Working holiday is not simply taking a break from the boredom of life for young people. For many, it means turning a new leaf and fulfilling their dreams. It has been established since 1972 by the United Kingdom for cultural exchange among young people in different countries. Taking a gap year and going for working holiday has become common for westerners.

On the other hand, working holiday is a relatively new scheme for Asian economies such as Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong. Youth aged from 18 to 30 (or 35 for some countries) can visit a partner economy for holiday and take up short-term employment or study courses for one year.

Working holiday is a branch of work that would lead you to different paths beyond imagination. Some find a new way of life and never get back to their home countries; some find a new self back in their home nations. The branches developed can be unique for everyone.

It provides an easy ground for many young people to enjoy an overseas experience. More than 70,000 youth from Hong Kong benefited from the scheme since the establishment in 2001. Currently ten countries have reciprocal agreement with the city with annual quotas ranging from 100 to 1000 except Australia and the UK. Is there a chance for working holiday to become a mainstream experience in Hong Kong?