Work and travel abroad using a recognized organization: International Experience Canada

If you want to work and travel abroad through International Experience Canada (IEC), you can contact a recognized organization (RO) for help to plan your trip.

Depending on the country you want to travel to and their work/travel programs, they can help you:

• get information about your destination country, including:
  • culture
  • languages
  • laws
  • taxes
• find a job
• find transportation
• with general support and advice

ROs are youth service organizations that offer work and travel support to youth. They can be non-profit, for profit, or educational.

Using a Recognized Organization

If you want to go to an IEC country or territory, you don’t have to use an RO, but you can choose to use one for more support.

Some ROs can help you get a work permit for certain countries that don’t have an agreement with IEC.

If you decide to use an RO, visit their website for details on what services they offer Canadians, fees and how to contact them.

List of Recognized Organizations

AIESEC Canada

AIESEC Canada is a non-profit organization that helps develop leadership in youth.

Target market: Youth aged 18–30

Eligible to: IEC countries/territories, Brazil, India

GO International

GO International is a Canadian organization that offers work and travel opportunities.

Target market: Youth aged 18–35

Eligible to: IEC countries/territories, the U.S.

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

IAESTE offers opportunities in technical career-related jobs.

Target market: Youth aged 18–35

Eligible to: IEC countries and other IAESTE country partners

A-Way to Work/International Rural Exchange Canada Inc.

Through A-Way to Work, the non-profit International Rural Exchange Canada offers paid opportunities to young people in

• agriculture
• hospitality
• culinary arts
• tourism
• horticulture
• landscaping
• other sectors

Types of work permits:

• Working Holiday (open work permit)
• Young Professionals (employer-specific work permit) for career development

Target Market: Youth aged 18–35

Eligible to: IEC countries/territories only

Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN)

Memorial University offers internships for students and recent graduates.

Target market: Youth aged 18-35

Eligible to: IEC countries/territories only

Stepabroad (Stepwest)

Stepabroad is a working holiday placement agency focused on giving young Canadians the opportunity to travel, live and work in destinations around the world.

Target market: Youth aged 18–35

Eligible to: IEC countries/territories only

SWAP Working Holidays

SWAP Working Holidays helps with working holidays and young professional work and travel opportunities.

Target market: Youth aged 18–35

Eligible to: IEC countries/territories, the U.S.