At dothegap we want to bust the myths surrounding exchanges. As we’ve said time and time again, it’s not only about exchanging to learn a new language or to do an exchange abroad. Professional exchanges are filled with opportunities to continue learning about any given trade firsthand and with great motivation. That’s why today we’ve focused on a special experience: a firefighter exchange.
Firefighter exchange, an exciting training experience
If you’re not familiar with the sector or at least with its more international scope, you might be surprised to learn that professional exchanges among firefighters has a long history and are well-established in Australia, Canada and the United States.
Australia is the most renowned of the three, where the island of Tasmania has become a choice destination for firefighters from around the world. Don’t take our word for it; read this report about the experience of a Canadian firefighter in Lauceston (the second most-populated city in Australia).
What makes exchange programmes among firefighters so successful? There are several reasons, but most of all it’s because it provides firefighters with invaluable knowledge. It gives them the chance to experience their work in a different environment, with unique challenges they’ve never encountered before. Of course, this also means they get to try different technology, integrate with a new society and everything that comes with it.
The protagonist of the news story, Alex Babinsky, explains how in this new destination he had to fight forest fires, something he’s not used to in Canada. This allowed him to learn about the local vegetation and necessary strategies to combat this type of fire. Going back home, he’ll be able to apply what he’s learned and design a pioneer programme in his hometown!
You can’t deny that feeling of belonging and teamsmanship that fill the air at fire stations. It makes the experience of living in a new place easier for those who embark on an exchange. This way, discovering a new city, environment, country or continent is so much easier.
A professional exchange between firefighters can be carried out between stations in the same country or abroad, but every case provides an authentic experience both personally and professionally. This type of initiative is ideal for learning firsthand about uncommon problems surrounding a particular station or how to introduce a new strategy and routine.
On an individual level, it allows you to reach a new level professionally and enjoy non-formal education via experience, from a day-to-day experience at a fire station. The professional boosts their understanding, improves their practical skills and enjoys a complete experience as an active member of the brigade.
Moreover, and as we always enjoy pointing out at dothegap, the growth is evident at a personal level as well. Discovering a city, meeting new people and discovering other cultural norms are as valuable if not more, than all the learning you’ll enjoy as a professional.
Wouldn’t you agree that these initiatives are one-of-a-kind? If you belong to a firefighter brigade or work a similar field and would like to experience something like this, what are you waiting for? Sign up at dothegap by following this link and take the next step professionally and personally!
2 Comments. Leave new
Hey, minor fact check – Launceston is the second most populous city in the state of Tasmania, not in the whole country. It’s pretty small compared to Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and the rest of the state capitals.
Thanks for your comment Eleanor!