SWAP Program

LauraR
New Member



Joined: 13 Oct 2007
Posts: 1

Posted: Sat Oct 13, 2007 1:00 pm

 

---

Just wanted to know if anyone has used the SWAP UK program before and just how beneficial they found it to be? Any feedback would be great!

---

murtle_007
CanuckAbroad Regular



Joined: 03 Oct 2006
Posts: 37
Location: Scotland

Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2007 7:47 am

 

---

Why havent I asked this yet! lol ty for asking LauraR, im planning to use them to leave in april.
_________________
I liek caek! (guinness caek!) And men in kilts, RAWR!

---

retromelissa
Junior Member



Joined: 16 Oct 2007
Posts: 27
Location: Cornwall

Posted: Tue Oct 16, 2007 8:13 pm

 

---

Hey there!
I got my visa through the SWAP program and came over here last May. It is indeed a very useful service! When you sign up, they will send you an info pack with the visa form along with a sample visa form which tells you exactly how to answer the questions (which was good for me as I didn't understand how to answer some of them!) You'll also get a SWAP guide to the UK with info on how to find jobs/accomodation/etc.
After you have filled out the form, you take it in to one of their offices and they will send it off for you. Then they'll give you a call as soon as it arrives. My visa was issued in 10 days and returned to SWAP about 4 days after that (it's about a 2-3 week process.) You will have to book your flight through them tho, and not an outside service (like Air Canada for example) You can do this online or in person at one of their offices.
Once you recieve your visa and you're off to the UK, they have an orientation where they talk about how to find jobs/accomodation, applying for a National Insurance Number, getting a bank account, etc (also a good way to meet fellow Canadians) You'll also have access to BUNAC/SWAP services in London as well as online (this will all be explained in the info pack) They also offer help with filing taxes and other useful things like that!
Hope that helps!

---