Hey World,
As you guys all know I am blogging from work which is just where it has to happen these days...I went from a boring to busy life in literally 60 seconds, be careful what you wish for. Anyways as usual in my blogs I like to rant about my own life and offer some information and even guidance to my faithful readers. Yes, I am aware that my blogging has decreased but I was working 7 days a week and I am getting ready to move to Germany in 2 weeks. YEs, If you didn't already know I WILL BE MOVING TO GERMANY TO LIVE IN 2 WEEKS! CRazyyyy.,.....
The way that I made this happen is what I would like to share with you today as it may be something you may already be considering or want to consider. And no, you do not have to move to Germany like I am, in fact, there are a lot of countries that are in the program I have partaken in.
I am talking about the "Youth Mobility Program"
The main perk of using a program such as this, is that if you are in the age of 18-35, you will receive a hassel free and yes FREE visa to live and work in your desired country providing that they are a part of this program.
According the website;
Canada has formal agreements with many countries to allow youth to work there temporarily. Those countries include:
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Chile
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- France
- Germany
- Hong Kong
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Korea, Republic of
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Mexico
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Poland
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- United Kingdom
Questions you may have:
Do I have to speak the country's language?
No, but I am sure it helps - especially if you want more money
What if I don't have a degree and I want to teach?
Honestly, most places require a university degree as a minimum so that may be a struggle for you unless you have an ECE diploma.
Do I have to teach?
No - I know for a fact if you're in the IT or Engineering field, most countries will leap at you and invite you to stay long term..You just have to apply like you would anywhere else with the pre-requisite that the job allows you to speak English if thats' your only language and use your skills whatever they are.
Okay, but what if I have no post-secondary education, will I be able to find employment and qualify for the visa?
Yes, this visa is for people mainly interested in work and travel for their stay. As long as you can work to get enough money to support your travel and living - your good to go (plus if you have enough money, who cares - but those kinds of people generally never read my blog I assume) . Many people who do this program work at bars, do sales and work as English speaking tour guides.
Is getting a teaching job really that easy?
Yes, I got mines within a week! No, its not the best school in Germany but as expats do we really care? Everyone wants to learn English these days, its the language of business don't you know? And, as Canadians our English tends to be much easier for foreigners to understand which is a natural perk.
Does doing a TELF program help?
Absolutely. It is not impossible to get a teaching job without this as I am an example, but you might have to do it eventually whilst in the job which is what needs to be done in my case. So if you can get an affordable approved program here in Canada before you go.. complete it. And remember it must have a practical/practicum section to be a approved program such as CELTA. They are pricey which is why this broke girl could not do it before she left.
Should I save money before I leave?
Absolutely! This country will be foreign to you so you need to have your own safety net incase your roomates are heroin junkies, you don't get paid on time or you get a really cool opportunity to travel in your region.. And ofcourse even broke girls need to eat!
How long did it take to complete the process?
like 3 months for me because I am broke but if you have enough money it can be done in 1 month. This included taking a new passport picture and then getting the passport done, getting extended coverage issued (you don't need to wait for the pysical card as you will be issued a temp. paper), travel/medical insurance and getting my flight.
Can I get just any insurance?
No, there are minimum requirements that must be followed. But Travel Cuts does a great job of offering affordable insurance.
Additional Info:
Under the YMA, Foreign Missions may issue a visa to the following individuals:
- young Canadians interested in work and travel during their stay
- young Canadians who wish to do an internship
- Canadian post-secondary students
- young professionals
Yes, they include a valid passport that will be valid for your whole trip and valid travel/medical Insurance that is valid for your whole trip (which means you need to apply for extended health coverage) and a one way ticket to the country you desire. It has to be within 3 month of when you apply..
Applying for extended health coverage is very easy and pretty much requires you to sign your life away, take a new health card picture and tell them you need a vacation extension - don't say you want a work extension even if you did get a job offer from that great bar or school because that will require a work permit which you won't have. This visa will give you a residence permit which will allow you to find work.
I personally found the toytown website very helpful and can be helpful for you to find jobs,accomodation/roomates and just knowing the lay of the land. Just search the country you want and toytown.
Sources: My own experience AND
http://www.youth.gc.ca/eng/topics/jobs/abroad.shtml
http://www.canada.diplo.de/Vertretung/kanada/en/02/visa/yma.html
If you got any questions just give me a shout!!
No comments:
Post a Comment