Thinking about doing a working holiday abroad? Good. That’s the right instinct — new city, new job, new version of yourself, all in one move. It’s one of the most exciting things you can do in your 20s and early 30s through Canada’s International Experience Canada (IEC) working holiday program, and it’s a lot more doable than people think.
That said, the ones who have the best time abroad usually did a little groundwork first. Not to overthink it — just to set themselves up so the adventure stays fun. Here are the three questions worth asking yourself before you go.
1. What am I actually hoping to get out of this?
Everyone’s working holiday looks different, and that’s the fun part. Maybe you want real career experience — hospitality in Japan, farm work in Australia, something that looks great on a resume. Or maybe it’s less about the job and more about the life around it: new friends, new food, a completely different pace of living.
Neither answer is more “right” than the other. But knowing which one you’re chasing makes every other decision easier — where to go, how long to stay, what kind of program fits you best. A ski season in Niseko feels totally different from a pub job in Scotland. Once you know your “why,” the “where” tends to click into place.
2. What’s my budget looking like?
This one’s just practical, not a reason to hesitate. Working holidays are self-funded, so it helps to go in with a plan: enough to cover rent and a deposit, groceries until that first paycheque hits, and a little cushion for the unexpected.
The good news is this is very plannable. Look up the cost of living wherever you’re headed, check the minimum savings requirement for your visa (IEC has set thresholds depending on the country), and pad it a bit. Do that once, and you’re free to stop thinking about money and start enjoying where you are. See How Much Money Do I Need to Start My Working Holiday?
Need some help planning? Schedule a FREE consultation call with a Go International travel advisor!
3. Am I ready for the parts that aren’t Instagram-worthy?
Visa paperwork, travel insurance, passport renewals — not glamorous, but getting it sorted early means smooth sailing later. Luckily, Go International can support you with the visa process with step-by-step instructions and comprehensive pre-departure guidance, whether that’s under our Basic packages or otherwise. so you can think about the fun part of your adventure!
And yeah, there’ll be moments that are a little messy — getting turned around in a new city, missing home, figuring out a foreign grocery store aisle by aisle. That’s not a warning sign, it’s just part of the story. Almost everyone who’s done this will tell you those moments end up being their favourite ones to talk about later.
Feeling the pull to go?
That’s exactly what it should feel like. Go International is here to help you turn it into a plan – form navigating the Working Holiday visa process to settling into your first week abroad.
Go International is a recognized organization under Canada’s IEC program, officially supported by the Government of Canada to help Canadians aged 18–35 work and travel abroad. We support you with paperwork, job placement, and pre-departure prep so your adventure starts right.
Schedule a FREE consultation call today and let’s get you moving!