Taking a gap year in between finishing one's studies and entering the work world has become a traditional rite of passage in countries like England. Here in Canada, I think people are less inclined to consider a year abroad as one of life's necessities.

Perhaps trying to figure out how to finance 52 weeks of travelling is just too big of a hurdle?

In today's segment, Vancouver native Kristen Greenwood explained how she has been able to pick up casual work around New Zealand. Choosing to travel in a country that offers opportunities to work within its borders can mean the difference between a short vacation and a truly enriching and lengthy travel experience.

If her story inspired you, here are five more reasons to consider New Zealand for your next working holiday:

  • 1) New Zealand's "Canada Working Holiday Scheme" offers unlimited places annually to Canadians between 18 and 35 citizens for a stay of 12 months.
  • 2) It's a topsy-turvy world. For those using income from summer jobs to get them started on their trip, you get to experience Spring and Summer all over again! Being in the Southern Hemisphere means the seasons are reversed.
  • 3) Industries which require seasonal workers, such as agriculture and tourism, are thriving in New Zealand so there are temporary jobs to be had.
  • 4) New Zealand offers an incredible variety of destinations where you can take up temporary residence from Auckland to tropical Bay of Islands to the world-wide adventure capital of Queenstown. But each of them is familiar enough that it is easy to, as Kristen said, "slide right in to the culture and feel like you fit in."
  • 5) New Zealand is easy to get around, so when you are not working the infrastructure is there to ensure that your first priority of seeing the sights is met. There is so much to see! Don't miss my favourites….. Rotorua, Wellington and the Marlborough region.

If you want to consider working and travelling elsewhere, Canada has negotiated agreements with several countries, including the United Kingdom, Italy and South Korea, and has partnered with various organizations to allow Canadians to easily obtain a temporary work permit abroad. Check out the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade website for more information www.international.gc.ca.

If you want further advice and guidance, consider an agency that specializes in assisting young people find employment abroad. The largest and most popular international youth exchange program in Canada is SWAP. It is administered by Travel CUTS/Voyages Campus. Check out www.gapyearabroad.ca for more information.

Loren Christie appears regularly on Canada AM. If you have a travel question, email us at traveltips@ctv.ca.