A World of Opportunities to Work Abroad Ready to be Explored

TORONTO, Sept. 7 /CNW/ - For thousands of Canadians who find themselves falling through the cracks of a lagging job market, the chance to wait out the economic storm may lie in taking advantage of overseas opportunities. Whether you are fresh out of school or looking to fill a gap in between jobs, you may want to consider looking to another country where your skills - or perhaps just your ability to speak fluent English - are in demand.

In 2008, almost 3 million Canadians were living outside of the country, according to the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, and the vast majority was of working age. While a large percentage of these numbers are attributed to people working in the United States, many also find themselves travelling under temporary contracts. In fact, according to the Canadian Embassy in Seoul, 7,000 Canadians have taken positions teaching English in Korea.

In an increasingly globalized world, adding an international dimension to your resumé can only help your earning potential and employability. "There's a huge demand now for people who understand other cultures or speak other languages and know how business operates abroad," says Jeff Brownlee, vice president for communications at the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters association, in a recent article in The Chronicle of Higher Education. "Canadian businesses and industry have to be in the global game," he adds.

This fall, the Toronto Go Global Expo gives people looking to build an international resumé an opportunity to explore some of the many avenues available. The free event, held over the weekend of Sept. 25-26, 2010 at the Hyatt Regency, downtown Toronto, brings together gap year specialists, volunteer organizations, internship providers, recruiters and representatives from overseas universities who will be available to field questions and provide in-depth, up-to-date information about the many opportunities that exist for building a credible international resumé.

The Go Global Expo is produced by Verge Magazine, North America's resource for working, studying and volunteering abroad and is presented by Contiki Holidays, a global travel company that has been creating fun, hassle-free holidays for young travellers 18-35 for more than 45 years. The event is sponsored by travel insurance provider, Ingle International; English teacher training provider, International House Toronto; volunteer sending organization, Projects Abroad and budget and youth travel specialists, Travel CUTS.

For further information: For enquiries or interviews, please contact: Jeff Minthorn, ([phone], [email protected]