There are many reasons why people decide to leave their country and go work in a foreign land, however in Canada these reasons are rarely related to being driven from our home country due to war, poverty or famine. Usually, students who seek foreign job opportunities can trace it back to some point or experience in their life that inspired them to leave home and see the world; for myself, I first became inspired to travel and work on my yearly trips to Mexico with my family. I loved the people, I loved the culture, I loved the weather, and as I became older I began to think "why couldn't I stay there? At least for awhile, and work or something?" So I came to realise what millions of students these days are realising: your job opportunities don't have to be limited by your countries borders, and especially in Canada there are more opportunities to work abroad then many people know about.
The question is "why?" Why bother to go through all the hassle of moving to a foreign country where you don't know the culture and possibly the language? And don't you need a permit or something to work in another country? While anyone who is already interested in travelling and working abroad may be able to answer these questions for themselves, let me lay out for you the many opportunities and advantages to students today who decide to take an international job contract.
The Chance to Travel and Earn Money at the Same Time!
Canadians are driven to succeed and make money, and we live in a highly competitive society. However, often a measure of success in our culture is being able to afford the house, two cars, boat and 2.5 kids, and have money to vacation every year! Why not combine the two? Many students or recent graduates or just anyone with a strong desire to travel takes an opportunity to work abroad so that they can enjoy their two favourite things; making money and travel! Also, while country currencies differ, there is often the opportunity to get a job position that was not available at home, or make more money in a chosen field in a foreign country then at home, depending on where the demand is.
Culture and Language Immersion
Traveling for vacation gives you a glimpse of a country's culture from a tourist perspective, but working internationally gives you the opportunity to be immersed in a new culture and gain an understanding, and possibly learn a new language as well! This is invaluable in the modern work world, and will be a huge asset to you when you return home. As the world grows smaller through technology and communications, employers have an increasing demand for bi or multi-lingual employees, as well as those with an understanding of different cultures and business worlds in order to stay on top. Your international work experience could very well end up landing you your dream job right here at home!
Experience a New Place
Working abroad isn't all about the work! It's also an opportunity to spend a longer period of time in a foreign place with an entirely different landscape and climate. Every country has its unique experiences and working abroad gives you the chance to do and see things that you never could at home. You may live in a seaside villa, or hike the mountains, or dive coral reefs, but living abroad not only expands your career opportunities, it expands your recreational and social opportunities as well.
Forfilling Your Dreams
Many people arn't happy with where they are or what they do, or may just feel like they want more out of life. Whatever the reason, working abroad can provide opportunities to find a lifestyle that suits you, make changes to your personal life, gain a sense of forfillment through volunteer opportunities and find a career that you actually enjoy.
Interested? As a youth or student travel can be easier then you think, and your government may be able to help you out. Check out government reciprocal programs for youth travelling abroad at http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/123go/programs-en.asp
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
What to Know Before You Go: How to Choose A Country
So, this whole working abroad thing is starting to sound interesting...... but where do you go? This is one of the most important questions when planning to work internationally; granted, you want that great job opportunity, but you also need to research your destination and make sure that the aspects of the country in question fit your personality and what you want out of your travel experience.
Here are a few questions to ask yourself when trying to pick a country:
What goals and expectations do I have?
Do you want to expand your experience in your chosen career field, are wage rates important for your destination, do you want to work on language skills, immerse yourself in a culture, have a pre-arranged position, or just travel and find work as you go? While many people already have a destination in mind when they consider working abroad, it is really more important to pick a country based on your expectations for your trip. If you are looking to work on your Spanish skills, for example, you may want to go to Mexico, but to truly improve language skills you may be better off going to smaller rural area then a costal resort town where much of the population speaks English (Poelzl, 2006). Likewise, if you want to travel and work as you go, find a country that will grant you a work visa that isn't dependent on you keeping the position you may first be coming into the country for.
Have I considered the political and economic situations of the country?
While you may have dreams of sipping a Margarita on a balmy beach in the place where you work, there is much more to a country then what you see when you go on a week long vacation there. Tourist are generally not affected by the politics or economy of a country on vacation (unless it is to get a great deal on that souvenir you want because of the strength of your dollar) but if you are planning on being even a temporary resident you should do some serious research on your destination. Do you travel plans involve taking a year off and saving money for school back home? Then you may not want to work in a developing country where their dollar is most likely going to weak compared to the Canadian dollar (Poelzl, 2006). Also, make sure your know at least a little of the political structure and all the differences in laws between your home country and your destination. The last thing you want to do is land in the middle of a civil uprising that you know nothing about, or break a local law that we don't have back in Canada (ignorance is NOT an excuse in any country, and in many you will be treated worse for breaking a law as a foreigner then you would as a local). Also ensure that the country you are visiting is open and welcoming to your own nationality, and that you will have the rights (as a minority, woman, etc) that you want.
Do I want the Exotic or the Familiar?
Another important question to ask yourself is how much change are you prepared for in your destination? Are you looking for a country with similar culture, values and society to your own, or are you interested in going completely off the beaten path and living with local indigenous people who still follow a traditional lifestyle? While many people find exotic locations alluring, choosing a destination that is very different then your own can cause more culture shock then anticipated. A great way to travel is to look for something familiar to draw you to a country; you may have vacationed there many times and know a bit about the culture, you may have relatives overseas, or you may already partially know a foreign language (Poelzl, 2006). Whatever the appeal, and despite your desires for adventure, it is proven that the best bet for a first time traveller is to find a country that has a society not too different from your own, and work your way up to extremely foreign destinations as you go (Poelzl, 2006). Not only will this allow you to build your travel experience, but it will also ensure that your trip is a positive experience and keep you interested in pursuing foreign travel.
Here are a few questions to ask yourself when trying to pick a country:
What goals and expectations do I have?
Do you want to expand your experience in your chosen career field, are wage rates important for your destination, do you want to work on language skills, immerse yourself in a culture, have a pre-arranged position, or just travel and find work as you go? While many people already have a destination in mind when they consider working abroad, it is really more important to pick a country based on your expectations for your trip. If you are looking to work on your Spanish skills, for example, you may want to go to Mexico, but to truly improve language skills you may be better off going to smaller rural area then a costal resort town where much of the population speaks English (Poelzl, 2006). Likewise, if you want to travel and work as you go, find a country that will grant you a work visa that isn't dependent on you keeping the position you may first be coming into the country for.
Have I considered the political and economic situations of the country?
While you may have dreams of sipping a Margarita on a balmy beach in the place where you work, there is much more to a country then what you see when you go on a week long vacation there. Tourist are generally not affected by the politics or economy of a country on vacation (unless it is to get a great deal on that souvenir you want because of the strength of your dollar) but if you are planning on being even a temporary resident you should do some serious research on your destination. Do you travel plans involve taking a year off and saving money for school back home? Then you may not want to work in a developing country where their dollar is most likely going to weak compared to the Canadian dollar (Poelzl, 2006). Also, make sure your know at least a little of the political structure and all the differences in laws between your home country and your destination. The last thing you want to do is land in the middle of a civil uprising that you know nothing about, or break a local law that we don't have back in Canada (ignorance is NOT an excuse in any country, and in many you will be treated worse for breaking a law as a foreigner then you would as a local). Also ensure that the country you are visiting is open and welcoming to your own nationality, and that you will have the rights (as a minority, woman, etc) that you want.
Do I want the Exotic or the Familiar?
Another important question to ask yourself is how much change are you prepared for in your destination? Are you looking for a country with similar culture, values and society to your own, or are you interested in going completely off the beaten path and living with local indigenous people who still follow a traditional lifestyle? While many people find exotic locations alluring, choosing a destination that is very different then your own can cause more culture shock then anticipated. A great way to travel is to look for something familiar to draw you to a country; you may have vacationed there many times and know a bit about the culture, you may have relatives overseas, or you may already partially know a foreign language (Poelzl, 2006). Whatever the appeal, and despite your desires for adventure, it is proven that the best bet for a first time traveller is to find a country that has a society not too different from your own, and work your way up to extremely foreign destinations as you go (Poelzl, 2006). Not only will this allow you to build your travel experience, but it will also ensure that your trip is a positive experience and keep you interested in pursuing foreign travel.
What do I need to travel and work internationally?
If you are planning to travel and work internationally, there are a few things you will need in order to make your trip go smoothly, and legally. While back in the day you could get to a foreign country and start looking for work, now you need to prepare yourself and ensure you have permission to work in your chosen destination.
Passport
As a Canadian, you most likely already have a passport, whether from travelling on vacation or just as a form of identification, but if you are planning on travelling to live or work a passport is crucial. Most people already know that a passport is a necessary travel document just to get into most countries, but people often don't also know that a passport is used for other things. In the event that there is a national crisis in the country your visiting, the Canadian government uses passports to locate Canadian nationals in the country and evacuate them to safety (Hachey, 2002). Your passport can also be used to track you globally if a personal emergency occurs, like the death of a family member. A passport is also used to identify you as a citizen of your home country, and could be invaluable if you get involved in any legal issues. A passport can be obtained by applying at your local government passport office (Crislip, 2008).
Visa
A visa is similar to a passport, except it is issued and used by the country you are travelling to; it is granted permission from the country for you to enter, and dictates what activities you are allowed to do during your stay (Hachey, 2002). Visas allow countries to track who is entering their borders, why they are there, and how long they will be staying. Most countries have different types of visas, all of which you must apply for in advance of entering the country, and generally you have to meet specific requirements or prove why you should be granted each type of visa. Some visas only allow you to visit the country, some allow you to study, some allow you to engage in business, and some allow you to seek employment inside the country. If you are seeking to become a citizen of the country, you often need an entirely different type of visa which you have to hold for a certain number of years before you can apply for full citizenship or immigrant status. Likewise, if you have a type of temporary visa, generally any years spent in a country under that visa will not count towards a permanent visa and eventual citizenship (Hachey, 2002). This may all sound very confusing, but the idea is to outline the importance of applying for the right type of visa from the start, in order to save yourself a lot of hassle once you’re in your chosen country. First, decide what you want to do in the country, and then check out the type of visas offered by your chosen country; as mentioned, you may have to meet requirements or prove to the government why you should be granted the visa. An example of a requirement is that in order to be granted a work visa in a foreign country, you may first need to secure a job and be sponsored by the hiring company; your visa may also be conditional on you remaining in that job position or with that company for the length of your stay. Finally, a visa can be obtained by applying to your own embassy in the country, or obtaining and filling out certain documentation from the local government (Crislip, 2008). If you are lucky, you may be hired by a company and they will obtain your visa and fill out the necessary paperwork for you.
Work Permit
A work permit is a document that grants a foreigner permission to seek employment in a particular country for a particular or limited time (Hachey, 2002). The difference between a work permit and a visa is that a work permit is specific to gaining employment in a foreign country ONLY and is always limited to a certain time period. You may require a visa, a work permit, or both to enter and work in a country. You can ask your potential employer for help in obtaining a work permit, or contact your local embassy or consulate for assistance (Crislip, 2008).
Passport
As a Canadian, you most likely already have a passport, whether from travelling on vacation or just as a form of identification, but if you are planning on travelling to live or work a passport is crucial. Most people already know that a passport is a necessary travel document just to get into most countries, but people often don't also know that a passport is used for other things. In the event that there is a national crisis in the country your visiting, the Canadian government uses passports to locate Canadian nationals in the country and evacuate them to safety (Hachey, 2002). Your passport can also be used to track you globally if a personal emergency occurs, like the death of a family member. A passport is also used to identify you as a citizen of your home country, and could be invaluable if you get involved in any legal issues. A passport can be obtained by applying at your local government passport office (Crislip, 2008).
Visa
A visa is similar to a passport, except it is issued and used by the country you are travelling to; it is granted permission from the country for you to enter, and dictates what activities you are allowed to do during your stay (Hachey, 2002). Visas allow countries to track who is entering their borders, why they are there, and how long they will be staying. Most countries have different types of visas, all of which you must apply for in advance of entering the country, and generally you have to meet specific requirements or prove why you should be granted each type of visa. Some visas only allow you to visit the country, some allow you to study, some allow you to engage in business, and some allow you to seek employment inside the country. If you are seeking to become a citizen of the country, you often need an entirely different type of visa which you have to hold for a certain number of years before you can apply for full citizenship or immigrant status. Likewise, if you have a type of temporary visa, generally any years spent in a country under that visa will not count towards a permanent visa and eventual citizenship (Hachey, 2002). This may all sound very confusing, but the idea is to outline the importance of applying for the right type of visa from the start, in order to save yourself a lot of hassle once you’re in your chosen country. First, decide what you want to do in the country, and then check out the type of visas offered by your chosen country; as mentioned, you may have to meet requirements or prove to the government why you should be granted the visa. An example of a requirement is that in order to be granted a work visa in a foreign country, you may first need to secure a job and be sponsored by the hiring company; your visa may also be conditional on you remaining in that job position or with that company for the length of your stay. Finally, a visa can be obtained by applying to your own embassy in the country, or obtaining and filling out certain documentation from the local government (Crislip, 2008). If you are lucky, you may be hired by a company and they will obtain your visa and fill out the necessary paperwork for you.
Work Permit
A work permit is a document that grants a foreigner permission to seek employment in a particular country for a particular or limited time (Hachey, 2002). The difference between a work permit and a visa is that a work permit is specific to gaining employment in a foreign country ONLY and is always limited to a certain time period. You may require a visa, a work permit, or both to enter and work in a country. You can ask your potential employer for help in obtaining a work permit, or contact your local embassy or consulate for assistance (Crislip, 2008).
Where in the World? Hotspots for International Workers.
Inspiration? Check. Countries in mind? Check. Passport and work permit? Check. All thats left is to choose a final destination. Here is a list on popular countries for Canadian student workers, and a profile on the important facts of each country (Wikipedia, 2008):
Argentina: Very affordable; great cultural wealth and friendly people. The Argentine economy has recovered since past crises, and the political situation is stable. However, travellers should exercise a high degree of caution due to the risk of crime.
Capital: Buenos Aires
Population: 39,921,833 (2006 estimate)
Language(s): Spanish (official), English, Italian, German, French.
Australia: Similar culture; English-speaking; popular with students; great travel destination; very friendly people. Most Canadian visitors to Australia do not experience problems. There are no serious security or safety concerns.
Capital:Canberra
Population:20,264,082 (2006 estimate)
Language(s):English - 79.1%, Chinese - 2.1%, Italian - 1.9%, others 16.9%.
Brazil: Quite affordable; great cultural experience and a friendly people; economically and politically fairly stable; opportunities for students, English teachers, and professionals. Travellers should exercise a high degree of caution in Brazil due to high crime rates and recent incidents of gang-related violence. Travellers planning to visit the area should consult a travel medicine clinic or physician and take appropriate precautions to protect themselves against mosquito bites.
Capital:Brasilia
Population:188,078,227 (2006 estimate)
Language(s):Portuguese (official), Spanish, English, French.
Costa Rica: Close to Canada.; sizable expatriate community for a small country; low cost of living; popular with students and retirees. Visitors should be vigilant at all times when travelling in the country due to high levels of crime. The hurricane season extends from June 1st to November 30th.
Capital:San José
Population:4,075,261
Language(s):Spanish, English.
Czech Republic: Among the cheaper destinations in Europe; friendly people, great history and culture. Most Canadian visitors to the Czech Republic do not experience problems.
Capital:Prague
Population:10,235,455 (2006 estimate)
Language(s):Czech.
France: The classic destination for North American expats and students, but relatively expensive. Most Canadian visitors to France do not experience problems. Canadians are advised not to show signs of affluence and to ensure that their personal belongings, passports, and other travel documents are secure. The best way to avoid getting measles is vaccination.
Capital:Paris
Population:60,876,136 (2006 estimate)
Language(s):French - 100%, declining regional dialects and languages.
Italy: This is another classic destination for North American expats; great culture and history. Most Canadian visitors to Italy do not experience problems.Canadian visitors to Naples and surrounding areas should be aware that local authorities have been dealing with a garbage disposal problem, which in the past has resulted in tonnes of waste piling up in the streets.. Demonstrations have occurred, some violent, and could recur any time.
Capital:Rome
Population:58,133,509 (2006 estimate)
Language(s):Italian (official), German, French, Slovene.
Japan: A popular destination for professionals and students from Canada.; also popular with English teachers, but has very high cost of living and a very different culture and language. Most Canadian visitors to Japan do not experience problems. There are no serious security or safety concerns. Earthquakes, floods and landslides have occurred and continue to be a concern in the affected areas. Canadians in the region should maintain a flexible schedule to allow for unexpected interruptions.
Capital:Tokyo
Population:127,463,611 (2006 estimate)
Language(s):Japanese.
Mexico: Close to Canada.; great culture and history and a friendly people; great for students, retirees, and English teachers. Canadians travelling to Mexico should exercise a high degree of caution due to occasional demonstrations and protests, and due to high levels of criminal activity, some involving the use of violence. The hurricane season extends from June 1st to November 30th.
Capital:Mexico City
Population:107,449,525 (2006 estimate)
Language(s):Spanish, various Mayan, Nahuatl, and other regional indigenous languages
South Africa: Increasing economic and political stability; growing popularity with students; English speaking; great travel destination. You are advised to exercise a high degree of caution in the country. Although the political climate is generally stable in South Africa, nationwide strikes and violent crime can occur. You should exercise caution and avoid demonstrations, large crowds and public areas where violence could take place.
Capital:Pretoria (administrative), Cape Town (legislative).
Population:44,187,637 (2006 estimate)
Language(s):IsiZulu - 23.8%, IsiXhosa - 17.6%, Afrikaans - 13.3%, Sepedi - 9.4%, English - 8.2%, Setswana - 8.2%, Sesotho - 7.9%, Xitsonga - 4.4%, others - 7.2%.
Spain: Great cultural and historic wealth; popular destination with students; lower cost of living than in central or northern Europe. Most Canadian visitors to Spain do not experience problems. Crime and robbery against tourists occur, especially in larger cities. Violent crime is rare. Although assaults against foreigners are infrequent, reports of such attacks in connection with petty crime are a concern. Annually, more Canadian passports are stolen in Spain than anywhere else in the world; as a result Canadian travellers are cautioned to ensure that their passports are protected at all times.
Capital:Madrid
Population:40,397,842 (2006 estimate)
Language(s):Castilian Spanish - 74%, Catalan - 17%, Galician - 7%, Basque - 2%.
United Kingdom: the easiest and most popular destination for American expats because of the same language and similar culture. Travellers can expect increased police presence and security at major airports and throughout transportation networks in Western Europe and elsewhere, and may consequently experience delays. Canadians should exercise caution and maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times and in all places.
Capital:London
Population:60,609,153 (2006 estimate)
Language(s):English, Welsh, Scottish form of Gaelic.
Still not sure where to go? Check out what you already know about different destinations by taking an online culture quiz about your country of interest at http://international.monster.com/workabroad/archives/quizzes/
Argentina: Very affordable; great cultural wealth and friendly people. The Argentine economy has recovered since past crises, and the political situation is stable. However, travellers should exercise a high degree of caution due to the risk of crime.
Capital: Buenos Aires
Population: 39,921,833 (2006 estimate)
Language(s): Spanish (official), English, Italian, German, French.
Australia: Similar culture; English-speaking; popular with students; great travel destination; very friendly people. Most Canadian visitors to Australia do not experience problems. There are no serious security or safety concerns.
Capital:Canberra
Population:20,264,082 (2006 estimate)
Language(s):English - 79.1%, Chinese - 2.1%, Italian - 1.9%, others 16.9%.
Brazil: Quite affordable; great cultural experience and a friendly people; economically and politically fairly stable; opportunities for students, English teachers, and professionals. Travellers should exercise a high degree of caution in Brazil due to high crime rates and recent incidents of gang-related violence. Travellers planning to visit the area should consult a travel medicine clinic or physician and take appropriate precautions to protect themselves against mosquito bites.
Capital:Brasilia
Population:188,078,227 (2006 estimate)
Language(s):Portuguese (official), Spanish, English, French.
Costa Rica: Close to Canada.; sizable expatriate community for a small country; low cost of living; popular with students and retirees. Visitors should be vigilant at all times when travelling in the country due to high levels of crime. The hurricane season extends from June 1st to November 30th.
Capital:San José
Population:4,075,261
Language(s):Spanish, English.
Czech Republic: Among the cheaper destinations in Europe; friendly people, great history and culture. Most Canadian visitors to the Czech Republic do not experience problems.
Capital:Prague
Population:10,235,455 (2006 estimate)
Language(s):Czech.
France: The classic destination for North American expats and students, but relatively expensive. Most Canadian visitors to France do not experience problems. Canadians are advised not to show signs of affluence and to ensure that their personal belongings, passports, and other travel documents are secure. The best way to avoid getting measles is vaccination.
Capital:Paris
Population:60,876,136 (2006 estimate)
Language(s):French - 100%, declining regional dialects and languages.
Italy: This is another classic destination for North American expats; great culture and history. Most Canadian visitors to Italy do not experience problems.Canadian visitors to Naples and surrounding areas should be aware that local authorities have been dealing with a garbage disposal problem, which in the past has resulted in tonnes of waste piling up in the streets.. Demonstrations have occurred, some violent, and could recur any time.
Capital:Rome
Population:58,133,509 (2006 estimate)
Language(s):Italian (official), German, French, Slovene.
Japan: A popular destination for professionals and students from Canada.; also popular with English teachers, but has very high cost of living and a very different culture and language. Most Canadian visitors to Japan do not experience problems. There are no serious security or safety concerns. Earthquakes, floods and landslides have occurred and continue to be a concern in the affected areas. Canadians in the region should maintain a flexible schedule to allow for unexpected interruptions.
Capital:Tokyo
Population:127,463,611 (2006 estimate)
Language(s):Japanese.
Mexico: Close to Canada.; great culture and history and a friendly people; great for students, retirees, and English teachers. Canadians travelling to Mexico should exercise a high degree of caution due to occasional demonstrations and protests, and due to high levels of criminal activity, some involving the use of violence. The hurricane season extends from June 1st to November 30th.
Capital:Mexico City
Population:107,449,525 (2006 estimate)
Language(s):Spanish, various Mayan, Nahuatl, and other regional indigenous languages
South Africa: Increasing economic and political stability; growing popularity with students; English speaking; great travel destination. You are advised to exercise a high degree of caution in the country. Although the political climate is generally stable in South Africa, nationwide strikes and violent crime can occur. You should exercise caution and avoid demonstrations, large crowds and public areas where violence could take place.
Capital:Pretoria (administrative), Cape Town (legislative).
Population:44,187,637 (2006 estimate)
Language(s):IsiZulu - 23.8%, IsiXhosa - 17.6%, Afrikaans - 13.3%, Sepedi - 9.4%, English - 8.2%, Setswana - 8.2%, Sesotho - 7.9%, Xitsonga - 4.4%, others - 7.2%.
Spain: Great cultural and historic wealth; popular destination with students; lower cost of living than in central or northern Europe. Most Canadian visitors to Spain do not experience problems. Crime and robbery against tourists occur, especially in larger cities. Violent crime is rare. Although assaults against foreigners are infrequent, reports of such attacks in connection with petty crime are a concern. Annually, more Canadian passports are stolen in Spain than anywhere else in the world; as a result Canadian travellers are cautioned to ensure that their passports are protected at all times.
Capital:Madrid
Population:40,397,842 (2006 estimate)
Language(s):Castilian Spanish - 74%, Catalan - 17%, Galician - 7%, Basque - 2%.
United Kingdom: the easiest and most popular destination for American expats because of the same language and similar culture. Travellers can expect increased police presence and security at major airports and throughout transportation networks in Western Europe and elsewhere, and may consequently experience delays. Canadians should exercise caution and maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times and in all places.
Capital:London
Population:60,609,153 (2006 estimate)
Language(s):English, Welsh, Scottish form of Gaelic.
Still not sure where to go? Check out what you already know about different destinations by taking an online culture quiz about your country of interest at http://international.monster.com/workabroad/archives/quizzes/
Mexico; An informative view on a work destination!
If you’re looking for a place to travel and work that offers a new and traditional culture, the chance to learn a language, yet many of the familiar societal aspects and technologies that we are used to in Canada, look no further then Mexico! Mexico is a country rich in traditional heritage, yet it is close to home, and offers many of the same comforts while providing a distinctly unique experience. Here is a little bit of what to expect from our southern neighbour:
Job Opportunities
Mexico has a thriving developing economy which is largely dependent on oil, foreign currency from Mexicans working in the U.S. and tourism. Recent growth of Mexico towards becoming a world business power has created a demand for engineering, communication and technical professionals, and developing tourism further is a top priority. As such, Mexico has become a top destination for hospitality and tourism workers; the country is currently experiencing such a demand for travel destinations that it can not supply enough trained tourism workers to staff the surplus of hotels and resorts springing up. This has resulted in Mexico recruiting foreign workers for hospitality related jobs, and jobs are fairly easy to come by for any eager students, recent grads or just anyone looking for adventure from any field. Also, many recruitment agencies for Mexican tourism jobs have developed out of this lack, and while professional positions are harder to come by entry level worker positions from chefs, to activities directors, to instructors to dancers are in high demand. Check out http://www.getggg.com/main.html.
Employment Conditions
While Mexico may have government, societal and technological similarities to its northern neighbours, there are still some differences in employment that you should be aware of before you go. First of all, wages are significantly different in Mexico then what you could expect in Canada; Mexico pays in pesos, which is their national currency, and 1 Mexican peso is roughly equivalent to 10 cents Canadian. While highly specialized positions may fetch equivalent salaries to Canadian jobs, overall salaries are generally lower in Mexico then in the rest of North America. Tourism workers in entry level positions can expect to make significantly lower wages in Mexico then they would in Canada (approx. $500 - $800 CND per month) but are often compensated as international workers with free lodging, food and drinks. Mexican salaries are paid in Quincenas, which mean every 15 days.
Another difference in Mexican employment is working hours, and it is important to know what to expect in terms of hours before you think about a resort job in Mexico. While most office jobs run from 8am to 6pm, tourism jobs often require long hours (from 8 to 12 per day) and a six day work week. These jobs also involve working weekends, public holidays and uncommon hours, although you are generally compensated for this. Also, you will probably be asked to perform a wider variety of tasks if you work in a tourism field; as per the above mentioned staff shortage, Mexican resort maximize employees, and you may be expected to run varied group sports in the morning, work in the kids club in the afternoon, give boating lessons before dinner and then perform in the nightly resort entertainment in the evening. Lunch breaks tend to be longer in Mexico, and can range from 1 - 2 hours.
Culture
Mexico's culture is based on values that are rich in tradition, and create a very different society then that of Canada or the United States. Generally speaking, Mexico has a slower pace of life, and it can take some getting used to when coming from Canada. First of all, Mexicans are still very strongly religious, with the large majority of the population still practicing traditional Christian values and lifestyle; Mexicans are proud of their heritage, and do not appreciate foreigners undermining either their culture or religion so it is recommended to keep atheist values to yourself when visiting. Secondly, time moves differently in Mexico, and while in Canada we take appointment and even social meeting times quite seriously, in Mexico time is more of a guideline and is rarely strictly adhered to even in business. This can take some adjustment and be frustrating at first, but if you allow yourself to relax and embrace the slower pace of life many Northern Americans can come to quite enjoy the laid back lifestyle. Also, social status is very important to Mexicans, and stems not from the level of wealth but from job title. It is very important to always refer to people by their professional title, and it is very common for professionals to dress in traditional garb, so don't be deceived. Finally, while English is spoken more commonly in major tourist centers and coastal towns, it is to your benefit to learn at least basic conversational Spanish; not only will this be necessary if you travel outside of resort town, but even in tourist areas not all people speak English, and you will be much more warmly treated if you make an attempt at the native language (also, prices will often be lower for you if you barter in Spanish!)
Job Opportunities
Mexico has a thriving developing economy which is largely dependent on oil, foreign currency from Mexicans working in the U.S. and tourism. Recent growth of Mexico towards becoming a world business power has created a demand for engineering, communication and technical professionals, and developing tourism further is a top priority. As such, Mexico has become a top destination for hospitality and tourism workers; the country is currently experiencing such a demand for travel destinations that it can not supply enough trained tourism workers to staff the surplus of hotels and resorts springing up. This has resulted in Mexico recruiting foreign workers for hospitality related jobs, and jobs are fairly easy to come by for any eager students, recent grads or just anyone looking for adventure from any field. Also, many recruitment agencies for Mexican tourism jobs have developed out of this lack, and while professional positions are harder to come by entry level worker positions from chefs, to activities directors, to instructors to dancers are in high demand. Check out http://www.getggg.com/main.html.
Employment Conditions
While Mexico may have government, societal and technological similarities to its northern neighbours, there are still some differences in employment that you should be aware of before you go. First of all, wages are significantly different in Mexico then what you could expect in Canada; Mexico pays in pesos, which is their national currency, and 1 Mexican peso is roughly equivalent to 10 cents Canadian. While highly specialized positions may fetch equivalent salaries to Canadian jobs, overall salaries are generally lower in Mexico then in the rest of North America. Tourism workers in entry level positions can expect to make significantly lower wages in Mexico then they would in Canada (approx. $500 - $800 CND per month) but are often compensated as international workers with free lodging, food and drinks. Mexican salaries are paid in Quincenas, which mean every 15 days.
Another difference in Mexican employment is working hours, and it is important to know what to expect in terms of hours before you think about a resort job in Mexico. While most office jobs run from 8am to 6pm, tourism jobs often require long hours (from 8 to 12 per day) and a six day work week. These jobs also involve working weekends, public holidays and uncommon hours, although you are generally compensated for this. Also, you will probably be asked to perform a wider variety of tasks if you work in a tourism field; as per the above mentioned staff shortage, Mexican resort maximize employees, and you may be expected to run varied group sports in the morning, work in the kids club in the afternoon, give boating lessons before dinner and then perform in the nightly resort entertainment in the evening. Lunch breaks tend to be longer in Mexico, and can range from 1 - 2 hours.
Culture
Mexico's culture is based on values that are rich in tradition, and create a very different society then that of Canada or the United States. Generally speaking, Mexico has a slower pace of life, and it can take some getting used to when coming from Canada. First of all, Mexicans are still very strongly religious, with the large majority of the population still practicing traditional Christian values and lifestyle; Mexicans are proud of their heritage, and do not appreciate foreigners undermining either their culture or religion so it is recommended to keep atheist values to yourself when visiting. Secondly, time moves differently in Mexico, and while in Canada we take appointment and even social meeting times quite seriously, in Mexico time is more of a guideline and is rarely strictly adhered to even in business. This can take some adjustment and be frustrating at first, but if you allow yourself to relax and embrace the slower pace of life many Northern Americans can come to quite enjoy the laid back lifestyle. Also, social status is very important to Mexicans, and stems not from the level of wealth but from job title. It is very important to always refer to people by their professional title, and it is very common for professionals to dress in traditional garb, so don't be deceived. Finally, while English is spoken more commonly in major tourist centers and coastal towns, it is to your benefit to learn at least basic conversational Spanish; not only will this be necessary if you travel outside of resort town, but even in tourist areas not all people speak English, and you will be much more warmly treated if you make an attempt at the native language (also, prices will often be lower for you if you barter in Spanish!)
Web Sources and References.
WEB SOURCES:
Link: http://www.jobsabroad.com/search.cfm
Jobs Abroad is an international job search engine with listed jobs from all over the world. While the jobs listed are not hospitality specific, due to the nature of the international work and travel field, many if not most of the jobs on this site are related to the hospitality field. This site targets anyone interested in finding either temporary work or a permanent career in a foreign country, and allows applicants to search jobs by country, region and job type. Jobs posted on the site include information and links on how to apply directly to the jobs, or how to apply online or through the site. This site also includes many helpful links and adds for language learning programs, TEFL certification, job placement agencies and other assistance for achieving an international job. In addition, the site regularly updates a list of most popular job searches and destinations. This site is an excellent source for anyone looking for an international job; the searches are easy to use, organized, and job options are plentiful with very few countries that turn up an empty listing, as opposed to other sites.
Link: http://www.transitionsabroad.com/
This web site is an excellent informative link for anyone considering or planning work abroad in a foreign country. The site has a surplus of links and articles involving information about working internationally, and lists articles in an easy to use and organized fashion. Articles range from articles on what you need to work abroad, what to expect during the transition period of moving to a foreign country, personal experiences of expatriates, articles specific to destinations, job fields and potential applicant groups (students, permanent careers, etc.) and listings of books related to the topic. The site also includes listings on how to study abroad, travel abroad, live abroad and volunteer abroad, and how to choose a country thats right for you. The articles are written by reputable travel writers, many of which are the authors of the books also listed on the site, including Susan Griffith, Jean-Marc Hachey, and William Nolting. This site was included as a link because of the large number of articles and links included in the site with crucial and educational information on living and working abroad.
REFERENCES:
Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, France, Italy, Japan, Mexico, South Africa, Spain, United Kingdom. (2008). In Wikipedia [Web]. United States: Wikimedia Foundation Inc.
Crislip, K. How can I get a permit or visa to work internationally?. About.com: Student Travel, Retrieved July 14, 2008, from http://studenttravel.about.com/od/workingabroad/f/workpermit.htm
Finding jobs and working in Mexico. (2008). Retrieved July 14, 2008, from Mexperience Web site: http://www.mexperience.com/liveandwork/workinmexico.php
Hachey, Jean-Marc (2002). The Big Guide to Living and Working Overseas. Chicago, Illinois: Globemedia Publishing Inc.
Poelzl, Volker (2006, Sept/Oct). The Lure of Foreign Lands. Transitions Abroad, 30(2), 34-36.
Link: http://www.jobsabroad.com/search.cfm
Jobs Abroad is an international job search engine with listed jobs from all over the world. While the jobs listed are not hospitality specific, due to the nature of the international work and travel field, many if not most of the jobs on this site are related to the hospitality field. This site targets anyone interested in finding either temporary work or a permanent career in a foreign country, and allows applicants to search jobs by country, region and job type. Jobs posted on the site include information and links on how to apply directly to the jobs, or how to apply online or through the site. This site also includes many helpful links and adds for language learning programs, TEFL certification, job placement agencies and other assistance for achieving an international job. In addition, the site regularly updates a list of most popular job searches and destinations. This site is an excellent source for anyone looking for an international job; the searches are easy to use, organized, and job options are plentiful with very few countries that turn up an empty listing, as opposed to other sites.
Link: http://www.transitionsabroad.com/
This web site is an excellent informative link for anyone considering or planning work abroad in a foreign country. The site has a surplus of links and articles involving information about working internationally, and lists articles in an easy to use and organized fashion. Articles range from articles on what you need to work abroad, what to expect during the transition period of moving to a foreign country, personal experiences of expatriates, articles specific to destinations, job fields and potential applicant groups (students, permanent careers, etc.) and listings of books related to the topic. The site also includes listings on how to study abroad, travel abroad, live abroad and volunteer abroad, and how to choose a country thats right for you. The articles are written by reputable travel writers, many of which are the authors of the books also listed on the site, including Susan Griffith, Jean-Marc Hachey, and William Nolting. This site was included as a link because of the large number of articles and links included in the site with crucial and educational information on living and working abroad.
REFERENCES:
Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, France, Italy, Japan, Mexico, South Africa, Spain, United Kingdom. (2008). In Wikipedia [Web]. United States: Wikimedia Foundation Inc.
Crislip, K. How can I get a permit or visa to work internationally?. About.com: Student Travel, Retrieved July 14, 2008, from http://studenttravel.about.com/od/workingabroad/f/workpermit.htm
Finding jobs and working in Mexico. (2008). Retrieved July 14, 2008, from Mexperience Web site: http://www.mexperience.com/liveandwork/workinmexico.php
Hachey, Jean-Marc (2002). The Big Guide to Living and Working Overseas. Chicago, Illinois: Globemedia Publishing Inc.
Poelzl, Volker (2006, Sept/Oct). The Lure of Foreign Lands. Transitions Abroad, 30(2), 34-36.
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