A visa is an endorsement stamped onto your passport which allows you to visit certain countries. This is done by foreign customs officials and can be obtained from the country's embassy or consulate. (Locations of these can be found online).
Your reason for entry is a ‘visit’. This can include studying abroad, working or volunteering as well as general travelling. There are a lot of different types of visas varying from country to country and are based on reasons for visiting and length of visit. Countries which may require visas are Africa, Australia, Brazil, China, Cuba, Egypt, Japan, Russia and Turkey. This is not an exhaustive list and can change at any time.

About the Student Work Visa

Are you planning to work whilst abroad? If yes then you will need to know how to obtain a Student Work Visa. Working abroad is a great way to engage in a different culture as well as being able to earn money and save for travelling on the next leg of your trip.

If you are finding work yourself you will need a visa which is issued by the country which you are in, however, if you are finding work through one of the many professional student work exchange programs then your visa will most likely by arranged for you. When organising your own Student Work Visa you will need a job offer before the government of a country will issue you a permit. One problem you may face here is if a country believes that a position you have applied for can be filled by one of its natives then it may refuse to issue you with a Student Work Visa.
If you do not obtain a visa before you work in another country you may be asking for trouble. Some countries like the UK will refuse you entry and send you straight back home, others my fine you and even put you a jail for a brief period. Also, if you do manage to get work without a visa then you will have no recourse if your employer fails to pay you or mistreats rights which you would normally have. Remember, always obtain a visa first!