FAQ
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All Programs
What is a Working Holiday Visa?
Working Holiday Visas are a part of the International Experience Canada Program hosted by the Government of Canada (more specifically the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada) and they have a special agreement with certain countries around the world to let young people who meet all the necessary requirements to work and travel.
What are Bank Account Funds and why do I need so much money?
Before foreign governments hand you a Working Holiday Visa, they want to make sure that you are able to support yourself since you will be going there and will need a place to live, food to eat, and a way to transport yourself around – not to mention all other added expenses. The foreign government that you are submitting a Working Holiday Visa application to – at the very least, wants to make sure that you will be fine in terms of money for at least the first month that you arrive.
How do I prove that I have enough Bank Account Funds?
Simple.
Go to your banking institution and get a bank letter that proves that you have enough money in your bank account according to the country that you are planning to go to. RRSP’s and Lines of Credit do not qualify when calculating Bank Account Funds for this purpose. Think to yourself – I need to have $XXXX in my SAVINGS or CHEQUING ACCOUNT.
If I do not meet the eligibility requirements, what can I do?
Check out our volunteer programs. They do not have an age requirement nor do they need you to have enough bank account funds. Why not jump into an exciting adventure while helping to make a difference? Click here for volunteer programs.
AUS and NZL FAQ
Do the work and travel programs for Australia and New Zealand include accommodation?
Our trips to Australia do not cover housing to provide flexibility in where people want to live upon their arrival. It also helps keep the cost low for participants wanting to go abroad rather than include that in a fee. However, if you do choose our Ultimate package for either Australia or New Zealand, you are provided with two nights stay at a hostel.
UK FAQ
What is Biometric Testing?
Your Biometric Data will be collected – this means a digital fingerscan (of all 10 digits) and a digital photograph of you. The fingerscan procedure uses an electronic scanner – so don’t worry you will not be poked and prodded! As well, you will need to take a headshot photo at the collection office (aka. Visa Application Centre – VAC). You will have 40 days to submit your biometric data after you submit your online application.
Sounds complicated? Don’t worry – we have you covered.
This process is complicated to do on your own, but you’ve come to the right place! As soon as you book your program with us we will email you step-by-step instructions of how to apply, where to go for your biometric data collection, what type of documents you need to submit, how to obtain your documents afterwards, etc…. which will result in a faster visa processing time.
Important note: that there are only five Visa Application Centres (VAC) in Canada – Edmonton, Halifax, Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver. This is where you go to get your biometric data collected and you will need to show all accurate and completed documents along with a valid Canadian passport. Make sure that your fingers are free from cuts, markings, and decoration (eg: henna).
Yes, if you do not live in any of these 5 cities – you will need to travel to one of them.
What is the minimum wage in the UK?
The national minimum wage is £5.93 for those 21 years or older and £4.92 if you are between 18-21.
On average, what is the wage for individuals who come on the UK Ultimate program?
Generally our provider finds positions that pay the minimum wage, but depending on the individual and the market, they can find jobs that pay more.
Can you decline a job once placed on the UK Ultimate program?
Our provider is responsible to find only 1 position for those who join the program. If you decline the job selected, it is now your own responsibility to find a job.
How much money should I take along to the UK?
The UK Borders Agency states that a student should have £800 per month for living expenses. Thus we at Go International recommend that you come over with £1600 to start.
India Volunteer FAQ
What can I expect if I choose “Teaching Work”?
Don’t worry- no experience is required!
This is your chance to help educate young minds that are eager to learn. You will be given detailed workbooks and guidelines on what to teach and how to teach. Even if you have no formal education or practical work experience – you will still be successful as a volunteer as training and support will be provided.
The volunteer activities in the field include:
- Regularly teaching children English and Mathematics in the schools
- Teaching children of migrant communities and child labourers
- Conducting bridge courses for school drop-outs or for slower learning children
- Creating a playful environment and enhance the creativity of the children through painting, playing games, singing etc.
- Working with local teachers in creating low cost teaching material and to train them in making education more fun for the children
- Ensuring regular health check-ups of the children in each school through cooperating with the local doctors and hospital staff
- Creating basic hygiene awareness amongst children on a regular basis
What can I expect if I choose “Child Care Work”?:
Early childhood care and education is an area of critical needs in rural areas. You will be helping local child care centers known as “Aanganwari’s”.
The volunteer activities in the field include:
- Ensuring maximum attendance by the children of the area to these centers through awareness building in the community
- Personal attention and care to the children coming to the center every day
- Assistance to local workers for record maintenance for each child based on health, vaccination, growth and nutritional condition
- Cooking and feeding the children a specially prepared nutritious meal everyday with the help of a local worker
- Continuous survey of all pregnant women and newborn babies in the area for regular health check-ups and vaccination
- Creating a colourful and enjoyable environment for the children with games, stories and other creative activities
- Developing the motor skills of young children by making them use their body parts in various games
What can I expect if I choose “Empowering woman”?:
Help to educate and build confidence in young adolescent girls and women who are trying to find their place in the community. You will be helping those who have been neglected and carry low self-worth.
The volunteer activities in the field include:
- Computer training: teach basic computer skills and internet skills to woman who are eager to learn. This will give them the ability to access worldwide information and to broaden their horizons.
- English classes: in an increasingly unilingual world, knowledge of English can make a huge difference to the confidence, employability and social status of an individual. With English not being the first language in rural areas, a vast majority of the Indian population miss out on quality opportunities.
What is ASRO?
ASRO is a Community Care and Support Centre (CCSC), for people living with HIV/AIDS. As transitional Shelter for AIDS patients, ASRO acts as a bridge between health care institutions and patients’ families to create awareness in the community.
Volunteer intervention (limited placements, for longer term volunteers only) is required and very welcomed at the institution to help in care for the patients who have often been left out of the social circle due to their condition. The volunteer activities would include:
- Everyday care for the patients and assisting nurses in the centre
- Helping the resident children with home work and providing them general care.
- Maintenance of the facilities for the patients.
- To improve and look and feel of the centre through decorations etc.
- To take up small scale awareness building bout HIV/AIDS through community visits.
School for Mentally challenged children, Madgaon:
Since April 2006, a new activity has been added to the Goa project which involves work of the volunteers in the special school for mentally challenged children. Volunteers’ intervention is required for general help, care and special attention to each of the approximately 40-odd students enrolled in the school.
The volunteer activity in this institution would include:
- Teaching children based on instruction and advice of local teachers
- Helping the students in completing study assignments.
- Organising education and fun activities for the children
- Visiting students’ homes for sensitization of the family towards their children with special needs.
What does my meal plan look like?
Download a copy of our meal plan.
Teaching English FAQ
Do you need any specific certifications to apply for any of the teaching English programs?
Our volunteer opportunities provide you with the training to teach abroad and don’t require any specific qualifications. In fa,ct some opportunities like the Teaching English Internship in Thailand will allow you to gain your TEFL (teach English as a foreign language) qualification.
Programs in Canada FAQ
What is the average rent to live in BC or Alberta?
Vancouver
For a 1-2 bedroom apartment with kitchen, living room and bathroom the average cost is about $600-1500 per month PER PERSON (depending on location and city)
For shared accommodations which is 1 room (shared or single) in a house or apartment, this normally costs about $500-800 per month PER PERSON (depending on location within city)
Banff/Canmore
Private bedroom in a share house/apartment - $500 – $900 per month PER PERSON
Shared bedroom in a share house/apartment - $400 - $600 per month PER PERSON
3 bedroom apartment/house - $1500 - $2300 per month per unit
Plan to bring a minimum of $1000 CAD if housing is provided by your employer. If you need to find your own accommodations, you will need to budget between $1000 to $2000 for start up costs. Be sure to decide on a budget before you leave home. Bring enough money for your housing situation, travel plans, equipment, meals, and spending money.
How much should I budget for groceries each week?
$50 per week.
What is the average cost for some normal items such as a Starbucks coffee?
Movie ticket: approx. $10-12 CAD
A beer at a pub: approx. $5-8 CAD
Starbucks Tall Café Latte: $3.50 CAD
Big Mac Meal at McDonalds: $7 CAD
Are there taxes that we need to pay in Canada?
Yes, there are taxes in Canada and they differ depending on where you are living in Canada.
British Columbia - 12% HST
Alberta - 5% GST
Manitoba - 5% GST and 7% PST
Ontario - 13% HST
Quebec - 5% GST and 7.5% PST