Tips | Going Abroad

The decision to expand your horizons abroad can be achieved through a variety of ways like work, study and travel opportunities that are available for students and new graduates.  The wealth of data, both in print and on the Internet, can be overwhelming. That is why the search for the right opportunity for you requires time and effort.  

Before you decide to take the plunge, there are several considerations to make. They include the following: 

  • Why do I want to go abroad?
  • What are my expectations for the international experience I have in mind?
  • What skills do I have and what skills will I gain through an experience abroad?
  • How long do I want to stay abroad?
  • Do I have the financial means to go abroad?
  • What work visa, citizenship requirements and health insurance coverage will I need to secure a successful global experience?

Working abroad can take many different forms that encompass the following: paid or volunteer opportunities; a permanent full-time job or only an internship, a career-related move or a more holistic approach. By determining your priorities, you can target your search more effectively.

Give yourself some time to investigate and plan for your work experience. For some organizations, the application and preparation process can take from 3 to 8 months. To be eligible for some programs, there are age and citizenship requirements that you need to consider as well. 

 

Helpful Resources and Services 

  • Travel guidebooks can be invaluable because they specifically address your travel and budget needs, including travel e-resources such as Lonely Planet, TnT Magazine, and Verge Magazine.  

 

1. General Programs of Interest

Work/ Volunteer Abroad 

International Experience Canada

International Experience Canada provides youth with the opportunity to travel and work abroad.  However, it's also available for foreign youth who want to travel and work in Canada.   

International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE)

IAESTE Canada is an international student exchange program that enables Canadian post-secondary students to combine travel with a career-related job overseas.  Students must be enrolled full-time in any of the following areas:  science, engineering, business, and applied arts subjects.   

AIESEC

Volunteer, work or intern abroad with an issue-based organization and develop entrepreneurial and socially responsible leadership skills. Students may be required to pay for their own room, board, and travel expenses, as well as arrange for their own visa.   

SWAP

Working Holidays promotes short-term paid and volunteer cultural exchange opportunities globally.  Examples include teaching English, animal care, and research, as well as participating in community development projects. There is an application fee for the program which typically pays for your visa, short-term accommodation, local travel or sightseeing, and orientation upon arrival.

International Youth Internship Program (IYIP)

The International Youth Internship program is a federal program providing individuals from 18 to 30 years old who are Canadian citizens and permanent residents facing employment barriers with internships ranging from 1 to 9 months. Its benefits include, for example, international opportunities in the field of international development and valuable skills for future employment and educational opportunities.  

 

Volunteer Experiences in Community Development

Whether you are interested in a long-term career in development or want experience in grassroots development projects, you might start your research with two well-known Canadian programs. Applicants generally have to raise funds for part of their program costs, however fundraising assistance is provided by some organizations. 

  • World University Service of Canada: Through this well-known organization, you will have an opportunity to volunteer abroad to help improve lives and communities in developing countries, or volunteer in Canada to help organize fundraising campaigns and raise global citizenship awareness.

 

2. Study Abroad   

A list of study, research and work abroad programs that are sponsored by the University of Toronto are available at the Centre for International Experience.

Explore is a five-week intensive language-learning course focusing on improving your knowledge of French through a visit to Francophone region of Canada. As a participant, you can receive a bursary covering tuition fees for the course, instructional materials, meals, and accommodation from the Council of Ministers of Education of Canada. Courses are adapted to your proficienty level in the language.   

  • For information on learning languages abroad visit  Languages Abroad.
  • A directory of European language courses can also be found at Europa Pages.   

Additional University of Toronto programs that provide students with international opportunities include:  

  

3. Teaching English Overseas   

Teaching abroad is another method to gain international experience, especially through paid positions in East and Southeast Asia. However, the format of these opportunities vary. Some programs accept any bachelor’s degree while others expect specific Teaching English as a Second Language experience. The more information you have about the structures of the programs, the better your position to avoid any disappointments later. For example, you should find out beforehand who pays airfare, if an orientation is provided, what are the hours of work, if a placement is urban or rural and what is the cost of living in the host country.  

 

Please note that this information is subject to change. It is best to refer to the original sources for the most up-to-date information.  

 

Updated June 2025