Czech Republic Joins 2016 Working Holiday Program: List of 14 Working Holiday Countries

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Team

Working holiday gets a new option. At the end of 2015, our country and the Czech Republic signed a memorandum on youth working holiday, making the Czech Republic the 9th in Europe and the 14th globally to sign such an agreement with us, with implementation expected as early as April 2016.

The Taiwan-Czech Republic youth working holiday memorandum applies to youths aged 18 to 26 (inclusive), with a maximum stay of one year from the date of visa issuance, and is expected to be launched in April 2016. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it hopes young people from both countries can apply to visit each other’s countries under the principle of “holiday first, work second” through the working holiday program, and experience local life, customs, and learn each other’s languages and cultures through tourism, short-term study, and temporary employment. The Ministry will separately announce the implementation date and related application procedures.

Taiwan has currently signed working holiday agreements with 14 countries. The Ministry of Education’s Youth Development Administration has also issued precautions for overseas working holidays, which young people planning to work abroad should pay attention to.

II. During Your Stay Abroad

● Proactively Contact the Overseas Embassy or Consulate

After arriving in the destination country, proactively register with the nearest overseas embassy or consulate to help them keep track of the status of working holiday youths, so they can provide immediate assistance in case of natural disasters, unrest, emergencies, or search requests.

● Carefully Consider Signing Employment Contracts

Before signing a contract with an employer, it is advisable to fully understand the nature of the work, whether it is illegal, whether the salary is below the local legal minimum wage, whether social insurance is provided, the reasons for contract termination, and whether your physical and ability levels are suitable for the job.

● Getting Medical Help for Minor Illnesses Can Be Difficult

Abroad, you usually need a fixed address to register as a patient at a nearby clinic under the national health system, but making appointments can be difficult. Some hospitals offer walk-in outpatient services where you can register on-site and wait for treatment. Senior nurses can diagnose colds, flu, and treat minor wounds. Those without health insurance will need to pay out of pocket or buy over-the-counter medication from pharmacies.

● Always Sign a Rental Agreement

When renting a place, always sign a contract with the landlord or their agent to define the rights and obligations of both parties. When renting or job hunting, try to go with others and avoid going alone. Also, pay attention to rental safety and choose landlords and residences carefully, avoiding areas with poor security when possible.

● Obey Local Laws

Do not carry or use drugs or marijuana, and do not work for illegal organizations to avoid ending up in prison.

● Safeguard Personal Documents Such as Your Passport Carefully

Life overseas is different from that in China. Young travelers may lose their passports easily due to staying in budget accommodations, frequenting workplaces or tourist attractions with mixed crowds, or often being out at night. Please keep an eye on your personal identification documents at all times.