work abroad programs

Working abroad is one of the best ways to discover the heart of a destination

articles about work abroad programs

WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE ODYSSEY PROGRAM

First, I think I need to explain what the Odyssey Program is. It is a government-sponsored program offered to Canadian citizens to promote our national languages: French and English. It works similarly to an exchange program since people from French speaking provinces go live in English speaking provinces and vice-versa. So I, being a francophone from Quebec City, had the chance to go live in Comox, British Columbia. But contrary to regular exchange programs, where you go study in a different country or province, the Odyssey Program is also a job. For a whole school year, you become a language assistant and work 25 hours/week to promote your language (French or English) in a school with children from different grades depending on the school you work at. It is a difficult, but fun and rewarding job, where you also get to learn and travel. But before you embark on this journey, here are a few things you should expect.

SIX REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD DO THE DISNEY CULTURAL EXCHANGE PROGRAM

With the Disney interviews coming up in Canada, I find myself a little nostalgic and wishing I could relive the experience again. As some of you might know, I participated in the Disney Cultural Exchange Program for three summers, from 2014 to 2016. Even though the Program does have its downs, the ups are magically worth it! Here are 6 reasons why you should do the Cultural Exchange Program if you have the chance.

Tips on how to make the most of your work abroad program

LIVING ABROAD: HOW TO SURVIVE GOING HOME

Fitzgerald once said: “It’s a funny thing coming home. Nothing changes. Everything looks the same, feels the same, even smells the same. You realize what’s changed is you.” Oh how right he was! Going home is always to hardest part about living abroad for me because you expect it to be so easy, but it’s actually just like moving away except everyone thinks they know you while they don’t anymore, and you are expected to go back to how it was before you left without having time to adjust to this old/new reality and fall back on your feet. It seems to be becoming easier every time I do it. I suppose I’ve got some practice now! But if it’s your first time going home after living abroad or an extended trip, here’s my how to survive going home guide.

LIVING ABROAD: HOW TO HANDLE BEING AWAY FROM FRIENDS AND FAMILY

There are so many advantages to going to live abroad. Like discovering a new country, learning about a new culture, tasting good food and making new friends, but there are also disadvantages and being far away from friends and family is one of them. But in this day an age where technology is available and ready to help, it is easier than ever to stay in touch with our loved ones while living in another country. Plus, I have some tips on how to handle being away from friends and family.

LIVING ABROAD: HOW TO ADAPT TO A NEW HOME

Moving away is never easy, but moving by yourself, to a place you have never been before, where you don’t know anybody? Now that is a full on challenge! And no matter how long you have been planning for this or how excited you were for this move, it’s okay to feel a little overwhelmed and homesick at first. Adapting to a new home and a new environment is hard, but here are some tips to make the transition easier.