Working Abroad: Unravelling the Maze The following information is provided by the government publication Working Abroad: Unravelling the Maze. Introduction Before You Go What Documents Do You Need? Practical and Financial Issues Personal Issues and Concerns Working Abroad Returning to Canada Working Abroad: Unravelling the Maze Before You Go

Finding Overseas Employment

A wide variety of international work opportunities exists around the world. If you are interested in finding overseas employment, where do you begin? Whether you plan to find paid employment, pursue volunteer opportunities or explore new business ventures abroad, you first need to decide what you want to do and where you want to do it. You also need to seriously evaluate your job skills and decide whether you want to build on your previous work experience or do something altogether new. You will find Jean-Marc Hachey's The Canadian Guide to Working and Living Overseas an excellent resource as you begin this process. The book will help you assess your personal and professional goals, plan your job-hunting strategy and secure the overseas job you want.

If you are unsure about the length of time you want to work abroad, you might consider looking for short-term projects, such as youth exchanges, internships, professional exchanges, work-and-learn programs or working holidays. A short-term placement may give you the experience and background you need to decide whether you want to work abroad for an extended period.

DFAIT Youth Initiatives

DFAIT co-ordinates two separate initiatives to assist young Canadians in securing employment abroad: the Youth International Internship Program (YIIP) and the International Youth Exchange Program (IYEP). The YIIP provides for paid internships with organizations operating in other countries. You can obtain further information by calling 1-800-559-2888 (in Canada) or (613) 944-2415 or by consulting the Internet (www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/interns). The IYEP provides a wealth of information concerning opportunities in more than 60 programs in over 20 countries.

For more details, call 1-800-267-8376 (in Canada) or (613) 992-6142, or consult DFAIT's Web site (www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/123go).

Evaluating Job Offers

If you are offered a job overseas by an organization or company, it is important that you investigate it carefully before you accept. The more preparation and research you do in Canada, the more successful your employment abroad is likely to be.

Find out as much as you can about the organization or company that is offering you a job. Ask for references, visit its Internet site and call your local Better Business Bureau (if the organization or company is Canadian) to get as much information as possible. Contact others who have worked for the organization or company, or ask to speak to someone currently employed there.

Examine the terms of your contract carefully or have it reviewed by a lawyer. Make sure that the financial and other conditions of the job offer are carefully detailed and that you fully understand them. For instance, you should know in what currency your salary will be paid and when you will be receiving your first pay cheque. Keep in mind that it is never a good idea to accept a job overseas if the details are to be worked out on your arrival.

Understand the arrangements for your work visa. Although your employer may take on the responsibility of obtaining your work visa for you, it is up to you to ensure that all arrangements are legitimate and consistent with the requirements of the country concerned. Refer to the section entitled "What Documents Do You Need?" for details.

Avoid risky ventures. Always remain sceptical of overseas placement firms that operate solely by telephone or mail, and avoid companies that charge advance fees for placement. Women should be particularly wary of employment opportunities that offer quick and easy money for entertainment or hostess jobs. Many are thinly veiled prostitution rings. Doing your homework before you leave Canada will significantly reduce the chances of things going wrong overseas. It is recommended that you establish an "emergency fund" or make prior arrangements with family or friends to assist you financially in the event that the job proves unacceptable or things simply don't work out. You should have enough money to return home.

It is also wise to take with you extra copies of your résumé, degrees, diplomas and other certificates, and reference letters so that you have the option of pursuing other job opportunities while you are abroad. Find out, however, what the requirements are if you decide to change jobs or companies, as doing so may render your visa or work permit invalid. For more details, see the section entitled "Visa."

Learn About Your Destination

Take the time to learn about the political, cultural and economic environment of your destination. Some countries experience ongoing wars, insurgencies or sporadic unrest. Find out if your destination is known to be dangerous. Consult the Travel Report for the country you plan on working in before you go. These reports, published by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, give up-to-date information on security and political conditions, health issues and entry requirements for over 225 destinations.

If you are planning to work in the United States or México, you should also read the DFAIT booklets Crossing the 49th and México: ¿Qué pasa?

When you are abroad, you will be able to tune in to Radio Canada International (RCI) for the latest news. RCI also broadcasts messages from the Canadian government during emergency situations.

Please choose from the following sections:

Introduction

Before You Go

What Documents Do You Need?

Practical and Financial Issues

Personal Issues and Concerns

Working Abroad

Returning to Canada

Canuck Abroad takes no responsibility for the information or accuracy contained in this section and suggest you go to http://www.voyage.gc.ca/main/pubs/working_abroad-en.asp for the latest information.

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