There's a better life... and you think about it, don't you?
July 14, 2005 1:10 PM Subscribe
Dropping-out-of-the-rat-race Filter: Suggest good work-study or scholarship programs for someone looking to spend about a year taking a break from the 9 to 5.
I've been thinking about this for a few years, and going to grad school cured the itch for a while, but now I'm thinking about it again and articles like this keep making me restless.
I'm interested in arts and crafts, have some experience in fiber arts and glass bead making, but don't have enough experience in anything to teach it. I also have several years of work experience in publishing and web production. I'd like something that would allow me to be outdoors (not in a city). I'll consider all parts of the country, and the program wouldn't have to last for a full year. In fact, it would be ideal to get many different experiences.
A key factor would be that the opportunities would either pay some nominal salary or allow time to participate in the activities of the program itself. Basically, I don't have any problems with not making any money for a year or so, but I don't have enough savings lined up to have to spend money on the programs I would work at. Hence the whole "looking for work-study" thing.
Some programs that I've found on my own:
Green Gulch Farm's Summer Organic Farming Apprenticeship
John C. Campbell Folk School
Programs in the US preferred just because of lack of cost associated with getting there, but if you know of any outstanding international opportunities, sling them my way as well.
I've been thinking about this for a few years, and going to grad school cured the itch for a while, but now I'm thinking about it again and articles like this keep making me restless.
I'm interested in arts and crafts, have some experience in fiber arts and glass bead making, but don't have enough experience in anything to teach it. I also have several years of work experience in publishing and web production. I'd like something that would allow me to be outdoors (not in a city). I'll consider all parts of the country, and the program wouldn't have to last for a full year. In fact, it would be ideal to get many different experiences.
A key factor would be that the opportunities would either pay some nominal salary or allow time to participate in the activities of the program itself. Basically, I don't have any problems with not making any money for a year or so, but I don't have enough savings lined up to have to spend money on the programs I would work at. Hence the whole "looking for work-study" thing.
Some programs that I've found on my own:
Green Gulch Farm's Summer Organic Farming Apprenticeship
John C. Campbell Folk School
Programs in the US preferred just because of lack of cost associated with getting there, but if you know of any outstanding international opportunities, sling them my way as well.
-Being a camp counselor: pay is often bad, but you get room and board and fun with kids. You could even be an arts and crafts director. I don't know of any good ones, maybe someone else can suggest.
-Working for the national park service. They often need people to man watchtowers, tend trails, and be campsite hosts. Usually very low-key and with a lot of solitude.
posted by mai at 2:40 PM on July 14, 2005
-Working for the national park service. They often need people to man watchtowers, tend trails, and be campsite hosts. Usually very low-key and with a lot of solitude.
posted by mai at 2:40 PM on July 14, 2005
Work at Camp Stevens!
I grew up there, and they have many fine volunteering opportunities.
posted by exceptinsects at 3:22 PM on July 14, 2005
I grew up there, and they have many fine volunteering opportunities.
posted by exceptinsects at 3:22 PM on July 14, 2005
The Fulbright fellowships might be an out-of-the-country option (and there are a few countries that accept/encourage arts applicants), as is teaching English abroad, though both require a big committment and the ability & desire to tough out the culture shock that comes with trying to be part of a society rather than just an incidental tourist.
posted by soviet sleepover at 5:30 PM on July 14, 2005
posted by soviet sleepover at 5:30 PM on July 14, 2005
It's hard to find any seasonal work with the Park Service, let alone a single year's appointment, but may I suggest a program which was very good to me: the Student Conservation Association (SCA). They have internships with many US land-management agencies, not just the NPS. An internship can last a few weeks or a year or more. Contrary to the name of the organization, you don't have to be a student, and there's no upper age-limit.
Depending on your appointment, you get a small stipend, and the possibility of an education award though Americorps--though that particular benefit may well be tapped out for the year.
If you'd like to hear more, please email--I'm perennially recruiting for them.
posted by Tufa at 12:37 AM on July 15, 2005
Depending on your appointment, you get a small stipend, and the possibility of an education award though Americorps--though that particular benefit may well be tapped out for the year.
If you'd like to hear more, please email--I'm perennially recruiting for them.
posted by Tufa at 12:37 AM on July 15, 2005
Response by poster: Thanks guys, those give me some good options to think about, especially WWOOFing and the Student Conservation Association.
posted by MsMolly at 2:37 PM on July 15, 2005
posted by MsMolly at 2:37 PM on July 15, 2005
This thread is closed to new comments.
You'll learn a lot about farming and maybe about the organic farming / family farming business. You'll also get in great shape and we didn't work that much so there was time to explore, and hike, and surf, and swim.
posted by zpousman at 1:46 PM on July 14, 2005