Good Reasons for Work and Travel in Canada
Made up of ten provinces, Canada is a popular destination for Germans. The capital of the picturesque country is Ottawa, with 994,837 inhabitants. It is shaped by vast forests, countless lakes and plenty of nature. Spending a year there on work and travel is the dream of many young people, whether high school or college students. And for good reason: here you get not only the chance to improve your language skills, but also to get to know the country's culture. Another advantage is that the new experience also builds people skills and self-confidence, as well as many "soft skills". The authentic experience enriches any résumé, so work and travel in Canada pays off above all from a career perspective.
Where can I find information about work and travel?
The internet offers plenty of helpful information on work and travel in Canada. Research is a must for anyone interested. Alongside a whole range of blogs and provider websites, you will also find books and various videos and vlogs. When organizing your stay abroad, though, it helps to bring in a specialized agency. For a fee, they take care of the paperwork, finding potential employers and bureaucratic matters. Most participants choose this route, as it is more convenient than handling the planning and organization on their own.
The so-called Working Holiday visa has to be applied for online in advance and is allocated by the Canadian authorities through a lottery. If you don't meet the requirements for the Working Holiday visa, that is not the end of your year abroad. Entry can also be permitted through farm work or volunteering.
Finances & logistics for work and travel in Canada
Among Germans, Canada ranks in the top 3 countries for work and travel. It is a country with a standard of living similar to the rest of the Western world. That makes a stay there appealing to anyone who doesn't want to give up certain comforts. This also comes with costs that have to be planned for in advance.
Your starting capital should be set generously enough from the outset. You can find rough guidelines for average costs online: a flight can cost from about $550 upwards, depending on the travel date, how far ahead you book and where you start. Add the visa fee of roughly $90. Health insurance for a one-year period costs up to about $1,100. You should also factor in monthly expenses of at least $550, for example for transportation, groceries and accommodation.