BUNAC Review [2024]: Find Jobs and Internships Abroad

Have you ever found yourself repeating the same pattern repeatedly, unsure of your next step in life? 

Most people going through a quarter-life situation have considered traveling to figure out their next step in life.

Whether it be a backpacking tour all across Europe or staying at an off-grid beach somewhere in the tropics, taking some time away from all the hustle and bustle of life can help you reconnect with yourself and re-align with your goals.

A way to experience the world is by volunteering in local communities with platforms like Workaway.

But if you want to earn and learn, consider signing up with one of BUNAC's programs. Explore BUNAC and how it can change your life forever.

What is BUNAC?

BUNAC's motto is "Be you. Everyone else is taken. "When you log on to BUNAC's website, you'll be greeted by this message. This gives you an idea about how BUNAC can help you be your best, authentic self through their program.

BUNAC is an organization that aims to help young people find purposeful ways to travel. It assists with working holidays, summer camps, or internship abroad applications.

Founded in 1962, the British Universities North America Club, BUNAC, has since grown into one of the pioneering travel abroad assistance providers with many clients and locations all around the globe.

The service provides visa application support, pre-departure training, and post-arrival assistance in your chosen country. It includes extra benefits like helping clients get SIM cards, resident permits, and more.

Is BUNAC Legit?

With tons of reviews on online forums and partnerships with schools like the University of Michigan, you can be assured that BUNAC is a legitimate business.

It's also being run by former BUNAC travelers themselves, so rest assured that you're being led by a team with experience in its programs.

BUNAC Programs and Locations

Currently, BUNAC offers the following programs in the countries listed below. You can also watch videos of its existing and past programs on its official Youtube channel.

United States

• Summer Camp USA: Runs for 9 weeks between June and August. It lets applicants work at a summer camp and travel all over America for another 30 days after.
• J-1 Working/Internship Visa: Grants up to 4 months of eligibility to work over the summer holidays or 18 months of internship in America to successful applicants.
• Grad USA Program: For Australia and New Zealand passport holders only. Allows fresh grads or currently enrolled students to work in America for 1 year.

United Kingdom

• Working Holiday: A 4-in-1 temporary work visa valid in Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and England. If you qualify for a UK Ancestry visa, it can be extended for longer than 24 months.
• Temporary Work Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) Visa: For full-time students or recent graduates who'd like to do paid or unpaid internships in the country for up to 12 months.

Canada

• International Experience Canada (IEC) Visa: Permits certain nationalities to stay in the country between 12-24 months.
• Recognized Organization Letter: Limited yearly slots are exclusive for UK passport holders aged 31-35. It enables them to stay for 12-24 months for work.
• Internship: Assists students or fresh grads in gaining valuable experience in their chosen fields in Vancouver, BC.

Ireland

• Working Holiday Authorization: Gives citizens of certain countries the right to work in the country for anywhere between 12-24 months. It also helps them get an Irish Residency Permit to legally work and pay taxes.

Australia

• Working Holiday: Allows passport holders of certain countries to live and work in Australia for 12 months. Visa can be renewed twice or thrice by doing "specified work" in regional Australia during each visa duration.
• Internship and Work Combo Program: Grants up to 20 hours per week of unpaid internship with the opportunity to work simultaneously.

New Zealand

• Working Holiday Visa: From fruit picking to seasonal backpacker jobs, this one-time visa will allow applicants to work and travel all over the country for 1 year.
• Internship and Work Combo Program: This lets interns do 20 hours of work per week at an unpaid placement with the possibility of earning extra cash.

Japan

• Working Holiday Visa: Usually allows 12-month visa eligibility to citizens of the UK, US, Australia, Germany, Ireland, and Austria so they can work within the country.

South Korea

• ESL Teaching Program: Permits applicants to move to South Korea to take a TESOL course and eventually get hired as an English teacher. They earn a salary with paid housing and flight costs.

How Does BUNAC Work?

A quick browse on BUNAC's website can tell you which programs you can sign up for based on your preferred location. 

You can always book a consultation with a BUNAS team member if you're still deciding where you'd like to go or what you want to apply for. After booking online and paying for your deposit, the BUNAC team will reach out to you and email you the necessary information and instructions for filling out visa application forms. 

For most of its programs, submitting your visa application is your responsibility. BUNAS will await your approval so you can settle the balance and proceed to the next step.

BUNAC will help set everything up for your arrival in your chosen country. You can start checking out available jobs you can apply for once you land. 

The service usually includes 1-on-1 job hunting support and help to prepare a CV.

How Old Do You Have to Be to Do BUNAC?

BUNAC usually offers programs for young adults aged 18-30, except for Canadian RO letter applicants from the UK. Its usual demographic is those taking their gap years, looking for paid or unpaid internships while studying, and fresh grads.

BUNAC Program Prices and Salary

Depending on which program and country you're signing up for, BUNAC's prices can greatly vary.

On average, securing a Working Holiday visa to your chosen destination can cost anywhere from $450-$800. 

Should it be permitted, this doesn't include other fees like your flight tickets, travel insurance, and visa extension application.

The cost of booking the Japan or South Korea programs is higher than the other countries. The Japan program costs $1400 while South Korea will cost you between $2000-$3000.

Salaries depend on the average wage in your chosen country, so it is hard to gauge. But, it is mentioned on its website that ESL teachers in South Korea can earn up to $1900 monthly.

The internship programs are around the $1000 range. They are unpaid unless the country allows applicants to take on jobs apart from the authorized number of internship hours.

Is BUNAC Worth It?

BUNAC is worth it for those after the convenience of paying for a service to completely handle everything upon your arrival. Its plans will orient you and help you get set up in a new country.

But it's important to note that there are limitations to what the company can handle for you. In particular, signing up with BUNAC doesn't mean you'll automatically get your visa application granted. 

For example, you have to fix your Ireland Working Holiday application yourself, as you have to pay directly to the Irish Embassy to apply.

If you think about it, even if you don't sign up for a BUNAC program, you'll still be able to process your working holiday or internship applications. But researching and planning the finer details would take a little time.

My Rating: 3.8/5

Pros:

• Various programs available
• Clear information on the website
• Provides support with relocation

Cons:

• Doesn't process visas 
• A bit expensive
• Limited to younger applicants
• No guaranteed job placements
• Flights and travel insurance not included

Plan the Trip of a Lifetime With Pilot!

Now you know about BUNAC's many programs, if you're ready to embark on a life-changing trip, you can start to craft your ideal travel experience for you, your family, and your friends.