TORONTO - Many graduating students across Canada have decided to head overseas with SWAP Working Holidays, Canada's largest youth exchange program, to take advantage of their working holiday options while they wait for the Canadian job market to open up.

"We have seen an increase in registrations this month and we are pretty sure that this is because students and other young Canadians see an overseas working adventure as a perfect approach to the current financial crisis," said Libby Law, the Deputy Director of SWAP Working Holidays. "The common theme seems to be that many young people figure they will have to take casual jobs in Canada because of the current economic circumstances so why not do this in countries like UK, Ireland, or Australia where they can see the world and add international experience to their resume while they work."

Once enrolled in the SWAP program participants will receive a working holiday visa, assistance in booking flights and travel insurance, pre-arranged arrival accommodation, as well as pre-departure travel information to prepare them for their trip. There is even a feature to allow participants to get into contact with one another on-line prior to departing Canada.

Upon arrival, SWAP participants attend an orientation where they are provided information on how to find work and permanent accommodation, obtaining a tax file number (like a SIN) and much more! The participants will have access to computers, fax machines, printers and phones that will assist them in their searches. Ms Law adds that "People tend to forget that not only are the methods for finding jobs usually different overseas, but all sorts of things are different from Canada from taking a bus to opening a bank account. SWAP not only backs-up one's job and accommodation search, but gets one through the inevitable culture shock of settling into another country."

If you'd like to take advantage of the opportunities Canadians have to work overseas, visit www.swap.ca. for more information or to order a free SWAP brochure outlining the programs and services available to young Canadians.