FAQ’s - the questions answered here cover a wide range
of topics, however if you have any queries not addressed below we encourage you
to contact us.
Application
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Do many people travel on their own?
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Yes. On average 70% of participants taking a BUNAC Group Flight join the programme
on their own. The Discover Hong Kong stopover provides an ideal opportunity to make
new friends.
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When should I apply for the programme?
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We recommend that you apply as soon as possible. Places are available on a first-come
first-served basis. Applications for BUNAC group flight options must be received
at least 6 weeks before departure. Those arranging their own flights must also submit
their application at least 6 weeks before the intended departure.
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What will it cost?
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You should budget for the following costs:
- Work Australia Essentials (£349)
- Flight costs (either BUNAC Group Flight or independent)
- Visa fee (£165)
- Insurance (The BUNAC Work Abroad cover is available for up to 24 months. A 6 month policy costs £260.)
- Fun optional extras – price varies
- Spending money (the Working Holiday Visa requires that you have access to at least
AUS$5000 on arrival in to Australia)
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Do I have to buy one of the Packages?
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The Work Australia gap year programme is based on the
Essentials package. The other packages are intended to enhance the experience. However,
they are optional and you are not obliged to add anything to the Essentials package.
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Can I join a package without the Essentials?
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The essence of the Work Australia gap year programme
is the support and services that are included in the Essentials programme. The extra
packages enhance the experience. The packages can’t be arranged without having the
Essentials package.
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Who can apply to the Work Australia gap year programme?
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You must be aged 18-30 (inclusive) at the time of applying for the visa and must
be a permanent resident of the UK* or Ireland* and hold one of the following passports:
Belgium, Canada, Republic of Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany,
HKSAR*, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malta, Netherlands,
Norway, Sweden, Taiwan, United Kingdom.
*Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China (includes
British National Overseas passport holders).
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Flights
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If I book a one-way BUNAC flight can I book the return leg with BUNAC whilst away?
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Unfortunately not. The BUNAC flights must be purchased before leaving the UK.
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If I book a BUNAC round-the-World flight, will I be able to change it?
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BUNAC flights are flexible and allow dates of travel to be changed for a fee of
approximately £75. Changes are made subject to airline availability.
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Tell me more about the Discover Hong Kong stopover
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Discover Hong Kong is an inclusive part of your London-Sydney Group Flight. The
BUNAC rep at Heathrow will introduce you to the rest of the group and seats on the
plane are pre-allocated to ensure you are sitting with other Work
Australia participants.
On arrival in Hong Kong you will be transferred to a centrally located 3* hotel
for two night’s (rooms are based on two or three sharing and breakfast is included).
There will be some free time to rest and recover from the flight; although you are
likely to fight off the sleep and go and explore the local area with your new friends.
During your stay your English speaking guide will take you to see some of Hong Kong's
most popular tourist highlights including Victoria Peak, Stanley Market, and the
Aberdeen Fishing Village (tours may vary from one group to another). There is also
a group night out planned for one evening. Finally, having enjoyed a brief introduction
to this frenetic Chinese outpost you will be transferred back to the airport in
time for your next flight to Sydney.
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The price of the flight has changed since I last looked at the website. Why is this?
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Whilst the flight costs are a constant, the airport/departure taxes and fuel surcharges
can fluctuate and this may result in a change to the overall flight cost.
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Do I have to fly to Sydney?
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All BUNAC Group flights will arrive in Sydney. IEP resource centres are located
in Sydney and Melbourne. If you are arranging an independent flight you can choose
to travel to a city of your choice. However, outside of Sydney and Melbourne the
resources will be limited. Please contact BUNAC to discuss your specific needs in
more detail.
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My flight home leaves from Cairns, does the programme include overland travel?
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Where your route includes a Sydney - Cairns overland sector, this aspect of the
trip is arranged independently and the cost (and method) of the overland trip is
arranged independently.
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What happens if the airline I am travelling with goes out of business?
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All BUNAC tickets issued on or after 1st November 2008 as part of this programme
are covered against financial failure of the airline/s.
In the event of one of the airlines you are ticketed on ceasing service due to financial
failure, Bold Travel ltd (trading as GS World Travel) will endeavour to rebook and
reissue your ticket without further cost to you. Any such arrangements must be made
by Bold Travel; you will not be reimbursed for any independent arrangements that
you may make.
The financial failure policy is held by Bold Travel Ltd (trading as GS Word Travel),
policy number 14087 and underwritten be a panel of ABI Insurers and Lloyds syndicates.
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Visa
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Can I extend my Working Holiday Visa?
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If you work for 3 months or more in the agricultural industry, you can apply for
a 12 month visa extension. We will provide you with details as part of the programme
departure pack.
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Work
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How will you help me find a job?
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Our Work Australia Handbook has some useful tips that
will help you prepare for the job hunt. On arrival in Sydney, utilise
IEP’s resource centre with job boards, computers, free internet and knowledgeable
staff. They will help you get your tax number and set up a bank account (both essential
for potential employers).
If you are looking for a head start, why not consider the
Skills & Thrills package which has been designed to provide you with the
necessary experience to find hospitality work.
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What kind of work do people do?
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Most participants work in retail, hospitality, agricultural (e.g. fruit picking/harvesting)
or office temping. Typical jobs include serving in pubs and bars, waiting tables
in restaurants and cafes, working in shops and supermarkets, housekeeping and reception
work in hotels and hostels, and data entry and customer service roles.
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How long can I work for?
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If you have the Working Holiday Visa you can work for a maximum of 6 months with
any one employer. You can work for up to 12 months in total; however, the spirit
of the visa is to encourage travel which is subsidised by casual employment.
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Accommodation
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Where will I live?
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Most participants live in hostels or rent shared flats/houses. It is common for
people to share with other participants they meet on the Group Flight. Vacant properties
and rooms are advertised online, in local newspapers, hostel notice boards and in
IEP’s resource office.
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Do I have to stay in Sydney?
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Sydney provides a good base to start your trip, but the visa allows you to work
anywhere in Australia and there are many great places to live and work in Oz! The
East Coast, Brisbane, Cairns, Melbourne and Perth are popular backpacker destinations,
or you may like to see the real Australia by living in the outback for a bit – see
the Organic Oz package for some ideas. We’ll send you a Lonely Planet guide when
you apply which is packed with great places to visit.
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Is it possible to book extra accommodation in Sydney?
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The Work Australia Essentials programme includes your
first two night’s accommodation on arrival in to Sydney. Certain packages also include
extra accommodation. If you would like us to book you more Sydney accommodation
we can certainly arrange this for you. Please contact the Work
Australia department for more information.
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Can I reserve a twin room in Sydney?
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Subject to availability and an upgrade fee we can arrange twin accommodation for
you and your travel partner/friend in Sydney. Please contact BUNAC for more information.
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How can I find out more?
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Contact us on (020) 7251 3472; send us an email
(downunder@bunac.org.uk) or attend a presentation.
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