Work Abroad « UTSC International Students Centre

Work Abroad

Working abroad is a great way for students, both current and graduates, to acquire key global skills which are highly sought after in the real world. Since Canadian society is very diverse, it is an asset for you to gain global work experience for resumes, future job opportunities and continued education in graduate schools and professional schools. Working abroad shows leadership, commitment and audacity which are all great characteristics to be able to demonstrate. The best part is that along with gaining global awareness if you’re employed abroad, you will be paid for the work you do — some programs even include accommodation and other benefits such as travel discounts. So whether you would like to work just for the summer semester and immerse themselves in different cultures or find a permanent job overseas, there are lots of options to choose from.

For detailed information about working abroad, visit the Academic Advising and Career Centre located in room AC213.

Types of International Work Opportunities

SWAP Working Holidays This is a year-round program which allows students aged 18-35 to go abroad and work in short-term positions. Some types of jobs SWAP offers is office administration, retail, hospitality, and other service industries. The program requires an application fee which varies by country you choose to work in. This fee is refunded if you are not accepted into the program. The fee covers visa costs for the host country and two days of accommodation/orientation upon arrival, however you are responsible for finding your own job in the host country. Wages tend to be minimal and employment may not be related to your field of study, but provides experience in a different cultural milieu.

YRDSB Summer Teach (English) This program is geared toward aspiring teachers or students who enjoy tutoring others. Teaching placements start from the primary level all the way to University level. Placements are usually for one year and can begin in September or March.
Eligibility requirements: A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree is required from an accredited university, teaching certificate is preferred, must be a Canadian citizen, native English speaker. This program pays competitive wages and offers fully furnished housing, basic medical insurance, vacation and national holidays. For the TEFL training program visit: www.tefl.com

Foreign Language Assistant This program is geared toward aspiring teachers or students who enjoy tutoring others, and who have an intermediate understanding of French. You will be assisting a teacher in language classes at the elementary or high school level for one academic year.
Eligibility requirements: Must be between 20 & 30 years old, at least in 2nd year, have a good understanding of oral French (other requirements depending on country of citizenship)
This program pays approximately €780 net per month, based on 12 hours/week of work.

Au Pair This program is managed by the IAPA organization. You will be placed with a family and will be required to look after children while the parents are working. Generally you would receive free room/ board and pocket money (some families may offer more). This is a great opportunity for students to learn a new language, gain basic care skills and gain insight into the lifestyle in different countries.

JET program Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) invites young and enthusiastic university graduates from around the world to spend a year or more working in Japanese schools and cultural organizations. In the process JET participants gain valuable work and life experience as well as having the opportunity to be fully immersed in the daily reality of Japanese life. Proficient English is important to be eligible.

AIESEC AISEC is an international trainee exchange program specifically set up for business and commerce students. The program places you with a multinational company in a country abroad. You must pay your own room, board and travel expenses as well as administration fee (all is refunded if are not placed). Also, you must arrange for you visas in the host country. Wages you will receive are sufficient to cover all expenses.

IAESTE Similar to the AIESEC exchange program, IAESTE is geared towards engineer students and the technical sciences. Positions last 8-10 weeks during the summer. Wages are sufficient to cover expenses in the host country. There is a partially refundable application fee required.

Other Helpful Resources:

Teaching English Overseas:

SWAP Working Holidays	This is a year-round program which allows students aged 18-35 to go abroad and work in short-term positions. Some types of jobs SWAP offers is office administration, retail, hospitality, and other service industries. The program requires an application fee which varies by country you choose to work in. This fee is refunded if you are not accepted into the program. The fee covers visa costs for the host country and two days of accommodation/orientation upon arrival, however you are responsible for finding your own job in the host country. Wages tend to be minimal and employment may not be related to your field of study, but provides experience in a different cultural milieu.
YRDSB Summer Teach (English)	This program is geared toward aspiring teachers or students who enjoy tutoring others. Teaching placements start from the primary level all the way to University level. Placements are usually for one year and can begin in September or March. Eligibility requirements: A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree is required from an accredited university, teaching certificate is preferred, must be a Canadian citizen, native English speaker. This program pays competitive wages and offers fully furnished housing, basic medical insurance, vacation and national holidays. For the TEFL training program visit: www.tefl.com
Foreign Language Assistant	This program is geared toward aspiring teachers or students who enjoy tutoring others, and who have an intermediate understanding of French. You will be assisting a teacher in language classes at the elementary or high school level for one academic year. Eligibility requirements: Must be between 20 & 30 years old, at least in 2nd year, have a good understanding of oral French (other requirements depending on country of citizenship) This program pays approximately €780 net per month, based on 12 hours/week of work.
Au Pair	This program is managed by the IAPA organization. You will be placed with a family and will be required to look after children while the parents are working. Generally you would receive free room/ board and pocket money (some families may offer more). This is a great opportunity for students to learn a new language, gain basic care skills and gain insight into the lifestyle in different countries.
JET program	Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) invites young and enthusiastic university graduates from around the world to spend a year or more working in Japanese schools and cultural organizations. In the process JET participants gain valuable work and life experience as well as having the opportunity to be fully immersed in the daily reality of Japanese life. Proficient English is important to be eligible.
AIESEC	AISEC is an international trainee exchange program specifically set up for business and commerce students. The program places you with a multinational company in a country abroad. You must pay your own room, board and travel expenses as well as administration fee (all is refunded if are not placed). Also, you must arrange for you visas in the host country. Wages you will receive are sufficient to cover all expenses.
IAESTE	Similar to the AIESEC exchange program, IAESTE is geared towards engineer students and the technical sciences. Positions last 8-10 weeks during the summer. Wages are sufficient to cover expenses in the host country. There is a partially refundable application fee required.