How do I plan a gap year in Canada?

I'm considering taking a teaching gap year in Canada before starting college. Does anyone know the steps or resources for planning this? I'm curious about work options, visas, and enhancing my skills during the year.

Taking a teaching gap year in Canada is a great opportunity for personal and professional development. Here are some steps to assist you with the planning:

1. Identify a Program or Job: Firstly, you'll need to find a teaching job or a program that facilitates teaching jobs. There are several resources available, such as Teach Away, which offers teaching vacancies across various provinces in Canada. Another route is ESL teaching opportunities, such as those offered by the Language School of Canada.

2. Understand the Visa Requirements: Once you have a job or program in mind, you'll need to acquire a visa. If you're not a Canadian citizen, you'll likely need to apply for a work permit. The most common for gap year students is the International Experience Canada (IEC) visa, which is available to individuals from a variety of countries. It allows you to work in Canada for up to two years. From my understanding, you will need to have a job offer in place before applying for a work permit or visa.

3. Budgeting: Another crucial part of planning your gap year is to consider your budget. Remember to budget for travel expenses, accommodation, food, and any leisure activities. Depending on your program, some of these costs may be covered.

4. Develop Your Skills: A gap year is a chance not just to work, but also to grow your skills. You might want to take an online course or earn a TEFL certification if you're planning to teach English. Your exact path will depend on your interests and the nature of your job or program, but remember that this year is an opportunity for learning, growing, and gaining experience to enhance your skills.

5. Plan for Your Return: Lastly, don't forget to plan for what you'll do when your gap year ends. If you're planning to apply to colleges for the following year, remember to consider application deadlines and ensure that you're still eligible for any scholarships or financial aid.

Remember, this is a significant step and requires thorough research and thoughtful preparation. It's recommended to start planning your gap year at least a year in advance to have enough time to sort out all the necessary details. I hope this gives you a good place to start and best of luck with your gap year planning!