Washington Week: Student Voices (O)

Opportunities arise for students abroad
By Allyson Simcox
The Lantern, Ohio State U.
April 23, 2009

A new Australian work visa may offer students and graduates an opportunity for advancement while facing a diminishing job market.

Australia is the first country with whom the U.S. has entered into a work and holiday visa arrangement. It will allow students and graduates to go to Australia for a 12-month period to work, study or vacation.

The program was organized by Tourism Australia, the official Australian tourism agency. The visa is offered to students ages 18 to 30, or a person who has graduated from a post-secondary institution within the previous 12 months. Students will be able to go to Australia within three months of obtaining the visa, and then they can immediately undertake temporary employment and study up to four months during their stay.

Employers expect to hire 22 percent fewer college graduates from the class of 2009 than 2008, according to a recent study by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). Because of this, any experience in a graduate's field of study will make them more marketable, said Jeff Robek, career adviser for Ohio State's Career Exploration Office, in an e-mail.

With the state of the economy, working abroad could be beneficial.

Michelle Gysberts, vice president of the Americas for Tourism Australia, said that now is the time to look for employment outside of the U.S.

"Employers are regularly impressed with graduates who have spent time in another country, particularly when that time was spent working for a significant period of time," Gysberts said.

Possible job opportunities include scuba diving instruction, bartending, and working as a ranch hand. However, there are no restrictions on the type of work a student or graduate can perform while in Australia.

"I would probably only suggest this to individuals if the positions they are able to obtain will give them experience that they can transfer to their chosen field," Robek said.

U.S. citizens can apply for the visa either online or by mailing an application to the nearest Australian embassy or consulate, according to a press release from Tourism America. Application forms are available on the Australian Embassy's Web site, immi.gov.au.

"From the beaches to the world-class cities; from the indigenous animals to the rich Aboriginal culture; and from the people to the experiences, Australia is a wholly unique country with something for everyone," Gysberts said.

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