Who said that only students can do exchange programs? And often, at this stage of life, we still don’t have enough financial conditions to pay for such a high investment, right?
And there is nothing better than taking advantage of a phase in life when your economic situation is already stable and you are mature enough to embark on this journey. Therefore, if you are thinking about which would be the best exchange destination for you, continue reading this post! In it, we will point out some options for those who intend to make this type of trip. Check out:
What is the best destination for exchange?
There are many possibilities of destinations to do an exchange. First, you need to consider what your purpose is with the trip. Tourism? Learn or improve a language? Get in touch with other cultures? To work? So, first of all, define what your focus will be.
When you finish this step, that is, you already know what your intention is for the trip, it’s time to choose where you’re going. To help you with this mission, we’ve listed 3 countries below, Ireland, Canada and Australia, and we’ve brought you some tips to help you choose the most suitable destination for what you need!
Ireland
One of the favorite destinations for exchange students is Ireland — and there are many reasons why the country is on this list.
Spending
The first point to highlight is the financial factor. Unlike other places, the costs will be relatively lower, either in relation to a language course or even to stay in the country.
Generally, it is your choices that will define whether your trip is economical or not. That way, know where you are going to eat, how much you want to spend on shopping and even which means of transport to use — because the expense of a subway will be very different from a taxi, right?
Visa
Another very interesting point for those who want to travel outside the country is the visa. Keep in mind that this bureaucracy is much simpler for those who choose Ireland as their destination.
If your intention is to take an English course, for example, the most suitable visa is the Stamp 2. Through it, you can take a course lasting 6 months and you will be entitled to 2 months of vacation. In addition, it is possible to work part-time with it, which helps a lot for those who want to save some money.
If you are interested in extending your stay in the country, it is possible to file a renewal request, requiring you to enroll in a course again.
Possibility to travel around Europe
Want another benefit of your trip to Ireland? How about the possibility and ease of traveling around Europe? with a good planning and saving a little money — know that it is usually cheaper to travel between countries than between states.
By the way, it is very important to have a Travel insurance, not only to make sure you are protected in any kind of unforeseen situation, but mainly because of the Schengen Treaty, as it is not mandatory to present your passport at the borders of countries that are part of the European Union.
welcoming people
A very common concern of those traveling abroad, even more so for a longer period, as happens during an exchange program, is not feeling welcomed by people. About that, don’t worry.
In Ireland, the people are welcoming and very receptive. Have no doubt that you will soon be feeling at home.
A warning point, however, is the Irish accent. Despite being very similar to British English, which is already a bit complicated, the English spoken in Ireland has its own aspects and even vocabulary. So it may take some time to get used to it.
Canada
Usually, the focus of many people is traveling to the United States. But what if we tell you that Canada, which is glued to Uncle Sam’s country, also has many charms?
Possibility to study two languages
Did you know that English and French are the country’s official languages? In most of it people speak English and in Quebec French.
Studying English in Canada, by the way, is highly recommended. The pronunciation is usually quite uniform and without a heavy accent, which makes learning a lot easier. In relation to French, as it is a much more economical country than France, the advantage is having an experience with natives without having to disburse a small fortune.
Safety
Canada is one of the safest countries in the world, ranking seventh in a survey conducted by the NGO Vision of Humanity.
Diversity of experiences
One of the great advantages of Canada is having access to different cultures and having a diversity of experiences. There are so many people who choose it as an exchange destination, that it has even influenced the culture of the country. That is, in just one place, you will have contact with different nationalities.
Also, Canadians are nice people and very welcoming. It will be hard not to feel welcome among such warm people.
costs
We have already mentioned at some points that the costs are much smaller compared to other countries, which is really tempting. A negative point, however, and that can weigh on your pocket, is the plane ticket price, which is usually more expensive.
Australia
Travelers to Australia soon discover that the country has much more to offer than just kangaroos and bustling wildlife.
Nice weather
The climate in Australia is similar. There, depending on your destination, it will be possible to enjoy beautiful days at the beach. In addition, even during the winter the climate is quite pleasant.
impressive landscapes
You should set aside a few days from your exchange to travel and explore the country. It has impressive landscapes that are capable of taking your breath away, as you have certainly never seen anything like it. Our tip is a trip to Lake Hillier, one of the most beautiful natural sights.
practice extreme sports
Another striking feature of Australia is the practice of radical sports If you have an adventurous spirit, this is the destination for you. You will be able to do mountaineering, abseiling, bungee jumping and even skiing!
permitted work
Despite being a somewhat salty destination for your pocket, the positive point is that the student visa allows you to work for 20 hours a week. In other words, not only will you be able to pay the costs, but maybe even save some money.
We hope that by checking this post it has helped you to choose the best exchange destination. Think carefully, raise the pros and cons of each location and choose the one that is most suitable for what you want! That way, we are sure that your trip will be unforgettable!