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pvtistes
Hello! Can you please introduce yourself?
Nice to meet you! My name is Odélie, I’m 20 years old, and I’m from Gatineau, Canada. Most people don’t know where that is, so as a reference I always say it’s next to Ottawa, the capital (but on the French-speaking side). I’ve been on a working holiday in Australia for a year and a half now.
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The path I took to get here was a bit unusual. I temporarily left my studies to go backpacking in Southeast Asia for three months. Once there, I met two absolutely amazing French guys who were on vacation after their first year on a Working Holiday Visa. They were the ones who told me about the beautiful country that is Australia. One thing led to another, and they sold it to me so well that I decided to follow them there! So just like that, overnight, I was off to a new country, without returning home to continue my studies. And honestly, it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve made so far. Eliott and Redoine, if you see this, much love to you guys!
pvtistes
What attracted you to Australia in particular?
The guys told me about the absolutely incredible lifestyle: beaches, sports, sunshine, friends… and of course, the earning potential! To be honest, it was that last part that convinced me! I also love immersing myself in other cultures and learning new things, so that played a big role in my final decision too.
pvtistes
How was your arrival in Australia? What were your first impressions upon arriving in a country so different from Canada?
I found the people to be super open and welcoming… they really reminded me of Canadians (especially Quebecois)!
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Overall, I’d say the two countries are quite similar; they’re both fairly new and more or less under the British crown.
pvtistes
How have you been spending your working holiday?
My main goal during my WHV is to discover Australia. That’s why I’ve picked up odd jobs here and there all over the country. I landed in Adelaide, where I juggled three part-time jobs: barista, waitress, and bartender. A few months later, I flew to Melbourne. There, I did an absolutely stunning road trip called the Great Ocean Road, which lasted six days.
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Then I went down to the Mornington Peninsula, where I worked as a waitress in a beautiful, elegant little bistro. That experience will stay with me forever! After that, I went on to Sydney and Brisbane, and eventually ended up doing volunteer work on a farm. The place was absolutely terrifying, but at least I managed to complete my 88 days for my second-year visa… so I owe it that much!
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As I write this, I’m near Darwin working at a hotel as a receptionist and waitress, and it’s so much better than the farm!
pvtistes
What cultural differences have you noticed between Australia and Canada?
In Australia, there’s a great work-life balance. People really value doing activities and spending time with loved ones, which is so nice. There’s also a big drinking culture… If Australians invite you to do something, you can be sure beer will be involved.
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Coffee is also a big thing here, something I never really noticed in Canada. Here, you can’t just order “a coffee.” There are 397 different styles, flavors, and sizes… so if you want one, think it through carefully before you get to the counter.
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Also, the language was a bit of a challenge, if I can put it that way. My English is decent, but getting used to the Australian accent was a real test. Living daily life in a language other than your native one can definitely be tough at times.
pvtistes
How do you cope with missing your family and friends?
These days with technology, we’re so lucky to be able to connect easily with the people we love. I message my family and friends really often and once a week, I do a video call with my mom. It’s obviously not the same as being there in person, but it still helps a lot with the distance.
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Also, when I miss them, I remind myself how lucky I am to be living this experience, and that I should enjoy the moment. And when I finally see them again, the reunion will be that much more special!
pvtistes
Coming from Quebec, you must have found the Australian climate to be a major change. How are you adapting?
Absolutely, the biggest shock for me was definitely the climate. Here, winter runs from June to August. It’s the opposite of the Northern Hemisphere. So when it’s summer in Quebec, it’s winter in Australia.
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Considering Canadian winters can easily reach -35°C, that’s a HUGE temperature difference. But I’m not a fan of freezing winters, so spending my days at the beach instead of wrapped in eight layers and three huge coats is something I’m really grateful for.
pvtistes
What’s your best WHV memory? And the worst?
I have so many great memories, it’s hard to choose! I’d say it’s a toss-up between boat rides with locals, exploring waterfalls in the rainforest, or buying my new van.
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The worst was definitely when I ran out of money and was about to sleep on the street. Luckily, I met a super kind English guy who offered me a place to stay at his aunt’s house. It was a stressful moment, but once I got to her house, everything was fine. I stayed there for three days while waiting for my new job, and I was welcomed so warmly, which totally checks out with the friendliness of Australians.
pvtistes
Do you have any advice for those considering a WHV in Australia?
I’d say the hardest part is just taking the leap. If you’re thinking about it, it means the desire is there and the experience is calling to you… so just do it! Better to try it and dislike it than to spend your whole life wondering how it could have been. You can always go back home at any time.
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And I promise you that once you’re here, the story will write itself, and it’s pure joy… so much that you’ll end up wondering why you didn’t do it sooner!
pvtistes
What are your plans after your WHV in Australia?
I’ve got a few ideas, but nothing too concrete yet. For now, I’d like to keep doing WHVs in other countries, like New Zealand, France, Brazil, Japan… Who knows!
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What I do know is that I want to keep sharing my adventures on social media. I want to inspire people to get out there and follow their dreams, because if I did it, so can you.
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You can follow me on my account @ohdesvoyages on TikTok and Instagram.
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Also, I tell myself that one day I’d like to go back to university, because I’ve always loved learning. The only problem is after living years full of adventures, discoveries, and happiness, I’m not sure school will still feel like it’s for me anymore. But hey, we’ll see what the future holds!
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