InterExchange

Program Reviews

Default avatar
Albert
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Helpful throughout the process

Ashley was extremely helpful and supportive throughout the process. As many that are possibly looking into this program that are brand new to this process, as I was. She was very helpful, informative, patient, and supportive throughout the process. If there was a question I had, if she didn't have the direct answer, she at least was able to steer me into the right direction to find one.

I recommend this program to all but especially those who are new to looking to work, temporarily live, have extended vacation, etc within Canada. Their program makes it very simple to go through this process.

Cost is a factor as well. As the program is cheap to me due to the simplicity, helpfulness, patience, and guidance. So it may be expensive to others but I feel like the service you get is definitely worth the cost.

Pros
  • Simplicity
  • Helpful
  • Patient
Default avatar
Natalie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

amazing support!!

Ashley has been such a huge help in guiding me through the work visa application process. the process can be a bit confusing and complicated and im so glad i had her support. she was so kind and patient and made the whole procedure so much less stressful! im very grateful for her assistance and highly recommend her to others in the InterExchange program if you're looking for help with the work visa application process! :) !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!(!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pros
  • informative
  • helpful
Default avatar
Katin
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing Program

I have never traveled out of the country before this, especially alone, so this was a lifelong dream of mine. The support and structure InterExchange has makes me feel SO safe and cared for while doing something so out of my comfort zone. In the process of getting everything set I had so many questions I was probably driving the team crazy with my constant phone calls & emails. Throughout my constant pestering they listened to me, answered, and supported every question, concern, or hesitation I had. If you are like me and want the added help with planning and making the leap of living abroad, do yourself a favor and reach out to InterExchange!

Default avatar
Kailey
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

So Helpful!

I had a fantastic experience! All of my questions were answered quickly and thoroughly. The whole team made an overwhelming process very smooth and manageable. The helpful team was absolutely the highlight of the program for sure. I went through the process to live and work in Canada from the United States. I was able to move to a town that I had already been to and had connections in the community. I didn't utilize any of the housing resources but it was nice to know that it was an option.I would highly recommend!

Default avatar
Reina
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Helped tremendously in my immigration journey!

I was able to successfully obtain and use 2 open work visas through the InterExchange Work & Travel Canada program (as a US citizen). The entire process via InterExchange is a process; there's paperwork, fees, and time waiting, as expected. Everything comes with a price, but I have found that it has been more than worth it in my experience. Working with InterExchange has been a breeze as well and I highly recommend them for their professionalism, thorough assistance, and variety of offers for travelers and newcomers.

The length of the validity of the actual visa is determined by the immigration officer upon landing (it is also in their discretion for how long) and during the activation of the visa. My first one was valid for 1-year and my second one is valid for 2-years (the officer must have been in a good mood that day :D it was on new year's day, lucky me)! I did not use these visas to apply for work as I was already working remotely. I used these visas in order to obtain a tax identification number (TIN) so that I could pay taxes as an independent contractor in Canada. This helped me tremendously in my immigration as I was able to keep working and living in Canada. I worked with James Bridge throughout the years and have really appreciated the thorough guidance and support each step of the way. Thank you, James!

I did not need accommodations or work as I already had both prior so I cannot speak to those. I highly recommend this program to anyone trying to jumpstart their immigration to Canada.

Pros
  • Thorough guidance
  • Many offerings for foreigners new to Canada
  • I felt supported and the process was quick and easy!
Cons
  • Cost
  • Instructions and directions can use improvement for participants to understand the hows/whys of the process
Response from InterExchange

Thanks Reina, for your comments! We're so glad it all worked out that you found the program to be helpful. I've reached out to you regarding your comments about the permit activation and guidelines and hope to be in touch soon!

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Aaron
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing Experience

The experience to apply was easy and the administration was super helpful. They gave advice on living, taxes, and finding work. Though I didn't need too many resources, as I'm independent in many ways, this was a great way to gain work experience and explore a different lifestyle. I got a job as an Account Manager and the experience has been great for my growth as a professional. Living in Quebec also taught me a lot about having a quality lifestyle. Interexchange gave me the opportunity to easily explore this and I couldn't thank them enough.

Pros
  • Easy to apply
  • Helpful administration
Cons
  • Needs more presence in Quebec
Response from InterExchange

Thanks so much Aaron! It's nice to hear that you've settled in well up there and I'm glad we were able to help smooth the road for you. Don't hesitate to reach out if there's ever anything we can assist with.

Default avatar
Kimberlee
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Easy to understand and helpful employees!

The employees are very responsive to any questions. If they don’t know an answer they know someone who does. It would be awesome if somehow this program could convince the government to give US citizens the opportunity of 2 years for a work visa instead of 1, but that’s of course a long shot. They relieved a lot of initial stress for getting things together for crossing the boarder. I haven’t done much with them since getting in to Canada, but they were there when I needed! Highly recommend using interexchange for working abroad!

Pros
  • Open work visa acquired for US citizen
  • You are allowed to experience whatever you want
  • Easy boarder crossing.
Cons
  • They only have groups and meeting’s in big cities
Response from InterExchange

Thanks Kimberlee! So glad to have been a part in your journey up to Canada and it's nice to hear that we were able to make it just a little bit less stressful!

Default avatar
Alyssa
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

French Fairytale!

Becoming an au pair in France as a gap year in college was one of the best decisions I've made. I got incredibly lucky with a wonderful family that embraced me and introduced me to all things French. I learned so much from the language, to the cuisine, and much more. I was lucky enough to see so much of Europe as well during my stay and loved my first year so much that I went back for a second year with the same family a year later. But the best part by far was the people I met. I became friends with other au pairs from all over the world - from Canada to Italy - and cultivated bonds that are still strong today. And I will always treasure the golden moments with my family and the children I looked after. I truly believe that the best way to learn about a place is to live there fully immersed in the culture and way of life. There is no better way to do that then as an au pair. I will forever be grateful for what this experience gave me and pushed me toward. I am now an English teacher in the Dominican Republic with a passion for travel and new cultures that was ignited with my France stay. I would highly recommend taking advantage of this program to anyone who wants to see more of the world in a truly unique way!

What was your funniest moment?
There were so many unforgettable moments with my French family and the children I looked after, but two of my favorite moments were these. The first one was right after I had met the little boy I was going to be taking care of. I had taught him a new handshake and decided to take a video of us doing it. As soon as we finished our new handshake, he whipped around and mooned me! And I got it all on camera. The second time was when I was out to dinner with my French family. We had just finished eating and the waiter (a friend of the family's) came over to check on us. I wanted to tell him "Thank you very much" in French, but apparently I mispronounced a word and instead said, "Very nice butt." Everyone started laughing, the waiter got all red, and I was so embarrassed! It became an inside joke with the family from then on and I still smile when I remember that time.
Response from InterExchange

So nice to read your reflections on the au pair experience years later, Alyssa! We're glad it pushed you to new life experiences and hope you always look back fondly on being an au pair in France!

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Caitlin
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Lifetime of Memories

It has been quite a journey! Choosing to come to New Zealand has been nothing short of amazing. Going through this program was the best way to do it ESPECIALLY doing the welcome week. I cant even believe I was debating doing it before coming because I would be having a totally different experience. The welcome week introduced me to 12 people in the same boat as me and we have been having an amazing time. All the experiences we’ve had together and still are. We are now a family and have been living together. The help and guidance from staff has been amazing and so helpful, I highly recommend! The service that has been provided is something that I’ve greatly appreciated. I had many questions before coming and everything always got answered right away.

What would you improve about this program?
The itinerary changed from when I booked the trip.
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Gretchen
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Began my career in CA, hoping to stay!

I went through this program for reasons that probably won't align with most of the other participants. I wanted to be able to move to and work in Quebec to be with my boyfriend that I had met while studying abroad.

Having met the criteria for this visa, the cost was worthwhile since it allowed me to break into the market here. While on a 6-month tourist visa, I enrolled at the YMCA for French courses in preparation for job interviews which began in November and ended mid-January.

Although my IEC Working-holiday visa has ended, I'll be staying in Canada and continuing in my current position - my employer has sponsored me for another two years on a closed work permit! I've convinced another American friend of mine to join me here on this program and would suggest it to others looking for a change of culture from the US.

What would you improve about this program?
More clarification about required paperwork. I did EVERYTHING and did not end up needing to submit it. I guess it's better to be safe than sorry, but I wish I hadn't felt so anxious about getting it all together just to end up not needing it.