Japan, Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

How to Work Abroad as a Canadian -Ultimate Guide

Have you ever wanted to know how to work abroad as a Canadian? Do you want to travel the world while finding job opportunities and working?

It’s a dream that most of us would think is utterly impossible. But if you’re a Canadian age 18-35 then you’re in luck because the Government of Canada has a program called International Experience Canada, or IEC for short, that can help make that dream a reality.

How to Work Abroad as a Canadian – Common Questions

What is International Experience Canada?

International Experience Canada by the Government of Canada can assist Canadians ages 18-35 in obtaining work visas for up to two years in over 30 partner countries and territories.

What Countries are Partners in the International Experience Program?

Bridle Path in Christchurch New Zealand. Mountains and Blue Water
New Zealand – One of many partner countries in the IEC Program

There are over 30 partner countries and territories including:

  • Andorra
  • Australia
  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Chile
  • Costa Rica
  • Croatia
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • France
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Hong Kong
  • Ireland
  • Italy
  • Japan
  • Korea Rep.
  • Latvia
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Netherlands
  • New Zealand
  • Norway
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • San Marino
  • Slovakia
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • Taiwan
  • United Kingdom

How to Work Abroad as a Canadian – Benefits

As someone who has travelled extensively I can honestly say that being able to travel the world is one of the most invaluable experiences you can ever give to yourself. Here are some key benefits to travel:

Experience New Cultures

How to work abroad as a Canadian Copenhagen: King's Garden
Copenhagen, Denmark – Partner Country in IEC Program

When you travel you get to immerse yourself in new cultures. The food, the sights, the sounds, and of course the people!

You broaden your world view, learn about different customs and will undoubtedly learn new ways of seeing or doing things.

It can be an incredibly eye opening experience and I don’t know one single person who hasn’t experienced new cultures say that it hasn’t changed them for the better.

Discover Your Strengths and Weaknesses

When you immerse yourself completely in a new country this is when you’ll truly learn the most about yourself.

When you travel you are constantly going to be challenged with new and unfamiliar situations. It is in these kind of scenarios that you’ll truly see how you’ll react and meet these challenges.

You’ll learn how you handle some situations well and maybe learn some ways that you could use improvement in.

But regardless it’s an environment that will push you out of your comfort zone and will really help you grow as a person both personally and professionally.

Gain International Work Experience

International Experience Canada assists with obtaining work visas in partner countries and territories, something that is a massive benefit and not an easy thing to get sometimes!

Working internationally can help you build important networking connections, teach you about how other cultures interact in both social and professional settings, and you may even become fluent in another language.

These are all things that can only help you further in any career path you decide to pursue. Especially as many companies move towards becoming more global.

This post was sponsored by the Government of Canada. 
All opinions expressed are my own

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