of all nationalities.