Working holidays

Work and holiday aren't two words you usually want to hear together. But here's a swap secret – the way to see more of the world? Earn as you do it. And pick up some resume skills while you're there.

Work when you want and travel when you want with a flexible SWAP working holiday

All you need to know about working abroad

What is a working holiday

Often taken after high school, after university or as part of a career break – a working holiday visa is typically a one-time visa for Canadians to travel for an extended period and do temporary work without the red tape of emigrating. Depending on the country, most working holiday visas are for up to 1-2 years – although you can spend less time abroad than this. Canadians typically need to be 18-30 or 35 years old. And although there are exceptions, you can usually only get one visa per lifetime for that country. Making them a unique window to live overseas in your 20s or 30s.

Why do a working holiday

Most working holiday visas give you the freedom to do casual or career work – allowing you to fund your trip overseas with short-term backpacker jobs or get work experience in your chosen field, profession or trade. Working holidays can help you to grow personally and professionally. From a personal pov, you'll get to explore new cultures, gain new perspectives and come back with a lifetime of memories and new mates. From a professional pov, overseas work experience can look great on your resume – showing future employers that you're ambitious, adaptable and adventurous.

Why should I choose SWAP

Based in Toronto and Vancouver, we're a tight-knit team of travel obsessed humans who've been helping 18-30(ish) Canadians to earn and explore since 1975. Our independent adventures focus on setting you up with everything you need to start your working holiday – with visa advice or processing before you go, comprehensive pre-departure info, in-country orientations, job support, and help with all the essentials such as tax and overseas bank account set-up. Part of a global family of youth travel brands, we also have teams in the UK, Ireland, Australia and the US – ensuring you're supported 24/7.

Where to do your working holiday

Swap Canada for...

Good time and a long time