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Travel Guide:
The anti-idiots' guide to life abroad...
Every year hundreds of students and post-grads, feeling the itch to travel and explore new worlds, pack up their lives and head overseas. Some teach English in other countries, some go to learn about the finer things in life as international students, and others just love the thrill of backpacking. If this is something that you've been hankering to do, our handy mini-guide to finding and maximizing overseas opportunities will show you the way.
Getting started.
The most expensive and extensive way to get started is to purchase The Big Guide to Living and Working Overseas, and attend the seminar. It lists 3,045 "career building" resources. The book and day-long seminar cost $225, but you can get a much cheaper web edition here. A definite item for your Hannaukah, Christmas, birthday and unbirthday wish list.If you've turned your swear jar into the "Overseas Fund," you may want to check out TRAVEL CUTS' free information sessions on Backpacking Europe and the Student Work Abroad Program. Frequent events and talks are listed at Travel Cuts, and are conveniently located in various locations across Toronto.
The government of Canada has four main international youth programs: Working Holiday, Youth Workers' Exchange, Student Work Abroad, and Co-op that can be accessed at www.canada123go.ca. The government also runs an international internship program, which provides post-secondary graduates the opportunity to work overseas with non-governmental organizations, private-sector companies, and academic institutions. More information can be found at www.youth.gc.ca. According to Youth Zone, international experiences may qualify you to become a youth speaker, a global ambassador, or write articles about global issues. It seems like they really want to get rid of us, because Youth On The Move provides information on work, study, scholarship, and grant opportunities to get you out of here quickly. These sites will also equip you with safety, financial, and human rights information.
If you're sick of dealing with our government, try another one. Teaching overseas is a popular choice for students taking time-off from their studies, or looking for work after graduation. Helpful companies like Global TESOL College and the Canadian Education Centre Network can hook you up with teaching experiences in your region of choice. For the bigger picture, painted by students and travel veterans, visit Verge Magazine.
Some cool options to consider.
Taiwan's education opportunities range from undergrad to doctorate, with scholarships and subsidy programs. Ever dreamed of a doctorate in Nano Science, taking a class in Chinese culinary arts, or attending a universities where the humanities include Japanese Colonial and Postwar Taiwanese Literature? Visit this site for more. Japan's Global Daigaku is on the lookout for anyone who is interested in education and training through this Tokyo-based company. Degree and certificate programs such as language skills, online education, career change and employment opportunities, and the ever-impressive MBA can be researched on their website. Hawaii, Australia, and New Zealand provide aspiring teachers with the chance to get their Teacher Education through CANTEACH. Cooking classes in Florence and other Italian educational experiences can be found at Study Abroad - Italy. Located in the Netherlands, Tilburg University is ranked the top European research institute, and can be explored here. Younger siblings and neighbours get the chance to travel for high school credits at www.educationadventures.ca. Or upon graduation, they can take a year off to work and explore in another country through Mei International Academy. International Student Exchange is happy to place you with a group of students that share your overseas interests, or you can make your own group and contact them to take care of the rest. Adelaide University in Australia had a graduate program in gastronomy. All joking aside, the best part of this history of food and drink degree is that few Canadians have it, so you can return to be the leading expert. Online and on-campus courses are available, as well as scholarships to get you there. Swiss Hotel Management School combines academic study with a paid internship. The three-year program will give you three internationally recognized qualifications. The Grand Pacific Education Network has more information on opportunities such as this. Things to keep in mind while traveling.
Always remember when traveling that you are a guest in your host country - act accordingly. It is a good idea to brush up on appropriate expressions for beginning conversations, making requests, and giving thanks. Avoid local slang until you are comfortable enough to know possible connotations and appropriate social contexts. Got that, daddy-o dude man? Appropriate physical contact will also differ from country to country. While some cultures may greet with a kiss, others restrict general contact. These tacit social rules will also apply when speaking to others: some cultures speak closely, and others further apart. Note your body language and physical gestures as well. Nodding and pointing are some of the many gestures that differ from culture to culture. Try to keep your own body language neutral until you are comfortable with what is customary in the location you are visiting. If you are unsure, you can always ask politely about local customs and what is socially appropriate when traveling. You will undoubtedly want to take lots of photographs on your travels, but keep in mind that some people may not wish to be photographed, and others may demand payment for their photographs. Consider asking permission before taking someone's picture. Above all, remember that you are there to learn about and experience something new. Have a great time, make mistakes, and show gratitude to those who have opened up their culture for you to share and enjoy. Should I travel alone or in a group?
This question doesn't have a right or wrong answer. Many seasoned travelers prefer to travel alone, as it allows for more flexibility in time and location. When you can customize your own itinerary you don't have to worry about wishes of a group. Traveling alone also forces interaction with local people, which is important to the experience. You don't want to travel halfway around the world and not meet anybody. However, if you are uncomfortable traveling alone, going with a friend or group can be reassuring, especially if you are in a new place and unfamiliar with the language and people.Location, location...cost!
Once you make the decision to work/study/volunteer abroad you must consider your financial needs. You will need enough money to cover your tuition, airfare, accommodation, transportation and other living and education costs. Studying abroad can be a significant financial investment, so it is important to research your options. Some programs include airfare, others don't. Some programs require students to find separate meal and accommodation packages for weekends. Always ask for an estimated total cost of the program you are interested in, ideally broken down into logical categories. The program administrator should be able to provide this for you.Scholarships and educational loans are also available to assist students. Contact the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada for a complete list of scholarships available to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Also, overseas universities have their own scholarships. Careful, some scholarships may be taxed.
If you work, you have to pay taxes.
Local banking.
One option available to travelers is to keep their current Canadian bank account and use ATM machines. It is important to be prepared, research if ATM service is available in your host city, and find out how much this service will cost per transaction. It is possible that your debit card will not be valid nor can you deposit money into your account. You will want to know these details before you leave. Internet banking is a fantastic option for some, but use always caution when doing financial transactions at an internet café. Be sure to delete any financial or personal information before logging off. It is also important to remember that while you are abroad, your bills at home will continue to pile up and must be paid. Before you go, set up arrangements with your bank to set up automatic payments for any outstanding loans, insurance, or other payments.
[ Insurance, health, and the occasional brush with the law. Part II of our guide. ]