Hello,
I am a 20 year old girl from Canada and want to spend a year working and travelling in Europe. Most countries have Youth Mobility agreements, where people 18-30 get a work permit for a year in the chosen country. The problem is, I don't know what country to base myself out of, there are too many choices! I was previously in Spain two years ago and fell in love with the country, though this is the only country I have seen so I would like to keep my mind open to other countries. I speak English, as well as some French, Spanish and German; I don't really know if my job prospects would be better in one country as opposed to another. As of now, I was thinking about these countries:
Germany
Austria
France
Spain
Netherlands
UK
I was thinking about finding work in tourism/hospitality, as that is what I have previous experience in. Could anybody recommend one country (or even city) over the other, in terms of where my job prospects would be best, where I could meet other young people, etc. I know that one country is not better than the other and they each have something different to offer, but any advice is greatly appreciated :)
Posted by
8176 posts
You didn't mention Italy, my favorite European country. The others are great, we love Britain.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA ☔️
6788 posts
Most countries have Youth Mobility agreements, where people 18-30 get a work permit for a year in the chosen country
I would start by validating your assumption, and looking very carefully into details (and where this is/isn't available). Be really sure about that before you start making any plans.
As you're probably aware, in recent years, issues around immigration, foreign workers, and related questions have become highly contentious across Europe (and elsewhere). This is a highly-charged, very politicized debate in many countries - governments are rising and falling on related issues, so it's a big thing - and I would not be surprised if laws have been changing, so best to start out with solid, up-to-date info.
Good luck.
Posted by
Calgary
2297 posts
David,
the youth mobility agreements are mostly bilateral agreements. Canada has quite a few in place and they haven't changed that much lately. The US, on the other hand, has never made many such agreements available for young people from other countries, thus young US citizens don't have many choices either for work and travel abroad.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
Let's suppose that the UK will be the easiest option, with close ties to Canada and no language barrier. From there, you can and would take budget flights any time you want to visit another country. London probably has the most nonstop budget flight options around Europe, quite a few more than Spanish cities, for instance. If you were prepared to really immerse yourself within your country of residence, a good transport hub would still be helpful, though it could be for train rather than air travel.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA ☔️
6788 posts
@Beatrix - I understand. Just saying, some things are changing given the currently political environment. As suggested above, I would naturally expect that Canada-UK would be amongst the easier/stronger connections, but even there, I'd just suggest confirming that things are all good with the program, and I'd keep checking, as plans were made. Hopefully it works out and the OP has a great experience.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23604 posts
If a US citizen it would be a non-starter from the beginning. As a Canadian and a member of the Commonwealth it will a whole different situation. There has to be a government office for this and that is where I would start.