Travel has become a dream for many young people; however, budgeting international voyages or vacations can be difficult due to insufficient finances.
You might be looking to travel the world and expand your horizons but not break the bank. With student loans and other debts weighing over your head, it may seem like becoming a globetrotter is nearly impossible. Believe it or not, there are opportunities waiting for you.
It is not just fun and games, though; Forbes compiled experiences you can gain from working or traveling abroad which include: becoming adaptable, learning to be bilingual, accessing a global network, and gaining experiences to take on higher-level positions in the workforce.
Dr. Gregory Bordelon, a lecturer of political science, lived and worked in Paris, France after graduating from Louisiana State University Law.
He said, “After a couple of weeks, it clicked [living abroad] and I was able to get by for the most part.” Bordelon also encouraged students “to appreciate and respect both perception and cultural nuance and not come at any ‘differences’ from an American-centric perspective.” Remembering that everything is an experience and should be enriching and valuable helps further the ideas of going overseas.
Jennifer Hoffman, a senior communication student has extended family in Italy. “I’d like to go abroad to see and do things that the locals do because you can get a better perspective of what life is like in that country.”
Business Insider has published some potential jobs for international travelers and some options may be surprising!
1. Find out about Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms. (WWOOF’ing)
For underrated experiences, WWOOF is a volunteer-based business in which travelers or expats are allowed to work on a farm in exchange for meals and living accommodations. The cost is roughly $0-$75 not including travel expenses to the country of your choice. The flexible system allows you to determine the length of your volunteer work too. For more information, visit www.wwoof.net/welcome-to-wwoof/.
2. Join the Peace Corps.
This opportunity is a more dedicated and vigorous option. It is a 2 year commitment in a developing country. The Peace Corps pays for travel, accommodations, provides certain benefits, and offers a $7,425 readjustment allowance upon finishing service. The Peace Corps website states that “each program has different time commitments and requirements but all offer the opportunity to serve abroad and make a difference.” If you are up for the challenge, it can be a very rewarding experience.
3. Teach English Abroad.
If you are a native English speaker, teaching can be a very accessible job around the world. In most countries, it is not even required to speak the native language, although being bilingual can lead to better placements.
Stephen Guertler, a Gordon College alumnus, is currently an English teacher in Münster, Germany.
“I focus more on language with my students than with content. My teaching responsibilities are also broad and varied, spanning 5th through 13th grade, and covering many topics,” he said. In terms of the work commitments, “I only work about 20 or fewer hours per week, but that does not always include lesson plan prep,” Guertler continued.
So if teaching seems like a job you can handle there are many agencies that place graduates in schools around the world!
4. Work for an airline or cruise line.
Another easy way to see the world is through travel agencies and companies that deal with extensive traveling. Flight Attendants make between $25,000 and $50,000 a year according to Business Insider and get free travel benefits.
Working on a cruise line also pays for travel to exotic places, but hours tend to be longer and some positions may not lend themselves too interesting. However, it is still a fun way to see the world and offers potential to move up in your career.
5. Become a tour guide or travel researcher.
If you want to be right in the heart of everything, maybe a tour guide or travel researcher could be your outlet. Some key attributes to a good guide is to be extroverted and friendly, however, sometimes you may need backup or freelance work in order to sustain living abroad. Joining a travel agency adds stability, Business Insider explained.
On the other hand, becoming a researcher for a travel guidebook also has perks. There is plenty of travel involved along with deadlines to get all your work done, but if you have the tenacity there are benefits and it can become a solid career move!
Warren St. John of the New York Times sends a gentle reminder to those looking only for leisure to beware because, “Travel-guide writing is no vacation.”
Jamie Esposito, a senior and archaeology student, is not deterred by the rigor of such a job. “I would love to work for National Geographic to share my experiences with the peoples and cultures I get to interact with,” she said.
If you think you have what it takes to adventure off into the world post-graduation, go for it. There are plenty of travel opportunities, you just have to dig a little deeper beyond the surface to find out how to beat the system.
PHOTO COURTESY of Kyle O’Grady
