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
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1 comment:
What an informative blog. It certainly makes one want to work in a foreign country! I particularly liked all the links to other sites. There is an abundance of information for so many different countries. Your enthusiasm about working in another country is contagious.
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