From Camp America to GET Australia
Deciding to leave your permanent job and travel around the world is a big decision for anyone; especially if going it alone. It’s a big world out there with lots to do and see.
After being in the same job for a few years, I one day decided I wanted to broaden my skills as well as travel. That’s when I came across the ‘GET Australia‘program. Having previously done Camp America in 2010, I knew this program would give me everything I needed: advice, unlimited support, travel deals and much much more. From the moment I signed up I was offered great rates on flights and instructions on what to do before I got to Australia, i.e. visa support and setting up a bank account. Instantly the nerves and worry of packing up my bags and moving to the other side of the world disappeared.
I landed in Sydney and my first week was AMAZING!
I had watched the new years eve fireworks, done all the walking tours, walked round the city, swam at Bondi beach, shopped at Sydney’s famous markets and much more. Within my first week I had an orientation where I was given all the information you could ever need about living, working and travelling around Australia. Being a lifeguard and a swim teacher I was advised to do a bridging course for Austswim at a local pool and how to update my CV. Straight after my course I gained employment at Cook and Phillip Aquatic and Fitness Centre as well as Internship co-ordinator at the AIFS office.
After five amazing months in Sydney, I decided start my regional work, but not without a pit stop at Byron bay. Here I did my first surf lesson where wild dolphins swam by us and I walked to the most eastern point of Australia. Then, it was up to Childers & Bundaberg where I picked a variety of fruit and vegetables, from strawberries to sweet potatoes to lemons to tomatoes just to mention a few. Four fun muddy months later I had completed my regional work and it was time to travel the east coast.
I headed down to Brisbane, hired a campervan and started the long road trip up to Cairns. Along the way I kayaked along Noosa everglades, camped under the stars on the beach on Fraser Island, rum tasting at the Bundaberg rum distillery, caving in Rockhamption, sailed the Whitsunday islands, dived the reef, swam in waterfalls and explored the rainforest. If this wasn’t enough, I headed down to Melbourne to explore the vibrant city and drive the Great Ocean Road.
All I can say is wow!
The spectacular scenery I saw, the people I met the experience I had was once in a lifetime. If it wasn’t for all the advice and constant support I had from the ‘GET Australia’ program I wouldn’t have had the confidence to do all that I achieved. Eleven months on I have returned home to wet and windy England, but not for long. I am heading back out to Sunny Sydney to assist with the Camp America program.
Thank you to the staff at GET Australia for a once in a lifetime experience!