Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has informed the Australian Office that it has agreed to changes to the conditions under which Australian Working Holiday Makers (WHMs) can work and study in Taiwan. The changes which will expand the conditions under which young Australians can work and study in Taiwan from 1 September 2013.
Australia and Taiwan concluded a bilateral Working Holiday Maker Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2004. Australia is the number one destination for Taiwanese WHMs heading overseas, with over 22,000 Taiwanese travelling to Australia in the last year alone. But to date, far fewer Australians have travelled to Taiwan to experience a working holiday adventure.
Under the new conditions, Australians WHMs can now work for any one employer for up to six months and study for four months during their twelve month visa. Previously, Australian WHMs could only work for any one employer for up to three months, and could only study Mandarin Chinese for three months. The new provisions bring the conditions for Australian WHMs in line with those Australia offers to Taiwanese WHMers.
The WHM Scheme is an important mechanism for enabling young people in Taiwan and Australia to experience each other’s’ culture. Cultural exchanges, such as through our reciprocal WHM scheme, build greater understanding, foster cultural appreciation and offer commercial opportunities. The Australian Office encourages young Australians to consider the many personal rewards a working holiday to Taiwan can bring.
Australians wishing to embark on a working holiday to Taiwan should visit Taiwan’s Bureau of Consular Affairs website for further information about how to apply. For information about studying Mandarin Chinese in Taiwan, please see Study in Taiwan website.