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Experience the world and get paid doing it

Working abroad can be a valuable experience for both students and graduates. And it also looks great on a resumé.

A working holiday is a great way to be immersed in a new culture and gain some international work experience at the same time, said Libby Law, deputy director for SWAP Working Holidays. “You can really extend your travels abroad as it allows you to make money while overseas, something that cannot be done as a tourist.”

Working abroad takes courage, said SAIT’s Baking and Pastry Arts instructor, Victoria German, who worked at a pastry shop in Bermuda for seven years.

“Off time was quite amazing,” she said. She remembers riding around on her Moped with no fear. “Was it safe? Not always.” But when you’re young, you just don’t think about it.”

“I would never change what I have done,” she said. “I encourage it, you learn so much.

“The only thing you do is grow as an individual, develop yourself, and you get to experience things you wouldn’t get at home. You come back as a changed person.”

The experience can be good or bad, she said. “It depends on how well you can deal with change.”

At the age of 19, Georg Windisch took his first opportunity to work abroad and never looked back. By age 29, he was an executive chef at the Pan Pacific Hotel in Singapore.

Working in a different country is an eye-opening experience, said the culinary chef and instructor at SAIT. “You don’t know anyone, you don’t know the language, and you think ‘holy smokes.’

“Looking back I would do it again, absolutely yes,” he said. “I have scars left in my brain. Good scars.”

Embrace where you are, Windisch said. Working abroad is like a “degree in life.”

Several agencies can help students find work abroad by assisting with paperwork, booking arrival accommodations and meeting students in their destination country. The fees vary depending on destination.

Students can also plan working holidays using the Canada’s Foreign Affairs and International Trade website. It allows prospective travelers to browse and find work in participating countries. There are also answers to questions and extra information about working abroad.

Pack your bags, kiss your mom and dad and go get the experience in these 7 steps.

1. Apply for a passport
Appling for a Canadian passport can also be done online at ppt.gc.ca
2. Research the country
Go to international.gc.ca for reports on over 200 destinations around the world.
3. Apply for a Visa
Some countries require a tourist visa for visits of less than three months. Apply well in advance.
4. Research required vaccinations
The Public Health Agency of Canada provides information for travellers about international health advisories and recommended vaccinations to get before leaving Canada. Go to phac-aspc.gc.ca.
5. Obtain health and travel insurance
Find information about obtaining health insurance for a trip abroad at voyage.gc.ca.
6. Change your Currency
Foreign travel is often more expensive than most people plan for.
7. Register with the government
The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (see step 2) offers a registration service for Canadians who will be living in a foreign country for three months or more. Register at the nearest Canadian government office abroad, online, by mail or in person.

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