Work and travel in Italy: International Experience Canada
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What Italy offers
Italy is a nation rich in history and culture with more than 4,500 museums located throughout the country. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Italy tops the World Heritage list with a record 53 sites. You can visit Florence, home of many great artists including Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Botticelli or visit the Galleria degli Uffizi and Gallerie dell’Accademia, two great art museums in Florence. Take a culinary journey and participate in wine tours and cooking classes throughout Italy as each city and village has their own unique traditions in wine and food. Aside from its history and culture, Italy has magnificent beaches, like La Pelosa, mountains and volcanoes, natural parks and a beautiful seaside.
Italy’s leading exports sectors include machinery, food, pharmaceuticals, textiles and leather. Italy is also a world leader in energy efficiency and emissions and is a European leader in industrial recycling with 47 million tons of non-hazardous waste recycled. More than 385,000 Italian companies operate in the “green economy” which is worth 190.5 billion euros, or 13% of the national GDP.
Research and development in new technologies is growing in Italy. There is greater emphasis on developing skills and increasing investments in innovation through tax incentives and the creation of innovation hubs. Research and innovation are widely integrated into many science fields including neurosciences, robotics and high-tech archaeology.
Who can apply?
To work in Italy through the Italy-Canada Youth Exchange Program, you must:
- be a Canadian citizen
- be 18-35 years old (inclusive)
- live in Canada when applying, and
- have a valid Canadian passport
Other requirements may apply. Check Italy’s website for more details.
What type of work visa do I need?
You need to apply for a Working Holiday visa.
Do I need a formal job or internship offer?
No, you do not need a formal job offer (pre-arranged contract of employment) or a formal internship offer.
How long can I stay and work?
You can stay in Italy for up to 12 months and work for a total of 180 days, however you can only work for an employer for a maximum of 90 days.
You can participate in Italy’s Youth Exchange Program once.
How do I apply?
You can apply in person, at the Italian Embassy or Consulate General responsible for your area.
Italian Embassy in Ottawa: National Capital Region and the Outaouais, Counties of Carleton, Dundas, Glengarry, Grenville, Prescott, Russell and Stormont
Consulate General in Montreal: Québec (except Outaouais), Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island and Nunavut
Consulate General in Toronto: Ontario (except areas covered by the Embassy), Manitoba, Northwest Territories
Consulate General in Vancouver: British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Yukon
Plan your trip
The best way to make sure your trip is the experience of a lifetime is to plan. Review our travel checklist to find out what you should know or do before travelling to and working in a foreign country.
Need help planning? One of IEC’s recognized organizations (ROs) might be able to help you find a job, transportation, and provide travel advice.
Most ROs charge a fee for their services.
More resources
- Tourism Italy
- Cultural information
- Check for travel advisories
- Safety and travel advice for LGBTQ2 travellers
Need more help planning? Contact a recognized organization.
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