Hey guys,

So in about a year (2010/2011) i have to take a placement, or year in industry, in my sandwich course at university. I don't want to take this placement in the UK because i have lived here in London all my life and want to have the experience of living and working somewhere else for this year.

I have spent some initial research looking into where to go and the two country's i looked at were Canada and the USA however the USA option seems to be a tough route and nearly (not definitely) impossible for someone in my position. Canada seems to be a good choice so far, from the small amount of research i have done (im just starting now) i have read the quality of life there is one of the best. I also love skiing and being in the UK i cant do much of it so Canada is a big plus there.

Im 19 but i should be 20 nearly 21 by the time i get there and i will need to secure a multimedia related work placement. This is quite open for my course though i can do anything from lots of types of design, so marketing or with a design studio, i could do anything video or film related, animation or web related my course is extremely open when it comes to that.


So i have a few questions as i thought the best way to get up to date information is from people who have experience like the people here and i have found it hard to find information relating directly to my situation.

First of all has anyone done this before and taken a placement in canada? what did you need to do to move over, and anything else you can tell me would be fantastic

however if you haven't where is the best place for someone my age so about 21 to live? considering i will not know anyone out there.. so a place with lots of other similar people and social clubs/activities i can join to meet people? im suspecting somewhere in Vancouver?

does anyone know anything about the current job situation in the multimedia industry in Canada?

also finally what kind of visa would i be applying for and what would be the requirements?


Sorry for the essays and lots of questions and such but any help would be appreciated. This is something i really want to do so

thanks!

Hi - I don't have a great deal of knowledge on this, but I suspect the best way to cover this is to go via BUNAC - a one year working visa..

Here is a link from the British Expats wiki - but you can do other research once you've trawled through this.

I'm presuming you will want to find a placement that pays you aswell, hence the working visa. I don't think you can work somewhere, even unpaid, on a regular holiday visa which is only 6 months max anyway.