Working/Travelling abroad

[BJD]

I've been offered a job as a Carpenter/Joiner in Christchurch, New Zealand starting end of Jan/ beginning of Feb.

This is a new experience for me, so was just wondering if anyone had any tips/advice?

[Steve_PD]

Not NZ but Im off to Oz in the new year

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=243807.0

British Expat forum is pretty good.
What sort of advice you looking for? shipping, visas, health care?

[Lewy]

My advice would be go!

This place went to the dogs years ago (not the forum) and I would go tomorrow if the wife wasn't a twin!  (Yes I've tried...)

[Ant1981]

Do it, you'll knot look back. You probably wood regret it if you didn't. Just imagine chiselling away at all those hot sun kissed chicks too. Got to be a good experience too, plane and simples 

[justalex81]

I 'd love to jump on a plane and go to NZ to ply my trade!

[Ozz]

Just go for it! NZ is a great place, i spent 8 months there a few years back and loved it! You'll always regret it if you don't take the opportunity, and if you feel it isn't for you you can always come back - it may seem a long way away but once you start getting on and off planes its really not that far! Also christchurch is great fun, tonnes of cool stuff to do in and around there, its like a massive adventure playground!

In my experience any opportunity to go and explore the world should never be missed, especially not if you'll be getting paid to be there!

[BJD]

Thanks for all the advice guys :-) I'm definetely going! Just paid for my visa. Should be finalised within 48hrs.

Has any one got any advice on health care, travel insurance etc? I've done a lot of research on the web. But if anyone has anything to share that helped them on their travels. Would be much appreciated.

[Ozz]

I had full health and travel insurance when I was travelling, but to be honest the health insurance in NZ i found to be a bit redundant. I'm not sure how it works with the doctors as I wasn't sick, but I managed to hospitalise myself twice (once concussion, mri scan etc, second serious hand injury requiring reconstructive surgery + 5 days in hospital). The healthcare system there paid for everything and I didn't have to claim anything on my insurance!