What is an IEC Recognized Organization?

Angela Voortman
2024-11-15T12:24:48-05:00

IEC partners with Recognized Organizations (ROs) to facilitate the working holiday experience. ROs are designated by the Government of Canada and play a crucial role in the program. They act as intermediaries between participants and employers, ensuring that all parties meet the program requirements and guidelines.
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Are you ready to embark on an exciting international adventure? International Experience Canada (IEC) offers a range of opportunities for young individuals to work and travel abroad. But did you know that IEC works with various partners to make these experiences possible? In this blog post, we will explore the different partners of International Experiences Canada and how they contribute to creating unforgettable experiences for Canadian and international youth.

What is International Experience Canada?

International Experience Canada (IEC) is a Government of Canada program that offers Canadian and foreign national youth (ages 18 to 35) the opportunity to work and travel in each other's countries. The program started in 1956 with France as a partner, and today works with more than 35 partner countries and territories across Europe, Asia, Oceania and the Americas.

Under the reciprocal program, Canadian and foreign national youth can work and travel through either an open work permit (working holiday category) or an employer-specific work permit (international co-op and young professionals categories). Although IEC facilitates the movement of both Canadian and foreign national youth, the program is currently looking to increase the number of Canadians who participate.

To accomplish this, IEC promotes the benefits of the program to Canadian youth and uses direct and indirect partnerships, like Recognized Organizations (ROs), to increase Canadian youth participation.

Recognized Organizations

Through IEC, Canada has negotiated temporary immigration pathways with more than 35 countries and territories that allow Canadian youth (between the ages of 18-35) to work while they travel in a partner country or territory. The same opportunity is provided to young citizens from partner countries and territories (and sometimes other countries) to come to Canada.

This initiative originated over 60 years ago as a cultural exchange program for youth. With IEC's current mandate, the Government of Canada remains committed to fostering cultural, economic and social exchanges between youth through work and travel opportunities.

The Government of Canada works with key stakeholders like SWAP in Canada and abroad to raise awareness of the program, to promote the benefits of the international experience, and to equip Canadian and foreign national youth with information and services to help them achieve international work and travel experiences through IEC.

SWAP Working Holidays: A Highlighted Partner and Recognized Organization

SWAP is a designated Recognized Organization of the Government of Canada's International Experience Canada (IEC) program. IEC gives Canadians the opportunity to broaden their perspective of the world and Canada's place in it through international work and travel experience.

Conclusion

International Experience Canada works hand in hand with various partners to provide incredible opportunities for young individuals to work and travel abroad. Whether it's through collaborations with organizations like SWAP Working Holidays or other Recognized Organizations, IEC strives to create enriching experiences that foster personal and professional growth.

If you're ready to embark on an international adventure, consider exploring the opportunities offered by SWAP Working Holidays. It's time to broaden your horizons, gain valuable skills, and create memories that will last a lifetime!

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