Tatiana Hanlan

International Experience Canada

How did you start travelling and what was it like? 

Take me through your journey... 

Sure! I don't come from a family of travellers per se. We didn’t do many family trips growing up, but I always knew deep down that living abroad would be something I would do, eventually. So, I always had that in the back of my mind. 

When university rolled around, the opportunity to travel played a big part in my choice of major. I decided on business and specialized in international management which had a student exchange included in the curriculum. I had business schools from 27 different countries to choose from, I was thrilled! 

So, my first proper experience abroad was a student exchange for a semester in Thailand during my last year of study. I ended up staying for six months travelling through Southeast Asia – as many do! It’s safe to say that those months abroad were life-changing. I was in the midst of changes myself – I had finished university and was very unsure of what I wanted to do career-wise and where I wanted to live. This travel experience couldn’t have come at a better time. Backpacking with friends and alone in a completely different part of the globe changed my perspective on the world and opened me up to other cultures and lifestyles in ways I couldn’t have imagined. I came home a completely different person, more confident in myself and my place in the world.

I ended up furthering my studies in public relations and taking my career in a different direction after my exchange. And it’s through that postgraduate program that I met a friend who had also gone on a student exchange and was eager to travel again. We bonded over our travel experiences and ended up participating in IEC together. It’s funny how travellers tend to gravitate and find each other even when they aren’t travelling.

How did you find out about IEC?

That friend from my postgraduate program was the one who informed me about IEC and that we’d qualify as young Canadians. Once I learned more about the program and its many benefits – cheaper and quicker visa application processes, no employer involvement, etc. – we decided to do it together and get two-year work visas for the UK. She had already studied there in university and was adamant that it’d be the perfect place for us to kick start our public relations careers. We gave each other a year to save and plan and met up in London in 2017.

What was your school abroad experience like compared to your IEC experience?

My experience abroad through my school was very different from my IEC experience. When participating in a student exchange program, there's quite a bit of structure and support from the university which is a great way to dip your toe in the whole world of travel. IEC, on the other hand, helps with getting all of your visa information – which is great! – but besides that, it’s ‘good luck! We’ll see you when you get back to Canada!’ Your experience is really up to you which can be scary but so rewarding when you actually do it! 

Unsurprisingly, being in Thailand required more adjustment culture-wise. The language barrier was also one of the bigger hurdles. Even though my university classes were in English, most of what I heard during those six months was Thai. It took some getting used to, but I was also surprised at how well I was able to communicate non-verbally with the locals. Thai people are so generous and friendly and want to help you in any way they can even if they can’t speak your language! It was a nice reminder of how similar we are and how we can still connect even if we’re from completely different parts of the world.

I also treated my IEC experience as an opportunity to gain skills and expertise in my new career field. Instead of jumping into the public relations industry in Canada, I thought to combine it with my love of travel and go through an amazing growth experience through IEC – which is exactly what ended up happening.

What were some travel mishaps that you have experienced?

I've been pretty lucky, and I haven't had anything too crazy happen while travelling (knock on wood!)

I did have one small mishap when I first arrived in London. As part of the UK visa application, you need to pick up your Biometric Residence Permit (ID card) as soon as you arrive in the UK. During the application process, you’re asked to put a UK address for where you’ll be picking up the card. Since I didn’t have one yet, I put a friend’s place outside of London. I clearly wasn’t familiar with the different London zones and didn’t realize this would require a 2.5-hour train commute outside of the city!

And it turns out, the ID card would be sent to the nearest post office – any UK address could have worked. So, on my second day-ever in London, I hopped on the train alone to get my card and that’s when it hit me: I had finally arrived in the UK after a year of planning. I felt overwhelmed and a little foolish for making such a silly mistake so early in my travel adventure. I also didn’t know where I was going so that added to the fear. Looking back now, I realize how dramatic I was – picture an anxious, crying passenger on an empty train – and that things would fall into place and that overwhelming feeling was temporary.

I’ve since had a few friends participate in IEC in the UK and I make sure to warn them not to make the same mistake!

What are some lessons you’ve learnt from traveling?

Travel has forced me to step out of my comfort zone, has taught me to enjoy spending time alone and has given me more confidence in myself.

I come from a sports-oriented family and played competitive basketball for most of my life. Through team sports, you get automatic friends through your teammates. We’re on the same team, we wear the same jersey = we’re best friends! At the time, it seemed unlikely to be able to connect so deeply with people with whom I didn't need to have some crazy sports history. I definitely had some identity issues of who I was without sports. It seems so silly thinking that now, but it was a big worry for me when I went on exchange. It’d been the first time in a while when I’d be trying to make new friends. How are you supposed to make new friends in your twenties? How does that work again? Luckily, all travellers are eager to connect and the bonds you make are like no other. One backpacking experience can link you for life. 

Solo travel was also very new to me. I backpacked solo a little in SE Asia and ended up spending a lot of time alone in the UK. At first, I wasn’t comfortable being by myself but by the end of my travels, I even preferred it sometimes! Being alone no longer stopped me from participating in activities and attending events that interested me. Solo travelling has given me self-confidence and trusting that things always end up working out. After successfully switching careers while abroad, I feel up for anything. Bring it on, I can handle it!

And of course, career-wise, I gained some new skills and great experience in my new field, but it wasn't the perfect job by any means and not the highlight of my IEC experience.

Why do you recommend IEC?

From a logistics perspective, it's the easiest way to get a visa and travel for an extended period of time. I got my visa within less than a month – that included the interview and everything – which is super quick compared to the traditional visa or sponsorship route.

It's also a great way to get a taste for travelling. There are over 30 IEC partner countries to choose from around the globe. Many of them are also English-speaking which helps to alleviate the fear of not being able to communicate.

Another great benefit of IEC is its flexibility. I chose to focus on my career with my experience, but you don’t have to do that. IEC gives you the freedom to completely tailor your experience. Whether you prefer backpacking and finding temporary work wherever you end or if you stay with one employer, it’s up to you!

Jobwise, I understand the stress of leaving without a job since most IEC agreements don’t require any employer involvement when applying. Trust me, you will find one! Most employers are looking eager, driven people who can fit well within their team. Just put yourself out there and you’ll land something. Besides, if you’re confident enough to pack your bags and travel, you’ll definitely be able to find something.

If the financials are stressing you out – as they did for me when I chose London $$$ – just give yourself time to save up. There’s no application deadline for the IEC program so don’t stress! I gave myself a year to save up to have a comfortable buffer in case I wasn't able to get a job within the first few months.

Advice for Young Aspiring Travellers?

It’s important to keep an open mind as you plan for your trip because your experience rarely goes as expected. Have high hopes for your adventure (it’s going to be awesome!) but stay flexible and go with the flow. It’s also normal to be scared and nervous about your trip. Chances are, some of your family and friends may think you’re crazy for going abroad for an extended period of time. You may feel like an outlier now but don’t worry you’ll find your tribe of travellers soon enough.

Lastly, soak up your surroundings, take in the culture and enjoy every moment. Time flies when you’re travelling.

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