eight months backpacking
Oct 23rd, 2007, 08:53 AM
#61
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I don't see anything wrong with someone trying something out, and then just going home when it doesn't work out or they run out of money. I think you could get by somehow in some really really poor countries like Albania or somewhere. I read a book recently about a woman who did this kind of thing, but she got really sick, and being a woman, people took more pity or her. I mean families or locals offered her food and things -- also, local women wouldn't be as leery of a strange woman as a strange man. Anyway, she was kind of having a nervous breakdown, though, it wasn't a great planned journey.
I think I have read about possible student work visas for Americans for maybe six months. But to get one, you do have to actually get a legitimate job within some time period of arriving, and I think you have to be affiliated as a real student somewhere. I'd heard of Evergreen College. Some colleges allow you to make your own degree, but it still has to have some academic rigor (like Wooster College in Ohio). But the fact is, as someone said, in order to get credits for taking a vacation (hope they wouldn't allow that), you do have to pay tuition and private school tuition isn't cheap. I can't imagine why anyone would hire someone without credentials to be teaching English, anywhere.
To get any job for an official student visa, I think you'd have to stay in one place for a while, so that won't work for this ida of wanting to just travel around.
I know someone who did this kind of thing in India and also Mexico. But they are both pretty cheap. Another friend says you can live very cheaply in Thailand, also. But if you want to go to Europe, it's not the same thing.
You can read about programs on www.jobsabroad.com that will accept Americans, but a lot of those seem kind of bogus, anyway. I mean you have to pay them a lot just to get a placement (it sort of sounds like slavery), and then a lot of those jobs are in hotels, resort areas, etc. But I don't think any of those ideas is really going to work for someone who just wants to travel around.
I think I have read about possible student work visas for Americans for maybe six months. But to get one, you do have to actually get a legitimate job within some time period of arriving, and I think you have to be affiliated as a real student somewhere. I'd heard of Evergreen College. Some colleges allow you to make your own degree, but it still has to have some academic rigor (like Wooster College in Ohio). But the fact is, as someone said, in order to get credits for taking a vacation (hope they wouldn't allow that), you do have to pay tuition and private school tuition isn't cheap. I can't imagine why anyone would hire someone without credentials to be teaching English, anywhere.
To get any job for an official student visa, I think you'd have to stay in one place for a while, so that won't work for this ida of wanting to just travel around.
I know someone who did this kind of thing in India and also Mexico. But they are both pretty cheap. Another friend says you can live very cheaply in Thailand, also. But if you want to go to Europe, it's not the same thing.
You can read about programs on www.jobsabroad.com that will accept Americans, but a lot of those seem kind of bogus, anyway. I mean you have to pay them a lot just to get a placement (it sort of sounds like slavery), and then a lot of those jobs are in hotels, resort areas, etc. But I don't think any of those ideas is really going to work for someone who just wants to travel around.
Oct 23rd, 2007, 12:35 PM
#62
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CIEE Council on International Educational Exchange used to at least sell temorary work permits for bona fide students that would legally let them work in Europe
A friend's son had such a permit, but i think thru BUNAC in U.K. but not sure that allowed him the same - he had to find his own job but could work legally
There are reciprical agreements between European states and U.S. i believe - every summer in France legions of American students hawk ice cream on beaches for instance.
A friend's son had such a permit, but i think thru BUNAC in U.K. but not sure that allowed him the same - he had to find his own job but could work legally
There are reciprical agreements between European states and U.S. i believe - every summer in France legions of American students hawk ice cream on beaches for instance.
Oct 23rd, 2007, 02:33 PM
#63
It seems sad to me to go to Europe but not have even the teeniest bit extra $ to be able to... buy a ticket to a museum now and then, ride a bus or train, buy pot in Amsterdam, have a beer in a pub, eat a crepe in Paris, purchase a small gift for the person who lets you couch-surf with them, stuff like that... that brings joy to travel.
Oct 23rd, 2007, 03:00 PM
#64
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Suze, you can be a lot happier by not being so afraid.
The rest of you, I am looking for positive an constructive advice - not to be bogged down by those who think themselves "practical" and are afraid to dream.
I don't see myself not buying a beer once in a while, or eating at a restaurant, but I do see myself being frugal and sharing life - and work - with many other European and North African people. WWOOFing, finding odd jobs where they are available, couch surfing, playing music on the street for fun (and money if necessary).
Please don't rain on my parade.
I posted a video-link on my blog, which some of you guys (and gals) would benefit from.
http://thinkandtravel.blogspot.com/
The rest of you, I am looking for positive an constructive advice - not to be bogged down by those who think themselves "practical" and are afraid to dream.
I don't see myself not buying a beer once in a while, or eating at a restaurant, but I do see myself being frugal and sharing life - and work - with many other European and North African people. WWOOFing, finding odd jobs where they are available, couch surfing, playing music on the street for fun (and money if necessary).
Please don't rain on my parade.
I posted a video-link on my blog, which some of you guys (and gals) would benefit from.
http://thinkandtravel.blogspot.com/
Oct 23rd, 2007, 03:09 PM
#65
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It's not a matter of raining on your parade, but it's a matter of setting up your situation so you can have all the fun you describe. That may mean more time saving up money to go, and arranging your life so this is possible, or shortening your trip, or changing your destinations, but it does not mean giving up your dream.
Oct 23rd, 2007, 04:42 PM
#66
<Suze, you can be a lot happier by not being so afraid.> Screw you.
<I posted a video-link on my blog, which some of you guys (and gals) would benefit from> Do you understand how incredibly presumptious you sound?
Some of us have actually traveled before. Have you? YOU asked: "what I'm wondering is if this seems reasonable". Well most of us don't think going to Europe for 8 months with $1500 and no return ticket is reasonable. Now you say "don't rain on my parade" and insult people who tried to assist you.
Nice.
<I posted a video-link on my blog, which some of you guys (and gals) would benefit from> Do you understand how incredibly presumptious you sound?
Some of us have actually traveled before. Have you? YOU asked: "what I'm wondering is if this seems reasonable". Well most of us don't think going to Europe for 8 months with $1500 and no return ticket is reasonable. Now you say "don't rain on my parade" and insult people who tried to assist you.
Nice.
Oct 23rd, 2007, 05:08 PM
#68
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Oh, boy, T&T, your youth, naivete, and inexperience are shining through here.
You really think the dozens of people who have given you the collective benefit of their YEARS of travel experience here are AFRAID??? Give me a break.
You originally asked if we thought your plan was reasonable. You've received an incredible amount of experienced, useful, practical advice to show you that NO, it's not reasonable, from people who've actually traveled all over the world and know what they're doing, and aren't afraid of much of anything. And now, like a pouting kindergartner, you go into accusatory mode.
Fine. Go to Europe with a one-way ticket, no experience, no language skills, a sketchy traveling partner, that 30-year-old book about vagabonding, and $1500 for 8 months. Have a ball. Be sure to keep an eye on the exchange rates.
Write back if you can afford the price of a postcard.
You really think the dozens of people who have given you the collective benefit of their YEARS of travel experience here are AFRAID??? Give me a break.
You originally asked if we thought your plan was reasonable. You've received an incredible amount of experienced, useful, practical advice to show you that NO, it's not reasonable, from people who've actually traveled all over the world and know what they're doing, and aren't afraid of much of anything. And now, like a pouting kindergartner, you go into accusatory mode.
Fine. Go to Europe with a one-way ticket, no experience, no language skills, a sketchy traveling partner, that 30-year-old book about vagabonding, and $1500 for 8 months. Have a ball. Be sure to keep an eye on the exchange rates.
Write back if you can afford the price of a postcard.
