Why SWAP

The SWAP advantage, more than just a visa service…
Our goal is for you to have a successful working holiday. The task of organizing a work and travel experience is made simple. Our overseas services are in place to ease your transition into a new culture smoothly and quickly while offering you independence and flexibility.

Before Your Departure		Once You've Arrived
Let’s get started Start planning your trip Visa paperwork-no stress! Meeting friends was never easier Prepare for take-off		A warm welcome All the resources you need Time to find a job? In case of emergency Friendly and knowledgeable staff

Let’s get started
Start planning your trip of a lifetime and register for SWAP today! Simply visit one of our 60 Travel CUTS/ Voyages Campus/Adventure Travel Company/Odyssey Travel shops across Canada. There will be many questions you’ll have and they’re there to help you. It’s important to discuss your work and travel plans with your travel counsellor so that they can help book the most suitable flight and insurance options for you.
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Start planning your trip
When you register for SWAP you will receive what is called a “Welcome Pack”.  This package will help you prepare for your trip abroad. Destination handbooks are included (either prior to departure or upon arrival, for most programs) in your Welcome Pack.  These handbooks include information on topics such as employment contacts, taxes, short and long-term accommodation, useful websites and much more.
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Visa paperwork-no stress!
Your Welcome Pack also includes visa application forms to be completed and easy instructions to help you complete the forms. You’re also provided with a “Document Checklist” which lists all of the supporting documents that you must submit for SWAP to process your visa. We provide guidance as to how much time you should allow for visa processing to ensure that you receive your visa on time. If you should have any problems in filling out your visa application, your travel counsellor is there for on-going assistance.
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Meeting friends was never easier
Pre-departure jitters? Then log on to the SWAP Exchange. This is an exclusive service for you to meet fellow participants who are also preparing for their SWAP Working Holiday.  This is an on-going communication tool that you can also use once you are overseas. You will receive your username and password to the SWAP Exchange in your Welcome Pack.
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Prepare for take-off
For almost all destinations, we pre-book your initial arrival accommodation. We provide you with what is called a “Final Kit” which includes your visa, orientation and hosting information and what to do and where to go when you arrive.  Your travel counsellor will review this pre-departure information with you and will discuss your flight arrangements and answer any questions you may have.
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A warm welcome
Once overseas, our international partners take over! The hosting centre staff are prepared for your arrival as well as that of participants from all over the world. They’ll provide you with an orientation that includes topics such as banking, finding work, renting flats (aka apartments), taxes, employment laws, phones, etc.  Orientation reviews all the practical issues that you’ll need to know and gives you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
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All the resources you need
Most hosting centres provide you with computers, internet access, fax and phones. They assist you with your job and long-term accommodation searches, and their mail service allows you to receive letters, or better yet, care packages from your friends and family! These services are available for the full duration of your stay and provide a safety net that puts your mind at ease.
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Time to find a job?
Many hosting centres provide job postings so that your job search can begin immediately. Foreign employers like to hire SWAPPERs and will call the hosting centre to post job vacancies.   The staff provides practical information about locating employment so that you don’t spend your first several days wasting your time, energy and money. Country specific resume guidelines are also reviewed.
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In case of emergency
We hope that you’ll never need to rely on this aspect of our service. However, should an unforeseen situation arise, we are there to lend support and to help you sort out any difficulty. Be it a lost visa or passport, an employer who is refusing to pay you, to a more serious situation such as an accident, our staff are in place to provide back-up assistance. Most centres include a 24-hour emergency line for your convenience.
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Friendly and knowledgeable staff
Most staff have worked abroad so they understand the challenges, choices and wonderful experiences that you will face. They’re experienced in assisting many travellers and are there to help with a huge variety of information. Whether it’s how to handle a landlord problem to recommending the best nightclub in town! If you’re feeling a little lonely, the staff are always arranging social events like pub nights and excursions—a fantastic way to have an instant social network of international friends!
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These services vary slightly by country so please refer to the Destinations section for more details about each specific country.