We are proud to be a trusted Recognized Organization by the Government of Canada under its program International Experience Canada (IEC).
A ‘Recognized Organization (RO)’ title is awarded to organizations that have passed a rigorous application, screening, and selection process by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), via International Experience Canada (IEC).
The eligibility criteria is based on the quality of work and travel programs provided, the volume and reciprocity ratio of Canadian to foreign international youth processed, and internal operations that work to continuously grow and improve the services being offered.
Our sister company, Stepabroad, gives young Canadians the opportunity to experience work and travel in destinations around the globe.
No two people are the same. We all have different interests, ambitions and needs – we want to know yours. Our programs are personalized to meet your needs – whether you’re looking for a professional internship at a top Canadian startup, work experience at a resort in the Canadian Rockies or to work and study in Vancouver.
Since 2010, we’ve been helping young participants from over 35 countries work and travel in Canada with guaranteed work experiences through our Internship, Working Holiday and Study and Work programs.
Our focus is to create the best possible experience to help you grow personally and professionally. We’ll be there every step of the way – from initial idea to planning, living and working in Canada, until you return home – to ensure you are safe and make the most out of your experience abroad.
France, Canada, Ireland.
When I land in a new country, I usually go straight to the local market, and check out the type of produce they have, pay attention to the way people communicate and what they eat. Then I usually proceed to the nearest food stall and order whatever people around me seem to be eating and enjoying. Best way to get an immediate shot of local culture!
Vancouver is a very multicultural city, so there are a lot of opportunities to try food from all over the world. If you are on a budget, I highly recommend New Town bakery in Chinatown for a taste of Hong Kong. Their steam buns at $3.50 a piece is a great bargain, and their coconut buns are to die for! One block away is Fortune Sound Club, a great venue with a lot of live music and events.
Years ago in Tofino, on a sunny hot summer day, a local fisherman was kind enough to take a few of my friends and I on his boat and drop us off on a local island a few km away for a couple of days of “remote camping”. After setting up camp, the sun was already setting, and a group of curious otters came to play nearby. I still vividly remember the tangerine orange sunset backdrop with the playful dark otter shadows. Breathtaking.
Spain, Germany, United Kingdom, Italy, United States, Canada.
It does not matter if English is not your first language, you will be surprised by how many conversations you can get started just because of your accent or English. Talk, talk and talk!
Canada is huge, so it can be overwhelming what are the places that you want to visit first. Make a destination list and organize your time in Canada to visit those places. My favourite place is Tofino during the summer, I’m always impressed by how beautiful it is!
When I travelled to the Canadian Rockies during the summer and saw that the blue turquoise lakes are actually that colour. I was always under the impression that they could not be that blue, but YES, they are that impressive blue. I still have the challenge of jumping into one, I have not been that brave yet!
France, England, Canada, and Spain.
Try to get to know the locals! They always have the inside scoop when it comes to knowing the best restaurants, bars, music scenes, activities and places to visit. Locals are locals for a reason, they either grew up in the area or have chosen to make it their home, make it yours too!
Explore! Canada is full of hidden gems and the only way you can discover them is by getting out there and exploring. It can be daunting at first to explore an area you are not familiar with but try to make some new friends and uncover some secrets together.
I absolutely love skiing and ever since I was a teenager, I had dreamt about doing a Working Holiday Ski Season at Whistler Blackcomb. In 2019 I began my 1st season there and on 6th March 2020, I successfully dropped into the notorious Air Jordan double cliff drop-off Peak chair, Whistler. What an experience, but not for the faint of heart!
Canada, India.
My top tip for all of those planning to move to Canada would be to explore all the different options and not limit yourself. Believe in yourself and keep your ambitions high. Set milestones for yourself to celebrate your small achievements.
Networking would definitely be one of them!! If you are attending school or working, it is always a great idea to put yourself out there. Talk to people, and get to know the culture to be more comfortable. There are multiple magazines for new immigrants to help them settle down in a new country.
Getting my first corporate job would be my top moment in Canada. Being an international student myself, I understand the struggles. After multiple failed interviews and applications, getting my first job in this industry was very fulfilling. Hence, I decided to stick to this profession where I can help people like me get some career help.
Indonesia, Canada, Austria.
The Meetup application is a great platform where you can meet people with similar interests. Also, if you’re a student, the University often has social events, so make sure you participate whenever you can, because that’s where you can meet new friends and build your social or professional networks as well!
If you’re new in Vancouver, don’t be afraid to make conversation with strangers. Making friends in Vancouver is not easy, but you’re not the only one, so struck a conversation with someone new and you’ll be surprise how many people are just in the exact same situation as you ☺
I’ve skydived in Victoria on Vancouver Island, discovered the most delicious ‘Raspberry Lychee Danish’ from Crust Bakery while there and taken the helijet from Victoria to Vancouver. Also, hiking to the peak of Cascade Mountain, the backdrop of Banff, and dipping into the third lake in Joffre Lakes.
UK, Bolivia, Spain, Portugal, Brazil, United States, Canada
Ask for help! Sometimes in tricky/unfamiliar situations, we start to panic. Take a deep breath and ask for help. Most things can be resolved and people generally are super willing to support you. Find the humour in your mistakes! I once accidentally booked a limo service instead of a taxi for myself! Accept the mistakes in style – to say the least. This is all a learning experience, so go easy on yourself!
Try the snacks, the sushi, the iced coffees, and the breweries. Costco poutine is certified as the best you can find in Vancouver! Go see a hockey game! Even if sports aren’t your thing – soaking up the atmosphere is exciting. Beware of cheeky raccoons!
Kayaking with sea lions in Cowichan Bay. Dipping my feet into a glacier river next to where I did my first camping trip as an adult. Soaking up the sun next to a lake or one of Vancouver’s outdoor pools. Seeing orcas on the way to Vancouver Island.
Canada, United States, & Japan.
Moving abroad is a big risk that can be full of challenges – but what is life without that? You will get so much reward out of making the leap through the memories you make, the people you meet, and the conversations you have with the people around you. It’s a fast-track way to completely shift your perspective and broaden your worldview into something incredibly expansive and rich.
No matter where in the world you’re from, you will find a second family here as long as you are open to and willing to enjoy both your own and others’ cultures and how these cultures make themselves at home in Canada. There is also so much natural beauty from lakes to snow mountains to forests you can explore here. Each day is something new, and you should always keep that magical spark with you!
Some of my favourite memories in Canada include dancing to country remixes (who knew that exists) at the Calgary Stampede, exploring the gorgeous mountains of Banff, seeing the Jays score a big win at Rogers Centre in Downtown Toronto and hiking up the most beautiful mountains of BC… more to come!
I have only ever worked within Canada, but I have travelled a lot for extended periods. Most recently, I was in Greece for three months.
Leaving the comforts of what you know can be overwhelming, but the experiences you gain are rewarding. The top tip I would have is, be flexible.
Get out there! There are tons to do and great people to meet. Be yourself, meet like-minded people, and explore. Don’t forget there is more to Canada than just Vancouver or Toronto.
Germany, Ireland, Canada.
In the beginning it is hard for everyone. No one feels comfortable in a new place with new people right away, so remember that you are not the only one feeling this way. There are always like minded people that are looking for similar things to you, you just have to look in the right places. For example, if you like music you should go to live concerts / music bars!
Vancouver is a very expensive city, so make sure you check the monthly rent before you come and plan to live here. There are cheaper options in Greater Vancouver like Surrey or Abbotsford, it really depends on your needs.
One of my favourite moments ever in Vancouver was skiing during sunset on Grouse Mountain. I looove skiing, but in Europe most places do not offer night skiing so I have never seen a sunset while skiing down a snowy mountain. Grouse probably has the best views of Vancouver and seeing the sunset over my favourite city, doing my favourite sport… just incredible!
Philippines, Vietnam & Australia
Starting a new life overseas requires leaving behind all the conveniences you are accustomed to in your own country. It could be difficult at first. You’ll be shocked, though, at how enriching it is for oneself and one’s soul.
Additionally, now is the time to…
Have fun! Be spontaneous! It’s entirely fine if there are times when things don’t go as planned. It is what adds interest to your story abroad.
Philippines, USA
Moving out of your comfort zone is always scary at first but fun and exciting for the rest of the parts. There might be some inconveniences, but those moments carry the best experiences.
Explore the little things around, sit in a quaint café, start small talks with the locals, visit vintage shops, and drop by art galleries and bookstores. By doing most of these you’ll get the feel of the place and make it your home. Also, don’t skip the local markets.
Visiting art galleries, especially if it showcases local artists. Spending time in local cafés and trying out local produce and delicacies are always on my list.
Canada, France.
Sniff out the food scene.
Meeting sea dogs for the first time!
Our current mandate is to allow more Canadian youth to embark on work experiences abroad in order to create a 1:1 reciprocity ratio with foreign national youth coming to Canada.
We want to be able to provide both Canadian and foreign youth with the same amount of opportunities to travel to a new country and to gain work experience. Through these experiences, we aim to see youth immerse themselves in a new culture and eventually grow into mature and well-developed citizens who will be active and engaged members of their respective communities.
We see a future where we can empower Canadian and foreign national youth, regardless of their socioeconomic status, to work and travel anywhere on the globe cost-effectively.
We enable youth to immerse themselves in a new culture and eventually grow into mature and well-developed citizens who will be active and engaged members of their respective communities.
Our aim is to help you grow personally and professionally. Living and working abroad will make you more culturally aware and understanding, as well as giving you the necessary skills to boost your global career.
In each of our locations, our on-site coordinators and partners will go the extra mile to support you throughout your work experience. We are proud to see our values reflected in our reviews online.
Our programs are built with affordability in mind; we want to enable all youth, no matter their economical background, to enrich their careers thanks to our travel and work experiences in Canada.
Want to know more about Stepwest? Get in touch with our team to learn more about how you can study, work and travel in Canada with Stepwest.
Let’s start planning your trip of a lifetime in Canada!