Testimonials
“It has been a busy, exciting and invigorating six
months. I am currently in Melbourne and have decided to settle
in here for a while. Since moving to Melbourne four weeks ago
I found my job, have seen several shows and have joined several
ultimate Frisbee leagues.
After
travelling for the past several months it is nice to have a
great city to settle into, Melbourne is everything I hoped for
and more. So far it has been an amazing experience. This is
probably the easiest country to meet people in and it is surprising
how while I am travelling alone, I almost get no alone time...
Overall a very positive experience.”
- Amanda
“Thanks
for the thoughtful email! I'm sure you send this to all participants,
but it's the small details such as this that make it so reassuring
to have IEP's help and resources whilst in Australia. I was
a bit apprehensive before I came here, but everyone in the IEP
office goes above and beyond the call of duty with their assistance.
I can't tell you how much I appreciate it--and from my experiences
with other participants, I know that everyone else feels the
same way!” - Brian
“Wow,
I can't believe it's been a month. I didn't realize it till
I read your email. I feel like I've been here forever, but at
the same time I can't believe it's already been a month.”
- Raj
“Thanks
for a wonderful time in Australia! :) I really enjoyed it!!
As you may or may not know I am back in Canada now and stuck
in the cold lol!! I just wanted to let you know that the Sydney
IEP program is amazing and you all were great!! Thanks again
for a wonderful time in your country!” - Ashley
"Yesterday
I had my orientation with International Exchange Program (IEP).
Wow I am really glad that I registered with SWAP, just for the
help that IEP gives you its completely worth it. Not only did
I learn lots about Australia and Sydney (Oz is the only country
that eats both its national animals, the emu and kangaroo) but
I can use IEP to help me find a job and accommodation."
- Andrew
"Hey
everyone!! Just thought I’d quickly throw my two cents
worth in to all those thinking of applying to the IEP program....
DO IT!!!! I got back earlier this year after spending over half
a year in Australia, and IEP couldn’t have been more helpful!!
Got everything set up so quick and painlessly and left such
an impression!” - Michael
"Orientation
at the IEP offices was great and really inspired me to take
full advantage of my time in Australia. Thanks for the continuing
support, I may be in to the office with travel questions soon!
Thanks” - Kate
“IEP
made it so much easier for me to find jobs at the start of my
trip and also boosted my confidence as I was absolutely terrified
by whatever lay ahead.
I
had several different jobs during my 11 month stay, including
picking/packing avocadoes, bananas, and strawberries, working
as a housekeeper in the Whitsunday’s, but what will be
my most memorable was the job I had in Western Australia.
I
worked in the small town of Coral Bay, just south of Exmouth,
6 days a week on a Tour boat that did full day snorkelling tours
of the Ningaloo Reef. These tours included an interactive swim
with the giant manta rays that inhabit this area. (and no, not
the ones that killed Steve Irwin, as we were so commonly asked)
Luckily these animals are harmless…
Thanks
again so much for getting me started on my way!... the terrified
little backpacker that I was!”
- Becky
“So
far Australia is treating me wonderfully. I've seen many things,
swam in many waters, driven through many off-road tracks, seen
some crocs, seen some dolphins and loved every minute of it.
You're doing a kick-ass job IEP. Keep up the good work. I'll
see you in Sydney soon. Cheers!” - Katarzyna
"[Orientation]
was extremely helpful and exactly what we needed as have been
feeling rather overwhelmed since arriving in Australia."
- John & Michael
"I
am holding down the fort at a pub in Condobolin. I'm making
cash, my employer has been great, and I’m meeting a ton
of fantastic locals, one of which took me out to a shearing
shed last week! Thanks for the connection out here; I'm having
the best time." - Mikaela
"Thanks
for a wonderful time in Australia! :) I really enjoyed it!!
As you may or may not know I am back in Canada now and stuck
in the cold lol!! I just wanted to let you know that the Sydney
IEP program is amazing and you all were great!! Thanks again
for a wonderful time in your country!" – Ashley
K
"I’m
enjoying Sydney so far and IEP has been a great help! The social
events are always a good time - keep it up!" - Ana
"Hey
IEP, I’ve been up all the east coast, thanks Pete for
setting that up for me. Loved every minute of it. Had a great
time, met heaps of great people along the way too. I’m
now working at Scotty Beach house in Mission Beach for a couple
months. Then plan on traveling to Alice Springs, and back to
Sydney by May. Thanks again for all your help." -
Wayne
"Everything
is going great. I’m living up on Hamilton Island working
at the Marina Tavern. Thank you so much for helping get everything
situated! You have been an amazing help...thank you thank you
thank you!" – Violet
"IEP!!
I loved being in OZ but I am now back home in the states! Working
Australia was incredible though! I love you guys!"
– James
"I
had a wicked three months time in OZ (very short but better
than nothing, definitely) and want to thank you all for your
help, you guys are great and made my stay more enjoyable."
- Anne-Sophie
