Help me transform a year-long trip into something truly meaningful
March 27, 2017 10:01 PM Subscribe
I will be spending 12 months on a round-the-world trip in which my girlfriend and I will visit twelve cities in ten countries, one city per month. I will have all business days free as she works remotely on her laptop solo. Please give me ideas for how to transform experience this from a merely fun and leisurely trip to something truly meaningful, magical, and that will jump out on a resume.
Let me begin by apologizing for how obnoxiously privileged my problem is. I feel guilty even asking. But it’s authentic, so please go easy on me.
I’m a 39-year-old American male. My girlfriend was accepted into a program in which she will spend one year traveling around the world, spending a month in each of twelve cities in ten countries on four continents. She currently works from home, and will continue to do her work on her laptop while traveling abroad.
Stunningly, my girlfriend offered to take me along on this program, while paying all of my expenses for the year. I love to travel (I’ve been to 25 countries), and this is obviously an amazing offer, so I accepted, and I am full of excitement, anticipation, and gratitude. Subsequently, I was officially accepted to this program. However, I do not have a job that I can do remotely, and I will need to quit my current position to join this year-long adventure, but I have no problem with that.
During the program, my girlfriend will be working by herself on her laptop during business days, but we will spend the evenings together and with the rest of the people in the program. This leaves me with 52 weeks of business days free, to do whatever I want, solo. Now, at the very least, this will be a year of wonderful travel experiences. But I would like to have a plan to make this even more meaningful -- to be something that I can be proud of when it ends.
What should I do during business days that will be productive, meaningful, and that could transform this experience from a one-year hole on my resume to a year-long project that I can leverage to get a job when I come back to the U.S.? A tricky part of this conundrum is the fact that I will have one month in each city. If I were spending a year in one place, I might be able to set up a lengthy project, but if I do something in person in each city, I will have to embark on twelve small one-month projects -- I am not sure how realistic or useful this would be. I could see myself volunteering in each city. I would love to give of myself for others on this trip. But how would I set that up for each of twelve cities in ten countries? I could see myself volunteering for religious organizations or other charities as well.
I have five years of experience as an elementary schoolteacher, and I would love to volunteer in local schools, but setting up background checks in each of twelve cities seems implausible. Plus, I only speak English, so I might not be of much value in that context, particularly for only one month at a time. I have had some of my writing published, so I might pursue a writing project, if I can only think of such an endeavor that would be original and not just a typical travel narrative. In addition to teaching I’ve worked in politics and banking, and I love history.
Finally, here is the itinerary: Split, Croatia; Budapest, Hungary; Lisbon, Portugal; Hanoi, Vietnam; Chiang Mai, Thailand; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Córdova, Argentina; Lima, Peru; Medellin, Colombia; Bogotá, Colombia; Mexico City, Mexico.
Please give me some ideas for a strategic plan for what I should do with my life for the next year. We have two months before the experience begins. Help me transform this adventure from merely fun to extraordinary and meaningful!
P.S. I have the best girlfriend ever! :-)
Let me begin by apologizing for how obnoxiously privileged my problem is. I feel guilty even asking. But it’s authentic, so please go easy on me.
I’m a 39-year-old American male. My girlfriend was accepted into a program in which she will spend one year traveling around the world, spending a month in each of twelve cities in ten countries on four continents. She currently works from home, and will continue to do her work on her laptop while traveling abroad.
Stunningly, my girlfriend offered to take me along on this program, while paying all of my expenses for the year. I love to travel (I’ve been to 25 countries), and this is obviously an amazing offer, so I accepted, and I am full of excitement, anticipation, and gratitude. Subsequently, I was officially accepted to this program. However, I do not have a job that I can do remotely, and I will need to quit my current position to join this year-long adventure, but I have no problem with that.
During the program, my girlfriend will be working by herself on her laptop during business days, but we will spend the evenings together and with the rest of the people in the program. This leaves me with 52 weeks of business days free, to do whatever I want, solo. Now, at the very least, this will be a year of wonderful travel experiences. But I would like to have a plan to make this even more meaningful -- to be something that I can be proud of when it ends.
What should I do during business days that will be productive, meaningful, and that could transform this experience from a one-year hole on my resume to a year-long project that I can leverage to get a job when I come back to the U.S.? A tricky part of this conundrum is the fact that I will have one month in each city. If I were spending a year in one place, I might be able to set up a lengthy project, but if I do something in person in each city, I will have to embark on twelve small one-month projects -- I am not sure how realistic or useful this would be. I could see myself volunteering in each city. I would love to give of myself for others on this trip. But how would I set that up for each of twelve cities in ten countries? I could see myself volunteering for religious organizations or other charities as well.
I have five years of experience as an elementary schoolteacher, and I would love to volunteer in local schools, but setting up background checks in each of twelve cities seems implausible. Plus, I only speak English, so I might not be of much value in that context, particularly for only one month at a time. I have had some of my writing published, so I might pursue a writing project, if I can only think of such an endeavor that would be original and not just a typical travel narrative. In addition to teaching I’ve worked in politics and banking, and I love history.
Finally, here is the itinerary: Split, Croatia; Budapest, Hungary; Lisbon, Portugal; Hanoi, Vietnam; Chiang Mai, Thailand; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Córdova, Argentina; Lima, Peru; Medellin, Colombia; Bogotá, Colombia; Mexico City, Mexico.
Please give me some ideas for a strategic plan for what I should do with my life for the next year. We have two months before the experience begins. Help me transform this adventure from merely fun to extraordinary and meaningful!
P.S. I have the best girlfriend ever! :-)
Are you interested in photography? You could get a nice camera and learn to use it on your travels. Perhaps a photography blog and/or social media account? Instead of the usual travel pics maybe you could touch base with worthy causes and organsations while you are away and bring attention to them through your own channels, but also established publications, as a freelance writer and photographer.
A year spent on creating a beautiful space will give you an amazing end product.
posted by Youremyworld at 10:56 PM on March 27, 2017 [2 favorites]
A year spent on creating a beautiful space will give you an amazing end product.
posted by Youremyworld at 10:56 PM on March 27, 2017 [2 favorites]
If this is the program I'm thinking of, then it's worth remembering that they have in the past changed their itinerary during the year due to various reasons, so you should either not make irrevocable location specific commitments, or you should be prepared to go stay there without your girlfriend if that does happen again.
posted by the agents of KAOS at 11:09 PM on March 27, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by the agents of KAOS at 11:09 PM on March 27, 2017 [1 favorite]
What a lucky problem to have! But as someone who travels a lot, the constant uprooting can be a drag on the psyche, no matter how fantastic your day-to-day otherwise is. I'd strongly suggest that you develop a routine you're able to maintain almost everyday--including exercise, perhaps meditation, and some sort of ongoing creative or study practice that you stick to (like 1-2hrs of writing in the morning, whether it's journaling or something that builds to more publishable pieces), and whatever else feels like a natural component of your day. Of course there'll be days off, whether because you're in transit or on a side-trip or just don't feel like it. But providing structure to your days/time will help you maintain a sense of stability and continuity (and dare I say purpose) in otherwise changing scenery. Plus if you don't always love your program-mates, it'll help you to make meaning outside of your interactions with them!
For what it's worth, it sounds like you'll be spending six months in Spanish-speaking countries. Unless language study is already part of the program otherwise, why not incorporate Spanish study into your day-to-day routine even while you're in Asia?
(Also, what is this miraculous program?)
posted by tapir-whorf at 11:14 PM on March 27, 2017 [11 favorites]
For what it's worth, it sounds like you'll be spending six months in Spanish-speaking countries. Unless language study is already part of the program otherwise, why not incorporate Spanish study into your day-to-day routine even while you're in Asia?
(Also, what is this miraculous program?)
posted by tapir-whorf at 11:14 PM on March 27, 2017 [11 favorites]
What kinds of jobs would you like to be looking at when you get back?
posted by trig at 1:31 AM on March 28, 2017 [2 favorites]
posted by trig at 1:31 AM on March 28, 2017 [2 favorites]
I recommend learning how to cook in each place. 30 days should be enough time to nail down the basics of each cuisine, and you can take care of your girl at the same time as you're 'culturally enriching' yourself.
If you're going to be teaching again, learn the history of each place as you're there and write grade-appropriate guides for children. Maybe try to sit in on a day of class for your age students in each place; you can nab any intriguing ideas.
posted by Trifling at 2:35 AM on March 28, 2017 [3 favorites]
If you're going to be teaching again, learn the history of each place as you're there and write grade-appropriate guides for children. Maybe try to sit in on a day of class for your age students in each place; you can nab any intriguing ideas.
posted by Trifling at 2:35 AM on March 28, 2017 [3 favorites]
Adding to the idea of structure and cooking- you now get to be the stay at home spouse! I'm assuming you won't be eating out every meal and a month in Aleah place means that someone needs to meal plan and grocery shop, look to see if household supplies are running low, set up transit passes, check out where a local doctor is in case of emergency, etc.
If you don't want to share the program name publicly, please memail me with it!
posted by raccoon409 at 4:17 AM on March 28, 2017 [1 favorite]
If you don't want to share the program name publicly, please memail me with it!
posted by raccoon409 at 4:17 AM on March 28, 2017 [1 favorite]
I think I'd be inclined to enrol in a language class in each location. This would give structure to your day and a social circle outside your girlfriend's program, and picking up even a little bit of the local languages would probably do a lot to help you engage with the cities and the people, and certainly couldn't hurt your resume.
I admit that the first six months look daunting from a language-studies perspective, as they're all so different, and so few are Indo-European. I wouldn't expect too much of myself for this portion, but just enjoy the insight into how each language works. With the six months in South America, however, you could learn a very useful amount of Spanish.
posted by kelper at 5:08 AM on March 28, 2017 [2 favorites]
I admit that the first six months look daunting from a language-studies perspective, as they're all so different, and so few are Indo-European. I wouldn't expect too much of myself for this portion, but just enjoy the insight into how each language works. With the six months in South America, however, you could learn a very useful amount of Spanish.
posted by kelper at 5:08 AM on March 28, 2017 [2 favorites]
If you have the funds - cooking and language classes sound fun. You'd be surprised how quickly you can pick up the basics of a language, especially as you get more under your belt and use the similarities to help you learn.
My immediate thought was to really, really study the galleries in each town. Get a membership, go and really study the art. Sketch - even if you suck now, a year of 9-5s doing art, and studying the masters, will make you way more proficient than you think. Rent a car and take a day trip to a mountaintop and learn to do watercolours. This feels like an art sabbatical, and even my sciencey self is just a bit jealous. :)
posted by aggyface at 5:30 AM on March 28, 2017 [2 favorites]
My immediate thought was to really, really study the galleries in each town. Get a membership, go and really study the art. Sketch - even if you suck now, a year of 9-5s doing art, and studying the masters, will make you way more proficient than you think. Rent a car and take a day trip to a mountaintop and learn to do watercolours. This feels like an art sabbatical, and even my sciencey self is just a bit jealous. :)
posted by aggyface at 5:30 AM on March 28, 2017 [2 favorites]
I would love to volunteer in local schools
I would imagine that in all of those cities - especially the poorer ones - there would be many schools that would be ecstatic to have an experienced, native-English speaking teacher to help teach English. I would also be surprised if formal background checks were generally required.
Finding the right fit may be difficult, so you should try to set something up before you arrive. Maybe start by checking with the American consulates or expat groups.
posted by Mr.Know-it-some at 6:08 AM on March 28, 2017 [4 favorites]
I would imagine that in all of those cities - especially the poorer ones - there would be many schools that would be ecstatic to have an experienced, native-English speaking teacher to help teach English. I would also be surprised if formal background checks were generally required.
Finding the right fit may be difficult, so you should try to set something up before you arrive. Maybe start by checking with the American consulates or expat groups.
posted by Mr.Know-it-some at 6:08 AM on March 28, 2017 [4 favorites]
You definitely don't need to get a background check to volunteer or teach in Asia or Latin America- most schools would LOVE to have a native-English speaking American volunteer to teach English-not speaking the language is not a problem either. Most ESL teachers in these countries (particularly in Asia) arrive not speaking the local language and the schools don't expect it either. You could make friends with local ESL teachers and visit their classes. You could also find adult "language partners" and learn the local languages while they learn/practice English.
Also, definitely language classes for yourself are a very meaningful way to pass the time.
posted by bearette at 6:25 AM on March 28, 2017 [1 favorite]
Also, definitely language classes for yourself are a very meaningful way to pass the time.
posted by bearette at 6:25 AM on March 28, 2017 [1 favorite]
If you don't want to teach kids/are worried about background checks and the attendant bureaucracy, why not set up shop as a facilitator for English practice? Put up fliers at the local schools offering practice sessions to the English teachers. When I worked in Spain one of the best things I did was go out to lunch regularly with my Spanish colleagues. We would speak English the whole time and it gave them an opportunity to speak English with a native, something many of them hadn't had since university.
posted by chainsofreedom at 7:25 AM on March 28, 2017 [3 favorites]
posted by chainsofreedom at 7:25 AM on March 28, 2017 [3 favorites]
I'd vote for taking a nice camera and doing a near real-time blog. I'm going to guess that every place you go, there will be one or more interesting events, and you pick one or two and attempt to document them via pictures and blog commentary And by "interesting events", I don't necessarily mean _60 Minutes_ style investigative journalism; it could be something as simple as a local election, or a parade, a neighbor taking their child to the doctor for a checkup / vaccination, or a teacher taking their class on a museum field-trip - heck, even taking pictures of traffic and noting how people get around. It doesn't have to be earthshaking breaking news - my guess is that if you set out to document things that seem mundane, you'll find all manner of aspects that are unique to the area in ways you'd never considered.
Also: note that this isn't a particularly difficult task, and that's on purpose: if you choose something that is too difficult, too strenuous, that has too much red tape - it may prove difficult to follow it through for an entire year. But committing to a photo-blog probably won't burn you out too quickly.
BTW, I too would like to know what institution is handing out these wonderful opportunities.
posted by doctor tough love at 8:23 AM on March 28, 2017 [1 favorite]
Also: note that this isn't a particularly difficult task, and that's on purpose: if you choose something that is too difficult, too strenuous, that has too much red tape - it may prove difficult to follow it through for an entire year. But committing to a photo-blog probably won't burn you out too quickly.
BTW, I too would like to know what institution is handing out these wonderful opportunities.
posted by doctor tough love at 8:23 AM on March 28, 2017 [1 favorite]
Google Remote Year.
posted by pushing paper and bottoming chairs at 9:33 AM on March 28, 2017 [2 favorites]
posted by pushing paper and bottoming chairs at 9:33 AM on March 28, 2017 [2 favorites]
We love to watch The Amazing Race at our house. But one thing that's always bothered me is that they seem to take so much from the local culture, without ever really giving anything back. For example they go through some challenge where they have to binge eat a local " favorite" or traditional food or dish, and in many cases they sit there in front of local people and vomit the food back up, either from volume or (privileged) disgust. This is so incredibly offensive to me, and the show is at the very least edited to look like the contestants are oblivious to the offense. It would be so much more enjoyable to watch knowing that they left each place a little better - helping build or repair a school or community building,, build solar stoves or help dig a well for access to clean water. In fact, in a discussion this past weekend a friend said that the greatest good one can do is make sure people have access to clean water. Removing the need to find water from people's lives frees them up to do other income-producing work, or to go to school, or maybe even just spend a moment of leisure.
Following this example, you could do the physical work of helping provide water, but also do a study where you compare laws, traditions, percentages of time and income devoted to or, percentages of government funds spent in relation to accessing / providing access to clean water.
If water isn't your particular cause then apply the idea to something that interests you more. With a week in any given place I'd be happy to be a tourist, but with more time than that it would be great to know that I'd done something, anything, to leave the place a bit better.
posted by vignettist at 11:17 AM on March 28, 2017 [1 favorite]
Following this example, you could do the physical work of helping provide water, but also do a study where you compare laws, traditions, percentages of time and income devoted to or, percentages of government funds spent in relation to accessing / providing access to clean water.
If water isn't your particular cause then apply the idea to something that interests you more. With a week in any given place I'd be happy to be a tourist, but with more time than that it would be great to know that I'd done something, anything, to leave the place a bit better.
posted by vignettist at 11:17 AM on March 28, 2017 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Thank you for all of your ideas. In answer to some of your questions, the program is called Remote Year. You can find it online. They're legit. I've heard from people who have gone through the program and they say it was the experience of a lifetime.
posted by fenwaydirtdog at 11:47 AM on March 28, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by fenwaydirtdog at 11:47 AM on March 28, 2017 [1 favorite]
Can I come with you????
What about doing a "Kids of the World" photo log to connect kids in the States with the kids in the countries you're visiting. Like Humans of NY, but focusing on kids given your elementary school teaching experience?
posted by Hermione Granger at 12:43 PM on March 28, 2017 [2 favorites]
What about doing a "Kids of the World" photo log to connect kids in the States with the kids in the countries you're visiting. Like Humans of NY, but focusing on kids given your elementary school teaching experience?
posted by Hermione Granger at 12:43 PM on March 28, 2017 [2 favorites]
I would suggest setting out to learn something new in each city, based on that city. So, like, in Mexico City, learn how to cook Mexican food - this might involve taking a cooking class (or several, in different regional cuisines), visits to different markets, etc. In Lima, you could study Spanish (you could do that in BA since it's your first Spanish destination, but since Argentine Spanish is so unique, that might be sub-optimal).
Do you have ancestral roots in any of these countries? That could be a cool thing to investigate.
For the writing project - if writing is important to you, even if you don't have a "great idea," make time to write (about your experiences, or not) every day. The angle may reveal itself slowly.
If you're interested in volunteer opportunities, I would suggest waiting until you are "on the ground" or going through a site like idealist.org to connect directly with organizations/schools that need teachers rather than going through some voluntourism outfit. You might not be able to be a full-on teacher, but I bet in some of those places there are after-school programs or organizations that work with street kids, etc. that would appreciate an experienced teacher who is an English speaker.
posted by lunasol at 12:57 PM on March 28, 2017
Do you have ancestral roots in any of these countries? That could be a cool thing to investigate.
For the writing project - if writing is important to you, even if you don't have a "great idea," make time to write (about your experiences, or not) every day. The angle may reveal itself slowly.
If you're interested in volunteer opportunities, I would suggest waiting until you are "on the ground" or going through a site like idealist.org to connect directly with organizations/schools that need teachers rather than going through some voluntourism outfit. You might not be able to be a full-on teacher, but I bet in some of those places there are after-school programs or organizations that work with street kids, etc. that would appreciate an experienced teacher who is an English speaker.
posted by lunasol at 12:57 PM on March 28, 2017
I love the idea of connecting with some schools via blog and skype. In each location you could take photos of some set things.
Grocery store
Pet
Library
Some 4th graders
Their favorite playground sport
Typical public transportation
Kids could summit a few questions, etc.
Sounds awesome!
posted by beccaj at 2:42 PM on March 28, 2017
Grocery store
Pet
Library
Some 4th graders
Their favorite playground sport
Typical public transportation
Kids could summit a few questions, etc.
Sounds awesome!
posted by beccaj at 2:42 PM on March 28, 2017
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