It has come to my attention that there are quiet a number of blog posts and forum posts out there from WHV holders, including potential holders. I am also seeing threads created in general expat/immigration type of forums.
The issue with obtaining WHV information online (outside of what’s on the consulate), and that includes my blog, is that you don’t know if this info is relevant to you.
In addition, the main issue about creating threads looking for advice in forums is that frankly, many of the commentators out there are not at all familiar with the WHV. You then run the risk of getting advice that’s just completely-out-there-wrong.
If you are looking for information about WHV, I highly recommend that you get information from current and past WHV holders. WHV is a very specific and unique visa category and many people are not familiar with the nuances involved in this category.
As a current and past holder of working holiday visas for Canada, the UK, Ireland and Germany (as of May 2017!), I know that while I do look for advice, I’ve also found advice that I know is either inconvinient, or incorrect.
For example, I have written some blog posts preparing for my move to Germany (preparation, apartment) and doing these have made the process smooth for me. There are posts out there that talk about not getting your visa until after arrival – which would make things unecessarily difficult for you since there is the added issue of finding housing and potential risk of getting your paperwork wrong.
I also recommend finding and securing an apartment online. Now, someone replied back to me saying that there are scams online. Yes, I am completely aware of these scams (I have even reported some myself), and at the same time, I also know of several people who were scammed even after viewing the apartment in real life. Just have your common sense and wits about you when making these types of decisions.
Anyway, I just thought to write this post in case someone out there is looking for WHV info.