IEP Work Ireland participant Lu is currently exploring the Emerald Isle, and keeps us up to date with her travels!
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Five years ago I visited one of the most beautiful countries in the world – Ireland. It was a very rushed visit so I decided one day I had to come back to rediscover the natural beauties, the extremely friendly people and the wonderful culture – overall, live in and be part of the “craic”.
Late last year I found out I had to apply to work in Ireland soon otherwise I would lose the opportunity (once I’m over 30). When I worked in London a few years ago, I went through an extremely long and daunting teething process by myself. From this experience I decided I would like the Ireland process to be an easier one. I researched the internet to see if there was any assistance with working and getting sorted in Ireland, surely enough I came across IEP. I contacted a representative at IEP to find out what they offer and registered soon after.
IEP assisted me in obtaining my visa, first few nights’ accommodation, airport transfer ticket and sent me handbooks and brochures so that I would be all sorted. IEP also contacted me a couple of times before I left home to ensure I was all set and ready to go.
On a personal note, I also made sure I had extra CV’s printed and ready to take with me as well as contacting a few recruitment agencies (found in the handbook provided by IEP) to arrange interviews so I could be all ready and set for work when I reached Ireland.
I left Sydney in November travelling through Asia, Africa and Egypt for a few months before setting foot on the Emerald Isle. When you have been backpacking for a few months, it is great to be able to finally settle down and call somewhere “home”.
The process of landing into the airport, taking the aircoach and checking into the hostel was all a pretty simple process – after all, the Irish are known for being laid back and helpful.
I checked my bags in at the Kinlay Hostel (recommended by IEP which has my 5 ticks of approval - comfortable bed, free internet, free breakfast, excellent service, right in the city – what more could one ask for?) then headed out to USIT (which is only a 5 minute walk away from the hostel) to get myself acquainted.
The USIT reps were helpful from the moment I walked in, providing an excellent and informative orientation. Although I already knew a few things in regards to Ireland there was still the odd few tricks of trade that were provided for all. This included where to find places to live, cheap places to shop, transportation throughout the country, discounts on offer and many more…Also internet is free for all participants which is an added bonus when your getting yourself sorted in a different country.
Recently USIT had their social night where we visited the oldest pub in Dublin, had a few drinks, irish nibblies were on the house and then headed out to a comedy club where the Irish sense of humour can leave your stomachs sore by the end of the night from all the laughter. The great thing about being part of this program is the monthly socials, this was my first one and I know that I will be attending more.
Days following the orientation, I met with the 5 different recruitment agencies I scheduled appointments with back before I left Sydney. 5 recruitment agencies is quite a few to register with and there was no need for me to register with so many (but better to be safe) as I was inundated with job offers. It's great to be inundated with job offers, however, I was turning down a lot of these offers as I was fussy with what job I wanted, the good thing is you can allow yourself to be fussy. I have been working as a PA for an accounting firm for 7 years back in Sydney, I wanted to move away from any accounting/corporate firms and work in something more relaxed. After 3 days, I landed a role as an Executive Assistant in a well known international commercial company.
International
Exchange Programs (IEP) is a non-profit
organisation specialising in sending young Australians
on working holidays overseas, currently to Canada,
Britain, Ireland, the USA, South Africa, Cambodia,
Peru and Costa Rica. IEP also assists young travellers
from overseas on reciprocal programs in Australia.
With offices in Melbourne and Sydney and representatives
in other states, IEP is the largest non-profit,
work and travel organisation in Australia.
On a personal note, I also made sure I had extra CV’s printed and ready to take with me as well as contacting a few recruitment agencies (found in the handbook provided by IEP) to arrange interviews so I could be all ready and set for work when I reached Ireland. 
