Always felt comforted reading about others' experiences so here's mine for the other prospective bunacers hereabouts. It's not PR but it's a start...

Process:
- Apply and pay fee when BUNAC program opens.
- Get approval letter and membership card in the post a fortnight later.
- Sent off ACPO police check, reference and 1 page CV.
- 4 weeks later receive notification that my authorisation letter is ready.
- Sent off insurance details (60 quid for 3 months with ACE Insurance), insurance waiver form, and independent flight info.
- Asked nicely and got work authorisation letter in the post two days later and a copy emailed just in case. Clare at BUNAC is a star.

Flight with BA last Wednesday was grand, despite almost missing its departure, and bags 'n me arrived in one piece at Pearson contrary to BA's reputation. Worth noting that if you manage to break your VOD entertainment terminal like the pensioners in front of me, it seems they'll shift you a cabin up for the inconvenience if there's room. Well worth a try if you ask me.

Immigration/customs experience was less hassle than it's ever been surprisingly. Got a sinking feeling when I saw an Air India jet at the gate over when we taxied in; so as others here have warned, there was a bit of a queue for the three border agents on duty at the time.

Customs, when they saw my work authorisation letter, almost waved me straight through for the first time. Advice from the Canuck I was sat next to which holds true though, is always declare NOTHING on the card they hand out on the plane. In the past I've decided the apple in my carry-on counted as 'importing fruit or vegetables' and got sent to the 'special' room for my trouble.

Anyway, after a 30 minute wait in the immigration hall sticking out like a lanky, sore white thumb the young lad I saw asked all of three questions, took my address, and explained I couldn't work with kids or in healthcare while his PC caught up and I got my work permit printed out and stapled in. No questions regarding the funds I brought over so print-outs of balances, insurance details etc. not used in this case. Friendly all the way in spite of my knackered appearance and by now questionable body odour.

Only advice I could offer is make sure you're organised in advance, don't worry too much about being over the listed 23kg per bag limit with BA - I got away with it - and have a chat with your flying companion on the way over. The woman seated next to me turned out to be a big cheese in a Canadian college and mentioned her office was down two people. Starting your networking on the plane can sometimes work a treat.

Good luck and a happy trip to all those coming out soon. You're going to love it.

Fantastic thread Windward! I shall look forward to my own Bunac landing very soon

Let us know how you get on

Wow, well, my nerves are jangling now after reading that! Argh, that's going to be me!

Quick question - I had the same idea with the insurance (ie: buying a 3 month policy only) did Bunac pass any comment on this?

I'm glad it all went smoothly for you. And thanks for sharing your experience, be sure & let us know how you get on. I hope you have a blast in Toronto, I'll be there soon enough

hey

great post!!
you make it sound soo easy!
can't wait till its me!
Have a fab time! Maybe meet up next week!
Karen

good post, very useful to know.

i also have a question about the insurance you took out...i am currently deciding on what to do. are you intending on staying for one year but only took a 3 month policy?

did your return flight information and number of months insurance match up?