What is your role at IEP? What led you to join them?
My role at IEP is Work New Zealand Coordinator. I look after travel so my main role is making sure as much information is available for those want to book a tour around New Zealand or one of the number of great activities that are on offer.
I joined the IEP as I was previously worked in a Backpackers in Auckland. I loved working with people but wanted to give more info than just my knowledge of Auckland, IEP has allowed me to share my person Travel experience in New Zealand with a number of great participant’s and help make the year what it should be , a fun and enjoyable life changing experience.
What do you enjoy most as far as your role?
I think the best part about working for IEP is the amount of people from all around the world you meet. It’s great to see participants when they first arrive, a little nervous not really sure what they should do with their year and then they return before they depart and they are completely different people.
It’s great to hear about the experience they have had and what tips they have for new arrivals. I love helping people organize their year, providing them with as much information as possible, so there is experience is an amazing.
This is something I didn’t have when I travelled and I really think it’s great to have someone there who is able to support you and provide you with the info you need.
What is your favorite story of a participant's experience with IEP?
One of our Germany Participants Jana arrived with a set plan of how she wanted her year to be in New Zealand. Generally plans don’t always work when you travel and she really struggled at the start. I talked to her a few times and provided her with other options on what sort of jobs she could do and how to find them.
It wasn’t her plan but after a little while she ended up falling into to a really great job with Uniceif where she was able to travel around New Zealand with a great team and meet a range of people. When she returned before leaving NZ I have never seen such a change in a person.
What tips/insights do you have for first-time working holiday program participants?
I've got a number of tips.
- If Plan A doesn’t work out, don’t let it get you down there is always Plan B, C and D.
- Keep your options open, there are so many opportunities you will have with travel and jobs.
- Pack light. You really don’t need that much stuff, and if you forget something you can always buy it in New Zealand. Remember what you pack is what you have to carry for a YEAR! A good tip to follow is pack you bag, half it and that what you actually need.
- Bring a torch, it’s a very handy thing to have.
- Ear plugs are great for flights and dorm rooms.
- Having the right attitude, if you go into everything with a great attitude you will have a great time. If you’re not having a great time change your plan find something that will make your year amazing.
- Even if you are doing a not so fun job, remember all the fun things you can do with the money you earn, maybe a bungy jump?
