By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Editorial Department
Traveling abroad is no longer just about sightseeing and admiring scenery. Working holidays have also become one of the activity choices for many young people going overseas. It allows you to experience the local culture and lifestyle while staying abroad for an extended period to learn various different cultures. According to a survey by a well-known Taiwanese polling website, Japan ranked first in last year’s working holiday destinations, the United States second, while Australia — the country traditionally thought of as a top choice — dropped to third place. Below is a summary of the working holiday restrictions and requirements for the top 10 popular countries. Aside from most countries having an age limit of 30, Canada allows applicants even over 30 years old.
2017 Working Holiday Restrictions Roundup (Image / MOOK Scenic Spots Family)
I. Before Departure
● Gather and Understand Information About the Destination Country
Young travelers should enhance their English or local language communication skills before departure. They should collect information from the local representative offices or institutions in Taiwan regarding job opportunities, language learning centers, living environments, weather, and more. This will help them adapt quickly and experience local work and life upon arrival.
● Purchase Overseas Medical and Accident Insurance
Be sure to purchase comprehensive annual overseas emergency assistance and medical insurance from domestic or international insurers. The insurance should cover accidental injuries, outpatient medical consultations, emergencies, surgeries, medications, emergency evacuations, and more. During your stay abroad, without insurance protection, unexpected accidents or hospitalizations can lead to medical costs that are often unaffordable for the average family.
● Customs and Quarantine Declarations
Since customs regulations vary by country, it’s essential to understand the relevant restrictions before your trip. If you need to carry any of the aforementioned items, you must truthfully declare them on the customs declaration form upon entry to avoid legal trouble.
● Register Your Status as a Traveler Abroad
Before departure, register your status as a traveler abroad at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Bureau of Consular Affairs travel registration section. Also, memorize the contact numbers of your country’s embassy or consulate in the destination, the 24-hour emergency hotline, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Emergency Contact Center, in case of unforeseen circumstances.
Japan was the top-ranked country for working holidays last year (Image Source / Myoshinji Temple)
II. During Your Stay Abroad
● Proactively Contact the Local Embassy or Consulate
After arriving in the destination country, proactively register with the nearest Taiwanese embassy or consulate. This helps the overseas mission keep track of working holiday youth and ensures they can provide immediate assistance in case of natural disasters, unrest, emergencies, or search requests.
● Think Carefully Before Signing Employment Contracts
Before signing a contract with an employer, make sure you fully understand the nature of the job, whether it is illegal work, if the salary meets the local minimum wage, whether social insurance is provided, the conditions for contract termination, and whether your physical ability can handle the job.
● It’s Not Easy to See a Doctor for Minor Ailments
In many foreign countries, 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 common colds, treat minor wounds, etc. Those without insurance will need to pay out of pocket or buy over-the-counter medicine from pharmacies.
● Always Sign a Rental Agreement
When renting accommodation, always sign a contract with the landlord or their agent to clarify the rights and obligations of both parties. When renting or job hunting, try to go with a companion and avoid going alone. Also, pay attention to rental safety and choose landlords and residences carefully. Try to avoid living in areas with poor security.
● 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
Life overseas is different from life back home. Young travelers may stay in budget hotels, visit workplaces or tourist spots with mixed crowds, or be out at night, all of which increase the risk of losing their passport. Always keep an eye on your personal identification documents.
The Czech Republic has become a popular destination since opening up working holiday opportunities in recent years (Image Source / czechhockey)
III. Assistance in Case of Issues Abroad
●Ministry of Foreign Affairs Emergency Contact Center
The “Ministry of Foreign Affairs Emergency Contact Center” operates 24/7 all year round to handle emergency assistance cases for overseas travelers. The center provides a toll-free “Overseas Travelers Emergency Service Hotline” within Taiwan at 0800-085-095. For calls from overseas, please dial +886-800-085-095 (followed by your country’s international dialing code). In case of emergencies abroad, you can use this hotline to seek contact and assistance. For issues related to passports, visas, and documentation, please call the Bureau of Consular Affairs main line during office hours at (02)2343-2888. For general inquiries about Ministry of Foreign Affairs services, please call the Ministry’s main line during office hours at (02)2348-2999.
※The “Ministry of Foreign Affairs Emergency Contact Center” also offers a global toll-free “Overseas Travelers Emergency Assistance Hotline” at +800-0885-0885 (followed by your country’s international dialing code), currently available in 22 countries or regions including Europe, the United States, Japan, South Korea, and Australia.
Avoid the crowds and come here instead！Enjoy exclusive views of the world’s most stunning scenery～16 global destinations with the fewest tourists
》http://www.mook.com.tw/article.php?op=articleinfo&articleid=15436