I've been really confused about what to do... I've just graduated from college and I don't know if I should start to work immediately or follow this longtime dream of living abroad. I'm an English Teacher from a Spanish speaking country and I've always dreamt about living in another country, especially one where I can improve my English and learn about the culture and history of the place too. I'm 25 years old and I think this is the "right" age to do this kind of things (this program of W&H is up to 30 years old) most of my friends tell me that I should do this because is a once-in-a-lifetime chance. And I really believe that. But at the same time, I think I should perhaps 'gain' some experience in a job, so when I come back, I won't 'lack' of experience for future jobs.
So, that's it. My dilemma. Any help and point of view is appreciated. Thank you.
Should I apply to this Work & Holiday visa or just start to work this year?
- Posted:
- 3+ months ago by paupaam
- Topics:
- work, college, holiday, confused, follow, year, visa, years, holidays
Responses (2)
I understand what your goal is. The only problem is your misunderstanding of the definition of "experience" in order to apply for future jobs.
Let's say you decided to stay and apply for jobs but you wanted to stay busy so you applied to a charity as a unpaid volunteer. That volunteer work should go on your resume. Paid or unpaid it is work, with responsibilities, a supervisor, projects to handle and a learning experience for you to broaden your knowledge base.
So if you go abroad are you not being responsible, being adaptable to new situations and people and open to new challenges? I'm sure there are other skills and abilities you could find but those are all things any prospective employer would like.
ALL experience, paid or unpaid, goes on a resume. So you would be coming home eventually with experience. You would NOT be starting out with a blank slate.
Good luck and best wishes for a happy future! For what ever it's worth, I vote for going abroad.
I agree with the answer above, you can get work experience or life experience where you live or abroad, you may also gain fluency in another language which can only be beneficial for your future work opportunities.
I actually was once in the same situation- I studied and then wanted to go overseas with the WH visa. I was making the exact same decision- working for a bit and then go or go straight away. I chose to work for 2-3 years in the field I studied for and then went abroad with my WH visa. In hindsight, in my case, it was the right decision to work a bit first as in the new country I wasn't able to work in the same job (due to the country's registration regulations), but if you are not restricted work wise then go abroad now. While you are still footloose and fancy free. It gets harder once you are established in a job etc. Good luck!