GOOD BYE AUSTRALIA !
Essential to remember
Leaving Australia after a WHV leaves intense memories and lasting skills: strengthened English, professional autonomy, international network. It is the experience that changes a life the most in terms of personality, without any doubt.
Everything is in the title, it was 1 year ago, I was leaving Australia to discover Asia, that is to say Thailand! I stayed there from November 2009 to February 2011, 15 months of pure happiness and FREEDOM! To taste this freedom and take the taste of living and experience a personal and enriching adventure!
  ;During these 15 months, I learned a lot about myself, and I know myself a little better regarding my limits. Many people I met tell me, I wish I had done this younger or I didn’t dare! But why not you?
Man is afraid to face the unknown but I can tell you these last 2 years in the unknown are the best of my life. With experience, I have become much more open! What makes you think you can’t do the same? It’s all a matter of preparation.
  ;My journey in pictures to recall this adventure!
Did you know?
More than 33,000 young French people leave each year on a WHV abroad, half of them to Australia. It is today the most used young expatriation program in the world.
This trip was made up of several parts:
– Arrival in Sydney and my adventure in Fruit picking (1 month)
– Tasmania (2 months)
My experience
When I returned from Australia after 18 months, it took me 6 months to get used to France again. The pace, the weather, the relationship to work: everything seems more rigid to you. It is the classic “reverse culture shock” of returning from a WHV.
– Melbourne and my stay in Victoria (2 months)
| Before leaving | Action |
|---|---|
| Superannuation | Request refund online |
| Bank accounts | Keep open for 6 months |
| Tax return | Declaration on myGov |
| Phone | Keep SIM card 30 days |
| Postal address | Forward to a local friend |
– Roadtrip from Melbourne to Alice Springs (2 weeks)
– Perth and the west coast (1 month)
Advantages
- English consolidated for life
- Proven professional autonomy
- Lifetime international network
- Resume marked by experience
- Lasting memories
Weak points
- Difficulty returning to French daily life
- Feeling of lack (reverse culture shock)
- Salary in France may seem low
- Administrative procedures to redo
- Distance from those who stayed behind
– RoadTrip Darwin, Northern Territory (2 weeks)
– Cairns (2 months)
– RoadTRIP, East coast with my brother (1 month)
The classic trap to avoid
Do not close your Australian bank accounts (Commonwealth, ANZ, etc.) before receiving your Superannuation refund. The process often takes 3 to 6 months and requires an active Australian account to receive the transfer.
– Sydney and Technicolor (5 months)
  ;For each of these trips and adventures, I used all means of transportation: Van, 4×4, Car, Bus, Hitchhiking! I will give more details in another article!
Along the same lines, the article on Florent’s testimony provides useful insight. Our feedback on description of Australia also offers good leads, and the guide dedicated to Australia budget focus completes the picture well.
To be honest with you, I did not think at first that I would do so many things and I had not planned precise itineraries, I had the broad outlines of my project. Visit the most beautiful national parks and do a lot of hiking! What changed and determined my adventure were the ENCOUNTERS! Each encounter can change a life or a trip!
  ;A little anecdote, I met a German woman leaving a club and I heard German being spoken, knowing that I am fond of pretty German women, I started talking with her and learned that she was going to Thailand! So I took her contact details and we arranged to meet in Bangkok! I then traveled for 1 week with her and had a very good experience!
Along the same lines, the article on Florent’s testimony provides useful insight. Our feedback on description of Australia also offers good leads, and the guide dedicated to Australia budget focus completes the picture well.
How to recover your Superannuation after the WHV?
Apply online at ato.gov.au (Departing Australia Superannuation Payment – DASP). Timeframe: 3 to 6 months.
How much money can you bring back from Australia?
Varies depending on your job. On average: €5,000 to €15,000 after 6 to 12 months of work. Possibly more for skilled jobs.
Can you return to Australia after a WHV?
Yes, but the WHV can only be used once (or twice with 88 days rural work, three times with an additional 6 months). Afterwards, other visas (student, employer).
