Share your advice/experiences

[Joe Foster]

I'm after any advice or personal experience anyone can offer about getting a job abroad. The best countries to work/earn decent money, the nicest cities to live in, what the trees are like etc.

 

I'm 22 and I've been climbing nearly 2 years. I'm capable in most aspects of tree work but I'm looking to get as much experience as I can. I have all my climbing tickets plus my cs41 (rigging). I've also got a heavy trailer license (b+e). I've decided I would like to get some experience abroad while I've got no ties in the UK and I'm still very undecided as to where to go. I have looked at Scandinavia, Australia and New Zealand and they all seem attractive for different reasons. I also spent a bit of time in California last year (on holiday, not working) and I loved it over there.

 

If anyone could offer any suggestions at all or even just share the places you have been to in the past it would be greatly appreciated.

 

Cheers, Joe

[Grüße]

I've been working in Australia (Sydney) for a year or so and can highly recommend it here. The experience you'll gain will be invaluable so long as you put in the hours and go for it - I've seen a few guys come over expecting an easy ride and they haven't lasted long (usually guys that say they are the mutts nuts and are quickly found out). Expect big trees, big machines, baking hot days and massive spiders!!

 

That being said, the lifestyle out here is second to none and the money is far better than in the UK. You can expect to be on around $26-$35 an hour generally depending on your skill level as a climber. It's an expensive city but you can make that money go a long way if you don't end up spending it all on beer