SWAP (Students Work Abroad Program) is a Canadian government-affiliated outfit helping US students between 18-30 to travel and work in Canada for up to six months. SWAP works with agencies like Travel Cuts -- the agency will assist you with the process of getting student work in Canada through SWAP. Program registration fee is $250, and jobs are not guaranteed (but you're very likely to get one). How do you get a student job with SWAP? Let's walk through the process.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: One hour (not all tasks can be completed at once)
Here's How:
- If you're an American student between 18-30 and you'd like to work and travel in Canada, read the SWAP faq and determine whether the program is right for you.
- Download and print the SWAP aplication form (read all pages!).
- Decide whether you will need trip cancellation insurance (if you cancel without it, you'll lose your application fee) -- if so, print the SWAP Canada Insurance Pack.
- Send your completed application, insurance form if applicable and $250 to a TravelCuts office. TravelCuts is a student travel agency that assists American students with making SWAP arrangements.
- Wait about ten days and you should receive an acceptance in the mail, provided you have met all eligibility requirements. Get ready to travel to Canada!
Tips:
- Ensure you meet eligibilty requirements: you need to be a US citizen between 18-30 and be registered at an accredited high school or college (you don't have to be in school at the moment).
- Remember that you cannot work in childcare, health services, or teaching with SWAP.
What You Need
- Completed SWAP application form.
- Completed SWAP insurance form, if you want the insurance.
- One typed reference letter from a past employer or teacher.
- Proof of student status: letter from your registrar or an ISIC card copy.
- Proof of US citizenship: copy of your passport or birth certificate.
- Mailing address of the nearest TravelCuts agency.
- Business envelope and regular stamp.
