The big Kiwi OE is part of our heritage. We come from a small country, on the edge of world, with vast oceans in every direction as our neighbors. Currently, the economy is strong, immigration is up and opportunity abounds in some of our bigger cities, so why head overseas? For those youngsters who still possess that wanderlust, Conroy has dug out some of the best new spots for Kiwis to enjoy.
The United States
Since 2007 the United States has allowed post-secondary students or recent graduates who are New Zealand or Australian citizens to work and travel in the US for up to a year. The natural inclination for Kiwis is to head to London or Europe for their OE but the US, land of opportunity, really can offer much more and on a larger scale.
For one, the weather - depending on which of the 50 states you decide to settle in - is miles better than the grey and dreary British climate. Work wise, the Americans are still willing to live up to their cliché of show a good attitude and some initiative and you really can make it overnight, rather than be stuck in the hierarchal and bureaucratic nature of the UK’s work environment.
If you thrive on enthusiasm, seeing the biggest of everything and if you want a snippet of the American Dream, then the US should be your first choice!
Argentina
If learning a new language, working in a city that resembles Paris and enjoying cheap and quality wine and steak sounds like your cup of tea, then Argentina may be right up your alley. For young people especially, Argentina is a fun and lively place with much to do and see – from sightseeing in the Iguazu Falls to partying into the early hours in Buenos Aires. One thing you’ll be able to say is that boredom never came into the picture.
There are currently 1,000 working holiday visas available each year for New Zealanders to visit Argentina – which gives you up to 12 months to travel and work. With Latin America at your doorstep, trips away to Brazil, Chile and Peru will have to be penciled into the itinerary!
Japan
For a completely unique and different culture Japan is one of the great places to go on your working holiday. Although you will have to declare that your main reason for visiting is to holiday and that any work has to be casual/temporary to supplement funds. A part time job and time to get lost in the ancient temples, try your hand at a bit of Japanese, eat sushi and traditional dishes to your hearts content and maneuvering your way through Tokyo city, all sounds like time very well spent!
So Kiwi’s you don’t automatically have to follow in your parents’ footsteps and trace your family heritage back to the UK. Why not check out a completely different part of the world – you won’t regret it!
