FAQ general information about SWAP

• What is a hosting centre?
• Is there a minimum amount of time that I need to stay overseas?
• Will I return to Canada with lots of money?
• When should I book my flight?
• Will I get a cheap flight?
• Am I allowed to register and travel with a friend?

What is a hosting centre? A hosting centre is where you will receive your overseas support. A SWAP office located abroad! It’s where your orientation session is held. Most hosting centres have resources to help you with your job hunt. Services will vary by destination but many centres offer phone, fax, internet and/or computer access. You should always contact the hosting centre for information or in the event of an emergency. Many offices also arrange social events like pub nights and day trips that make meeting other travellers easy.
^up

Is there a minimum amount of time that I need to stay overseas? There is no minimum length-of-stay required. You choose when you go and how long you’d like to stay abroad. That said, it's probably a good idea to plan a trip of at least 3 to 4 months in duration since few foreign employers will be interested in hiring you for less than this amount of time (unless you end up ‘temping’). Though you may have an idea as to how long you want to travel, plans often change once you are abroad. You’ll meet other travellers and want the flexibility to change plans as they come along.
^up

Will I return to Canada with lots of money? You should earn enough money to cover your expenses while working abroad. However, any money saved usually goes to further travels, which is the point of your experience overseas! In the long run, saving money is usually a case of luck and personal discipline. How you manage your savings is your call but we recommend you don’t count on covering expenses back in Canada with the money you earn overseas.
^up

When should I book my flight? You should book your flight as soon as you have an idea of when you’d like to travel, but definitely at the time you hand in your visa forms. The sooner you book, the more likely you will have some choice and flexibility with your departure date and with the type of airline ticket you purchase. Remember most bookings can be changed. It's better to make a reservation and then change it rather than to try to book at a later date and not find a seat.
^up

Will I get a cheap flight? As a SWAP participant, you have full access to the knowledge and ability of your Travel CUTS/Voyages Campus counsellor who, in turn, has access to thousands of possible fares. The travel counsellor will, if you insist, book you on the lowest possible fare. This would mean that there is absolutely no flexibility on that ticket (and you can’t make any changes, even for a fee) and would have to buy a whole new ticket.

You want flexibility because you’re not going on a three-week holiday. Rather, you are going to work in another country where you have no idea at this stage if you will love or hate the place. Who knows what could come up that might make you want to travel longer? SWAP does require that all participants book their travel through Travel CUTS shops. This allows us a greater capacity to assist you in the event of unforeseen circumstances. Discuss the situation with your counsellor; they’re always there to assist you.
^up

Am I allowed to register and travel with a friend? Of course! We notify our overseas partners to advise that friends are travelling together. If you have chosen a program that includes accommodation, SWAP will also try to book friends in the same dorm room. Please note that during peak seasons this is sometimes not possible.
^up