Four months abroad sounds awesome - but how?
January 26, 2012 12:38 PM Subscribe
Hi, I'm a freshman in college, and I'm trying to figure out how to spend my summer abroad.
My summer break is four months long, and I really want to spend an extended portion of that abroad. Mainly because seeing the world is fun - I'm struck by how different culture can be even within the States! - and because I think it'd be a great way to develop more responsibility and independence. I'm most interested in going to Europe. No specific location required, as long as it's easily accessible to the rest of Europe. Oh, and Turkey's also always seemed really neat. No real applicable language skills, I'm hoping my English will suffice?
My college hates having students study abroad during the semester, for whatever reason, and so everyone goes abroad during the summer. I'm trying to plan my summer right now, and I have two main questions.
1. One of the most popular options is summer school abroad. I don't think I want to do this. I should be fine for graduating at the end of four years, and I'm not in any rush. I also probably am going to be an English major, so it's not like I have a compelling reason to take classes abroad (eg if I were a Spanish major). The things that most appeal to me about taking courses would be having housing and meals all figured out, and having some sort of structure to my days/weeks. Is my reasoning correct, or are there other advantages to studying abroad that I should consider?
2. Okay, so it seems that my options are either working/taking an internship or doing the extended vacation thing. This is the scary part because it almost feels like planning to actually move to a foreign country when I don't know the lay of the land at all. For internships/work, something media-related would be ideal: something like newspaper, radio, publishing, or advertising. (Whether this is an advisable career path is a future AskMe.) I'm imagining this would be based in one city, and I'd have weekends to go see other parts of Europe. For extended vacation, something kind of like Semester at Sea except with more independence would be ideal, like "Okay, we're staying at this hotel in this city for the next two days - meals on your own, you can sightsee with other people on this trip or not, meet back on Saturday morning so we can go to our next stop." Does anything remotely like this exist? If not, how do I figure out housing and transportation? I'm definitely not as brave as most Mefites, so backpacking is out, finding a random hostel before going to sleep is out. (I get it, I get it, spontaneity, it's a lot of fun - I prefer having some structure, if that's quite alright with you.) I can apply for travel grants from my school, but please do share if you know any amazing scholarships or grants or whatever.
So, to recap, biggest concerns:
- traveling alone as a young girl, both in the sense of being lonely and what happens if an emergency arises?
- if I want some sort of structure and growth from this, how to find internship or work opportunities?
- funding? housing? paperwork? General common sense safety tips?
I know I'm asking for a lot. Feel free to only address what you're familiar about in cities/countries you're familiar with. If you had an awesome summer abroad, I'd love to hear all about it! I'm just really struggling to get a sense of how much I need to plan right now to travel responsibly and successfully. I'll be around to answer any questions or clarify, thanks guys!
My summer break is four months long, and I really want to spend an extended portion of that abroad. Mainly because seeing the world is fun - I'm struck by how different culture can be even within the States! - and because I think it'd be a great way to develop more responsibility and independence. I'm most interested in going to Europe. No specific location required, as long as it's easily accessible to the rest of Europe. Oh, and Turkey's also always seemed really neat. No real applicable language skills, I'm hoping my English will suffice?
My college hates having students study abroad during the semester, for whatever reason, and so everyone goes abroad during the summer. I'm trying to plan my summer right now, and I have two main questions.
1. One of the most popular options is summer school abroad. I don't think I want to do this. I should be fine for graduating at the end of four years, and I'm not in any rush. I also probably am going to be an English major, so it's not like I have a compelling reason to take classes abroad (eg if I were a Spanish major). The things that most appeal to me about taking courses would be having housing and meals all figured out, and having some sort of structure to my days/weeks. Is my reasoning correct, or are there other advantages to studying abroad that I should consider?
2. Okay, so it seems that my options are either working/taking an internship or doing the extended vacation thing. This is the scary part because it almost feels like planning to actually move to a foreign country when I don't know the lay of the land at all. For internships/work, something media-related would be ideal: something like newspaper, radio, publishing, or advertising. (Whether this is an advisable career path is a future AskMe.) I'm imagining this would be based in one city, and I'd have weekends to go see other parts of Europe. For extended vacation, something kind of like Semester at Sea except with more independence would be ideal, like "Okay, we're staying at this hotel in this city for the next two days - meals on your own, you can sightsee with other people on this trip or not, meet back on Saturday morning so we can go to our next stop." Does anything remotely like this exist? If not, how do I figure out housing and transportation? I'm definitely not as brave as most Mefites, so backpacking is out, finding a random hostel before going to sleep is out. (I get it, I get it, spontaneity, it's a lot of fun - I prefer having some structure, if that's quite alright with you.) I can apply for travel grants from my school, but please do share if you know any amazing scholarships or grants or whatever.
So, to recap, biggest concerns:
- traveling alone as a young girl, both in the sense of being lonely and what happens if an emergency arises?
- if I want some sort of structure and growth from this, how to find internship or work opportunities?
- funding? housing? paperwork? General common sense safety tips?
I know I'm asking for a lot. Feel free to only address what you're familiar about in cities/countries you're familiar with. If you had an awesome summer abroad, I'd love to hear all about it! I'm just really struggling to get a sense of how much I need to plan right now to travel responsibly and successfully. I'll be around to answer any questions or clarify, thanks guys!
For what it's worth, I really regret not picking up fluency in a second language during college. One of the easiest ways to do that is study abroad. If I could do it over again, I would go to Spain and take intensive language summer school. If there's a program like that through your school and you can afford it, that's what I do.
posted by Snarl Furillo at 12:54 PM on January 26, 2012 [2 favorites]
posted by Snarl Furillo at 12:54 PM on January 26, 2012 [2 favorites]
I went to a pretty exotic location the summer after my freshman year.
I did an intensive language program in a developing country.
This was pre-widespread-Internet, so there was no connecting back with family/friends, for the most part (well, occasional emails, but...) and it was outstanding.
IMHO, it will be much harder to travel like this later. Do something as out-of-your-comfort-zone as you can.
posted by k8t at 12:58 PM on January 26, 2012
I did an intensive language program in a developing country.
This was pre-widespread-Internet, so there was no connecting back with family/friends, for the most part (well, occasional emails, but...) and it was outstanding.
IMHO, it will be much harder to travel like this later. Do something as out-of-your-comfort-zone as you can.
posted by k8t at 12:58 PM on January 26, 2012
You are a college freshman. You should be spending your summer abroad as drunk and naked as possible. I think it's actually a law now.
Otherwise, even as an english major, there are absolutely no good reasons NOT to develop skills in a second language. Find a language immersion program somewhere with a good balance of actual educational potential and funtimes. I like Spain but in the interest of full disclosure I am a horrendous role model.
posted by elizardbits at 1:00 PM on January 26, 2012 [3 favorites]
Otherwise, even as an english major, there are absolutely no good reasons NOT to develop skills in a second language. Find a language immersion program somewhere with a good balance of actual educational potential and funtimes. I like Spain but in the interest of full disclosure I am a horrendous role model.
posted by elizardbits at 1:00 PM on January 26, 2012 [3 favorites]
I'd do this in two stages: take 2 semesters of a foreign language during the year. Spend the first summer studying that language abroad. The next summer get an internship in a foreign country where you will use that language.
It's also useful to figure out what you want to do with your life and get internships in that field over the summer.
posted by deanc at 1:04 PM on January 26, 2012
It's also useful to figure out what you want to do with your life and get internships in that field over the summer.
posted by deanc at 1:04 PM on January 26, 2012
I also probably am going to be an English major, so it's not like I have a compelling reason to take classes abroad
Au contraire, I think you have reasons as compelling as everyone else, if not more so!
1) If you are interested in English language, I find the more I learn about other languages, the more I understand, appreciate, and know about my own. Having exposure to foreign languages helps you know how your own is special.
2) If you are interested in English literature, don't forget that "English" does not end at "American." You have the opportunity to go to South Africa for the summer and study South African literature, or to read American classics alongside students from Ireland, or what have you.
3) If you are interested in English language teaching e.g. EFL or ESL, you have a better understanding of the learner-perspective if you have studied a foreign language, and if you work with a specific population ("native Spanish speakers learning English"), can better understand their cultural reference and their common mistakes as language learners.
4) If you are interested in English language media you need all the marketable skills you can get, it sounds like, to get a plum job. Time abroad and second language skills are definitely good options.
Add to these the goal of having some structure and I cannot see why you would say no! Also, there is nothing wrong with choosing a less studied, less spoken language than Spanish. If you want to spend the summer in Ankara studying Turkish, by all means do it. It will be an awesome adventure, and it will give you something to write about creatively or set yourself apart for working in media etc etc for years to come.
Anyway, about your extended vacation thing, getting on and off a bus and staying in different places: you might see if something like contiki tours would work for you. I know several Australians who have done them through Europe and had a great time, but I would not call this "studying abroad" or "educational" by any means.
(I spent a summer abroad in Cuba and it was awesome. I have also arranged summer and month long programs for US university students in several different countries.)
posted by whatzit at 1:21 PM on January 26, 2012 [2 favorites]
Au contraire, I think you have reasons as compelling as everyone else, if not more so!
1) If you are interested in English language, I find the more I learn about other languages, the more I understand, appreciate, and know about my own. Having exposure to foreign languages helps you know how your own is special.
2) If you are interested in English literature, don't forget that "English" does not end at "American." You have the opportunity to go to South Africa for the summer and study South African literature, or to read American classics alongside students from Ireland, or what have you.
3) If you are interested in English language teaching e.g. EFL or ESL, you have a better understanding of the learner-perspective if you have studied a foreign language, and if you work with a specific population ("native Spanish speakers learning English"), can better understand their cultural reference and their common mistakes as language learners.
4) If you are interested in English language media you need all the marketable skills you can get, it sounds like, to get a plum job. Time abroad and second language skills are definitely good options.
Add to these the goal of having some structure and I cannot see why you would say no! Also, there is nothing wrong with choosing a less studied, less spoken language than Spanish. If you want to spend the summer in Ankara studying Turkish, by all means do it. It will be an awesome adventure, and it will give you something to write about creatively or set yourself apart for working in media etc etc for years to come.
Anyway, about your extended vacation thing, getting on and off a bus and staying in different places: you might see if something like contiki tours would work for you. I know several Australians who have done them through Europe and had a great time, but I would not call this "studying abroad" or "educational" by any means.
(I spent a summer abroad in Cuba and it was awesome. I have also arranged summer and month long programs for US university students in several different countries.)
posted by whatzit at 1:21 PM on January 26, 2012 [2 favorites]
First, I think this is a great idea. After you graduate from college, you won't have long periods of time for travel like this without having to deal with the "what am I going to do when I get back?" question, so kudos!
I don't have much experience with Europe (I've done most of my travel in Asia and Latin America, purely because it's cheaper). However, I will say that if you want to do the internship part first, wait until you're there to book the travel part. Once you're doing your weekend trips to various places, you'll meet other travelers who can give you suggestions on tours, etc. to do. You might even find that backpacking is less scary than you think (not trying to pressure you to do that - but when I was your age, I felt the same way, and then I met backpackers during my study abroad program and realized how stupid easy it is).
As for this:
- traveling alone as a young girl, both in the sense of being lonely and what happens if an emergency arises?
I totally remember feeling that way, and it's completely understandable! One thing you will learn very quickly is that if you're staying in hostels, you'll rarely actually be alone. You'll meet interesting people from all over the world and do stuff with them. You will get homesick, but "no one will talk to me" loneliness is unlikely.
Safety: honestly, I've felt more unsafe alone at night in some American cities than I have when traveling alone. And I was only a little older than you when I started traveling alone. You will attract some attention, but it's not always bad attention - people are often very warm and protective towards solo female travelers.
posted by lunasol at 1:28 PM on January 26, 2012
I don't have much experience with Europe (I've done most of my travel in Asia and Latin America, purely because it's cheaper). However, I will say that if you want to do the internship part first, wait until you're there to book the travel part. Once you're doing your weekend trips to various places, you'll meet other travelers who can give you suggestions on tours, etc. to do. You might even find that backpacking is less scary than you think (not trying to pressure you to do that - but when I was your age, I felt the same way, and then I met backpackers during my study abroad program and realized how stupid easy it is).
As for this:
- traveling alone as a young girl, both in the sense of being lonely and what happens if an emergency arises?
I totally remember feeling that way, and it's completely understandable! One thing you will learn very quickly is that if you're staying in hostels, you'll rarely actually be alone. You'll meet interesting people from all over the world and do stuff with them. You will get homesick, but "no one will talk to me" loneliness is unlikely.
Safety: honestly, I've felt more unsafe alone at night in some American cities than I have when traveling alone. And I was only a little older than you when I started traveling alone. You will attract some attention, but it's not always bad attention - people are often very warm and protective towards solo female travelers.
posted by lunasol at 1:28 PM on January 26, 2012
Have you considered something structured but still potentially awesome (espicially if you have the means to walk away if things go sour) like WOOF-ing?
posted by RolandOfEld at 1:42 PM on January 26, 2012
posted by RolandOfEld at 1:42 PM on January 26, 2012
I was an English major, and I did a summer study-abroad in Stratford, England. It was six weeks of Shakespeare, and we got to go see performances of the plays we studied (in Stratford and in London a couple of times). It was a really fun and great program! Many of us traveled afterwards (I traveled for two weeks, meeting up with some of my classmates at various locations (Venice, Paris). It was whirlwind but I had a fantastic time.
If that doesn't seem appealing, I concur that taking an intensive language program abroad would be a good experience and beneficial in the long-term.
posted by JenMarie at 1:43 PM on January 26, 2012
If that doesn't seem appealing, I concur that taking an intensive language program abroad would be a good experience and beneficial in the long-term.
posted by JenMarie at 1:43 PM on January 26, 2012
Check out CIEE. I did their semester-long program in Prague, Czech Republic. It was well-run and very supportive. They also have summer programs.
I also did the BUNAC work abroad program in Edinburgh, Scotland, UK and had a blast. You'll have to find a job and somewhere to live on your own though, and be able to support yourself financially until you find that job. I went with a friend and lived and job searched together. If you go alone, I'd recommend connecting with a club for an activity or sport right away. I made local friends (instead of hanging out with other Americans the whole time) and found both of my jobs through club members.
If your school has an archaeology department, check to see if they have any organized excavation trips over the summer. I wish I had gone to Turkey or Greece with the department at my school. I believe ours offered free room (cabin-type accomodations) and board, but you had to pay for airfare.
Have so much fun!
posted by stompadour at 2:18 PM on January 26, 2012
I also did the BUNAC work abroad program in Edinburgh, Scotland, UK and had a blast. You'll have to find a job and somewhere to live on your own though, and be able to support yourself financially until you find that job. I went with a friend and lived and job searched together. If you go alone, I'd recommend connecting with a club for an activity or sport right away. I made local friends (instead of hanging out with other Americans the whole time) and found both of my jobs through club members.
If your school has an archaeology department, check to see if they have any organized excavation trips over the summer. I wish I had gone to Turkey or Greece with the department at my school. I believe ours offered free room (cabin-type accomodations) and board, but you had to pay for airfare.
Have so much fun!
posted by stompadour at 2:18 PM on January 26, 2012
Wow, two study abroad questions in one day. It's like Metafilter knew I just joined last week.
As a study abroad advisor, I'm probably required to tell you to study abroad. Besides the benefits of pre-arranged housing and excursions and such, you will also have the often-overlooked advantage of staff in your host city who know the lay of the land. It's an excellent way to test your wings but know that there's a pro behind you to help pick you up if you stumble.
Language classes and other classes have already been covered. Maybe you're interested in doing an archaeological dig in Italy, for something a little different. Memail me if you want details.
It sounds like you have so many interests and so many things that you'd like to do. Remember that you still have two more summers in college! If you're worried that an internship possibility might pass yo. By, then think of this study abroad summer as an internship on working on yourself: developing the independence, common sense and street-savviness skills that will stand you in good stead all your life.
posted by Liesl at 5:04 PM on January 26, 2012
As a study abroad advisor, I'm probably required to tell you to study abroad. Besides the benefits of pre-arranged housing and excursions and such, you will also have the often-overlooked advantage of staff in your host city who know the lay of the land. It's an excellent way to test your wings but know that there's a pro behind you to help pick you up if you stumble.
Language classes and other classes have already been covered. Maybe you're interested in doing an archaeological dig in Italy, for something a little different. Memail me if you want details.
It sounds like you have so many interests and so many things that you'd like to do. Remember that you still have two more summers in college! If you're worried that an internship possibility might pass yo. By, then think of this study abroad summer as an internship on working on yourself: developing the independence, common sense and street-savviness skills that will stand you in good stead all your life.
posted by Liesl at 5:04 PM on January 26, 2012
I've done study abroad and have travelled, both as a young white woman. I was 20 when I went overseas for the first time, and I spent a month on my own in South Africa. It was the most important and best experience of my life. I was also an English major (and history major too) and studying South African literature, theatre and history was the greatest thing. Ever.
Memail me if you want to talk to someone who has done it and knows what it's like. I could go on forever, but there are other people here more qualified to answer some of these question.
tl;dr - just go. Doesn't matter where, really, or when, or what type of program. Just go.
posted by guster4lovers at 7:09 PM on January 26, 2012
Memail me if you want to talk to someone who has done it and knows what it's like. I could go on forever, but there are other people here more qualified to answer some of these question.
tl;dr - just go. Doesn't matter where, really, or when, or what type of program. Just go.
posted by guster4lovers at 7:09 PM on January 26, 2012
Building on stompadour's comment, if you're interested in the possibility of doing an archaeological dig, also look into opportunities offered by your Classics department (where archaeologists working in the Mediterranean/Asia Minor sometimes hide) as well as field schools advertised via the Archaeological Institute of America. Costs vary widely, as do types of experiences, but if you're intrigued by ancient cultures and are willing to do manual labor in exchange for a unique, sometimes perspective-altering experience, this is for you.
posted by AthenaPolias at 8:56 PM on January 26, 2012
posted by AthenaPolias at 8:56 PM on January 26, 2012
Europe on your own for a few months after your freshman year in college isn't bad at all, and I'm speaking from experience here.. If you are halfway decent at any sort of instrument, there are TONS of music festivals and programs that happen in the summer that you can apply to. They'll take care of housing, at least 1-2 meals a day, some structure, and a few tours. If you're going to a country that needs a visa, they'll usually help with that too. I traveled after the program I went to ended and it was a very liberating experience. I hit up Luxembourg (for the music program), took an unplanned day trip into France, then headed up to Denmark and Norway all in the span of just over a month. I also pick up on languages rather quickly, though I couldn't quite speak Danish or Norwegian, I was able to read signs, maps, menus, and other basic written functioning in life things. Granted, most people in these countries also spoke flawless English.
One thing that I won't lie about is that it will get lonely at first and can seem a bit overwhelming, but I ended up coming back the happiest person in the world because I knew I could take care of myself in a foreign country. I'll second guster4lover's thought of: JUST GO!!!
Anyway, to piggy back off of AthenaPolias's comment about archaeological dig, I do know that there's a field school in Macedonia that's apparently pretty good and relatively cheap, as far as field schools go. If you want more info on that, I can ask my friend how did it this past summer and MeMail you about it.
posted by astapasta24 at 11:36 PM on January 26, 2012
One thing that I won't lie about is that it will get lonely at first and can seem a bit overwhelming, but I ended up coming back the happiest person in the world because I knew I could take care of myself in a foreign country. I'll second guster4lover's thought of: JUST GO!!!
Anyway, to piggy back off of AthenaPolias's comment about archaeological dig, I do know that there's a field school in Macedonia that's apparently pretty good and relatively cheap, as far as field schools go. If you want more info on that, I can ask my friend how did it this past summer and MeMail you about it.
posted by astapasta24 at 11:36 PM on January 26, 2012
Since you are a college freshman, and therefore (I assume) pretty young, I would strongly suggest going with a university program if you can afford it. I did two programs through Syracuse University about 8 years ago, and I very much enjoyed them (and I did not attend Syracuse as a matriculated student). Syracuse (as last 8 years ago..) has a really excellent, and large, selection of courses in Art and Architecture in a variety of locations, mostly in Europe, but also other places, like China.
The programs are great because as you say, they provide structure and housing (but not food!). I would not underestimate the homesickness/culture shock aspect of living in Europe... it's good to have some built in peers (if not friends!). The bonus of going with a university program is that you can put it on your resume. This is an extra bonus if you would like to add some cachet to your resume - Harvard offers summer classes abroad, for example, which I took as a non-Harvard student.
Anyway, I'm sure there are many university programs out there for study abroad, and you don't need to attend the university as a matriculated student to take advantage. I strongly recommend this route if you have the cash to do it.
posted by annie o at 11:40 AM on January 27, 2012
The programs are great because as you say, they provide structure and housing (but not food!). I would not underestimate the homesickness/culture shock aspect of living in Europe... it's good to have some built in peers (if not friends!). The bonus of going with a university program is that you can put it on your resume. This is an extra bonus if you would like to add some cachet to your resume - Harvard offers summer classes abroad, for example, which I took as a non-Harvard student.
Anyway, I'm sure there are many university programs out there for study abroad, and you don't need to attend the university as a matriculated student to take advantage. I strongly recommend this route if you have the cash to do it.
posted by annie o at 11:40 AM on January 27, 2012
This thread is closed to new comments.
They have volunteer trips of varying lengths, going to varying places and doing varying things; anything from helping archeologists on a dig to helping build schools or things like that.
I'm not offering a link only because there are too many to choose from if you just do a search for "volunteer vacations" or "voluntourism".
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 12:43 PM on January 26, 2012