A-WAY to Work participants in Australia
How Working Holiday Experiences Empower LGBTQ+ Youth
Travel is exciting. But for many LGBTQ+ young people, it also comes with extra questions.
Will I be safe? Can I be myself? What if work or daily life feels uncomfortable?
Research done with International Experience Canada (IEC) and the IGLTA Foundation shows these questions are very real and very common for LGBTQ+ travelers aged 18–35.
That’s where supported working holiday programs can make a real difference. They aren’t just about stamps in a passport, they provide international paid work experience and internships in many sectors, including agriculture, horticulture, viticulture, and hospitality. And, for LGBTQ+ young adults they can be life changing. With the right destination, the right support, and a program that understands inclusion, young people can feel safe, seen and build a future they are proud of. And yes, have fun along the way 🌍✨
Why working holidays matter for LGBTQ+ youth
According to the IEC & IGLTA Foundation research, LGBTQ+ youth don’t just travel for fun. They travel to grow. Participants shared that working abroad helped them:
- Build confidence and independence
- Feel more comfortable expressing their identity
- Make international friends and support networks
- Learn new skills for future jobs
- See the world from new perspectives
Many said that living and working abroad allowed them to “reinvent” themselves and step away from labels they felt stuck with at home. In short: work + travel = personal & professional growth.
A-Way to Work participants in Ireland
Feeling safe matters (a lot)
When LGBTQ+ young adults choose where to go, safety and acceptance come first. The most important factors when choosing a destination were strong anti-discrimination laws, friendly local communities, a history of acceptance and feeling safe at work and in public. This is why destination choice and proper support matters so much.
IGLTA member A-Way to Work provides work and travel programs for Canadians aged 18-35, in many sectors, including hospitality.
A-Way To Work helps LGBTQ+ participants by:
- Offering clear guidance before departure
- Matching participants with reputable employers
- Supporting placements in hospitality and agriculture
- Assistance with accommodation in destination country
- Providing help if challenges come up abroad via a 24-hour support line
- Creating community connections so no one feels alone
Canada has youth mobility agreements with over 35 countries. Many of them are known globally for being LGBTQ+ inclusive, especially in cities and workplaces. Some of the most LGBTQ+ friendly destinations include Ireland, Germany, France, Spain, Australia, New Zealand and Taiwan (one of the most LGBTQ+ progressive places in Asia). These countries have strong worker protections, visible LGBTQ+ communities, and safer environments especially in hospitality and agriculture roles where international young adults are common.
Start your journey awaytowork.ca or email contact@irecanada.ca
A-Way to work participants in New Zealand