Work Abroad Programs

BUNAC Review - Work New Zealand

Back in 2003, I did quite a bit of research about working abroad. I ended up deciding on going to New Zealand, which broughts it down to two choices for a non-student: BUNAC and CCUSA. This will be a testimonial about BUNAC. This review is not sponsored.

It is rather intimidating to apply to work overseas. There is limited third-party information about these programs, and there was even less in 2003. No one wants to go over and then find out there’s a problem with their work visa or that they are stuck overseas without support. At the time, BUNAC had a much nicer website, and this factored in my decision. CCUSA did and still does have a nice program where one can work back-to-back in Australia and New Zealand, which is rather compelling. I’ll look at CCUSA in another post.

BUNAC was founded in 1962, so they have a long track record. They are based in the UK, and have numerous programs. From BUNAC’s website:

Opportunities range from the popular camp counselling programme, Summer Camp USA, and flexible work and travel programmes in Canada, the USA, Australia, and New Zealand to volunteering/teaching placements in Africa, South and Central America, South East Asia and, new for this year, China. Programmes last from as little as five weeks to as long as two whole years. Participants can take part in a BUNAC programme as part of their summer vacation, during a gap year, after graduation or as a career break. Most programmes are open to 30 or 35 year olds.

I had a number of questions, and emailed BUNAC about them. They were quick to respond and helpful. I later called and spoke to someone, and while the person didn’t sound enthusiastic, they were also helpful. I took the leap and sent in my passport along with the application and fee. The passport was returned to me in less than a week with a work permit stamped in it. BUNAC took care of all the details with the embassy, which was nice.

I had to get a number of details taken care of, including buying travel insurance for the duration (a requirement for the program), having $2000 in my bank account (for immigration and customs, who didn’t ask to look at my statement), and had to buy a very expensive plane ticket. I bought it through STA Travel, who has lots of experience with young adults traveling abroad. New Zealand immigration requires an outbound ticket to show them upon arrival (and they did look at my tickets).

As BUNAC says on their Work New Zealand page:

Your sponsor in New Zealand is BUNAC’s subsidary organization, International Exchange Programs (IEP). The program is administered in the USA by BUNAC on behalf of International Exchange of North America (IENA), which in turn sponsors New Zealand student exchanges to the USA.

Once I got there, I used the transportation pass provided to get to the hostel in Auckland, where I was provided 2 night accomodation. IEP then ran an orientation for a few of us, answered questions, and provided additional materials. I wouldn’t say the orientation was necessary, but it was helpful, if for nothing else, just to talk with people going through the same experience as you.

IEP had an office nearby where they were available to answer questions and provided guidance. They also had a few computers available to IEP participants for no additional cost, for job hunting and travel planning. Additionally, they offered to be a location to accept mail on our behalf. I soon went to Wellington, and only contacted the office once more. They were available by phone to support me if needed, which again, is nice. IEP did have representatives in many cities organize a monthly gathering of participants, who are from multiple countries. They were typically at a local bar or restaurant, and a good time to connect.

I ended up extending my stay by a month, and had to contact the office about extending my travel insurance, which was easy enough. I had to extend my flight through Air New Zealand rather than STA Travel. Air New Zealand messed up my stateside ticket, but that’s another story.

Overall, I highly recommend BUNAC. Be aware that there are limited allotments of visas for each year, so take that into consideration.

If you have any questions, let me know, and I will answer them on this blog.

Related posts:

1. The basics of working abroad