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Sales Sharks


<h3>What inspired you to go abroad?&nbsp;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;">	</span></h3><p>The world is just too big to stay in one place. While I love my hometown and still plan to return, I had to go out and see more than just the small portion of Earth I'd already trekked.</p><figure class="awesome-image right-aligned" style="width: 50%;"><img style="" src="https://www.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto3-sarahanthony-1494389545.jpg" alt="Balmoral Beach in Mosman, Sydney, Australia"><figcaption class="caption">Balmoral Beach</figcaption></figure><h3>Why did you choose GeoVisions?</h3><p>I had heard about Geovisions through a friend that had a good experience.</p><h3>What is your favorite memory from your time abroad? <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre">	</span></h3><p>Experiencing the New Year's Eve fireworks off the Sydney Harbour Bridge.</p><h3>What made your experience as an au pair abroad unique?&nbsp;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;">	</span></h3><p>I have been able to enjoy life as the locals do and haven't had to worry about accommodation. I have also been able to make friends who are also au pairs, so we have similar schedules to go out and explore together on our time off.</p><h3>How did local staff support you throughout your program? <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre">	</span></h3><p>I heard from the local agency multiple times to check in and ensure my experience was going well. They also organised monthly meet-ups and although I never attended one, it was nice to have that option</p><h3>What is one thing every participant should know before participating in your program? <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre">	</span></h3><p>Open communication with your host family is very important. If you are unclear about an expectation, just ask! And, always ensure there is a contract in place to set the boundaries up front for both parties.</p><figure class="awesome-image centered" style=""><img style="" src="https://www.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto4-sarahanthony-1494389561.jpg" alt="Blue Mountains, New South Wales, Australia"><figcaption class="caption">Blue Mountains (Three Sisters @ Echo Point)</figcaption></figure><h3>Describe a typical day in the life of your program. <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre">	</span></h3><p>Typically, my day begins at 6 a.m. I get ready, then go to prepare breakfast for the girls I look after. We drive to school and then the midday time is mine to use for exploring (after a few light housework items). After school pick up time we head back home or to one of the girls' scheduled after-school activities and have dinner. After dinner, we head upstairs for showers, some reading, and bedtime. I typically will pack their school lunches in the evening so they are ready for the day ahead. I get weekends off unless we agree otherwise ahead of time for special circumstances.</p><h3>What do you enjoy doing in your free time?&nbsp;</h3><p>I love going to local cafes and learning more about the coffee culture in Sydney. It is fun to go explore different suburbs and visit an array of beaches that are so easily accessible. I've also enjoyed checking out more "tourist-y" attractions such as the Sydney Tower Eye, visiting the Opera House, and Harbour Bridge.</p><h3>What was your accommodation like?</h3><p>I was provided my own room and bathroom in a beautiful home in a great Eastern suburb of Sydney. I've had plenty of space to live in and the kitchen is open for me to use as well.<br></p><h3>Is there anything that has surprised you about Australia?</h3><p>The cost of goods! Even with the exchange rate and the strength of the American dollar, everything is so much more expensive here (but you don&rsquo;t have to tip!). Also, the giant creepy-crawly rumours are totally true.</p><figure class="awesome-image centered" style=""><img style="" src="https://www.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto2-sarahanthony-1494389635.jpg" alt="Coastal view along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia"><figcaption class="caption">Great Ocean Road</figcaption></figure><h3>Do you have any packing tips for individuals headed to Australia?</h3><p>Pack light and buy things later if needed. You won&rsquo;t regret not bringing a second pair of jeans or your kitchen sink, I promise!</p><h3>What is one thing you wish you would have known before working as an au pair in Australia?</h3><p>I wish I would have known to pack lighter. When I arrived in Australia, I brought a carry on and two checked bags thinking I would need everything and my kitchen sink to survive a year abroad. I have purchased so many clothes and products here that I now have to part with (or pay a ton to ship back home) because I don&rsquo;t have space in my luggage to continue on with everything.</p><h3>What has been the hardest part about working as an au pair abroad?</h3><p>Learning how to drive on the wrong side of the road from the wrong side of the car, on unusually narrow and busy streets, with children in the backseat demanding my attention.</p><figure class="awesome-image left-aligned" style="width: 50%;"><img style="" src="https://www.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto1-sarahanthony-1494389948.jpg" alt="Sydney Opera House, Australia"><figcaption class="caption">Sydney Opera House</figcaption></figure><h3>Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life? <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre">	</span></h3><p>My time abroad has shown me that even on the other side of the planet, people will go out of their way to help others in a time of need. It is so refreshing to step out of the everyday routine I was in and have the opportunity to take a new outlook on living.</p><h3>Is there anything you wish you would have done differently?</h3><p>I am actually very pleased with how things have gone and cannot think of anything I would have done differently.</p><h3>What do you feel the biggest benefit of working as an au pair abroad is?</h3><p>I have enjoyed having my daytimes free when the girls are in school (and use of a car sometimes). It has given me so much freedom to explore nearby beaches and sights that I otherwise wouldn&rsquo;t have been able to if I was working a &ldquo;9-5&rdquo; job.</p><h3>Would you recommend GeoVisions to others? Why? <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre">	</span></h3><p>Yes, everyone should travel if they are considering it and this program is awesome because you get to meet and work for awesome people and get paid in the process.</p><h3>If you could go abroad again, where would you go?</h3><p>Anywhere with less spiders&hellip;</p>


Sarah Anthony

Check out this GoAbroad Interview with Sarah Anthony who participated in The Cultural Exchange Project program.

Sarah Anthony | The Cultural Exchange Project Alumni Interview

Sarah Anthony - 2017 Program Participant


<p class="p1"><span class="s1"></span></p><div class="awesome-image centered" style=""><img style="" src="http://cdn1.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto1-mayo-1435128825.jpg" alt="







hiking in New Zealand"><div class="caption"><p>Alyssa hiking around New Zealand with her mother, who flew over to Sydney; they explored both the north and south islands of New Zealand.</p></div></div><h3><span style="line-height: 24px;">Why did you choose to work abroad?</span></h3><p></p><p class="p2"><span class="s1"><span class="Apple-tab-span">	</span></span></p><p class="p1"><span class="s1">I chose to work abroad because I felt my life back in Florida was getting stale. When I looked at my day-to-day, it was very predictable. I wanted to try something that would put me in a new environment and force me to be a bit out of my comfort zone.</span><span style="line-height: 24px;">&nbsp;</span></p><h3><span class="s1">How did you choose Australia?</span></h3><p class="p2"><span class="s1"><span class="Apple-tab-span">	</span></span></p><p class="p1"><span class="s1">When I first got into contact with Alliance Abroad, they mentioned they had openings either in New Zealand or Australia. Being as Australia was always on the top of my list to visit, I felt this would be a perfect way to get to travel while getting paid!</span><span style="line-height: 24px;">&nbsp;</span></p><h3><span class="s1">Why did you select Alliance Abroad Group over other organizations?</span></h3><p class="p1"><span class="s1">Alliance Abroad Group was the first organization I had heard of offering this type of unique opportunity. I did research into a few other companies offering similar assistance with work/travel, but I had already reached out to Alliance Abroad and felt a sense of ease when I spoke with Rose and Andrew. Sometimes I would think of so many questions that I would call them multiple times in a single day, and they always were there to speak to me and never made me feel like I was an annoyance or calling too much. They were great!</span></p><div class="awesome-image right-aligned" style="width: 350px;"><img style="" src="http://cdn2.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto2-mayo-1435128927.jpg" alt="







Dinner at Gowings in Sydney, Australia"><div class="caption"><p>Alyssa&rsquo;s handsome fianc&eacute;, Lucas, taking her out to dinner at Gowings in the central business district of Sydney for her birthday.</p></div></div><h3><span class="s1">What were your housing arrangements like in Australia?</span></h3><p class="p2"><span class="s1"><span class="Apple-tab-span">	</span></span></p><p class="p1"><span class="s1">Housing was one of the biggest culture shocks when arriving in Australia. Alliance Abroad did mention the average range of what it would cost, but did not mention that it would be sharing a room with other people. Coming from having my own space back home, to seeing apartments with five to eleven people in them was difficult to grasp, especially when you first get here and have no idea what your budget is. It&rsquo;s almost guaranteed to end up in a room share at first until you can get comfortable with the income and know what you can spend per week for rent. I moved out of my room share a few months back, which has been so much better and more comfortable; but, I know of others in the program that have stayed in room share the entire time because of finances or just because they ended up enjoying it!</span></p><h3><span class="s1">What has been your most memorable experience while working abroad in Australia?</span></h3><p class="p2"><span class="s1"><span class="Apple-tab-span">	</span></span></p><p class="p1"><span class="s1">My most memorable experience while working here was my trial shift. I was not aware I would have to do one, as I thought I would arrive and just get to work. My trial shift was a Saturday night at Ivy during Pacha (an over the top club party they throw each Saturday night). When I walked in I couldn&rsquo;t believe my eyes. It was unlike anything I had seen before, and I was amazed and terrified all at the same time. I ended up doing great at my trial, and that&rsquo;s the venue I worked for my first six months in Sydney.</span></p><p class="p1"><span class="s1">That night, I also met my now fianc&eacute;, Lucas. He was the bar supervisor that was in charge of me during my trial, and the one who hired me based on my performance that night. It was all around the best first day of work ever! I immediately fell in love with the venue and found my husband as well! Can&rsquo;t beat that!</span></p><div class="awesome-image left-aligned" style="width: 350px;"><img src="http://cdn2.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto4-mayo-1435129100.jpg" alt="







Tiger Kingdom, Phuket, Thailand" style="display: inline;"><div class="caption"><p>Alyssa&rsquo;s best friend from back home, Stacey, came over to visit and after spending some time in Australia, they went to Thailand! This photo is from their time at the Tiger Kingdom in Phuket.</p></div></div><h3><span class="s1">What is the biggest challenge you've faced?</span><span style="line-height: 24px;">&nbsp;</span></h3><p class="p1"><span class="s1">The biggest challenge is probably the most obvious one, and that&rsquo;s getting homesick from time to time. Being in a new place and not knowing anyone is tough, and may make doubts creep into the brain. It&rsquo;s normal. I always knew a friend or family member was only a phone call or Skype away. This is a once in a lifetime adventure, and home will be there when you get back.</span><span style="line-height: 24px;">&nbsp;</span></p><h3><span class="s1">What advice would you give to others who are interested in working abroad in Australia?</span></h3><p class="p1"><span class="s1">I would say go for it! Of course it may seem crazy and even scary, but no matter what the outcome it will be a life changing experience. My biggest advice would be to come with an open mind. Don&rsquo;t try to put thoughts in your head of how exactly it will be, or how it should be, because you risk the chance of being let down or trying so hard to make it what you thought it would be that you miss what naturally comes along!</span></p><blockquote><span class="s1">Just come as yourself and see how your experience unfolds!</span></blockquote><h3><span class="s1">If you could change one thing about your program, what would it be?</span></h3><p class="p1"><span class="s1">I wished there were more than two days in a hostel included in the package. I love that all the participants are put in the same one, but two days is nowhere near enough for the amount the program cost combined with the jet lag.</span></p><h3><span class="s1">What important tips can you give to future expats in Australia?</span></h3><p>













































</p><p class="p1"><span class="s1">Bring your favorite snacks and a warm jacket! The weather here is very unpredictable, and you need to be prepared for it. Also, prepare your belly to possibly not have what it normally is used to! I miss little things like my favorite cereal and flavor of potato chips, so bring them in your bag and save it for when you&rsquo;re really having a craving!</span></p><div class="awesome-image centered" style=""><img style="" src="http://cdn4.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto5-mayo-1435129261.jpg" alt="







Friends in Australia"><div class="caption"><p>Alyssa&rsquo;s Alliance Abroad crew - they all met at Wake Up hostel their first week and remained friends during their time in Australia and beyond</p></div></div><p><br></p>


Alyssa Mayo

Check out this GoAbroad Interview with Alyssa Mayo who participated in Alliance Abroad program.

Alyssa Mayo | Alliance Abroad Alumni Interview

Alyssa Mayo - 2015 Program Participant


<div class="awesome-image right-aligned" style="width: 50%;"><img style="" src="http://cdn1.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto4-erdman-1433473366.gif" alt="







Loch Ard Gorge along the Great Ocean Road, Australia"><div class="caption"><p>Stop, drop and yoga at Loch Ard Gorge along the Great Ocean Road</p></div></div><h3><b>What made you decide to work abroad?</b></h3>
<p class="p1">I chose to work abroad because I was at a major crossroads in my life. I had just finished college, obtaining a degree that I no longer wanted to pursue in the professional world, but I was not sure what else I could do. I knew that I wanted to travel, but financially could not just travel for several months alone. I decided working abroad was my only option. Luckily, I had a few years of serving experience and hospitality is one of the top industries for young people to work in abroad.</p>
<h3><b>Why did you select Australia for your overseas work experience?&nbsp;</b></h3>
<p class="p1">I chose Australia for three simple reasons. First, they speak English, which made being alone in a new country much less daunting. Second, their seasons are the exact opposite from where I live, so I would be going from the end of summer at home to the beginning of summer in Australia and then back to the beginning of summer at home once my six months was over. The final reason was that I had studied abroad for a month in New Zealand while in college, and I had to find out which country was better since they have such a rivalry.</p>
<p class="p1">These are not the most profound reasons, in fact they are quite simple and maybe even a little silly, but it was all the reason I needed to go.</p><div class="awesome-image right-aligned" style="width: 300px;"><img style="" src="http://cdn2.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto2-erdman-1433473541.gif" alt="







Snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef, Australia"><div class="caption"><p>Snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef</p></div></div>
<h3><b>What was the most memorable experience you had in Australia?</b></h3>
<p class="p1">The most memorable experience I had while working abroad actually did not come until my last day of work. I loved my job and I knew I had made some good friends and lots of great memories, but I did not realize how much of an impact I had made on my co-workers. My last day of work was filled with lots of hugs and even more tears. Those people were more than my coworkers; they were part of my Australian family. When you are alone in a new country, your co-workers often become your best friends, and in my case they became my family too. I know if I ever go back to Sydney, I will have my family there waiting for me with open arms.</p><p class="p1"><br></p><div class="awesome-image left-aligned" style="width: 300px;"><img style="" src="http://cdn1.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto3-erdman-1433473606.gif" alt="







Surfing lessons at Kuta Beach in Bali, Indonesia"><div class="caption"><p>Sarah and a friend after they learned how to surf from some locals at Kuta beach in Bali</p></div></div>
<h3><b>What was the biggest challenge you faced working abroad in Australia?</b></h3>
<p class="p1">The biggest challenge I faced while abroad was running out of money. Halfway through my stay in Sydney I completely ran out of money. Business was slow at my job and I had not worked in a couple of weeks, and right before this happened I went on a vacation to Cairns and overshot my budget a bit. I spent a couple of weeks doing nothing but sitting at home and rationing out my food. It seems silly to think about it now because it was such a short period of my stay, but those few weeks felt like an eternity, especially since I refused to call home and ask my parents for money; I could not admit to them that I had failed. But in reality, I did not fail, it was merely part of the experience of being abroad.</p>
<h3><b><br></b></h3><h3><b>What advice would you give others who are considering working abroad?</b></h3>
<p class="p1">If you are at all interested in working abroad, do it. Just go. Pick a date and save a little money and leave. You will never regret it. Even if you go broke or get really homesick at some point, you will never look back on your time abroad and wish you had not gone. People always say you will only regret the chances you did not take, and I completely agree with that statement. Make the most out of your life while you can before you get tied down to a job, to a spouse, or to children. Once all that happens in your life, you probably won&rsquo;t ever get an opportunity like this again.</p><div class="awesome-image right-aligned" style="width: 300px;"><img style="" src="http://cdn4.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto1-erdman-1433473484.gif" alt="







Girls at Katoomba Falls in the Blue Mountains, Australia"><div class="caption"><p>Sarah with her two best Sydney friends at Katoomba Falls in the Blue Mountains</p></div></div>
<h3><b>How did working abroad in Australia impact your life?</b></h3>
<p class="p1">Now that I am home, after being gone for over six months, I do not in any way feel like the same person who left Minnesota back in October. I have a greater appreciation for my friends and family; I have a passion for my life and career that I have not felt in a long time. And on top of all of that, my eyes have been opened to the true beauty that our world is.</p>
<blockquote>There are beautiful places and people and things surrounding us every day that we go blind to out of familiarity with those things. I think that even if people cannot go and see the world, they should start to just notice again the beauty that surrounds them.</blockquote>
<p class="p1">As I write this, I am sitting on my patio looking out at my backyard, but it does not seem like the same yard I&rsquo;ve known for the last twelve years. It is green, rich, and alive, and I cannot believe that it took travel across the globe to notice that.</p>


Sarah Erdman

Check out this GoAbroad Interview with Sarah Erdman who participated in Alliance Abroad program.

Sarah Erdman | Alliance Abroad Alumni Interview

Sarah Erdman - 2015 Program Participant


<h3>Why did you choose to work abroad?</h3>
<p class="p1">I have always loved traveling, and ever since I was a little girl I always dreamed of getting paid to travel. Working abroad gave me just that right fulfillment to travel and get paid.</p><div class="awesome-image right-aligned" style="width: 300px;"><img style="" src="http://cdn3.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto3-arndt-1430879961.jpg" alt="







Beach in Australia"><div class="caption"><p>A beautiful view of the beach - a typical day in Australia for Amber</p></div></div>
<h3>How did you choose Australia?</h3>
<p class="p1">I have always wanted to visit Australia, the Great Barrier Reef, the Outback (which is locally called the Bush), and spend endless sunny days on white sand beaches. The accents are to die for too!</p>
<h3>Why did you select Alliance Abroad Group over other work abroad placement providers?</h3>
<p class="p1">I found them on another website promoting work travel, and they were the first organization I have ever heard of doing such a thing! I am so very glad I did. Australia taught me a lot about my worldview and changed me in a very positive way.</p>
<h3>What were your housing arrangements like in Australia?</h3>
<p class="p1">Housing is a bit pricey and in order to sustain a healthy paycheck, roomshare is necessary. It felt like I was living in a dorm at times, which was very fun for me. But all in all, it was a typical living situation and it was very easy to find housing.</p>
<h3>What was a normal day like as a bartender in Australia?</h3>
<p class="p1">It's exciting and always fun to entertain guests and make new drinks. I got to experiment with different liquors and well crafted cocktails, which are far different than their American counterpart. To work in hospitality means to cater to the guest, and there are more professional manners here. Coming from dive bars, having to wear a uniform at a bar was a different experience.<span style="line-height: 24px;">&nbsp;</span></p>
<h3>What was the most memorable experience you had while working abroad?</h3>
<p class="p1">I still have experiences to be had between hot air ballooning in Hunter Valley and skydiving over the Great Barrier Reef, but so far my favorite memorable experience was going to a beach called Catherine Hill, north of Sydney, with some friends. It was a secluded beach that stretched 700 meters long, and the only people on it besides me and my friends was a couple on the other end of the beach! We went snorkeling and swimming for my first beach experience in Australia.</p><div class="awesome-image left-aligned" style="width: 300px;"><img style="" src="http://cdn2.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto1-arndt-1430879989.jpg" alt="







Shark Island beach in Australia"><div class="caption"><p>Amber on a Shark Island day trip</p></div></div>
<h3>What was the biggest challenge you faced abroad?</h3>
<p class="p1">Culture separation. Even though this is an English speaking country, there are still cultural barriers between humor and regular conversation. I also came here by myself, so not having friends when I first got here presented a real challenge. Just as I am getting ready to leave is when I realized I have a good network of friends here as well.</p>
<h3>What advice would you give to others who are interested in working abroad in Australia?</h3>
<p class="p1">Plan to have extra cash ready just in case anything happens. Things are more expensive in Australia, and I did not account for that before I arrived. I found myself spread a little thin. Also, the sun here is much more full on and stronger than the sun in America, so burning is very easy and very painful.</p>
<h3>What are the top reasons you want to go back to Australia and work again?</h3>
<p class="p1">It truly is paradise in every sense of the word. There is so much here to see and experience, and the people are wonderful and fun. The wages are higher and it is easier to obtain a bigger savings account because of the better wages.</p>
<h3>How has your experience working abroad impacted your life?</h3>
<p class="p1">It has impacted my life immensely. I have lived in a very diverse part of the world where there are people from Lithuania, Sweden, Korea, Estonia, Brazil, Greece, and Ireland! I have gotten some insight on Australian culture, and have gained much more respect for those immigrating from anywhere in the world, especially if that country speaks a different language than your native tongue.</p>
<h3>Would you recommend Alliance Abroad to others?</h3>
<p class="p1">Absolutely! I have already recommended the program to a few friends of mine. Everyone wants to go to Australia!</p><div class="awesome-image right-aligned" style="width: 300px;"><img style="" src="http://cdn2.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto2-arndt-1430880013.jpg" alt="







Sydney Opera House"><div class="caption"><p>Amber posing in front of the iconic Opera House</p></div></div>
<h3>If you could change one thing about your experience in Australia, what would it be?</h3>
<p class="p1">Have better housing coordination for when people land in Australia. To set up the meeting between the homeowner and the participant, or to put them in touch by phone number earlier would help. Even to have employee housing in Sydney would be ideal!</p>
<h3>What important tips can you give to future participants of the program?</h3>
<p class="p1">Do everything you can. Make time to go to Blue Mountains, Newtown, Cronulla, Hunter Valley, and just anywhere you can. New Zealand is just a few hours flight, and you can totally go there over the weekend!</p>
<h3>If you could work abroad again with Alliance Abroad Group, where would you go?</h3>
<p class="p1">I would go somewhere more rural. As much as the Sydney is a great experience, the city is not a place for me. I think next time I come with AAG I will choose to go to Queensland in a smaller populated place for sure.</p>


Amber Arndt

Check out this GoAbroad Interview with Amber Arndt who participated in Alliance Abroad program.

Amber Arndt | Alliance Abroad Alumni Interview

Amber Arndt - 2015 Program Participant


<p><br></p><div class="awesome-image right-aligned" style="width:373px"><img src="http://cdn4.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interview-photo-estrada-final-1415357441.jpg" alt="Chefs and F&amp;B for Sydney Catering Company"><div class="caption">A delectable masterpiece!</div></div><h3><b>Why did you choose to work abroad?</b></h3>
<p>The reason why I choose to work abroad is because I wanted to see the world while working at the same time. I had just graduated from The Arts Institute of Las Vegas and my lease was up, so I took it as a sign. Plus, I was that person who was always spontaneous, if I could move to Las Vegas not knowing anyone, then that means I could do the same in another country. I also wanted to work abroad because I knew that it would look awesome on my resume and would give me that extra advantage on my competitors. But bottom line, I didn&rsquo;t want to be stuck in the USA bubble and wanted to see the world.</p>
<h3><b>How did you end up choosing Australia?</b></h3>
<p>I chose Australia because that was the only country that was taking interviews at the time I was looking. Let&rsquo;s face it, Australia is a beautiful country so I was not complaining at all.&nbsp;</p>
<p></p><div class="awesome-image left-aligned" style="width: 350px;"><img style="" src="http://cdn1.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interview-photo-1-estrada-1418110267.jpg" alt="A chocolate cake"><div class="caption"><p>One of Art&rsquo;s masterpieces, a delicious chocolate cake</p></div></div><h3><b style="line-height: 1.5em;">Why did you first discover Alliance Abroad Group?</b></h3>
<p>The career services person at my college told me about the opportunity with AAG. She said that it would look good on my resume and that I could get a lot of experience while traveling the world. So, I thought to myself, &ldquo;I&rsquo;m young, I have no responsibilities, and my lease is up! Why not just go across the world?&rdquo; I felt like nothing was here for me and in the U.S., so I wanted to travel somewhere and have fun.</p>
<h3><b>Speaking from experience, what advice can you give to others who are interested in working abroad?</b></h3>
<p>Go into it with an open mind and be ready to learn. Let your guard down. If you go into it with your guard up you will not learn and you will not be happy.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><b>What was finding housing in Sydney like?</b></h3>
<p>Before I was scheduled to leave, AAG arranged for me to stay at a hostel which was close to everything in Sydney. They sent me info about the hostel and even sent me the website which helped me see what was around that area, plus I got to see pictures so I&rsquo;d know what to expect.</p>
<p>When I landed in Sydney, AAG arranged for a driver to pick me up and take me to the hostel I was going to stay at. It was nice that I didn&rsquo;t have to stress about that. They booked my hostel for two weeks, which was great because I had time to get over my jet lag and explore the wonderful city of Sydney. I made friends from all over the country. When it was time to leave for the Blue Mountains, they helped me with a hostel for another week. During that stay they helped me find a more permanent place. I was lucky it only took me two days to find a place with an awesome roommate not too far from work.</p><div class="awesome-image right-aligned" style="width: 350px;"><img style="" src="http://cdn2.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interview-photo-3-estrada-1418110398.jpg" alt="&amp;nbsp;A magnificent wedding cake."><div class="caption"><p>Art showing off a magnificent wedding cake creation.</p></div></div>
<h3><b>What was the most challenging aspect of working abroad in another country?</b></h3>
<p>In the professional aspect it was just learning how they worked and what they called certain things. Yes, we both speak English, but we call produce different things. For example, what we call a cantaloupe, they call a rock melon, and bell peppers are called capsicum. A personal challenge I had was that I come from a close family. Yes, I lived in Nevada for school, but that was just a four hour drive from home, so it wasn&rsquo;t that bad. But in Australia I was on the other side of the world. I had to schedule calls home because of the time change and being so far away from them on holidays was hard. Another personal challenge was not having my American comfort food around me. I was so happy when I saw my package that my parents sent me because I wanted American food sometimes.</p>
<h3><b>What are the top reasons you'd want to return to continue working in Australia?</b></h3>
<p>One of the top reasons is that the program went too fast, and six months wasn&rsquo;t enough time. By the end of my stay I was finally getting the right connections and meeting the right people in the industry. On my birthday this past August I got a letter from Adriano Zumbo (who is my idol) saying the next time I&rsquo;m in Oz that I could go into his test kitchen and have a trial for a job with him! I&rsquo;d also love to go back to visit all the friends I made out there, it&rsquo;s like my second home now!</p><div class="awesome-image left-aligned" style="width: 350px;"><img style="" src="http://cdn1.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interview-photo-2-estrada-1418110524.jpg" alt="Delicious tart."><div class="caption"><p>Art&rsquo;s delicious tart.</p></div></div>
<h3><b>How has your experience working abroad impacted you?</b></h3>
<p>Well, I came into the program with the mindset that I was going to be who I am and live life to the fullest. Australian people? I love them and they love me. Honestly, if Alliance Abroad Group had told me that I&rsquo;d be making a family while I was over there, I wouldn&rsquo;t have believed them. All my friends out there I&rsquo;m still in contact with, any I talk to many everyday. However, it is a different relationship because they&rsquo;re in another country.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><b>Would you recommend your Alliance Abroad program to others?</b></h3>
<p>Yes! I would recommend this program to everyone. Honestly, this was the best choice I could have ever made. Living abroad showed me so much more of myself that I didn&rsquo;t know was there. I went to a new country not knowing anyone, I worked, and I made some awesome friends who are like my family. I made enough money that I could treat my family to anything they wanted to do when they visited me. I also got to go on a holiday to Bali alone and had the best time of my life. If you are ready to travel, this program would be the best choice for you.&nbsp;</p><div class="awesome-image centered" style=""><img style="" src="http://cdn3.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interview-photo-4-estrada-1418110460.jpg" alt="Friends in a hostel."><div class="caption"><p>Art and his friends at hostel.</p></div></div>
<h3><b>What important tips can you give to others planning to work abroad?</b></h3>
<p>You should go in with an open mind. I don&rsquo;t know how much I can stress this, but it&rsquo;s important. When you are open, you can learn more easily. I&rsquo;ve learned so much about myself and I&rsquo;ve grown a lot mentally and professionally. Also, take advantage of your time out there, after my six months were over I stayed for a full year. Staying for a full year allowed me to experience so many things and I met a lot of awesome people. I recommend traveling a lot since you&rsquo;re so close to other countries. Flights are short. I went to Bali and the flight was only six hours. If I were to fly through LAX it would take a couple days. Bali was awesome, and since I was so independent I was able to go alone.</p>
<p>Traveling alone in itself was an experience of its own! The last tip I have is to try new things that you normally wouldn&rsquo;t ever try. Never say no, and you&rsquo;ll have the time of your life.&nbsp;</p>


Art Estrada

Check out this GoAbroad Interview with Art Estrada who participated in Alliance Abroad program.

Art Estrada | Alliance Abroad Alumni Interview

Chefs and F&B for Sydney Catering Company

Art Estrada - 2014 Program Participant


<p><br></p><div class="awesome-image right-aligned" style="width:373px"><img src="http://cdn1.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interview-photo-5-donald-carroll-1412331527.jpg" alt="At Pierce's Pass overlooking Grose Valley in the Blue Mountains."><div class="caption">At Pierce's pass overlooking Grose Valley in the blue mountains. Photo by&nbsp;Donald Carroll</div></div><h3><b>What prompted your interest in working abroad?</b></h3>
<p>The adventure bug was starting to itch more and more after a couple of mediocre years back in the States. I was looking to go on my first big international trip as I started to realized I wasn't getting any younger and the timing was either now or never.The idea of working abroad wasn't really much of thought, until I started to do research on some on some of the best ways to completely immerse yourself inside a country's culture.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><b>Why did you choose AAG over other work abroad opportunities?</b></h3>
<p>The main reason I chose AAG was the simplified application process of working abroad, and the guarantee of work placement before I arrived into Australia. AAG has a really good support team in the US and Australia, so if you ever needed help there will always be someone there for you talk to. Also, they provide assistance with a lot of the small things, that you don't think of when travelling abroad, that will help you get settled in faster.</p>
<h3><b>What advice would you give to others from the Midwest going to work abroad in Australia?&nbsp;</b></h3>
<p>The best advice I can give someone from the Midwest that will going to be working abroad in Australia is to continue to make an effort to go out and explore this awesome country to avoid being sucked into the same routine everyday.The time will fly by fast so make the most out of your working holiday.</p>
<h3><b>What makes Australia a particularly great place to work abroad?</b></h3>
<p>I think the best part of working in the Australia is getting to working along with Aussies, please don't take anything they say too seriously. The Aussies are a fun group of people that love to enjoy the simpler things in life, and love poking fun at my strong American accent. Then on my weekends i'm usually out on a bushwalk, road tripping, or hanging out at the beach, all because Australia offers so much to see and do.</p>
<h3><b>What has been your favorite part of your experience so far and why?&nbsp;</b></h3>
<p>I had some really amazing experiences from going to the Vivid Festival to bush walking over 500 km, but my favorite experience was a small road trip with some mates to The Glow Worm Tunnel in the Blue Mountains. This trip was the first time that I would be driving in Australia, not only was I driving on the opposite side of the road but all of my signals were flipped to the other side. My mates were cracking up, since every time I would attempt to make a turn my windshield wipers would go off not my turn signal.</p>
<p>We also some how managed to find an awesome lookout overlooking Grose Valley. The journey to the tunnel is what made this trip so memorable, and after going through a pothole infested road the glow worms put on a really cool show.</p>
<h3><b>How has your work abroad experience impacted your life?</b></h3>
<p>This work experience abroad has impacted me in so many ways that I really can't grasp all of the effects that will transpire from all of these experiences over the last five months. One thing I do know is that I really enjoy experiencing a country by working abroad, and I will continue to seek out work abroad programs that will continue to allow me to travel around the world.</p>


Donald Carroll

Check out this GoAbroad Interview with Donald Carroll who participated in Alliance Abroad program.

Donald Carroll | Alliance Abroad Alumni Interview

At Pierce's Pass overlooking Grose Valley in the Blue Mountains.

Donald Carroll - 2014 Program Participant

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Becoming an au pair in Australia offers you the incredible opportunity to live in an amazing country within a reasonable budget. 

This program is made for you if you want:
- To speak English fluently.
- To explore the breathtaking Australian outback and natural surroundings.
- To surf on Austr

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Au Pair in Australia: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Beyond

Becoming an au pair in Australia offers you the incredible opportunity to live in an amazing country within a reasonable budget. 

This program is made for you if you want:
- To speak English fluently.
- To explore the breathtaking Australian outback and natural surroundings.
- To surf on Australian beaches.

Find out about the advantages of being an au pair in Australia using the services of our au pair agency.
- Full board and lodging
- Pocket money: from 150 to 300 AUS per week
- In charge of children and daily household chores, 35 to 45 hours per week (+ 1 to 2 evenings of babysitting)
- Off-duty 1 to 2 days a week + 1 week after 6 months
- Some families give their au pair a bonus at the end of their placement.
- The possibility of a quick departure
- 100% guaranteed placement
- Conditions verified by our agents who are accredited by IAPA and CAPAA

Who can participate?
- 18 to 28 years old
- Citizen of a country eligible for a 417 working holiday visa
- Intermediate English
- Minimum 50 hours of experience, preferably with young children
- Driving license and experience preferred
- Availability of at least 6 months

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