Teaching in Africa
By Brett Quimby

Katie Lowe decided that she wanted to take a year off from school before entering university in England, so she traveled to Uganda to teach for a month.  She contacted a program called Teach Inn (http://www.teachinnuganda.com/), which was a volunteer organization that worked with schools in Nyakasiru, a city that is seven hours away from the capital, in the mountains.  After a quick introduction to the culture there, as well as an online Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) course, she was ready to go.  Though she was a “muzungu” (foreign person), she was able to connect with her kids and enjoy her time there.

Teaching English is Africa is more difficult to do than in Southeast Asia or Europe, mostly because enough people are willing to volunteer that there is no need for paid teachers.  Most volunteer organizations have some sort of training, usually associated with TESL or TEFL.  Other people, like Dan and Sarah from the blog http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/basa1126/basa2007/1168399200/tpod.html, decided to first get their TEFL certification at a school in Buenos Aires, and then ‘parachute’ into Africa without a real plan.  They ended up teaching a few different schools throughout South Africa, and had amazing experiences like shark diving and hanging with a real Impala in the Kruger National Park.  It is a bit difficult to get to Africa teaching, but there are many ways to go.

Here is a list of organizations to check out if you’re looking for volunteer teaching:

http://www.transitionsabroad.com/listings/work/esl/africa.shtml  (This site has some programs that also hire people with TEFL certifications)
http://www.africaguide.com/work.htm
http://www-sul.stanford.edu/depts/ssrg/africa/africaneducation/teaching-abroad-africa.html
http://www.projects-abroad.org/projects/teaching/south-africa/?content=teaching-english-to-18-and-over/
http://www.vso.org.uk/volunteering/efl_teaching_africa.asp

However you get there, you won’t forget your experience teaching in Africa!

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Work Overseas for the Federal Government

by Lorraine Chow

There are a variety of overseas career opportunities that are sponsored by the U.S. Federal Government. There’s plenty of appeal in a job like where you’re not slaving away in an office building for The Man, but contributing a civic duty in a location abroad for Uncle Sam. Why not start off your career trying to make this world a better place for everyone?

U.S. Department of State (http://careers.state.gov/index.html)
Probably the most legit overseas jobs with the Fed starts with the U.S. Department of State. As soon as one opens the online link, a friendly message from current U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice welcomes you to consider a career representing, formulating, and implementing American foreign policy with the Department of State. The U.S. Department of state is the lead U.S. foreign affairs agency that hires individuals to work posts in the U.S. and over 265 posts abroad with careers available in foreign service and civil service. Plus, the Department of State offers student programs that allow young adults the opportunity to work either in Washington, D.C. or at U.S. embassies and consulates all over the world. For students, the organization has an internship program (http://www.studentjobs.gov/agencies/agency-us-state.asp) that offers employment opportunities throughout the year both domestic and abroad. The applicant must be a U.S. citizen in good academic standing at an accredited institution, have completed sophomore year, and be returning to school the semester following the completion of the internship.

Peace Corps (http://www.peacecorps.gov/)
While the Peace Corps might not be the most glamorous job in the world, it may be one of the most fulfilling. Heck, it’s all in its name. Since 1960, the Peace Corps has been sending over 190,000 volunteers to 139 countries around the world to promote peace, friendship, and provide aid to others who need it. Recent college graduates who are trying to delay the real world might want to consider a two-year commitment with the Corps, where your college degree, skills, and compassion for others will come in handy for a developing nation. Volunteers have to be a U.S. citizen, between the ages of 18-65, and in good health. According to its Web site, jobs range from counseling teenagers in Belize, promoting HIV/AIDS awareness in Malawi, to farming a remote areas or working for small businesses–basically the Corps sends you to wherever they determine there is a need for your help.

Defense Contract Audit Agency (www.dcaa.mil)
Business majors and future accountants take note: These guys are the real deal. The Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) is the premier government contract audit agency in the world, performing all contract audits for the United States Department of Defense. With their Student Temporary Education Program (STEP) and The Student Career Experience Program (SCEP) you too can work at one of the DCAA’s 300 work sites nationwide, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. The programs offer part and full time employment opportunities for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students. After successful completion, not only would it look stellar on your resume, you may even be appointed with a permanent position with the DCAA. For those who are interested, you should contact the DCAA office for the geographic region you are interested in working.

United Nations Development Programme (http://jobs.undp.org/)
World leaders met at the United Nations Millennium Summit in September, 2000, pledging to end world poverty by 2015. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is in charge of making it happen, and they want your help. The UNDP has a wide range of international opportunities such as working to reduce poverty, HIV/AIDS, women’s empowerment, and environment and energy. They are seeking individuals who want to work with people across the world, who want to contribute strategic approaches to long-standing problems. While the chances of employment are tough and have several requirements, those interested can apply through the UNDP’s internship program that is offered to a small group of graduate-level students. There is also a Junior Professional Officer (JPO) Programme that provides those under 32 with the opportunity to pursue a career in worldwide development.

Check out http://www.studentjobs.gov/agencies.asp for a bunch of other employment opportunities with the Federal Government. You can also find plenty of overseas job opportunities (and serve your country) through the U.S. Military, Marine Corps, Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard.

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Work Overseas with International Organizations
by Kate Mason

Ever wondered who organizes relief efforts after natural disasters, or who tracks the world’s ever-growing population? The international organization field is a huge industry that provides jobs at countless organizations both domestically and abroad. Each has its own mission, whether it involves offering humanitarian aid or providing assistance to countries in financial crises.

The great thing about this industry is that you can have a successful career in almost any country, a fancy “corporate job” that doesn’t look out for its own financial success, but one that helps those in need and works towards global solutions. Sound good enough yet? The first step towards an international career can start as early as college. Many, if not most, of international organizations either prefer or require young hopefuls to have a specific major or concentration. It is worth looking into organizations that both interest you and match your qualifications as a potential candidate for employment.

International organizations can generally be broken up into two categories, governmental organizations (GOs) or nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). GOs refer to organizations run and funded by the government, such as the United Nations. NGOs are privately held groups that take worldwide action without the participation of any government.

The U.S. Department of State is a great place to start your search for the right agency for you. The State Department offers 1,000 internships every year which allow students from high school to the post-graduate level to participate in international projects involving U.S. foreign policy. Internships are either offered abroad or in Washington D.C. Visit http://www.state.gov/p/io/empl/ to find links to lengthy lists of organization contact information as well as employment information and benefits. The website lists the following as typical benefits of working at a governmental organization:

•    Competitive Salary
•    Generous Health Benefits Plan
•    Attractive Pension Plan
•    Education Grant for Dependents (including college — 4 years)
•    Generous Leave
•    Home Leave Travel Costs
•    Relocation Costs
•    Holidays (10+)

The following websites and profiles will get you started in your search, but only represent a few of the leading companies that offer international work. It should be noted that many of the larger and better known organizations have strict requirements for potential employees as well as interns. The determined will not only find an exciting challenge, but an endless list of world friendly acronyms (e.g. IMF, UNICEF) that may be home to their future international career.

World Health Organization (WHO)
www.who.int

The WHO is a specialized U.N. organization that is the coordinating authority on global public health issues that combats disease and promotes general health to all people of the world. It works with member countries to provide health services, carry out campaigns, and to train care givers. WHO also promotes medical research in efforts to eradicate disease, collects relevant health data and sets standards of immunization. Internships are available to students enrolled in a graduate study program who have completed undergraduate work in the public health, medical or social field.

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
www.unicef.org

UNICEF’s mission is to promote and protect the health and well-being of children around the world. The group reports to the United Nations (UN) General Assembly and is committed to ensuring special protection for the most disadvantaged children who are victims of war, disasters, extreme poverty, all forms of violence and exploitation and those with disabilities. UNICEF also promotes the equal rights of women and girls and supports their full participation in the political, social and economic development of their communities. In order to participate in the internship program, students applying must be enrolled in a graduate or post-graduate institution in a field that relates to activities of UNICEF. Applicants must be fluent in English as well as another one of the six official languages of the U.N, i.e. French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian or Chinese.

World Trade Organization (WTO)
www.wto.org

The WTO’s purpose is to deal with the rules of trade between nations around the world. The WTO drafts trade agreements that are negotiated, signed and authorized by the majority of the world’s trading nations. The fundemental purpose of this organization is to settle trade dispute and promote international trade and economic development. Internship programs are competitive requiring students to have completed their undergraduate studies in a relevant discipline (e.g. economics, law, political science, international relations), and at least one year of postgraduate study. Interns chosen are between the ages of 21 and 30 and must be from one of the 153 member’s nations that make up the WTO.

United Nations Development Program (UNDP)
www.undp.org

The UNDP is the U.N.’s global development network that employs  7,000 employees in 166 different countries with an annual budget in the billions. It comes as no surprise that it is the world’s largest source of grant funding for development initiatives throughout the globe. UNDP’s  focus is helping countries build and share solutions to the challenges of democratic governance, poverty reduction, crisis prevention and recovery, environment and energy, and HIV/AIDS. Currently UNDP works towards helping countries achieve the Millennium Development Goals (eight development related goals) that 189 U.N. member countries are striving to reach by 2015. Internship requirements include being enrolled in graduate study in a field relating to development and a genuine interest in development and other cultures.

–Keep in mind jobs for GOs and NGOs are not necessarily limited to a specific field. Despite their primary focus, all are in need of administrative assistance, human resources, finance, legal administrators and technical assistance as well as engineers, statisticians and even public relations coordinators. So if you’re a communications or history major looking to work for a world  development group, don’t sweat it. Be informed, be confident, and contact organizations for more information.

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Work Overseas in Guest Relations

by Megan Snedden

If you have a passion for people as well as for travel, then working as a guest relations representative at a hotel or a resort might be your ticket abroad. With a plethora of seasonal employment options in the hospitality industry, you can choose your ideal working climate— that’s right, climate— depending on the season you select to go. You could, for example, spend a warm winter in year-round sunny Guam, or tear up snow-covered hills snowboarding in Whistler, Canada. If you’re bilingual, or trilingual even, then your chances of getting hired are even better! And you can spend your time meeting and greeting travelers from around the world.

There are several agencies that can help arrange employment for a fee.

BUNAC (http://www.bunac.org/) offers citizens of the U.K., U.S., and Ireland who are over 18 years old opportunities to work abroad in Australia, Canada, Britain, Ireland, and New Zealand. Many applicants who seek employment through this agency are placed in the hotel industry, although a number of different positions are available. The company offers services to help students and recent graduates locate employment either before or after arrival in their host country of choice. According to the website, 30 percent of people who used BUNAC services to find a job in Britain were able to arrange a position before arrival. Forty-two percent found work within three days of arrival. Different fees apply depending on the desired placement country.

CCUSA (http://www.ccusa.com/country.aspx) is similar to BUNAC, but it offers more opportunities to volunteer and to teach. It does, however, offer Work Adventures Down Under in Australia and New Zealand. Through this program, CCUSA helps arrange work visas and job placement “down under.”

Seasonworkers.com is a useful search engine to find employment all over the world, especially in the hotel industry.

If you choose to apply for jobs through hotels directly, then there are many chains out there, both in the United States and abroad, that accept thousands of applications online, so expect competition to be higher with this route. In 2007, The Four Seasons was voted one of the best companies to work for by Fortune magazine; the hotel chain also has establishments around the world from French Polynesia and Saudi Arabia to Argentina and England. The global company frequently holds on-campus recruitment throughout North America and Europe. Visit their website (http://www.fourseasons.com/employment/career_opportunities/) to view the schedule or to apply.

Other large hotel chains that have facilities in the United States and abroad include the following:

Club Med    http://www.clubmedjobs.com/
Crowne Plaza http://www.ihgplc.com/index.asp?pageid=7
Hilton         http://hiltonworldwide1.hilton.com/en_US/ww/people/employment.do
Hyatt        http://www.hyatt.com/hyatt/index.jsp
Marriott    http://www.marriott.com/careers/College.mi
Ramada     http://www.ramada.com/Ramada/control/careers?variant=
Radisson    http://www.radisson.com/
Ritz-Carlton    http://corporate.ritzcarlton.com/en/Careers/Default.htm
Westin http://www.starwoodhotels.com/corporate/careers/recruiting/internships.html

Oh Canada…..

By obtaining a working holiday visa, just about anyone can seek international employment at one of Canada’s top ski resorts, Whistler Blackcomb, though having the visa doesn’t necessarily guarantee employment. In addition to a plethora of seasonal positions — such as barista and snowboard instructor — this prime summer and winter destination also accepts applications for guest relations hosts. Nicolle Morris, Business Development Planner for Whistler Blackcomb, said young people from all over crowd into Canada to fill these positions. “The large majority of our employees are international, typically from Australia and New Zealand,” she said. “Some come from Germany, the Czech Republic, Argentina, and South Africa.” The company’s largest demographic, she said, includes an age range of 18 to 25, though there is a large pool of applicants from higher age groups as well. Morris also said the summer (end of June to mid-September) and winter (end of November to end of April) seasons are equally as busy.
Though English is not strictly required, applicants must be able to communicate with guests at the resort, Morris said. The main stipulation is being legally entitled to work in Canada by obtaining a visa at the Canadian embassy in your host country before applying. Either way, Morris said applying will definitely be worthwhile if you get hired. “[The benefits] are pretty endless,” Morris said. “You get to ski and ride during your work days…you meet friends from everywhere, and get to live the mountain lifestyle.” Visit http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/employment/jobs/index.htm to check out employment options.

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by Kelly McClintock

You have taken a vacation to some tropical paradise. You decide to go scuba diving. Your guide is relaxed, cool, and seemingly happy. It appears that he does not have a care in the world, and hey, lets face it, he gets to dive all day in crystal blue water all day, and that’s when it dawns on you: being a scuba instructor is being on a permanent paid vacation.
Frank Slifka says otherwise. Twelve years he had a similar brainchild, however the reality is not “quite as easy as you might expect.”  This is not to say that it does not have its rewards, but there are serious things to consider before taking the plunge (so to speak).
Often times you will be a dive master, not an instructor. Depending on where you work, especially at big resorts, you could be doing the exact same 30 foot dive in the exact same location day after day.
Also, in most cases diving is only about a quarter of your day because scuba tanks “do not fill themselves” and the boat and compressors “are not self-maintaining,” which brings us to our next point: other skills.
While, of course, being a good diver is crucial, other skills and knowledge are necessary, too. For instance, can you drive a boat, do you know how to maintain and repair equipment, do you know how to work a compressor and diesel engine, are you a people person?
If you are not a people person, consider that your job does involve a heavy dose on human interaction. You are dealing with tourists, many of whom have never been on a dive before, so patience is a key attribute. But according to Slifka, this can also be the greatest reward because you can, “open up a whole new world to some visitor,” get paid to do what you love, learn and experience to ocean, and another culture. Even with the less than perfect moments, Slifka remains “hooked” as a scuba instructor hook, line, and sinker.

Source: http://medianetcom.com/NAUI/docs/sources/sources_island.html

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Uruguay

Uruguay is the second smallest of the South American republics, known as the ‘Oriental Republic’ because of its location on the eastern bank of the Rio de la Plata.
Uruguay is drawing increasingly more visitors each year, and for good reasons. The country enjoys over 300 miles of sandy beaches on the Atlantic and the Río de la Plata — check out Punta del diablo, Fortaleza de Santa Teresa, Cabo Polonio.  There are also hot springs, art festivals and numerous opportunities for sport and entertainment.
Montevideo, the capital, contains museums, theaters, exhibitions, shows, and great food. Visit Ciudad Vieja and Plaza Independecia and walk along the Rambla waterside roadway where you can find people biking, fishing, and having drinks with friends while enjoying the beautiful views.

Highlights:

In Montevideo, ramble along the Rambla waterside roadway for biking, fishing, and great views.

Visit Colonia del Sacramento, a charming colonial town and World Heritage site with cobblestoned streets and and an old lighthouse.

Go bird watching in Rocha.

Spend Sunday morning in Montevideo shopping like a local at La Feria Tristán Narvaja Flea Market.

Best time to visit: October to March
Student Airfare:  $739 Miami to Montevideo RT
7 Nights in a hostel: $77
Exchange Rate: 1.00 USD = 22.0540 UYU

Student Traveler travel in Uruguay home page

Student Traveler articles on Uruguay:

Study Abroad: Amerispan  Study Abroad, Youth for Understanding, State University of New York, Spanish Abroad, Middlebury College, Hamline University Work Abroad: TEFL Institute, TEFL International, Volunteer Abroad: Amigos de las Americas, Ciudad Universitaria

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Cayman Islands

You and Goldilocks will have a lot in common as you try to choose between the three islands.  Fan of fine dining and nonstop parties?  Grand Cayman will suit you to a T. When you’re tired of stuffing yourself silly and rocking out on the dance floor, you can lounge on 7 Mile Beach.  If you crave a bit more action during the day, sign up for some of the world’s best diving, or hitch a ride out to Stingray City to pet the velvety animals.  There’s also a rugged side to Grand Cayman, and hikers can discover its untouched woodlands. A 40-minute flight from Grand Cayman will bring you to Cayman Brac, perfect for those who want some quality alone time with the sun and sand (as currents and large growths of turtle grass keep those pesky snorkelers at bay). But Cayman Brac is a diver’s paradise, as well, and you’ll find divers of all experience levels here.  Strangely enough, on the least “developed” of the three islands, you can see boobies (birds, that is!)  and experience one of the world’s top diving destinations.  In addition to superb hiking and spectacular fishing, Little Cayman offers total privacy and blissful relaxation on its empty beaches. The only question remaining is “Which island is ‘just right’ for you?”

•    See the world’s only green turtle farm on Grand Cayman
•    Follow the Mastic Trail
•    Hike or drive up the bluff for a stunning panoramic view of the island
•    Visit Bloody Bay Marine Park, with a coral wall that plunges to 6,000 ft

What it would cost (traveling this June): Airfare from Miami $371, 7 nights in a hostel in Exchange Rate $1 US = .84 Cayman Island Dollars

Student Traveler travel in the Cayman Islands home page

Student Traveler articles on the Cayman Islands

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Jamaica

For a beachin’ vacation, tourists know to head for Mo’Bay (AKA Montego Bay), and, if they want even mo beach, to hop on over to the extra long beaches of Negril. Encouraged by the government, tourism is important in Jamaica and the country definitely deserves its most favored destination status. Its beauty once astounded Christopher Columbus himself (a bit of a traveler) and Captain Morgan couldn’t help but pause from pillaging to kick off his boots here. From reggae to dancehall, rocksteady to ska, Beenie Man to Bounty Killer, music fills the warm Jamaican air. Whether you’re sipping rum punch, watching some cricket, visiting the Bob Marley museum in Kingston or strolling through an old fishing village, let yourself take in the Rastafarian way of live. Don’t worry, it’s OK to inhale.

Student Traveler travel in Jamaica home page

Student Traveler articles on Jamaica:

Study Abroad: SUNY Brockport, Sea Education Association, Temple University, School for International Training, International Partnership Service Learning, Northern Caribbean University, College of Agriculture, Science and Education, University of West Indies Centre, University of West Indies, Mona Work Abroad: TEFL International, Dressel Divers International Volunteer Abroad: Amizade, Global Volunteers, Volunteers for Peace, Globe Aware

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Bermuda

Located in the Atlantic (not in the Caribbean, as is sometimes mistakenly believed), Bermuda is approximately 750 miles from New York. The Bermuda islands are a popular destination for “snow birds” looking to escape harsh northern winters, though going in the off season (April-December) yields the greatest deals. Many people know the legends associated with the Bermuda triangle—disappearing boats, paranormal activity, etc.—but maybe that’s just a ploy by regular visitors to Bermuda to keep this gem to themselves! The treacherous reefs of Bermuda have made it one of the best wreck-diving destinations in the world, with over 400 wrecks scattered amongst 200 square miles of coral reef.  In fact, Bermuda was settled due to one such wreck in 1609 – several sailors remained behind when the wreck’s crew set sail in a new ship.  Even if you’re not much of a swimmer, it’s possible to explore the riches off the coast of Bermuda.  Bell diving is Bermuda tradition and an easy way to explore the ocean floor..  If you prefer to admire the ocean from the safety of a boat, there are plenty of kayaking and sailing options, as well.  The water is so crystal clear that you can watch the fish swimming below you as you kayak.  .  A vacation in Bermuda allows you to exist in a bygone era of gentility and charm. You’ll return home refreshed and probably hankering for more of that good English tea every afternoon.

•    Rent a sailboat for the day
•    Shop for world-class gold jewelry at the City of Hamilton
•    Watch some Gombey dancing
•    Learn about Bermuda’s nautical heritage at the Bermuda Maritime Museum
•    Take a guided tour through the Crystal Caves
•    Snap pictures of the postcard-ready Horseshoe Bay Beach
•    Take the ferry to Somerset

What it would cost (traveling this June): Airfare from New York City $377, 7 nights in a budget hotel ($380) in Exchange Rate $1 US = 1 Bermuda Dollar

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Curaçao

If a Caribbean island can have it all, Curaçao probably fits the bill.  As the largest and most populous of the three “ ABC islands” (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao), Curaçao sure puts the “see” in “C”! Though the rocky northern shore is unsuitable for swimming, you could easily spend two weeks exploring a different beach every day.  At night you can let your taste buds do the walking and explore the crioyo food, similar in flavor to Latin American and Caribbean cuisine.  Or try some of the Dutch, Spanish, or Asian-influenced cuisine that abounds on the island.  Top off your dinner with an exotic cocktail made with Blue Curaçao, then throw on your dancing shoes for a night on the town. If all the fine dining has gone straight to your hips, strap on your hiking shoes and hike to the top of Mount Christoffel, the highest point on the island.  Any fan of the Swiss Family Robinson can’t leave Curaçao without a trip to the ostrich farm, either.  Not only will you get to feed and ride the giant birds, you can taste ostrich burger to finish off your tour!  If that idea gets your feathers ruffled and you just want some good, old-fashioned beach activity, you’re in luck. There are more than 40 different dive areas around Curaçao. Many package deals actually include a few dives and can be a great way to stay on budget while experiencing all the country has to offer. Having a good time in Curaçao is as easy as, well, ABC.

•    Check out the Sea Aquarium where you can book dolphin interactions, explore the underwater park, or just bask in the sun
•    Lay on uninhabited speck of volcanic rock off the coast of Curaçao at Klein Curaçao
•    Explore coral and underwater caves

What it would cost (traveling this June): Airfare from $350 7 nights in a hostel in Exchange Rate $1 US = 1.77 Netherlands Antilles Guilders

Student Traveler travel in Curacao home page

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