Every year, the PVT Australia program attracts thousands of young people from all over the world. To help French speakers with their application, Mai Lo created Mai Lo is in Oz. She agreed to answer our questions and tell us all about Australia and the PVT.
Can you introduce yourself in a few words? ?
My name is Mai Loan, but everyone calls me Mai Lo! In 2017, I launched Mai Lo is in Oz to help future WHPers in Australia. I myself went to study for 2 years in Brisbane, then did a PVT for 1 year.
It's been the best experience of my life, and it's a real pleasure to be able to help the PVTists of tomorrow on a daily basis.
Can you tell us more about the Mai Lo is in Oz project?
When I was in Australia, I used to welcome French people to my home in Brisbane. I accompanied them in their first administrative steps and helped them find work. Then I went back to France and thought I'd be able to continue with those who were at the beginning of their preparations. I knew the problems and fears you can have when you arrive. So I officially created Mai Lo is in Oz.
Since then, I've developed a number of media to provide as many answers as possible. I make Youtube videosI have podcastsI also have a blog and a downloadable guide free of charge.
Every day, I scan the news, especially with covid-19, to keep the community informed! I also give tips and tricks, good plans and so on. In short, I do my utmost to provide all the keys to a successful PVT Australia.
Your destination of choice is Australia. Can you tell us a little about your experience there?
I went to study at UQ, University of Queensland in Brisbane, for 2 years. It was a great experience and I met a lot of Australians and internationals. I also did a PVT for 1 year. My favorite destination is of course Brisbane ! I love this city, which is a good compromise between relaxation and Australian atmosphere.
What advice would you give to anyone thinking of moving to Australia?
Go for it! It's been a great experience, I've learned a lot about myself and I've enjoyed it so much that I've made it my profession. I don't think you should look too far ahead to find out what you're going to do, but rather find out what you can do. How do you find work? What certification do I need to work? Which SIM card to choose? etc. The rest will come as you meet people. Saying "I'm going to get a job in a bakery in Brisbane as soon as I arrive" seems a bit ambitious to me! You also need to enjoy your adventure and let things happen, without putting too much pressure on yourself.
How do you plan your trip (things to know, mistakes to avoid, etc.)?
As I said, I think you need to know what to expect, but don't put too much pressure on yourself before you leave. There are also a few mistakes to avoid when you arrive, for example, not booking the cheapest room possible for your first night in Australia! Chances are, it's far from the city center, not very comfortable, and you really need a good night's sleep when you arrive after a long journey!
I'd also advise you to avoid taking an Airbnb when you first arrive, because you're locking yourself in, whereas hostels are a real way of meeting people and opening up to opportunities you weren't expecting.
Have you or anyone you know ever encountered administrative problems when planning a trip?
I've heard stories of passports that were no longer valid at the time of departure, or international driving licenses that didn't arrive on time. On the whole, no particular problems, but that's also because I try to prepare them as well as possible haha
Otherwise, the biggest problems are often financial. There are those who haven't saved enough money to live without working for several months, and there are also those who don't have health insurance and who have unfortunately had medical problems on the spot. And this often results in a return to France!
How do you work with VISAMUNDI?
What I like is talking to people. I like to give advice on life in the country, on administrative procedures, I like to reassure my community. But I'm not an immigration officer and, legally, I can't take care of all the visa procedures for students, tourists or temporary workers. I leave that to the specialists! And Visamundi seems to me to be the ideal company for this purpose.
Thanks to Mai Lo for these valuable tips on the PVT Australia program and the steps to take before leaving. If you'd like to find out more about Australia, you can contact Mai Lo and ask her all your questions. You can also find her on Instagram and on Facebook.
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