OK!! I don't want to talk/write about South Africa anymore. I am now in Auckland and reaklly enjoying it. Most of my time has been spent in internet 'cafes' doing job searches, preparing resumes and filling in online application forms and the like. In a few minutes I'll be leaving here (Travellers' Contact Point) to head up Queen St. to the Immigration office for more information on the ins and outs of work visas. There is apparently a group who have found a way of issuing temporary work visas for 'seasonal' workers. These jobs are all farm/orchard jobs picking, packing and sorting fruit. Sometimes you can work for free room and board and other jobs are longer term with room and board included with cash payment. I have put in my application for an IRD number (NZ version of the SIN) and after Immigration I will be going to the ASB Bank to open an account. I chose that bank because it is my landlady Elaine's bank and I can arrange to have my rent transfered automatically every 2 weeks.
Have had some good feedback from Crew Placement Agencies. Have a phone interview scheduled for next Friday with a Florida based one. They are one of the largest for professional crew placements and handle yachts all over the world. One agency here has suggested I get more training to get the certification but has not been helpful at telling me where there are schools/training facilities for acquiring the certifications. More hunting on the internet required.
Must run now. More later today.
Posted by gailene at February 20, 2004 12:46 PM