How to Work Abroad in Australia

When you seek a job or internship in Australia, throw out whatever conceptions you have of workplace hierarchy. They have much different way of doing things in Australia and the experience should be memorable and beneficial.

Things You'll Need

• Revamped resume
• Visa

Instructions

1. If it's an internship you are after, your local or home university may already have an established program. You can also check with other institutions boasting accredited programs, including Michigan State University and Boston University. These programs afford you the opportunity to explore a career but many are not paid or only offer a small stipend.

2. Seasonal farm work is difficult but it may help you cover the costs of travel across this huge country and it will give you a personal look at Australian life.

3. To understand the Australian culture even better you may want to try a homestay at a cattle station. This is one of the more colorful options, but you should already have some experience riding a horse and a license which allows you to drive in the country.

4. Of course, the hospitality sector affords huge opportunities for prospective employees. If you have the patience and gumption, reach out to popular bars and nightclubs, restaurants, hostels and other attractions who hire temporary or seasonal workers. These employers will probably be more willing and more likely to have experience arranging visas for overseas workers.

5. Some attractions, like Planet Hollywood and the Hard Rock Cafe (or other U.S.-based chains) actually target and embrace workers. Your odds of getting a job that will help fund your stay and travels are much better.

6. If you are already in the workforce and work for a fairly good-sized company with a worldwide presence, there's a good chance it has an office in Sydney or even Melbourne. Check with your HR department or the Australian office about vacancies and opportunities for transfer.

7. If money isn't an issue, consider volunteer work Down Under. The country has particularly active environmental advocacy organizations. You can work planting trees in the Tasmanian wilderness for Conservation Volunteers Australia. Programs are also available for those interested in working on organic farms. In some cases, these organizations will pay for your room and board. In other instances, volunteers will actually have to pay for the experience.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider the additional costs of flights to Australia (more than $2,000 during peak season), as well as additional costs for your favorite brands and products from home.

• Allow plenty of time to arrange for a work visa and passport, if you don't already have one.

• The curriculum vitae (as opposed to a resume) is standard in Australia. For examples of CVs, see the resources section.

• For work in most urban centers, public transportation is reliable; however, in the more rural areas consider the costs of transportation and driving in a foreign country. You will need to obtain an international driver's license and also be aware that Australians drive on the left side of the road, which takes some time to practice. Familiarize yourself with Australian driving laws and speed limits in kilometers per hour.

Resources

• Council on International Educational Exchange -- A leading U.S. NGO offering work and study opportunities for college and high school students
• CV Tips -- A guide to curriculum vitae writing, complete with examples