Canadians working abroad have many opportunities to grow and advance in their careers, a fact that significantly affects their decision to go abroad. Whether you stay in the Commonwealth, go to the states, or travel to faraway lands, there are several good reasons to find employment outside the country.

1. Living abroad provided opportunities for adventure and personal growth.

At the end of their lives, very few people regret traveling too much or seeing too many foreign countries. Living and working abroad provides opportunities to experience different cultures and gain a broader perspective on world events. Canadians working abroad are more versatile and attractive to future employers because their resumes show a level of self-motivation and perseverance that other job applicants may lack. People working abroad have demonstrated a level of drive that will set them apart from others in their field.

2. The Commonwealth makes it extraordinarily easy.

While the British Empire is not what it used to be, Commonwealth citizens have an advantage when it comes to traveling to other member nations. A citizen of the United States may find it easy to work in one of the territories, but it costs much more to obtain the necessary documentation to start a career in New Zealand, for example. Countries in South America and Africa are members, as are Australia and India. In total, there are 53 member states, including several islands in the Caribbean and the South Pacific. Canadians working abroad can find employers in any of these areas.

3. You get additional skills abroad.

Canadians working abroad have the opportunity to hone different language skills and learn to adapt to a diverse environment with new challenges. Depending on the country and type of industry, there may be unique regulations or a completely different cultural approach to the situations you face. For those who ultimately want to prepare for management positions, it helps broaden their horizons by seeing how personal backgrounds and dispositions affect attitudes at work. The ability to take care of yourself in a wide range of settings, even in completely new parts of the world, will tell future employers that you need less support than your peers.

4. It is ideal for family and friends.

Sure, getting kids out of school can mean a complicated adjustment, but those who attend school in different parts of the world experience a more inclusive education. Other families may take their children on a week-long vacation once a year, but yours may have the opportunity to learn in depth about other cultures for years. Traveling can be a transformative experience, especially for young people. Also, friendships formed elsewhere can be lasting bonds regardless of whether the family eventually moves back to Canada. At home, the whole family is equipped with interesting stories from life in distant lands, which can be a way to help entertain new friends.

Ultimately, Canadians working abroad enjoy many benefits beyond those available to those in domestic employment.