Work Travel Experience Abroad

Want to work abroad but have no idea where to begin?
You came to the right place!

International Rural Exchange Canada (IREC) is a non‑profit organization enabling young Canadians to take part in international work experiences.

We’re here to support you—not sell to you—by guiding you through visas, employment, and accommodations, and by staying connected before, during, and after your time abroad.

Learn more about us!

  • New Zealand
  • Germany
  • Japan
  • France
  • Switzerland
  • United Kingdom
  • Iceland
  • Australia
  • Netherlands
  • Sweden
  • Austria
  • Ireland
  • Denmark
  • Norway

Destinations

Explore working holiday opportunities abroad in countries such as Australia, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, and across Europe, with full support for your work abroad journey.

Discover where you can go.

Australia

Australia

Agriculture, Horticulture, Hospitality, Other Jobs, Viticulture
From the iconic beaches of Sydney to the vast Outback, Australia is the perfect destination to work, explore, and experience life Down Under! Whether you're…
Austria

Austria

Horticulture, Viticulture
Nestled in the heart of Europe, Austria is a country where history, art, music, and breathtaking landscapes come together to create a truly unique cultural…
Denmark

Denmark

Horticulture
This is a “learn by doing” work program, with modern farming techniques, helping you become an independent farmer in the future. Denmark is beautiful and…
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Finland

Agriculture
If you love the great outdoors, Finland is the perfect place for you! With its endless forests, thousands of lakes, and the magical Northern Lights,…
France

France

Agriculture, Viticulture
Vineyards, vegetable and fruit production, beef or pig farms, poultry, crop farms, dairy and cheese making, and the equine sector, the job opportunities in France…
Germany

Germany

Agriculture, Horticulture, Hospitality
Join Germany’s progressive farming community and gain hands-on experience in agriculture, horticulture, and viticulture. Germany offers on-the-job training and specialist programs in green professions. Plus,…
Iceland

Iceland

Agriculture, Horticulture, Hospitality
Iceland is unlike anywhere else—home to volcanoes, geysers, glaciers, and hot springs. Experience its Viking history, visit Reykjavik (which runs on geothermal energy!), and work…
Ireland

Ireland

Agriculture, Horticulture
If you love horses, Ireland is the place to be! Known for its world-famous equine industry, Ireland also has 137,500 family farms producing food for…
Japan

Japan

Agriculture, Horticulture, Hospitality, Viticulture
Fascinated by Japanese culture? This program offers the perfect mix of learning farming techniques while immersing yourself in the traditions of Japan. Experience the blend…
New Zealand

New Zealand

Agriculture, Other Jobs
Get ready for rolling green hills, chill locals, and more sheep than people! Working in New Zealand is the perfect mix of adventure and earning…
Norway

Norway

Agriculture
From stunning fjords to bustling cities, Norway offers an incredible mix of nature and modern charm. Whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights, exploring picturesque villages,…
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Scotland

Agriculture
Beneath the misty highlands and rolling green glens of Scotland, a quiet revolution in agriculture is unfolding. From the rugged coasts of Aberdeenshire to the…
South Korea

South Korea

Hospitality
A dynamic mix of ancient traditions and cutting-edge technology, South Korea is an exciting place to live and work. Experience the country’s vibrant agriculture scene,…
Sweden

Sweden

Agriculture, Horticulture
Sweden is all about tradition—think Kanelbullens Dag (Cinnamon Bun Day) and Vaffeldagen (Waffle Day)! Depending on your preference, you can work on a small family…
Switzerland

Switzerland

Agriculture, Horticulture
Switzerland isn’t just about world-class chocolate and watches—it’s also home to stunning alpine scenery and some of the best cheese in the world. With seamless…
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Taiwan

Other Jobs
Earn money while exploring a place full of energy and culture. Enjoy safe cities, friendly locals, and some of the best food in the world…
United Kingdom

United Kingdom

Agriculture, Hospitality, Other Jobs
From the bustling streets of London to the rolling green countryside, the United Kingdom offers an incredible mix of history, culture, and exciting job opportunities.…
United States

United States

Agriculture
Get real-world experience with a qualified employer in the U.S. while immersing yourself in American culture. Most placements are in the Midwest and on the…

Job Sectors

Choose from agriculture, horticulture, hospitality, or viticulture, and gain hands-on experience while immersing yourself in new cultures.

Find your field of interest.

SOLO (8)
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Solo Travel

Exploring the world on your own opens up new experiences and unforgettable memories. With the right support, you can travel confidently, meet new people, and…
Agriculture
A-Way to Work Agriculture – Yellow- Bagde

Agriculture

If you have practical experience in the field or are pursuing your education in agriculture, this program is perfect for you!
Horticulture
A-Way to Work Horticulture – Dark Green – Bagde

Horticulture

Do you have hands-on experience or studying horticulture? This program is the one for you! Dig in and make the most of this awesome opportunity!
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A-Way to Work Hospitality – Blue – Badge

Hospitality

Are you ready to put your customer service skills to the ultimate test? If you’re a hospitality, tourism, or culinary student—or have practical experience—it’s time…
Viticulture
A-Way to Work Viticulture – Purple BAGDEcopy

Viticulture

Explore international jobs for Canadians at vineyards and wineries in countries with dynamic wine production. Industry leaders offer an inside look into their long-standing heritage…
Other Sectors
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Other Jobs

The A-Way To Work program opens doors to a broad array of career opportunities worldwide. Contact us for more information.

Real Stories, Real Impact

Traveling the world might be easier than I thought! Read full testimonial! “Ashton, Japan 2025”

Ashton
Outbound Participant, Japan (2025)
On Personal Growth

The way they raise cattle over here is different from back home, especially the amount of land they use to do it. It has been a great learning experience seeing the techniques, methods and technologies my host uses in his operation. Read full testimonial! “Brandon, Australia (2022)”

Brandon
Outbound Participant, Australia (2022)
On Global Perspectives

Everything has been great. My hosts are kind people to work for! Even in the busy and stressful times my boss remains patient and easygoing. Read full testimonial! “Katie, New Zealand (2020)”

Katie
Outbound Participant, New Zealand (2020)
On Personal Growth

As my time in New Zealand comes to an end I’m so grateful for all the people I’ve met, places I’ve travelled and memories I’ve made! What an incredible experience! Read full testimonial! “Josie, New Zealand (2023)”

Josie
Outbound Participant, New Zealand (2023)
On Personal Growth

Going through International Rural Exchange Canada is a great way to experience the world. Not only did I get to experience agriculture on the other side of the world, but I also had time to travel on my own and with friends! Read full testimonial! “Brantley, Australia (2019)”

Brantley
Outbound Participant, Australia (2019)
On Global Perspectives

I really enjoyed my international experience, and I hope the things I learned about agriculture, and myself, I can apply to what I do in future endeavours. Read full testimonial! “Stephen, Netherlands (2019)”

Stephen
Outbound Participant, Netherlands (2019)
On Future Opportunities

My time in Aachen, Germany has been very engaging, my hosts are super generous and supportive. Read full testimonial! “Kory, Germany (2025)”

Kory
Outbound Participant, Germany (2025)
On Personal Growth

I enjoyed learning new skills in the hospitality industry which I think gave me a new perspective for dealing with the public. I also think living away from my family and friends helped me to realize how much I can do on my own. Read full testimonial! “Amy, United Kingdom 2023”

Amy
Outbound Participant, United Kingdom (2023)
On Personal Growth

My hosts are truly generous and wonderful people. I’m feeling very welcomed and cared for. Read full testimonial! “Liam, Japan (2024)”

Liam
Outbound Participant, Japan (2024)
On Personal Growth

About International Rural Exchange Canada

We have enabled thousands of life-changing work and travel experiences since 1985. We are a recognized organization of the Government of Canada and can help young people access work permits through the International Experience Canada program (IEC).

We acknowledge with respect that our office is on Treaty 2 territory, the traditional land of the Dakota, Anishanabek, Oji-Cree, Cree, Dene and Metis people.

We are a treaty people.