Sydney Experience

Thank you for taking the time to look at my page. I'm Maddy, I live in the North of England and I have recently returned to the UK after spending a year living and working in Paris as an Au Pair, which was an unforgettable experience. I looked after two boys who, by the end, were like brothers and the experiences and international friends I made are ones that are strong and will stay with me forever. The independence gained from stepping out into the unfamiliar is worth it in so many ways. At school, I was never set on any one subject and didn't really know what I wanted to do long term, but since my year of independence in another country on my own, in a capital and in the 'real world', I have a much clearer view than I ever have. My perspective on life and what I want to do with my life has changed for the better, and I have realised that if I have a passion for something or a number of things, then I (and anyone for that matter) should do all I can to pursue it and combine those interests where possible. I have always had an interest in business without really realising it; my father had two successful recruitment agencies whilst I was growing up, so I have witnessed the many highs and lows of a business. I was always setting up sweet stalls with friends when I was younger and sorted out the money from our sales. My year in France made me realise my passion for the language which I was lucky enough, through my host family, to study at two schools there and which I intend to combine with a business degree in the future.

Since being back in England, I am being trained as a barista. I stumbled upon the job at my local university, not realising the potential long term interest I would have in coffee. In this time, I have realised that not only making coffee, but the background, process and production of it is a lot more complex than is commonly known, or at least, than I ever knew. I also didn't realise that Australia (arguably) produces the best coffee in the world. I just presumed this was Italy, and although Italy's coffee is deservedly recognised for its quality, Australia comes out top. The 'flat white' was invented in Australia and has recently become widely popular in Europe. Starbucks hasn't had much success in Australia and shut down a number of their cafes due to the fact that local coffee was just too good to compete with. My manager has five years' experience in coffee making and has told me in detail of her visit to Uganda to see the very beginnings of the coffee process before it reaches the packet. Her stories of the children, families and communities she met are touching and she is doing all she can to support them, by giving all of the tips from the cafe away to those in Africa who need it most.

My interest in Australia has grown over the past year; my French host family told stories of when they lived in Sydney and spoke of the rich culture, food and lifestyle. One of the best friends I made in France, a fellow Au Pair, was Australian and through her I met more Australians. In general, their outgoing and 'not a problem' attitude to life is infectious and has made me think about visiting Australia, specifically Sydney, for months. As much as I love Europe and am yet to discover most of it, Australia is even more appealing to me now because of my interest in furthering my coffee education as well as completing a six month business internship there. If I can't raise the funds in time, in whatever way I can, or I raise less, then I'll do the 2-3 month package instead, or the one for even less which is simply basic work experience. I was searching for business work experience in Sydney online, and came across a 'Business Intern' package. The company secures a job for you before landing in Australia, assists with help finding flights, guides through the interview process, helps to find safe, affordable housing and helps with medical insurance. I would aim to leave in January at the latest, because I intend to start a degree in September 2016, meaning that my sixth month internship would need to be sooner rather than later, so that it doesn't run over into September. The costs for the trip are flights (£550 one way), a working visa (£329), medical insurance (£206), accommodation (average yet to be confirmed by company - around £100 per week. Once I start the paid internship, I should be able to pay for myself after a month), and the package itself (£1614). I would get invaluable experience in the business world and in my spare time, study with trained baristas and coffee professionals to expand my knowledge. I want to bring better coffee and coffee skills to the UK and learn from the best, so that I can teach others who may be interested. Then, I intend to go on to study Business with French and start up a coffee company. Although I will save as much as I can from my part time job, the costs are inevitably going to exceed my earnings and I am funding this by myself, so I would be so grateful for any support at all.

Will have a donation in next week to make this a legit funding page.

I'll create rewards individually depending on what people want, rather than list them on here.

Thanks again for looking at my page!

Maddy