Seriously considering applying for IEC - Advice needed
 

Ok, I'm 25, single, no commitments etc etc. I'm at a dead end here in the UK right now and am desperate to experience something totally different, Canada looks so appealing to me. I work for a railway company and have done for 6 years.

If I got accepted I would be willing to do any job, I'm not bothered what it is, whether it's basic bar work/Retail, I don't mind, it's the experience and change that I want, I'd be moving out totally alone, there are just a few worries though

1. It's quite daunting packing up life here and flying out without a job ! But many people suggest that this is the best method ? To apply whilst in Canada

2. Is it really that hard to find a job ?

3. Living situation ... Would most people recommend hostels etc for somebody going out alone ? As obviously renting alone would be pretty expensive

Thanks for any help

Re: Seriously considering applying for IEC - Advice needed
 

Quite some years before Jack92 was a twinkle in his father's eye, at the age of 17 I sought a little adventure. I packed a bag and flew to Bali, because it looked interesting. A month later I was in Australia having grown bored of the smell of clove cigarettes and run out of t-shirts to barter with for a massage on the beach.

The point of that pre-amble is that life today is far easier to research, plan and worry yourself to death about potential outcomes. If you're motivated enough, take the plunge and enjoy the experience.

You're highly unlikely to secure a job from abroad, but if you've a bit of common sense and a half decent work ethic finding a job won't be a problem. If you're willing to do anything, find a ski resort and there'll be something you can turn your hand to. I've employed enough 20 somethings to know that half of them are feckless wasters, so as long as you don't fit that category you'll do ok.

Re: Seriously considering applying for IEC - Advice needed
 

Are you saying im too old to move ! Thats what that first line comes across as

But you're right about this day and age about putting yourself off, trawling through the internet etc, I guess if I got accepted, write my notice for work and sold my car and went then I'd find my way, it's just a little daunting, especially considering I'd have to house share or something, that's also a big thing for me, which worries me

Ye im happy to do anything, life is boring and dull right now, my work ethic would be applied to any job I got over there, experiencing a new way of life is something that appeals to me very much right now, I've just never done anything "big" before and alot of this is really foreign to me !

Re: Seriously considering applying for IEC - Advice needed
 

Age is rarely a barrier to anything. It's your life, do whatever makes you happy at whatever age.

Re: Seriously considering applying for IEC - Advice needed
 

Hi, currently in the same situation. 25, single and needing something new in my life. I have submitted an IEC application but the pool isn't reopening until October. Fingers crossed I will be invited to apply for a working visa and save until next May.

I'm already having some daunting thoughts about the prospects of getting a job, I'm currently in a good paying Administration/ PA job so income has been consistent. I've heard some people say they have been in Toronto for 2 months and havent heard back from an employer. In addition, the idea of moving to Canada without a place to live is scary too. Perhaps I don't like the idea of uncertainty, but really don't want this to put me off.

Has anyone had experience of moving to Canada without a place to rent, and/or experience in job hunting?

Thanks.

Re: Seriously considering applying for IEC - Advice needed
 

If your looking for change, you will definitely get that. Maybe too much change, but that is your choice.
Unless your qualified, you will most likely be on a low paying part time job. As long as you accept that and can live on a low budget you will be fine. Canada is a big and varied country, so travel as much as you can to experience all the country has to offer, and maybe you wont want to go back to UK.
Good luck.

Re: Seriously considering applying for IEC - Advice needed
 

If you're willing to do any job in any part of Canada - you'll get something, no doubt. Canada is a very big country, with widely varying options and opportunities.

It's pretty hard to find even a specialised job from overseas, when you have experience and qualifications. The sort of work it sounds like you're looking for, you won't be finding until you get there.

Bear in mind that IEC is random draw, so if what you want is something different, I see you've also posted about seeing elsewhere in Europe - you might want to take advantage of your rights as an EU citizen before you lose them in a few years time, as you can pick up and do that tomorrow if you want to, without needing any paperwork or lotteries like you do for Canada.

Re: Seriously considering applying for IEC - Advice needed
 

I'm definitely interested in any work, this is certainly not a move to "further my career it's to further my life experience and embrace something unbelievably different, but at the same time it's some of those different things that are most daunting ! Especially living, I wouldn't know how settled I'd actually get living with total strangers

Ye you mentioned about Europe, I'm not set on Canada, I just want that change, i actually enjoy (Obviously totally different) Spain alot, it would be much easier to get there aswell but with that comes the language barrier and the poor chances of getting a job

Re: Seriously considering applying for IEC - Advice needed
 

Out of interest, where have you read that it will be reopening in October? That would be very early, interesting if they've stated that already.

OP - go for it! I went off travelling on my own at age 19 and it was the best thing ever. I will be kicking my kids out the door as soon as they're old enough and telling them to go and explore the world. You'll have a blast I'm sure. :)

Re: Seriously considering applying for IEC - Advice needed
 

This is the kind of mentality i have alot of the time, other times its jusy worrying about living basically ! Im not bothered about earning alot of money, as long as I lived somewhere and had some income I'd be happy, what did you do regarding living arrangements ?

Re: Seriously considering applying for IEC - Advice needed
 

I usually camped, but I was in Africa and central America, so perhaps just a teeny bit different to Canada in the winter. :lol: I also didn't work, just travelled around, so different to what you're planning, but definitely go for it IMO.

Ah, to be young and mortgage/child/husband etc free again!

Re: Seriously considering applying for IEC - Advice needed
 

Hi, I read this on the IEC website and also I have joined some groups on Facebook for advice. I am eligable but they won't start the process until Oct.

I enjoy traveling on vacation a lot, I just want more. And experience life, as I'm from a little valley. If I get an invite, I won't be looking to relocate until June, so I suppose it gives me enough time to save to tie me over until I find an apartment. It's the nerves of not finding a place/ job is what makes me anxious, but won't know until I try :)

Re: Seriously considering applying for IEC - Advice needed
 

Can you give us an official link from the IEC website? I can't find anything saying that, it would be good to know if that is the case as it's much earlier than usual so we can then advise other potential IEC applicants rather than giving them the usual info.

Thx.

Re: Seriously considering applying for IEC - Advice needed
 

Jasper businesses beg for workers as tourists flood into mountain paradise - Edmonton - CBC News

Sounds like hotels in Jasper are desperate for workers. Maybe good start if you have a working holiday visa.

Re: Seriously considering applying for IEC - Advice needed
 

Technically, we don't even know there'll be an IEC programme next year, never mind the details of when it's opening. It normally opens between about November and February, and there's often an announcement about plans for the year between October and January (obviously, later announcements when the opening is later). A few years back, the announcements were Jan for Feb opening, so people with their hopes pinned on December had troubles - October's definitely early to be waiting to pounce on :)