Work & Study

The Work & Study Program is the ultimate way to work and improve your English skills in paid positions in major cities or resort towns across Canada.

All students applying for this program will have to take part in the Business English for Hospitality and Retail Industry at one of the International House schools on a 50-50 basis with their paid internship program. Taking part in this program will qualify you for obtaining a C-30 Visa.

Positions are offered in hotels, resorts and a variety of retail stores and restaurants in cities or other popular tourist destinations across Canada.

Although the positions offered are paid, they are not industry specific and of the same calibre of positions offered in the Professional Internship Program. Again, the quality and level of your placement is heavily dependant on your language skills and past work experience.

BERI

The Business English for the Hospitality and Retail Industry (or BERI) is specifically designed to help speakers of other languages gain a working command of the English language, quickly and efficiently. The program emphasizes on getting students ready to serve in the retail and hospitality industries using English. The material prepared and taught everyday give students the tools they need to help prepare for their placement. The program is divided into two segments; an in-class component, which makes up 50% of the program and a hands-on portion which consists of a paid internship within one of our many partner local businesses, whether be it one of our retail partners or one of the many beautiful resorts and hotels in the Rockies or Whistler.

The Work and Study Program is offered in three variations to suit various travel plans and schedules: Straight, Sandwich or Integrated. Please click on the link below to see what best fits your plans.

Work Study Schedule

Students are required to attend evening classes at International House (15 hours per week) throughout the Integrated work placement.

Program Requirements

Be 18 to 30 years of age
Study 4 to 24 weeks at one of the schools
Be willing to work in entry positions
Be motivated to learn and work hard

Open Working Holiday Visas

Working holiday visas are issued to nationals of a handful of countries on an exchange basis. Some of these countries include: Japan, Germany, Netherlands, France, Sweden, Italy, South Korea, Norway, Czech Republic and Latvia. There are age restrictions on these visas and they are issued only once in your life.

Student Work Abroad Visas (SWAP)

This visa is restricted to students and numbers are limited. You will have to enrol with a SWAP representative in your region if nationals of your country are eligible. Please check www.swap.ca for more details on this program.

C-30 Visas

This is for programs that include both study as well as a work component. You will need both a student and working authorization. All of our programs using C-30 visas are a minimum of 32 weeks in duration and combine 50% study combined with 50% internship/work.

The Young Workers Exchange Visa

Only open to specific countries. You must have a placement secured before you apply for the visa and you cannot change your employer. Some of the countries include: Germany, Netherlands, Finland, Switzerland, France and Austria.

Visitor Visa

Only for programs with no work/internship or other practical component. You may need to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) unless you are permitted to stay in Canada for up to 6 months with a stamp in your passport upon arrival at the Canadian border.

Study Permit

Nationals of some counties need to apply to study in Canada regardless of duration. Many nationals can study in Canada for a six month period without a study permit. You will need a study permit along with a work permit to take part in any work & study programs that lasts more than 6 months.