[ID:5773]Whether you're backpacking around the world, visiting distant relatives in a far-off land or touring a single country with a valid work visa, you should consider gaining professional experience while abroad. Traditionally, young travelers find work in seasonal or retail industries while overseas to support their travels. Finding these jobs is relatively easy, the hours are flexible, and you can arrange your work to have time for leisure travel. But what if you decide to make use of your working holiday by gaining industry-related professional work experience? Imagine spending the first six months of your one-year stay gaining career-enhancing experience in your field of study – and saving the last part of your time abroad for casual work, travel and fun. You might also use your working holiday as an opportunity to network with professionals in your field, or take on a part-time internship with a company in your industry to gain solid career experience.

By making professional experience the goal of your working holiday, you open yourself up to a world of...