How to Work and Travel Abroad for Canadians (30+ Countries!)

Did you know that it’s easy to work and travel abroad for Canadians? International Experience Canada (IEC) provides young Canadians (ages 18-35) with life-changing opportunities to live, work and travel overseas. There are so many reasons why you need to see the world, and IEC helps Canadians achieve both their personal and professional goals.

As a full time travel blogger and content creator, travelling the world has completely changed my life. My only regret is not travelling sooner! I only wish that I had taken advantage of a program like IEC when I was younger. I’m going to share exactly what IEC is, as well as the advantages of a working holiday program. Then, I’ll show you some of the countries where you can travel, work and fully immerse yourself in the culture of an international destination.

What is International Experience Canada (IEC)?

International Experience Canada, or IEC, is an initiative led by the Government of Canada’s Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Department. It encourages Canadian youth to travel and explore the world by providing a clear path to a work permit or visa to work in dozens of international destinations.

Through IEC, the Government of Canada has created agreements with 30+ countries and foreign territories so young Canadians can work and travel abroad. In return, the youth from these countries can travel and work in Canada. It’s a reciprocal agreement so youth from both countries can embark on working holidays and gain invaluable work and life experiences.

IEC makes it easier for Canadians aged 18-35 to apply for work permits in order to legally be employed abroad. There are advantages to applying for work permits through IEC, including the fact that they are easier to get, they’re less expensive, they offer more flexibility than a regular work permit, and it often takes less time to process this kind of work permit.

Who is Eligible to Apply?

If you are a Canadian citizen aged 18-35, you may be eligible to apply. Each country or territory has different requirements, some of which only extend the opportunity to Canadians aged 18-30. You’ll need to check each country’s requirements to find one that works for you.

There are a few situations where it makes a lot of sense to take a working holiday. You might decide to take a gap year before starting college or university to discover new interests and simply see the world before you begin to settle down.

You may be a working adult who doesn’t have as many responsibilities in life right now. This is a great time to wander the globe and explore new possibilities. You may have a free spirited or spontaneous personality. After reading this article, you might already begin looking into participating in the IEC program as soon as possible.

What about adults who already have an established career? You are not excluded from taking part in the IEC’s initiatives! It might be possible for you to take a sabbatical from work. Your employer may have international offices where you can arrange for a temporary transfer in order to take advantage of a working holiday experience. This may be beneficial to your employer as you’ll return with new ideas and perspectives.

Why Should I Work and Travel Abroad?

This work and travel abroad program for Canadians provides valuable career and life skills in each country for up to two years. There are so many benefits to travelling. It opens you up to new cultures and ways of life. You’ll learn new perspectives, engage with local communities, and increase your awareness and sensitivity to different traditions, values and lifestyles.

On a personal level, you may be able to learn or practice new languages abroad. You’ll become more confident and develop many new skills, both personally and for your CV. Of course, you’ll be able to make money along the way to fund your travels, too. Depending on where you choose to travel and work abroad, you may be able to use your weekends off to explore other nearby places and countries (where permitted).

Exploring the world can help you learn more about yourself. You’ll discover what inspires you, uncover your strengths, and improve upon your weaknesses. You will have the opportunity to meet new people and forge working relationships and friendships around the world.

Where Can Young Canadians Work and Travel Abroad?

Every country has different requirements for applying. Each place also has different rules for how long you can stay and participate in the working holiday program. The Government of Canada and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), through IEC, have made it easy to learn about these specific details through their official website.

I’m going to choose a few of my favourite countries that I’ve visited from the list of working holiday partner countries. I’ll outline some reasons why you may choose that place as your destination for this work and travel abroad program. Also, I’ll explain the requirements to apply for a work permit or visa under IEC for each country.

New Zealand

When I travelled to New Zealand a few years ago, I noticed that there were many similarities between New Zealand and Canada. The mountainous environment of Western Canada is similar to New Zealand, and the people are overwhelmingly welcoming and friendly, much like us polite Canadians!

New Zealand is breathtakingly beautiful, no matter if you’re visiting the North or South Island. Explore glowworm caves, make a trip to Hobbiton, scale the mighty glaciers, or simply marvel at the views on a day hike. New Zealand is a practical destination to visit because everyone speaks English, so it could be a good choice for your first time living away from Canada.

To work in New Zealand through the Canada Working Holiday Visa you must be a Canadian citizen, be 18-35 years old and have a valid Canadian passport. You can stay and work in New Zealand for up to 23 months. Here are more requirements to work and travel in New Zealand.

Germany

Justin and I have visited Germany on several occasions, and it’s one of those destinations that keeps calling us back. There’s so much to see and do in Germany beyond Oktoberfest and bratwurst! Germany has lively and artsy cities, adorable villages with rows of half-timbered houses, and brilliant nature to explore.

We’ve had several unique experiences in Germany, like visiting historic castles, taking a cable car to the highest mountain in the country, and taking a bike tour with an emphasis on street art and public art. You can brush up on your German language skills in Germany, though I’ve found that most people speak English quite well.

To work in Germany through the Youth Mobility Visa, you must be a Canadian citizen, be 18-35 years old and have a valid Canadian passport. You can stay and work in Germany for up to 12 months, though You can participate in Germany’s Youth Mobility Program two times. Here are more requirements to work and travel in Germany.

United Kingdom

Travelling and working in the United Kingdom provides you with an opportunity to work in either England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. It might be hard to narrow it down because each destination has a unique culture with so much to offer.

From energetic cities to charming small towns, there’s always something happening in the UK, whether it’s a lively festival or an annual event. There are so many brilliant natural wonders to explore, as well as intriguing historic monuments and landmarks.

To work in the United Kingdom (UK) under the Youth Mobility Scheme, you must be a Canadian citizen, be 18-30 years old and have a valid Canadian passport. You can stay and work in the United Kingdom for up to 24 months. Here are more requirements to work and travel in the United Kingdom.

Italy

There’s a reason we keep returning to Italy! The food, the culture, the history…and did I mention the food? Pizza, pasta, gelato…those can be daily staples for your new life in Italy. Whether you’re uncovering the layers of history in Rome or drifting across the canals of Venice, a working holiday in Italy might be one of the best experiences of your life.

While many people speak English in the bigger cities of Italy (especially the younger population), you may run into some language barriers depending on your job choice, where you’ll be living, or who you’ll be interacting with. It might be a good idea to take some Italian language classes while you’re there.

To work in Italy through the Italy-Canada Youth Exchange Program, you must be a Canadian citizen, be 18-35 years old, and have a valid Canadian passport. You can stay in Italy for up to 12 months, and you can participate in Italy’s Youth Exchange Program twice. Other requirements may apply. Learn more about how you can to work and travel in Italy.

Switzerland

Switzerland is one of the most beautiful countries I’ve ever seen in my life! Imposing mountains, cute villages, and magnificent nature are all commonplace in Switzerland. It’s home to the most epic train rides in the world, and it’s an amazing all-seasons destination for outdoor adventures. Hike the trails in the summer and ski from the mountaintops in the winter.

Though it’s incredibly stunning, one consideration to make if you’re choosing Switzerland for a working holiday is the costs of living there. Similar to the Scandinavian countries, it is one of the most expensive places to live in the world. You’ll need to work out your salary and budget in advance to consider whether or not living and working in Switzerland is a viable option.

To work in Switzerland through the Youth Mobility program, you must be a Canadian citizen, be 18-35 years old, have a permanent address in Canada when applying, and have a valid Canadian passport. You can stay and work in Switzerland for up to 12 months. You can participate in the Switzerland Youth Mobility Program twice. The maximum duration of both participations must be less than 18 months. Here are more requirements to work and travel in Switzerland.

How Can Canadians Work and Travel Abroad With IEC?

For Canadians looking to work and travel abroad, it’s easy to get started. First, you’ll need to choose a destination from the list above. Hopefully, I’ve given you some ideas with my top picks. However, you will need to consider a few details, like the cost of living of that destination and the availability of jobs.

You can choose a job where you already have some expertise or educational background. Perhaps you are working a similar career in Canada where you can transfer those skills to a similar organization overseas. Or perhaps your current employer has international offices where you can work. Some other ideas for employment can include teaching English overseas, both in classrooms and virtually, or you can even become a digital nomad or travel blogger while living internationally.

The next step is making sure that you are eligible to live and work within your chosen country or territory. Each destination has different rules and requirements, depending on your age, residency, financial requirements, work restrictions and how long you can stay in that country. Make sure you choose to work and travel abroad in a place that aligns with your goals. You’ll also need to be sure that you apply for the correct work permits.

Then, you’ll need to gather your documents (your passport, proof of funds, medical insurance, and your job offer or contract of employment. Complete your application and once approved, it’s time to start planning! Check out my handy guide with practical advice for planning an international trip, as well as step-by-step details for booking your journey. Enjoy this experience of a lifetime!

This article is brought to you by International Experience Canada (IEC) and the Government of Canada’s Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Department. You can find IEC on Instagram and Facebook.

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