I love Work and Travel Canada!

I moved to Toronto in May 2016 two days after completing my undergraduate degree.

My first job was being boat deckhand on Lake Ontario, where I got to see the Toronto skyline from the water nearly every day. Through this job I met people from all over the world, as many of my coworkers were also on working holiday visas. In early fall I spent my days outdoors taking in the fresh air while providing maintenance to a golf course. During the holiday season I worked in sales at Lush Cosmetics with a lot of really cool people. Right now I am employed as an ice skating instructor at an outdoor rink at the Toronto Harbourfront - I get to watch the planes fly into the islands while taking in the beautiful skyline. :)

InterExchange is amazing and there to assist every step of the way during the application process and after. I seriously can't say enough good things about them! The hosting center here (SWAP) is equally as awesome. They will help you find housing, a job, and have regular social events for you to meet and hang out with other swappers. Additionally, the staff is incredibly friendly and really make you feel like you have a home away from home.

I've enjoyed Canada so much that I am currently in the process of applying for a second visa! My highlights here have included (but are definitely not limited to) being feet away from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at Pride, exploring Nuit Blanche (an overnight event where the city is transformed into an artistic playground), and a whirlwind trip to Montreal where I hiked up Mount Royal. I'm planning on spending another summer in Toronto (because summer in this city is AMAZING) and then hoping to work on somewhere up north in the winter so I can see the northern lights. Or I might apply to work at a ski resort out west. There are so many options!

I would recommend this program to anyone, but especially to someone who wants to travel and explore but is nervous about being far from home. I feel comforted knowing that in an emergency I can take a bus to my family for less than $100.

Work and Travel Canada has changed my life. I've learned that you don't have to go far to live with a travel mindset - it's all about getting out of your comfort zone and taking chances. I've loved exploring Toronto (it's such an interesting and multicultural city) and I've made friends from all over the world. I can't wait to see what more adventures are in store. I'm so thankful for this program!