Working holidays suspended until further notice
The highly coveted Working Holiday Program (WHP) has been suspended until further notice in most participating countries. Japan is the only exception. Since September 1, 2020, WHV holders who returned to their home country during the crisis can go back to Japan again, provided that their visa is still valid and that they test negative for COVID- 19 within 72 hours of departure. Note that the WHV allows young students and graduates to take up a small temporary job in their host country to be able to meet their needs during their stay. But are there any other options for those who wish to move abroad or to extend their stay during the crisis?
Seasonal jobs
Agriculture, hospitality and tourism, the languages teaching, childcare, etc., are some of the sectors that regularly need seasonal employees. Have you ever thought about working on a farm or fruit-picking? Even if it's far from being your dream job of your dreams, it's still an interesting option for acquiring a first professional experience abroad. In fact, it can be a plus on your CV once you start looking for a permanent job.
New Zealand is one of those countries that need thousands of seasonal workers every year to meet the labour shortage in several sectors. On August 19, 2020, a 6-months extension of the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) visa was announced. Thanks to this measure, some 8,000 seasonal workers are currently to stay and work for a longer period in the country. So, if you are already in New Zealand on a seasonal visa that is expiring on December 31, 2020, at the latest, you can stay until you find a job that matches your profile. You are also allowed to switch employers through a written agreement, without impacting your visa.
Like New Zealand, several other countries such as Australia, France and Germany, offer similar programs to young international students who are looking to have a first work experience. In France, for example, there are seasonal opportunities, particularly in agriculture and skiing. Germany, which relies significantly on nearly 300,000 seasonal workers each year, relaxed its travel restrictions since March. Thousands of foreigners were thus able to enter Germany to work on agricultural farms.
Internships abroad
You can still find an internship abroad despite current travel restrictions in many countries. Indeed, many companies, especially in Europe, are still considering recruiting interns and temporary workers in the coming months. As tourism and restaurant activities are resuming gradually, many temporary jobs are being created to meet growing demand. Also, as expatriates around the world are moving back home, there are job openings in various sectors. So if you are a young European who doesn't need a visa for a short stay within the EU, for example, you could give it a try.
What about a virtual internship?
If travelling abroad is not an option for now, there's nothing to worry about. Today, many companies around the world are offering virtual internships since remote work became increasingly popular since the onset of the COVID-19 crisis. There are opportunities in a wide in various fields, ranging from marketing and technology to fashion and engineering. Even though you're less likely to immerse in a foreign culture, for the time being, virtual internships can open the doors to the global labour market. Like an internship abroad, virtual internships can also be a plus on your CV. In short, you will have the opportunity to acquire a first work experience in a multicultural environment, whether in a start-up or a multinational company and get to expand your professional network at the same time. At the end of your internship, and when the COVID-19 crisis is gone, you could be considered for a permanent position with the same company, depending on your performance. What about the other benefits of virtual internships? You neither have to pay rent in another country nor to waste long hours in commuting.
Keep an eye on offers abroad
While many countries are keeping their borders closed until further notice, you don't really have to stay idle. Keep an eye on job and internship openings in the country you are interested in and get the latest updates on travel restrictions. Also, take the time to enquire on the market and travel requirements, and gather all the necessary documents. Once the borders reopen, all you have to do is book your flight and live your dream.
