Hoping to Move This Summer - Tips?

Hello all! I'm Melanie. I'm going to apply for the YMS and go through SWAP. Hoping to arrive this July. I was wondering if anyone had any tips and things to warn me about. I think I should be okay as I will not be on my own, I have an English boyfriend, and his family. I've read a good amount of the things posted here but some of it is already six years old! Just wondering if anything has changed or anyone going through this currently has anything to say.

Thanks in advance!

Safe your money, it's a tough tough market in UK!

There are no "real" jobs for YMS. Beware!

The only job you can get w/ YMS is a Bar job. Can't speak for that. I somehow managed to get a decent position, but it was blood, sweat, tears, and a whole lot of luck!

Beware! Job market here is a LOT worse than in Canada!

Now that that's out of the way, make sure you get your Bank details prepared! Get a bank reference letter. If you plan to get a "real" job here, make sure to take all your necessary documents with you that proof where you've been, lived, studies for the past 3 years (Bills, banks statements, transcripts). You just never know.

If you have a job lined up for you, give your Canadian Bank your British Address and get them to send a Bank Statement there. You will use that as a Proof of Address to get a National Insurance Number. (This is assuming you won't have a Tenancy agreement since you've said you'll be staying at your bf's parent's house). You will also be able to use that as proof of address to open a Local Bank Account!

Buy Everything in Canada. It's a LOT more expensive here.

SWOT? Why? It's dead simple to get YMS! It takes literally a minute and a half on the UK Gov website to make an appointment. You bring all the docs, and wait two weeks. Done!

And now on the bright side! London's BEAUTIFUL! Lots and lots of places to go and things to do. Europe is at your door steps. Plan ahead and purchase your tickets to London - Paris/Barcelona/Rome/Amsterdam NOW! Prices go up fast! (don't forget hostels!)

well..can't think of anything else right now.. Bon Voyage!