Every Working Holiday experience is unique, but one thing stays the same: taking the leap can lead to unforgettable adventures, meaningful personal growth, and lifelong memories. Working Holiday Success Stories prove that taking this risk is always worth it.
Through Working Holiday Canada, Canadians aged 18–35 have the opportunity to live, work, and travel abroad while immersing themselves in new cultures, gaining international work experience, and building lifelong connections.
From learning a new language to finding a dream job overseas, these participant stories highlight the many ways a Working Holiday can shape your future. We hope their experiences inspire you to start your own adventure.
Moving abroad alone forces you to become more conscious of yourself because so many of the things that once felt automatic- communication, routines, relationships and even your sense of identity – suddenly have to be rebuilt. In many ways, it has given me the opportunity to re-examine and reinvent parts of myself. It has also taught me that growth is not always comfortable or inspiring while you are going through it. There are difficult, lonely and frustrating moments. But over time, you begin to realize that you can navigate more uncertainty than you once thought. To me, that is one of the most meaningful forms of growth, not believing that everything will always go perfectly, but trusting that you will figure it out.
If a friend told me they wanted to move abroad I would scream go for it! It is so worth it! Next for me, as mentioned previously, is working on staying here longer. Dartmouth will always be where I come from and where my family is, but Cardiff has become my home. I’m planning to obtain my Master’s Degree, a permanent Teaching job, write more, travel more, and continue to experience all life has to offer me.
You only live one life, and you’re only young once. It’s better to go and regret/dislike it (hopefully not!) than regret never going when the opportunity was there.
I would highly recommend taking the leap. You can never know until you’re here whether or not it’s for you but it’s better than always wondering what it would’ve been like.
My stay in France has been super enriching for me so I am very thankful to International Experience Canada (IEC). Many people might say “just go for it” but my advice to other Canadians is actually to have specific goals and realistic expectations.My biggest recommendation for future participants is to join hobby clubs and expat groups. They help connect you with people who are going through similar experiences, and they can open up many opportunities for friendships and activities. But, most importantly, be patient with yourself during the adjustment period. Living abroad is exciting and rewarding, but it can also feel overwhelming at times.
