**5.3. Level of social security**

Aside from work stability, the level of social security in destination countries was also a major factor influencing the selection of country. Countries with a high level of economic development, high social security, and abundant job opportunities were more attractive to WHMs. One participant stated, *"If I went to countries that are less developed, I might be afraid. However, because it was Canada, I felt that it would generally be safe" (C1, 2014).* Furthermore, a higher level of understanding of a country was also an important reference during the decisionmaking process for the destination country. For example, Australia began its working holiday scheme relatively early, and hence more relevant information is available. WHMs will share their working holiday experiences through books, the Internet, and other media in order for future WHMs to gain a more detailed understanding on living, working, and traveling in the country, thus enabling them to make prior preparations. For example, one participant stated, *"Australia has been opened up for longer and so information can be more easily found online. Someone will share where they have found work and what activities you can do" (A1, 2014).*

#### **5.4. Future usefulness of language learning**

Within the trend of globalization, having a certain level of foreign language proficiency was one of the basic abilities that young people attached great importance to. The working holidays provided a good opportunity to learn verbal abilities for foreign languages. As mentioned by one participant, *"I wanted to learn some Japanese and hope to be fluent, so I practiced my verbal and listening abilities… I feel that when you go there, the most important thing is that you must dare to speak. In Taiwan, you only speak to your teacher, but in the environment of Japan, you need to speak anytime and anywhere" (J2, 2014).* Students in Taiwan begin receiving formal English language education in primary school in order to cultivate a global outlook and increase their international competitiveness. However, since their learning goals are to pass examinations and further their studies, their English listening and verbal communication abilities are often relatively weak. Hence, to improve their English language proficiency, WHMs may place more emphasis in considering English-speaking Australia or Canada when deciding on their destination country. As stated by one participant, *"It may have been related to English-speaking countries because I wanted to practice my English. I feel that my English is not very good, and I only dare to speak English when I am there" (C1, 2014).* As can be seen, when selecting a destination country, WHMs will often consider the future usefulness of language learning. Most of them hoped that 1 year of language learning would help them to improve their foreign language proficiency, and even to obtain the relevant language proficiency certificates, which would increase future job opportunities. One participant stated, *"My thinking was that after learning English over there, I can come back to Taiwan and find English-related jobs. My English did improve" (A1, 2014).* Another participant also mentioned, *"After I returned to Taiwan, I did some Japanese translation jobs" (J1, 2014).*

#### **5.5. Difficulty of obtaining visas**

**5.2. Work stability**

*to find a job" (C1, 2014).*

**5.3. Level of social security**

The working conditions of the travel destinations were also an important factor when WHMs were choosing a country for their working holidays. The ability to find local job opportunities before traveling abroad would reduce the anxiety caused by job hunting. For example, some WHMs who traveled to Japan or Australia were able to obtain jobs in exchange for room and board through the "World-Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms" (WWOOF) program. For example, one participant stated, *"There is a WWOOF organization where you can search for good hosts and good reviews before contacting them. You can plan to stay with one farm one month, and move on to another the next month. There are many choices" (J2, 2014)*. Another participant, who went to Australia, stated, *"When I went to Australia, the exchange rate for the Australian dollar was very high, almost the same as the US dollar, and could be earned more easily. Their wages and welfare are quite good. Even if you are on a working holiday visa, you will be given the most basic hourly wage.* 

Nevertheless, if too many working holiday visas are issued, it will lead to competition in labor opportunities, which will decrease the willingness of WHMs to travel abroad. For example, the number of WHMs traveling to Australia has increased drastically recently, leading to a massive influx of people and causing an oversupply of labor. Thus, some WHMs had to give up on the idea and choose other countries. A WHM who traveled to Canada stated, *"When Australia first opened up, it was very good, but jobs were more difficult to find afterwards. I have also heard that the number of illegal workers there has increased, and I was worried that I would not be able* 

Aside from work stability, the level of social security in destination countries was also a major factor influencing the selection of country. Countries with a high level of economic development, high social security, and abundant job opportunities were more attractive to WHMs. One participant stated, *"If I went to countries that are less developed, I might be afraid. However, because it was Canada, I felt that it would generally be safe" (C1, 2014).* Furthermore, a higher level of understanding of a country was also an important reference during the decisionmaking process for the destination country. For example, Australia began its working holiday scheme relatively early, and hence more relevant information is available. WHMs will share their working holiday experiences through books, the Internet, and other media in order for future WHMs to gain a more detailed understanding on living, working, and traveling in the country, thus enabling them to make prior preparations. For example, one participant stated, *"Australia has been opened up for longer and so information can be more easily found online. Someone* 

Within the trend of globalization, having a certain level of foreign language proficiency was one of the basic abilities that young people attached great importance to. The working holidays provided a good opportunity to learn verbal abilities for foreign languages. As mentioned

*will share where they have found work and what activities you can do" (A1, 2014).*

**5.4. Future usefulness of language learning**

*Compared to Taiwan, their welfare is really good" (A1, 2014).*

80 Mobilities, Tourism and Travel Behavior - Contexts and Boundaries

The application requirements for tourist visas were one of the major factors influencing the traveling decision-making of WHMs. As different countries have signed agreements with different conditions and restrictions with Taiwan, this had an impact on the decision-making process of WHMs regarding their destination country. A WHM who traveled to Canada stated, *"Originally, I wanted to go to New Zealand as well, but it was too troublesome. I think there were only 600 places and it was lottery-based, so Canada was my first choice" (C1, 2014).* Using Australia as an example, it has a high quota, simplified application process, and rapid visa issuance, which were important incentives to WHMs. As stated by one participant, *"There were few restrictions and many places. As long as individuals do not have any major illnesses, they can obtain an Australian visa" (A2, 2014)*. Furthermore, the upper age limit posed a restriction on the choices of WHMs. The majority of countries impose an age limit of below 30 years for WHMs. However, Canada relaxed this limit to 35 years, which became an opportunity for youths over 30 years to engage in working holidays. One participant stated, *"Since I was already over 30, I could only choose Canada because they allow people up to 35 years of age" (C2, 2014).* Moreover, applicants' language proficiency was often a restriction for visa applications. For example, although Japan has an annual application quota of 5000, they require written reasons for engaging in a working holiday and a plan of future activities, as well as the relevant Japanese language test certificate. Hence, visa applications for Japan are more difficult than Australia and Canada. As stated by one participant, *"Although Japan does not specify how good your Japanese must be, I would guess that if you have a Japanese test certificate, you would not be eliminated in the first round. And you need to write a plan" (J2, 2014)*. Another WHM who traveled to Canada stated, *"I knew that you needed to know some Japanese for Japan, so I gave up on it" (C1, 2014).*
