Reactions I got when I decided to go abroad on a Working Holiday Visa

The Working Holiday Visa (WHV) is arguably the most loosely defined and flexible among all international mobility programs out there. While other visas are issued for a clearly defined purpose (e.g., studies, work, internship), the WHV can mean anything, or nothing at all. It’s a blank canvas waiting to be coloured by countless possible experiences. Perhaps it is precisely because of this lack of structure that it can draw criticism and concern.

Hundreds of former WHVers have shared the reactions that they got from friends and family when they announced their decision to go abroad on a WHV.

This article is based on my personal experience (as a former WHVer myself) and the stories of fellow travelers I’ve met over the years, both online and in real life over the past 16 years. Nothing is made up!

The people mentioned below are only described factually. This isn’t about judging whether they’re right or wrong; it’s simply about shedding light on the kinds of comments that prospective WHVers might get while preparing for their adventure, words that can wound, discourage, or create doubt. Sharing them here may help others feel less alone and better equipped to move forward.

The skeptics

There are the ones who ask what you’ll do over there, whether you have a job lined up, where you’ll live, and if you know anyone locally.

There are those who say that the destination is too far, that your home country is big enough, or who ask what will happen if you run into trouble on the other side of the world. They make it clear that they won’t be there to help.

Some say a year is way too long. “A few weeks of vacation is plenty”, they’ll argue.

Then there are those who simply don’t believe in you, your adaptability, or your resourcefulness. They’ll assume you’re not cut out for such a big move.

Some can’t wrap their heads around why you would want to do odd jobs abroad instead of working in what you went to school for. They don’t understand your dreams or your “why.” They’re not curious about travel, aren’t drawn to a nomadic life, don’t crave adventure or discovery, and just don’t see the appeal.

Others see the WHV as just a waste of money. They’re blind to the things that it can bring you: boosted confidence, meaningful encounters, freedom, improved foreign language skills, and a broadened worldview. They might say it’s frivolous and pointless.

There are those who believe you’re acting on a whim or chasing an unrealistic fantasy. Some won’t believe you’re serious until you actually get on that plane.

Some will accuse you of running away. They’ll say the grass isn’t always greener on the other side and that leaving won’t solve anything. They’ll claim you must be seriously lost to go so far.

Others will say you’re either too young or too old for an experience like this. They won’t understand why you’d leave everything behind for the unknown. They’ll urge you to stay put and do what people your age are “supposed” to do.

Some won’t grasp that your dreams and ambitions don’t look like theirs. For them, life is about job security, a good salary, and retirement contributions. They can’t comprehend that not everyone defines “a good life” in the same way.

There are those who think you’re giving up stability for no good reason. They don’t understand why you’d deliberately risk everything.

If you’ve traveled before, they might roll their eyes and say “Again? Haven’t you had enough fun?” They’ll worry that you’ve chosen this lifestyle for good. Some will be disappointed you didn’t follow the plans they had in mind for you. And they might still judge your decision even once you’re back from your stay abroad.

There are people who will expect you to show a detailed plan, even when you explain to them that your actual plan is to have no plan! They don’t see the beauty in embracing the unknown.

Some will feel abandoned and hurt. They’ll cry, get angry, even walk out of the family dinner when you share your decision. Some will ask if you’re leaving because you’re unhappy with your life or with them. Some won’t speak to you for a while.

There are those who won’t support your choice and won’t understand the ones who do.

There are people who’ll say, “I could never do that”, who are genuinely worried for you. They might also have preconceived notions about your chosen destination.

If you’re leaving with your partner, some will ask, “What if it doesn’t work out?” Worse, if you’re going without your partner, some will assume there are problems in your relationship, or even guilt-trip you for abandoning them.

If you’re traveling with your kids, some will resent you for taking their grandchildren so far away.

Some people will treat you like a child, laying out all the obstacles you might face, belittling your chosen destination.

Some will think you’re foolish, certain you won’t make it. They’ll believe you’re throwing away everything you’ve achieved: your job, your degree, because they can’t understand how you would pick back up where you left off.

Some will tell you it’s time to grow up and to stop dreaming. They’ll ask how you’ll pay your mortgage, what you’ll do with your apartment, or worry about you having to sell everything here to start over there.

Some believe they have a better plan for your savings than wasting a year abroad. They’ll be convinced you’re losing a year of your life.

Some will act like you owe them explanations, forgetting that you are a responsible adult, free to make your own choices.

Some simply fear that you’ll never want to come back.

The ones who get it

And then there are the ones who get it.

The ones who would’ve done the same, if they could. The ones who encourage you.

There are those who pose valid questions without trying to dissuade you. Those who promise to follow your journey, hope to visit you, urge you to savour every moment, wish you nothing but amazing memories. Those who are impressed by your courage. The ones who urge you to “Go for it!”

There are those who are certain this experience will help you grow into a better person. Those who only want one thing: for you to be happy.

And sometimes, the skeptics eventually become the ones who get it. It might just take them some time to understand.

I can only encourage you to focus on the ones who do support you and to always remember that the final decision is yours.

Embarking on a working holiday is certainly a big decision, but at pvtistes.net, we believe in the value of the WHV because we’ve lived it ourselves, and we’re here to cheer you on and to help you do the necessary preparation. You’ll be joining the hundreds of thousands of other young people who take the leap every year.