You’ve probably heard of the Work And Travel U.S. program – an opportunity for young people from all over the world to work in the U.S. for a few months and get to know the country. But did you know that this is also possible in other countries and that you can even earn more here than in the U.S.? We introduce you to the most important countries offering Work and Travel.
Best Countries offering Work and Travel by earnings
There are a number of countries that offer Work and Travel. In each country, both the earnings and the expenses for daily life are slightly different. So which country is most worthwhile for Work and Travel if you are only looking at the money? You need to take into account different costs, such as the cost of your visa, possibly for a placement agency, your flight and much more. But if you just look roughly at the income and expenses on the ground, there is this picture:
| Country Name | Minimum Wage (USD) | Average Cost of Living (USD) per month | Potential Benefit in 3 Months (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 7.25* | 3,000 | 1,770 |
| Australia | 14.23 | 2,500 | 5,197 |
| New Zealand | 13.60 | 2,300 | 4,900 |
| Canada | 10.45 | 2,000 | 3,735 |
| United Kingdom | 11.05 | 2,800 | 3,375 |
| Ireland | 12.30 | 2,900 | 3,700 |
| Germany | 11.14 | 2,200 | 3,842 |
| France | 12.08 | 2,400 | 3,964 |
| Japan | 7.84 | 2,100 | 2,652 |
| South Korea | 5.79 | 1,800 | 1,737 |
| Taiwan | 5.50 | 1,600 | 1,650 |
| Singapore | N/A | 2,800 | N/A |
| Norway | N/A | 3,800 | N/A |
| Denmark | N/A | 3,500 | N/A |
| Sweden | N/A | 2,900 | N/A |
| Finland | N/A | 2,700 | N/A |
| Hong Kong | 5.32 | 2,900 | 1,596 |
| Netherlands | 11.27 | 2,600 | 3,821 |
| Argentina | 0.94 | 1,100 | 280 |
| Chile | 2.50 | 1,500 | 750 |
| Iceland | N/A | 3,200 | N/A |
Countries offering Work and Travel in North America
So let us now look deeper in some countries offering Work and Travel for internationals:
United States
The J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor Program is designed for foreign nationals who wish to participate in work and travel, internships, or study-based exchange programs in the United States. Participants can gain practical experience, improve their language skills, and learn about American culture. The program is managed by the U.S. Department of State and requires sponsorship from designated organizations. Eligibility varies depending on the specific program category, such as Au Pair, Camp Counselor, Intern, Summer Work Travel, or Trainee. The duration of the program also varies by category, with a maximum stay of up to 18 months in some cases.
Canada
International Experience Canada (IEC) is a work and travel program that allows young people from participating countries to temporarily work in Canada. The program aims to promote cultural exchange and provide international work experience. The IEC offers three categories: Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co-op. The Working Holiday category enables participants to work for any employer, while the Young Professionals category requires a job offer in the applicant’s field of study or career. The International Co-op category is for students who need to complete an internship abroad as part of their academic program.
Countries offering Work and Travel in Europe
United Kingdom
The Youth Mobility Scheme (Tier 5) is a work and travel program for young people from participating countries to live and work in the United Kingdom for up to two years. This visa allows participants to experience British culture, gain professional experience, and improve their English language skills. Applicants must be aged 18-30 and have enough funds to support themselves during their stay. There is no restriction on the type of work participants can undertake, but they cannot work as a professional sportsperson or set up their own business.
Ireland
The Working Holiday Authorisation is a program that allows young people from participating countries to live and work in Ireland for up to one year. The aim of the program is to promote cultural exchange and provide opportunities for international work experience. Participants can work in any sector and are not tied to a specific employer.
Applicants for Ireland must be aged 18-30 (or 18-35 for Canadians) and have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay. They must also have health insurance and a return travel ticket or sufficient funds to purchase one.
Germany
The German Working Holiday visa allows young people from participating countries to live and work in Germany for up to one year. The program promotes cultural exchange and enables participants to gain professional experience while learning about German culture and language. Applicants must be aged 18-30 and have enough funds to support themselves during their stay. They are allowed to work in any sector, but the primary purpose of their stay should be to explore the country and its culture.
France
The French Working Holiday visa allows young people from participating countries to live and work in France for up to one year. The program is designed to promote cultural exchange, improve language skills, and provide international work experience. Applicants must be aged 18-30 and have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay. Participants can work in any sector, but the main focus of their stay should be to explore France and its culture.
Netherlands
The Dutch Working Holiday visa is a program that allows young people from participating countries to live and work in the Netherlands for up to one year. The program is aimed at promoting cultural exchange and providing international work experience. Participants can work in any sector, but the main purpose of their stay should be to explore the country and its culture.
Applicants must be aged 18-30 and have enough funds to support themselves during their stay. They must also have health insurance and a return travel ticket or sufficient funds to purchase one.
Norway
The Norwegian Working Holiday visa allows young people from participating countries to live and work in Norway for up to one year. The program is designed to promote cultural exchange, provide international work experience, and allow participants to explore Norway and its culture. Applicants must be aged 18-30 and have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay. They can work in any sector, but the primary purpose of their visit should be to experience Norwegian culture and lifestyle.
Denmark
The Danish Working Holiday visa allows young people from participating countries to live and work in Denmark for up to one year. The program promotes cultural exchange, provides international work experience, and encourages participants to learn about Danish culture and language. Applicants must be aged 18-30 and have enough funds to support themselves during their stay. They can work in any sector, but the main focus of their stay should be to explore Denmark and its culture.
Sweden
The Swedish Working Holiday visa enables young people from participating countries to live and work in Sweden for up to one year. The program aims to promote cultural exchange, provide international work experience, and allow participants to learn about Swedish culture and language. Applicants must be aged 18-30 and have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay. They can work in any sector, but the primary purpose of their visit should be to experience Swedish culture and lifestyle.
Finland
The Finnish Working Holiday visa allows young people from participating countries to live and work in Finland for up to one year. The program is designed to promote cultural exchange, provide international work experience, and enable participants to explore Finland and its culture. Applicants must be aged 18-30 and have enough funds to support themselves during their stay. They can work in any sector, but the main focus of their stay should be to experience Finnish culture and lifestyle.
Iceland
The Icelandic Working Holiday visa enables young people from participating countries to live and work in Iceland for up to one year. The program aims to promote cultural exchange, provide international work experience, and allow participants to learn about Icelandic culture and language. Applicants must be aged 18-30 and have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay. They can work in any sector, but the primary purpose of their visit should be to experience Icelandic culture and lifestyle.
Italy
Work and travel in Italy offers a unique experience compared to other countries. The country is rich in history and culture, offering endless opportunities to explore and learn. From the ancient ruins of Rome to the beautiful Tuscan countryside, Italy’s diverse landscape offers something for everyone.
Facts and figures
- Australia is one of the top destinations for Work and Travel programs.
- Canada offers a variety of Work and Travel options, with positions in various industries.
- New Zealand's Work and Travel program is well-known for its outdoor work opportunities.
- Germany is a popular destination for Work and Travel due to its strong economy and cultural experiences.
- Japan's Work and Travel program attracts many international students looking to learn about the country's rich heritage.
- Brazil's Work and Travel program provides a unique opportunity to explore South America while working.
- Denmark's Work and Travel program offers positions primarily in agriculture and hospitality industries.
Countries offering Work and Travel in the Asia-Pacific region
Australia
The Australian Working Holiday visa (subclass 417 & 462) allows young people from participating countries to live and work in Australia for up to one year, with the possibility to extend their stay by completing specified work in regional areas. The program is designed to promote cultural exchange and provide international work experience while enabling participants to travel and explore Australia.
Applicants must be aged 18-30 (or 18-35 for Canadians, French, and Irish citizens) and have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay. They can work in any sector, but the primary purpose of their visit should be to travel and experience Australian culture.
New Zealand
The New Zealand Working Holiday visa allows young people from participating countries to live and work in New Zealand for up to one year, with the possibility to extend their stay in some cases. The program promotes cultural exchange, provides international work experience, and enables participants to explore New Zealand and its culture. Applicants must be aged 18-30 (or 18-35 for some countries) and have enough funds to support themselves during their stay.
Japan
Japan offers a unique Work and Travel experience that combines ancient traditions with modern living. With a minimum wage of $7.84 per hour and an average monthly cost of living around $2,100, Japan provides a balance of earnings and expenses. The program is open to young people aged 18-30 and aims to promote cultural exchange and international work experience. Participants can explore Japan’s rich history, from its ancient temples to its bustling cities, while working in sectors like hospitality, retail, or education. The primary focus should be on cultural immersion, making it an ideal destination for those interested in Japanese culture and language.
Countries offering Work and Travel: Questions and answers
What is a work and travel program?
A work and travel program is an opportunity for young people to live and work in a foreign country for a temporary period, usually up to one year. These programs encourage cultural exchange, provide international work experience, and allow participants to explore a new country and its culture while improving their language skills.
Who can participate in work and travel programs?
Work and travel programs are generally aimed at young people aged 18-30 (with some exceptions), who hold a valid passport from a participating country. Eligibility criteria may vary depending on the specific program and the applicant’s nationality.
Do I need a visa for a work and travel program?
Yes, most work and travel programs require participants to obtain a specific visa or authorization from the host country. Visa requirements, application processes, and fees can vary depending on the program and the applicant’s nationality.
Can I choose any job during my work and travel program?
In most work and travel programs, participants can work in any sector, with some exceptions. However, the primary purpose of the program should be to explore the host country and its culture, rather than focusing solely on employment.
How long can I stay in the host country on a work and travel program?
The duration of work and travel programs varies by country, but most programs allow participants to stay for up to one year. Some programs may offer the possibility of extending the stay under specific conditions, such as completing a certain amount of work in designated areas.
What are the financial requirements for participating in a work and travel program?
Participants in work and travel programs must have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay in the host country. The exact amount required varies by program, but applicants may need to provide evidence of their financial resources during the visa application process.
Do I need health insurance for a work and travel program?
Yes, most work and travel programs require participants to have comprehensive health insurance for the duration of their stay. Applicants may need to provide proof of insurance coverage during the visa application process.
Can I study while participating in a work and travel program?
Some work and travel programs may allow participants to study part-time during their stay, but the main focus should be on cultural exchange and work experience. It is essential to check the specific program’s rules and regulations to determine if studying is allowed.
Can I bring my spouse or dependents on a work and travel program?
Most work and travel programs are designed for individual participants and do not allow for accompanying spouses or dependents. However, some countries may offer specific visas or permits for family members, which would need to be applied for separately.
How can I find a job during my work and travel program?
Participants can search for job opportunities through various channels, such as local job boards, online platforms, or networking with other travelers. Some work and travel programs may also offer job placement assistance or provide resources to help participants find suitable employment.
Work and Travel Aptitude Test
In order to determine your suitability for a Work and Travel program, please answer the following aptitude questions honestly.
