Time for a breather

Gap year work and travel

The answer to 'I just want to do something different'.

Swapping day dreaming in Canada for seeing the world since 1975

The best question you've ever asked

What is a gap year?

A gap year is a period of time, typically a year (but doesn't have to be), traditionally taken after uni or as a career break. What you do with your gap year is up to you, but the best gap years are full of travelling, earning, learning and, who... Read more

See the world

A gap year is a one-time opportunity to visit all the places you've ever wanted – before your two weeks of vacation time a year kicks in. Summer in Europe? Ski season in Japan? Year in Oz? In today's social and AI-driven world, real life experience is a powerful differentiator in shaping culture, skills and perspectives – and is an experience that you just can't replicate at home. (Although AI might try).

Earn money

Travelling is not cheap. In the 90s, you could jump on a plane with a few travellers cheques (eh?) and an A-Z of $4 hostels, but that won’t fly now. The good news – you can now earn and explore through working holidays or paid internships. Not only does it look great on the resume, but you’ll meet like-minded people, get the local experience, and you’ll have the money to fund extra travels.

Build your resume

Gap years are anything but a gap in your resume, especially if you fill it with a working holiday or internship. They show curiosity, confidence, independence – all traits future employers or admission tutors get giddy about. You will develop new... Read more

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Why choose a gap year with SWAP?

Sending Canadians abroad for 50+ years, you're in a safe (and well-travelled) pair of hands. As well as our SWAP offices here in Vancouver and Toronto, we have our own teams on the ground in the UK, Ireland, Australia and the US – and trusted in-country partners everywhere else we operate – providing on-the-ground expertise and 24/7 emergency support if needed. Before you go, every SWAP experience includes visa processing or support to apply for your visa – plus a pre-departure orientation and resources to make sure you're confident heading off on your travels. Then when you land (with the exception of some US and UK internship programs) every SWAP working holiday experience includes an in-person arrival orientation to get you settled in and set up – from CV workshops to find a job to socials to find new mates.

Gap year programs

Ways to see the world

Do a working holiday

For Canadians looking to live and work abroad, popular working holiday destinations include Australia, Ireland, New Zealand and the UK – thanks to flexible visa options, backpacker-friendly culture, and abundance of seasonal jobs. If you’re after something a little different where you can learn and earn, we also offer unique experiences in Japan and South Korea.

Working holidays are a great way to fund your travels. You could be working in London or Dublin and realistically fly to a different European country every weekend. Or, if you’re planning a round-the-world ticket, getting a working holiday visa gives you the option to find a base, recharge your batteries and rebuild your bank balance. Eligibility depends on the destination, but Canadians can typically apply between ages 18-30 or 35, with the chance to live and work abroad for one to three years.

Do an international internship

No shade on Canada but sometimes your dream place of work is on the other side of the world. By doing an international internship, you could be honing your skills in the UK or USA, seeing your trade from a new perspective and experiencing different work cultures.

Our intern abroad programs offer the flexibility to take on paid or volunteer roles, so you can grow your career without putting your finances on hold. Gain hands-on experience in your field, build an international network, and experience what it’s like to live and commute like a local.

Do a ski season in Japan

We have the world's best riding in Canada, so why head halfway around the world to work a ski season? Working a ski season in Japan is a unique experience. Home to ancient temples, kooky locals and all-night noodles – it's the chance to live and work somewhere with a totally different culture to Canada but with the security of an English-speaking job. We'll set you up with 3-4 month resort job before you land and many of our employers include discounted staff housing, lift passes and lessons. A ski season in Japan is a great way to build up travel money, experience new cultures, and work on your slaloming (or snow angels) to show off back in Canada.

Girl kneels with snowboard and mountain in the background

Do a summer in the States

Sometimes you don’t need to look far from home for an unforgettable summer. You could kick off the gap year with a summer job in the States, building up your travel fund whilst living in the USA’s sunniest resorts and beaches. With a pre-arranged 3-month job and 30 days to travel at the end of it, it’s the perfect way to earn and explore.

Miss the magic of childhood summer camps? It's not too late to go back! Our sibling brand, BUNAC, have been exporting happy camp counsellors since 1972. With pre-arranged camp jobs, food and accommodation all included, our Summer Camp USA program is a great way to do something worthwhile, earn a bit of money and meet your future roadtrippin' family.