Ireland Working Holiday Program

Ireland Working Holiday Program

Ireland’s working holiday agreements with other governments allow young people of both countries to fund an extended holiday through temporary work.

Overview

Ireland’s working holiday agreements with other governments allow young people of both countries to fund an extended holiday through temporary work.

The program may enable students to obtain credit against further educational degree courses. The exchange program is normally a rotational program and will therefore expose the participant to different operational areas within their field. The participant will be expected to complete entry level tasks, but the program enables the participant to learn and understand more complex and supervisory aspects relating to their profession. It is expected that the program will help the participant to learn new skills to be used in future study, work based and training assignments.

Placement fields

Rotational placements within hotels and resorts may incorporate training in; housekeeping, kitchen; food and beverages, restaurant management, reception, facility management, hotel administration and marketing.

Rotational placements with business may incorporate training in; business organisation, design, planning, production, purchasing, sales, marketing, maintenance, stores and human resources.

Placement Locations

Placements are normally made in 3 to 5 star hotels, resorts and restaurants for both hotel and business placements. The companies are located throughout Ireland.

Placement Duration

The visa is normally valid for 12 months. Please check with you embassy.

Placement Visa Type

Working Holiday

Placement Particulars

Accommodation and meals: The vast majority of placements offer live-in accommodation where participants are housed in staff housing or rooms within the hotel itself that offer all the standard facilities expected. Deduction for accommodation and meals per month would be as follows. The cost of live-out accommodation is normally more.
If you receive food (known as board) and/or accommodation (known as lodgings) from your employer, the following amounts are included in the minimum wage calculation:

• €54.13 for full board and lodgings per week, or €7.73 per day
• €32.14 for full board only per week, or €4.60 per day
• €21.85 for lodgings only per week, or €3.14 per day

Social Insurance contributions are deducted from your salary in Ireland.

Medical insurance

We strongly recommend that you get private medical insurance to cover any costs in case you have an accident or fall ill while in Ireland.

The figures outlined above may be subject to charge.

Travel particulars

Airport Transfers from the nearest airport or train station are sometimes offers by host properties, but participants should calculate approximately 50.00-100.00 Euro cost.

Flights & Visas are payable by the participant.

Uniforms are not normally provided by the host property.

Program Eligibility

Non-Irish citizens

If you want to work during your holiday in Ireland, you need to apply for a Working Holiday Authorisation (WHA) from your nearest Irish Embassy/Consulate or relevant organisation. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and our representatives and agents, reserve the right to ask for further documentation and/or to refuse any application for a Working Holiday Authorisation (WHA).

Age

Normally 18-30

Sufficient funds

You must have enough money to support yourself for at least the first part of your holiday or in case you don’t find work. Immigration officials may ask for proof that you have sufficient funds when you enter Ireland.

Medical insurance

We strongly recommend that you get private medical insurance to cover any costs in case you have an accident or fall ill while in Ireland.

Immigration controls

Even if you have a WHA, you’re still subject to normal immigration controls when you enter Ireland. As a non-EU national, you must register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau to stay in Ireland for more than 90 days.  There is a fee of €300 for the issue of a Garda (police) registration card.

How to apply

Previous work experience: Preferred but not essential

English Language skills: The participant must have an understanding of the English language to at least intermediate level.

Other language skills: Participants must also detail knowledge and understanding of any other languages in their CV that may be of use to the host property.

Timeframe

Placement should normally be approved within 4 weeks from registration.

Work Permit not required

Visa should normally be secured within 4 weeks from work permit approval. Please check with your embassy.

Safety Money / Emergency maintenance funds

We suggest that you hold 1,000.00 Euros emergency funds at any given time.

Internship Verification

Your college or university may assign an internship verifier. The supervisor of your internship with is detailed on the training plan. Together you will be able to complete tasks in line with the program requirements.

Program Services include the following:

• Confirmation of participant eligibility for the program
• Documentation guidance
• Placement in a host property
• Arrangement of a training plan
• Visa guidance.
• Travel plan guidance.
• Arrival orientation package.
• Ongoing help and support during the program.