5 Ways That Students Can Make Their Travel Meaningful

Purposeful travel can set students apart from their peers in an increasingly competitive global job market.

We often associate the word ‘travel’ with unproductive time off. However, purposeful travel can set students apart from their peers in an increasingly competitive global job market. Skills learned while being immersed in a different culture will prepare them for the challenges of the 21st century and look great on a resumé.

1. STUDY ABROAD

There's no need for students to put their education on hold to go travel – they can do both! If they are not ready for a whole degree program, a semester or year abroad is a great option.

2. WORK ABROAD ON THE INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE CANADA (IEC) PROGRAM

The Government of Canada’s International Experience Canada program offers young people (18 to 35) work permits to work in 32 different countries. IEC is a bilateral youth mobility program which gives youth an opportunity to work abroad for a temporary period (generally one or two years). Visit the IEC stand at the upcoming Study and Go Abroad Fair to learn more.

3. TAKE A GAP YEAR

Studies show that taking a gap year pre or post university can focus the mind, help students decide what they really want to study/do as a career. It’s also an opportunity for them to get some work experience, intern, volunteer or learn a language abroad.

4. VOLUNTEER ABROAD

Volunteering can be a life-changing experience, and challenges our perceptions of the world and of our own country. It’s an opportunity to give to others, while enriching our own lives with the experience.

5. LEARN A LANGUAGE

Speaking a second language is a huge differentiator in a competitive job market. Full immersion in a country where they speak the language is the best way to build on existing language skills or learn a new language from scratch.

The Study and Go Abroad Fair gives students the opportunity to meet face-to-face with universities from around the world, as well as student travel organizations offering gap year and other options.