More backpackers choose working holidays

Tuesday, 22 May 2012 11:29 AM

Are you planning a working holiday abroad, after you finish university? Well, it looks like you aren't alone - teach abroad organisation Love TEFL have reported a steep rise in the number of backpackers choosing to take their year out after university.

Working holidays, it appears, have become something of a 'trend' in the backpacker community, as more and more travellers choose to ditch the traditional post-A-level break.

LoveTEFL suggest that this may be down to increased university fees and the recession - which has made funding a year abroad a much more difficult task.

Check out our top five tips for working abroad.

In contrast, opting for a post-education working holiday can prove to be more economical - as well as offering travellers with an oppourtunity to build up skills and experience that could enhance their career prospects when they return to the UK.

Ian O’Sullivan, Recruitment Manager of LoveTEFL, commented: “Although most students would love to have the option to travel before university many are concerned about the costs involved and whether a traditional gap year is actually a viable option before embarking on their university studies.

“Many graduates feel a working post gap year abroad will be of more benefit to them than a traditional gap year – and as they struggle to find employment in the current climate they hope a gap year after university be that vital ingredient to make them stand out against other candidates when they return home looking for work."

Working holidays in Canada - what you need to know

There are many different working holiday options for your gap year and while many people from the UK decide to head to Australia or New Zealand, Canada could be a great option too. There are over 35,000 participants from all over the world who decide to work in Canada for a year and you could be one of them.