AS THE J1 programme kicks into gear (see opposite), students should also note that details will be available shortly on the Canadian student visa programme.

The programme operates on a similar basis to the J1, though places are more limited. Last year 250 student visas were on offer and 220 Irish students availed of them.

Work can be a little harder to find in Canada than the US, by all accounts, but the cost of living is low. Eating, drinking and travel work out at roughly half the Irish cost.

USIT expects to have details of the Canadian visa programme available towards the end of next month, so watch this space for further details.