How I did it: I was looking for a new adventure and saw that Americans would live in Australia or New Zealand for up to 12 months. I heard you could make more money in Australia so we decided on there. I just went online, signed up for the visa, got it a few days later in my email inbox and bought the ticket.

It's difficult to find work or a place to live before arriving. In fact, it's difficult to find that after you get here. But you stick with it and it all eventually gets sorted out.

The Working Holiday visa was so simple to get, just fill out a lengthy form online and if you don't have any criminal history you get it instantly. The visa was like $240 AUD, the plane ticket was like $800 US, and then you need $5000 AUD when you get here. Australia is very expensive and your savings will go quickly. The job market is not great but you come to explore and meet friends, not really make a lot of money.

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Dec 19, 2009, 04:09PM PST | 0 comments | 2 cheers