SWAPPER Testimonials

"I wanted to travel and I desperately wanted to go to Ireland...but I also wanted the comfort of knowing there was a support system in place to help me out if I needed it. SWAP was perfect for this! The orientation with SWAP was fantastic. Not only did it help me work through all of the red tape to be able to work in Ireland, but I met a tonne of other people living and traveling abroad. We wound up with a giant group of North Americans who traveled around Ireland together; working, living and experiencing the Irish culture and community, on top of meeting new Irish friends! "
Jessica Burnie, SWAP Ireland

"When I first arrived, I got a job with a temping agency for 2 weeks. I worked there while I searched for a more permanent position and while I figured out where in Ireland I wanted to live. I ended up finding a job with Engineers Ireland, and worked there promoting engineering to children for 5 months.  At Engineers Ireland, I was able to make a contact at a biomedical engineering company in Cork, which is where I am working now…in my field!"
Erin Woods, SWAP Ireland

"As a high school English teacher, I wanted to gain international experience that would enrich my work in the multicultural Canadian classroom.  Working in an EFL (English as a Foreign Language) classroom in Dublin, I met students from all over the world and developed an understanding of many different cultures and how students acquire language communication skills."
Julie Grezko, SWAP Ireland

“SWAP saved me the hassle of obtaining the work visa and the staff were able to offer priceless advice on working abroad such as what to expect and how to succeed.”
- Vanessa Mitchener, SWAP Ireland

“SWAP made planning my trip easy, from booking my flight to applying for the work visa – everything was laid out. Plus it offered help when I was overseas if I needed or wanted it. If I wanted to do things on my own the that was no problem but if I ever needed help SWAP was there!”
- Mary R Reid, SWAP Ireland

“Don't settle down straight away, make sure you travel first and get a feel for what part of the country you like best. I settled right away in Dublin, but now I wish I'd travelled around Ireland first because there are some other parts I'd much rather live in. Talk to everyone and anyone! Hostels are a great way to make friends when you first arrive, so don't be shy!”
- Amy Anastasopoulos, SWAP Ireland

''Within minutes of arriving in Ireland, I knew I had made the right destination choice. I had been planning the trip for a number of years, but it would not have been possible without SWAP. I've been able to work and truely get a feel of what Ireland is like. If it wasn't for SWAP, I would have been limited to the role of tourist.''
- Dan Giesbrecht, SWAP Ireland

“I had just graduated school and I was looking for an adventure! SWAP seemed like the perfect opportunity to really get out and experience Europe!”
- Meghan Scott, SWAP Ireland

“SWAP is a great resource from someone wanting to live and work abroad – they provide valuable information, assistance where needed and are a means for meeting like minded travelers!”
- Tracy Matthews, SWAP Ireland

“Book yourself into a hostel for your first week. You'll meet people and it will relieve some of the stress of finding a place. Many hostels will give you a weekly rate if you ask and it's often cheaper than paying weekly rent in Dublin city centre. Make sure there are secure lockers for your things.”
- Kelly Boutilier, SWAP Ireland

“Pub Crawl down Temple Bar, Dublin. You have to try the Guinness. Get out of the city and find a tiny town in the middle of nowhere. Then walk into the local pub with your backpack on and say you’re from Canada. You will have friends and connections for life at the end of the night.”
- Matt Smith, SWAP Ireland