mushroomyakuza

Hi everyone

I just joined the forum as it seems like a good place to get some solid, reliable information from people who've been there themselves. I'm 26 years old, just got accepted on a working holiday visa and plan to move to Perth around late September.

I'm wondering what advice you would all give for someone in terms of where an affordable area would be to live for someone of my age and relatively humble means. For work I'm hoping get employment as an English as a Foreign Language Teacher, which I did both in Japan and England, although I know this may not be easy.

A lot of the posts on here seem to indicate that it's often best to simply show up and organise things as you get there. Can anyone verify this?

If not, can anyone recommend any reliable websites for organising a house share, as I doubt I'll be able to afford living by myself.

Also, any general advice regarding documentation, immigration, visas, life in Perth, job opportunities and so forth would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

verystormy

Gumtree is probably your best bet for shared accomodation.

There is a fair bit of casual work about in Perth. Cant comment on teaching English other than all teaching here seems highly regulated and qualifacations are normal at degree level even for nursery teachers.

What do you want to know about immigration? It is totaly non related to WHV. If you are looking to stay hear beyond your WHV there are 3 options. 1 PR visa. Do the visa wizard on the immi.gov.au web site to see if you may qualify. 2. Student visa. But be aware it can be VERY expensive. 3. Sponsored visa such as 457, the likelyhood of securing one would depend a lot on your skills and experience.

Life in Perth. Well, its a big city, nice climate, it will be Spring when you arrive which in my opinion is the best time of the year. It depends a lot on what you want.

Documentation. Well, it depends. If you qualify for a PR visa and intend to apply, then as much as you can possibly bring. If you are just coming on the WHV then you are in effect on holiday. Driving licence obviously.

LeeWillo

I would second that. Seems to be plenty of stuff on there for a singleton.

mushroomyakuza

Thanks for the advice guys. I will look into a PR visa soon, though I am a little concerned I won't have the qualifications or relevant experience in whatever fields they're looking for. As for accomodation, flatmates.com looks quite promising.

ChocolateOrange

We came to Perth in Dec 2011 with the great intentions of starting a new life, living the dream, having all the quality.... but we can't wait to leave and go back to the UK.

There is little quality here, education being the key. As a result we are totally under-stimulated. I would never recommend that anybody come to live here.
Sorry for the negativity.

Tramps_mate

You've only done 8 months...

ChocolateOrange

Yup. I guess you know pretty much straight away whether it is the right move for you and we have never managed to get rid of that 'oh my god what have we done' feeling.

I have never seen my family so miserable and unhappy.

mushroomyakuza

ChocOrange, if you don't mind me asking, can you go into more detail as to why you and your family were so unhappy there?

Timmo84

Are you set on moving to perth? or are you flexible?

And were you planning on teaching english/japanese? depending on the job you are after, you might have a bit more luck in other cities. E.g somewhere like Brisbane/Gold coast which has a huge japanese population.

NickyC

They already did..

Post #14

http://britishexpats.com/forum/showt...php?p=10212577

mushroomyakuza

Nope, it's gotta be Perth, at least to start with. (girlfriend).

I'd like to teach English if possible yes, I've heard back from two language schools asking me to get in touch when I'm there.

I read ChocOrange's posts in the other thread and while I appreciate the advice, I think everyone has to find out for themself at the end of the day.

Wendee

That's WA for you, really should have gone elsewhere. It's good for a holiday though, with excellent fishing!