Sander Miedema (24) left his hometown of Vrouwenparochie in the Netherlands behind to start a new chapter in Alberta, Canada. With the help of Visa4you, he successfully applied for his IEC Working Holiday visa, allowing him to spend several months working on a farm in Rolling Hills. It’s an adventure he recommends to anyone who enjoys rural life and isn’t afraid to take a leap.
Since August, Sander has been fully part of the farm team. He operates impressive machinery, works long days, and jumps in wherever he’s needed. Still, the experience feels completely different from home. The wide‑open space, the calm, and the down‑to‑earth nature of Canadian farmers give him a deep sense of freedom. “Nothing is on fire here,” he jokes. “Everything in the Netherlands is so rushed. Here, everyone is relaxed, and that’s honestly amazing.”
Strong demand for Dutch workers in Canada
It came as no surprise that Sander found work so quickly. Canadian farmers love hiring Dutch workers, who are known for their strong work ethic and sense of responsibility; qualities that suit Sander perfectly. He works on tractors and helps with everything needed to prepare the land for winter. On weekends, he explores the area with other Dutch travelers, from Brabanders to Limburgers, though he barely comes across any fellow Frisians!
Why Canada feels like the perfect fit
For Sander, Canada stands out because of its down‑to‑earth people, the enormous space, and the slower working pace. Everything feels less hurried than back home, allowing him to truly enjoy his work. On top of that, he gets to operate massive machinery every day, a dream come true. This combination of freedom, responsibility, and a unique working environment suits him perfectly.
Even though his stay in Canada is temporary, he doesn’t rule out emigrating someday. For that, however, he would need a different visa than his current Working Holiday visa.
With Visa4you support
To make this adventure happen, Sander needed one thing: the right visa. That’s why he came to us. We guided him step by step through the entire IEC Working Holiday visa application process. Paperwork, conditions, deadlines — we handled it all, so he could focus fully on planning his trip.
Sander is already dreaming about his next destination: New Zealand. And who knows where his journey will take him after that.
If his experience makes you want to work and travel in Canada too, we’d be happy to help you arrange your own Working Holiday visa, so you can set off with confidence, just like Sander.
