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For all those who view the world as their backyard and enjoy exploring it.
Trying to plan my next trip, and looking at a working holiday in either Australia/NZ or Costa Rica. I stand a better chance of getting a job teaching English in San Jose (have a connection through a friend) but I have ALWAYS wanted to spend time in Australia for a bit. Would be interested in hearing about either place, as I've still got plenty of time to decide!
I've visited all three and lived in Australia for a short stint. My recommendation, get a work holiday visa in Australia. Australia is HUGE and it takes time to explore. Costa Rica by comparison is easier to navigate on a 2 week vacation though it does have the added benefit of being a Spanish speaking country. If you have more questions about living and working in Australia or traveling in NZ and Costa Rica I'd be happy to answer them. Happy trails!
Wow, thanks for the quick reply! So glad to hear from someone who's been to all three places :) I do know a travel agent in Costa Rica so thinking about vacationing in San Jose first before making a decision. Do a lot of the locals speak English there? I have tons of Australia/NZ questions so I might message you offline with some of those, if that's ok :)
In my experience, like many Latin American countries, Costa Rica has a huge divide among the classes. The 'upper class' are usually well educated and fluent in English but the majority of the population only speaks Spanish. They didn't seam to mind my broken Spanish often correcting me and offering help which is pretty awesome if you are trying to work on your Spanish. Please feel free to reach out with all your other questions.
Hey everybody! This Wednesday, 9PM EST, Penelope Trunk and I are hosting a webcast for travel lovers who want to create a Location-Independent career.
You'll learn how to: make a seamless transition from your desk job, build and maintain a network to keep making money and leverage social media to make it all possible.
Click on the link below to register:
Spread the word to fellow travel enthusiasts and Location Independents on Twitter, Facebook, blogs and beyond!
I note that people have been burned with "DIY" online travel reservations. How much money is a person willing to spend to save the money they would use getting the advice of professional travel consultants? Is it worth hundreds, thousands, to risk buying on the net? Personally I think not.
When I spend my money I want professional help! I would not dream of traveling without full insurance coverage! Traveling internationally is not simple, it requires professionals to make travel arrangements.
I suppose it matters on how long you're traveling and what sort of services that you are working with. I've always found the best deals booking for myself when traveling, and if I ever needed hotel reservations I use Priceline.Com.
While I respect the hard work that TA's do, I've always booked all of my trips myself. It's relatively easy to find info on questionable hotels (via tripadvisor.com for one) and I like using online agents like www.gotoday.com for package deals. I agree with Emily re: Priceline. I've even written a primer on how to use it: http://aviewtoathrill.net/2008/12/29/a-step-by-step-primer-on-how-to-bid...
During 2009, I lived in two different countries, three different states, and loved it! The longest stay was teaching English in Korea for eight weeks, and I've really considered going back once I graduate.
Actually, I've considered teaching English as a way to get a job overseas, even if only short term. Was there a particular program you used or did you go through your school? And how much money did you have saved up before you embarked on your journey? :)
Teaching English is excellent for getting int'l experience when you don't have a lot of experience (or money!) The program I used was through school, but I ran into foreigns over there from everywhere (Canada and the UK in particular). It's not far to find programs that will train you and find you some great jobs. I'd recommend searching some blogs and see what other people did that got them into their positions.
Thanks for the quick reply! Did you attend school while you were over there as well, or just teach/work (and network)?
:) I'm online now.. we've been snowed in, so I've got a lot of pent up energy. This was the summer that I was in between my sophomore and junior year (I'll be starting my senior year next fall). However, studying internationally is a great idea and I really recommend it. I believe that there are several international universities overseas that you can find T.A. positions at.
Studied Abroad in Spain back in 2006. It was the most memorable experience of my life. Four years later, and I'd be lying if I said I don't think about the experience often! The people, the culture, the food; it all was completely amazing.
No kidding. Study abroad is a fantastic experience for anyone. The things that you are exposed to and have to deal with, excellent preparation for real life. I too studied abroad back in 2003 in Japan and the experience was phenomenal.
Ryan, 2 years ago I kept daydreaming about my study abroad experience in May 2005. Then 2 years ago, after a particularly draining day at the office, I decided if I don't go see the world now, when will I? At 65? That was too long to wait. So I decided to go to New Zealand for 9 months on a working holiday visa. The first step is the hardest, but it gets much easier as you go.
I work for the National Outdoor Leadership School, and we just launched a podcast on wilderness education and leadership. The latest episodes focus on getting a career in outdoor education. http://www.youtube.com/user/nols1965#p/c/9659EC4E6CB94F32/1/medKmpAK23E
I'm looking to find work in the outdoor industry, possibly start a new guiding business in my area (Bend, OR) and am extremely daunted by the prospect of starting from scratch and getting away from what I really love and why I'm entertaining the idea in the first place, living and working in the wilderness. Are there any people in a similar place in the outdoor industry? I'm hesitant to put too much into a suffering economy when I would be providing a luxury service...
That sounds like a pretty amazing idea and I can't think of a better place to start. I used to live in Bend and it's certainly a very outdoorsy town! Minutes away from great hiking trails, the mountain, Deschutes.. With the right research and marketing I'm sure it could be a success.
When starting a new business, be sure to do serious research that what you want to do is needed. Check with the SBA to see if you can get a loan and not use your own money. Good Luck.
Maybe you could start out with AmeriCorps. They do a lot of work restoring parks and trails out in your neck of the woods. Granted it's a little bit different than becoming a wilderness guide, but at least it's a move in the right direction.
Thanks for the input. I've already done the Americorps thing building trail in Colorado, am a guide for another company have have about 7,000 backpacking miles under my belt. It seems to me a business is the next logical step, just very hesitant/scared about going on my own right now! I think approaching SBA is a great next step...
Have you thought about doing this as a side business on the weekends to test the waters before you dive in completely? That's the beauty of this business, is that most people who take advantage of these services do so on the weekend. Also, have you thought about partnering with an existing guiding business and perhaps add a new service or new trips?
I'm headed to Torres del Paine park in Chilean Patagonia for a short trekking trip at the end of the month, and am pretty excited. Any tips?
Claire, I am extremely jelous! I have gone several times and feel a spiritual connection to the place. It is definitely one of the most beautiful places in the world. Are you going with an outfitter of some kind? The first time I went was on my own. I had a tent and did the long circuit, not the W. It took me a bit longer than I thought and I ran out of food. Make sure you are well prepared if you are planning to hike it alone.
There is also a very cool company that has eco domes in the park. I stayed with them in 2006. I cannot recall their name, but they focus on providing an eco friendly experience. Not as eco unfriendly as a hotel, but not as raw as a tent. Have a blast!
Great endorsement, Ed! I'm going with my parents so we're staying in a hotel- though I wish I'd known about the eco-friendly gig beforehand. We're only doing part of the W; it's a short trip.
I visited the Argentinean side when I was really young (read: 5 years old), so I don't remember much.. It's going to have to go on the very long list of 'places to go back to.'
What's your next destination? I may be moving to Manila for work- excited about travel opportunities in that region, too.
Frank McNamara joined Travel Addicts
Hello Everyone,
Could someone tell me how long the webcast tomorrow will last? I live in Seoul and there's a huge time difference.
Thank you in advance.
Felicia S.