The benefits of a gap work year abroad
The year was 1974. I was about to graduate and faced a dilemma. Armed with a BA, I received two employment offers and an acceptance to a master’s program. I was also invited to the first Canada-Mexico work exchange program for young adults.
What to choose? A wise mentor counselled me that the jobs and further studies would always be there, but the chance to work abroad would be a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. She was right!
Back then, applicants had to create their own work plan, a daunting challenge. Yet as a Spanish language major with a tourism background, the opportunity to spend a year in Mexico was ideal.
With the help of the Mexican coordinator, I arranged to spend six-months at the Mexican Department of Tourism, where I apprenticed alongside managers who were developing new tourist areas such as Cancun and Ixtapa. During the second half year, I worked at a prestigious hotel in Mexico City’s Zona Rosa, meeting movie stars and VIPs — and learned the ins and outs of running a hotel and how to deal with important people.
Mexico celebrates many national holidays, which means many long weekends that gave me a chance to set off on escapades around the country. I saw more of Mexico than most Mexicans do. I enjoyed an exciting, challenging and fun-filled year.
The gap year is more common in Europe. During that time, students or recent graduates take a break from their life paths to travel, usually to someplace far from home. For many young people, the period immediately following university is an ideal time for the sabbatical prior to work and family obligations.
Concordia Dean of Students Andrew Woodall points out some of the advantages of a gap year abroad. “There is no question that, whenever possible, students should seek out opportunities for work and volunteering in places other than where they live. That’s how we learn about tolerance and self-reliance, about others and, ultimately, about ourselves,” he says.
“Even if it’s only for a short period, this is absolutely an invaluable experience.”
Combining travel with work provides financial incentive and other long-term benefits. Working for a year in another country also allows travellers to better absorb and appreciate a new culture — something that can’t be done in a few days. Long-term visitors can also pick up the local language, explore the region and learn its history, geography, food and way of life.
“Gaining a work or study experience abroad is an exciting and self-rewarding endeavour, it enhances cultural awareness and improves communications skills” says William Cheaib, Concordia’s Associate Vice-President, International, and Chief of Staff. “For employers, a work abroad experience on a résumé shows that the candidate is confident, ambitious and an open-minded professional.”
Susanne Thorup, manager of Concordia’s Career and Placement Services, agrees: “A gap year is a wonderful opportunity to gain additional life skills.” She recommends a structured program such as ones that offer teaching or volunteering, which provide practical experience. “Employers in Canada are looking for globally minded candidates who can adapt easily, are flexible and are willing to take risks.”
There are dozens of such international programs, including Swap and Cultural Embrace. Some offer strictly volunteer work, some offer paid jobs and some both. The Canadian government has formal agreements with many countries to allow youth to work abroad temporarily. The government’s Services for Youth and International Experience Canada websites explain many of the options and provide links to several helpful other sites.
From my experience nearly four decades ago and what I’ve learned since, the year after graduation is a perfect moment to take time off and take advantage of the many international opportunities before returning to one’s life’s course.
Shelly Bayless Fabian, BA 74, is a volunteer for community organizations, a public relations professional and translator.
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