Job Discussion Forums

[wix]

Australians aged between 18-30 are eligible for a working holiday visa (WHV) for Germany. This allows you to work for a total of 3 months in one year.

Does anyone have any experience of working in Germany on a WHV? Did you teach English or were there other jobs available? Are other job opportunities very limited if you don't speak German?

Any information or experiences would be appreciated.

[candree2000]

I know it's been a while since this topic was started but I hope somebody finds this useful.

I am Australian and came to Germany about a year ago on a WHM visa.

Just getting the visa was a painful experience which I am convinced is typical of German beaurocracy. The biggest problem with this type of visa is that you can only work for a period of 3 months in the 1 year period. How on earth are you meant to survive for the other 9 months!!! It makes no sense at all unless you can stay with a host family or have other means of support. The second biggest problem is the total lack of jobs here at the moment. Even if you are fluent in German, it is extremely difficult to get work. If you can't speak German (like myself) then it is even harder....but not impossible.

After spending about a month in Germany and seeing my savings start to disappear I had to get a job. Most employers here would require you to speak some German so I was very limited in the type of work I could do. I tried a few Irish Pubs for bar work and had some luck. But then one day as I was sitting in a Bar I met another Australian who worked at an International School in the area. He said that he could get me a job supervising the kids and he stuck to his word. I have been working at the school now for nearly a year and even though I would prefer to work in my profession (IT) I am very lucky to have it. My employer even organised me with a proper work and residency visa that allows me to work here unrestricted for 2 years. This is also easily extendible.

So my advice if you were planning on coming to Germany on a WHM visa.....you will find it hard to get work, even if you are fluent in German. If you dont speak German then try to get work in restaurants or Irish bars as that is about the only thing you can do. Also try and switch from the WHM visa as soon as possible to a proper resident permit as it would be very difficult not working for 9 months!!!!

[wix]

Thanks for your reply. Actually I found out I am ineligible. I am 30 years old but you must apply before your 30th birthday.