Lifestyle
Travel, learn, work
BY VICTORIA SALVAS
Fall 2010 |
With the cost of tuition and books so high, an extended vacation may not be on your itinerary. What if there was a way to travel the world, earn an income and learn about other cultures and countries. Gorra travelled and planned most of her British trip on her own. “It was a little scary trying to organize all of these things, but you learn to go with the flow.” Gorra recommends everyone try this type of trip and experience another country culturally and geographically. She was able to create lasting friendships, and enjoy applying her academic background (history) to real cultural sites while touring the world. “As a future teacher I think it is essential to learn teaching practices from other cultures to truly understand what your own teaching philosophy is. I am still working on mine, and I can’t wait to discover more of the world to become the best teacher and person I can be.” About the writer: Victoria Salvas is a graduate of The University of Western Ontario. She is currently a freelance writer and blogger from her home in Sudbury. The Youth International Internship Program, supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, offers paid career-related internships overseas. The placements, available in a number of countries and offer young people the chance to work on projects that further the objectives of Canada’s foreign policy. Interns are matched with one of over 40 Canadian organizations operating overseas for internships that last from six to 12 months long. Approximately 400 internships are offered each year under the program. Eligible youth are out of school, unemployed or underemployed, and up to 30 years of age. Those interested in a placement apply directly to organizations offering internships. For a list of opportunities available, or for more information, contact: Youth International Internship Program
There is, and it’s called a work/travel exchange or a working holiday. According to Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada, 23,000 young Canadians do it every year. Before you pack your bags, there are a few things you should know and some planning involved.
Young people, aged 18 to 35, can receive a working visa to work and live in another country for 12 months or more. The process is not that complicated and some travel companies will do all the work for you.
There are basically three steps in the planning process to begin globetrotting: choose a destination; decide on a category of work; and lastly, start the application process.
One travel organization that specializes in working holidays for young people is SWAP. SWAP agent Libby Law suggests starting your research and planning six to 12 months in advance. “Take some time to get in the mind set of being away from home” Law says. She also suggests doing some research on the language, other tourist attractions, and living conditions.
Jillian Gorra, a 22-year-old concurrent education alumna from Laurentian University, experienced working abroad twice during her undergrad years. “My trip to Ecuador was chosen by the university. It was my initial placement before heading into my professional year in concurrent education.” In Ecuador, she stayed with host families.
“Those families were all we had for two weeks, and let me tell you, in the end we didn’t want to leave them.” Her preparations for her Ecuador trip and a earlier one to the United Kingdom began six months in advance.
Part of the benefit of planning well ahead allows you time to save up money. Most countries require work-exchange participants to have support funds, or a certain amount of money saved in a separate account.
Choosing a country where you know you are guaranteed residence, with family or friends, also saves time and money. Once this has been decided, and a money-saving strategy has been initiated, the next step is selecting a category of work.
You might want to get experience working in your field, or maybe shift work to sustain your travels. Law says, “A lot of people choose to work in hospitality…or the local pub or hotel.”
In Gorra’s case, she chose her job in the UK to gain experience in education. “In Bristol I worked as a support worker. I worked at a variety of different schools as well as nurseries. It was a great experience to learn more about the teaching practices of other countries. I also travelled around England, Scotland, and Paris. That was definitely half the fun being able to call home and say, ‘So I think I am going to go to Paris for a weekend’. Not many people get to do that.”
SWAP and Protocol Education are the names of just two organizations that can help iron out all the small details. SWAP’s services can cost up to $300. The company has hosting centres in countries where it operates programs. SWAP staff are available to answer questions and offer continual support during your work-exchange experience. The support starts shortly after you arrive with an arrival orientation.
“The arrival orientation is a two-hour talk where they tell you everything you need to know, from writing resumes to setting up a bank account” says Law.
Travel agent or not, whatever destination, whatever job, Law’s advice is, “Just do it. Don’t think about it. Just do it. We’re so lucky as Canadians to be able to live and work in other countries.”
For more information about travelling, working and studying in another country, visit Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada website for more details. Before you go don’t forget to go to your student council office and get an ISIC (International Student Identity) card. This will give you discounts on trains, buses, flights, hotels and more. 4.5 million students in 120 countries use one.
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
125 Sussex Ave.
Ottawa, K1A 0G2
1.800.559.2888
www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/interns
