[suzer]

Just wondering how long the process took you. I'm submitting Step 2 docs when I return to the states in January---only have 8 wks there.

[Hannah]

Is it just me or are others sitting there thinking 'what the hell is a bunac'?

Wouldn't surprise me if it was me. I turned up today for my daughters school parents open evening....which was last week!!!!

[Ana&Steve]

www.bunac.org
Its a visa program geared toward young people who want to discover the world. We researched it, but as Steve turns 36 in April, he can't qualify. You have to be in NZ with your BUNAC before your 36th bday. (We have school to finish and a house to sell) There do seem to be some good benefits, though; reduced airfare, 2 days room and board, an orientation, and contacts if you are confused. The BUNAC allows you to work while you're abroad, but I think it's only good for a year, and for US to NZ it's $500 per person.
Ana

[KerryS]

I had a friend from NY who came over originally on Bunac. No idea how long the process took - this was before WHVs were available to the US.
I know she found the initial help useful, and provided her with support and contacts. You don't have any of that available if you came on a WHV.

[suzer]

I didn't even know about the WHV until my forms were already in the mail to Bunac and by then, after all the work I had done on visas, researching the move, etc...I simply didn't have the energy to look at other options. I don't know how useful the support will be, but fingers crossed it will be worth it.

BTW- I don't think the airfare was reduced, but I did get a 24 month open ended tkt, and the travel agent (Vanessa at Travel Cuts) was really great. I used to be a travel agent and don't have much use for them, but she was a cut above and very helpful as I was in the Uk making arrangements.

[Croft]

I did BUNAC in the US for a summer back in 1989 (from the UK). Absosultely loved it. Don't know about now, but back then it was a very professional and swept up organisation.

[suzer]

They seem quite good as far as organisation---wonder how helpful they will be on the other side. At least I'll be moving there with an Australian, which might help.

[constablechuck]

My wife and I are moving to Christchurch, I'm a NZ citizen by descent but my wife only has U.S. citizenship, she applied for a WHV and was approved the same day, this gives us up to a year to settle before worring about PF for my wife.