ATHENS, GREECE – Prime Minister Stephen Harper and George Papandreou, Prime Minister of Greece, announced today that Canada and Greece have signed a bilateral agreement on youth mobility.

“Our Government values the excellent relationship it shares with Greece and is proud to further strengthen the ties between our two countries,” said Prime Minister Harper.

“Today’s agreement will empower youth to broaden their horizons and develop a better understanding of each other’s cultures. Their experiences abroad will enhance their personal and professional development, giving them a competitive edge in the job market.”

Once implemented, this arrangement will make it easier for Canadian and Greek youth to travel and work in each other’s country.  Young people will gain valuable life experiences, helping them build international networks and acquire the skills and work opportunities that will help them succeed in an increasingly globalized society.

Canada currently has 32 bilateral youth mobility arrangements under the International Experience Canada (IEC) initiative. In 2010, Canada welcomed over 56,000 international participants under IEC while nearly 19,000 young Canadians went abroad.

For additional information, please visit International Experience Canada .




Backgrounder


INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE CANADA

International Experience Canada (IEC) is an initiative that helps youth between 18 and 35 years of age experience the world by traveling, living and working abroad. IEC started as a cultural exchange program with Germany in 1951 and, in the 60 years since its creation, has expanded to include 32 bilateral youth mobility framework arrangements around the world.

Canada’s continued commitment to foster cultural exchanges between young people is bolstered by the recently signed bilateral youth mobility agreement with Greece. Keeping true to IEC’s mission, the aim of the Canada-Greece Youth Mobility Agreement is to foster close bilateral relations between Canada and Greece through exchanges that give young people a better understanding of the other country’s culture through travel, life and work experiences. IEC also helps enrich the personal and professional development of participants.

Since 1995, over 611,000 participants have taken part in the IEC – 75,443 alone in 2010.

Once the Canada-Greece Youth Mobility Agreement comes into force, Canadian and Greek citizens between 18 and 35 years of age can choose to embark on their own journey from one of three IEC categories:

Young Professionals — For those who are graduates from post-secondary or higher education institutions and who intend to obtain work experience in the host country under a pre-arranged contract of employment in support of their career development.

International Co-op — For those who are registered students at post-secondary or higher education institutions in their home country and who intend to fulfill part of their academic curriculum in the host country by completing pre-arranged practical training related to their field of studies.

Working Holiday — For those who want to supplement their travel experience with temporary work abroad.

For further information, consult the International Experience Canada website.