europe college son wants to backpack/wander
Oct 1st, 2007, 07:01 PM
#42
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Dear Julie,
As a matter of fact our son is an exceptional writer, from the time he was 'little.' I was surprised he didn't go into that 'field' initially in college...hmmm...he could write a wonderful journal of his adventure...great suggestion...I know he will read your post.
CP
As a matter of fact our son is an exceptional writer, from the time he was 'little.' I was surprised he didn't go into that 'field' initially in college...hmmm...he could write a wonderful journal of his adventure...great suggestion...I know he will read your post.
CP
Oct 2nd, 2007, 01:51 PM
#43
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Dear Julie,
The merchant marines is actually something our son has talked about. He does have an extensive sailing/boating background. Son is aware of the "Merchant Marine Academy" - did your son go to the academy? or did he just apply for a position elsewhere....any/all info. would be greatly appreciated. Our son has asked me to post this request.
Regards, CP
The merchant marines is actually something our son has talked about. He does have an extensive sailing/boating background. Son is aware of the "Merchant Marine Academy" - did your son go to the academy? or did he just apply for a position elsewhere....any/all info. would be greatly appreciated. Our son has asked me to post this request.
Regards, CP
Oct 3rd, 2007, 03:41 PM
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concernedparent, my son is now 47 yo. So all of the info I have is obviously outdated. But, at the time, & I think it is still the same, here's how it worked.
He did go to the Merchant Marine Academy & he had the choice of work category. Prior to applying, he was advised not to go into the engine room jobs - too hot & poor working conditions. The only other 2 areas I can remember were kitchen & deck. Since there aren't any places in central Indiana for tying up a ship (!), he decided to go into kitchen & possibly apply the skills later on land. He ended up not liking the kitchen work - still too hot, "scut" work, too much dish washing (!). So, he ended up working on deck, which he liked because he is an outside type person. I don't know how it worked out that he was allowed to switch after graduating.
To get a ship, he had to go to the Merchant Marine union hall at a shipping port city. He learned which cities were the best - more options, faster to get placement. I remember that he went to New Orleans a lot. At the union hall, he had to put his name on the list & wait his turn. During that time, he had to pay for his living expenses & check with the union hall each day. At that time, it wasn't a problem getting a job within 1-3 days.
He also liked New Orleans for the unemployment benefits, which he could collect when he wasn't at sea & visiting at home. NO had higher benefits. He had to pay for his own airfare to & from home.
I remember him saying that he was the "oddball" guy. Not many middle income, central Indiana suburia kind of guys; lot of lower income, city guys. Some drugs, some alcohol. But he got along well with them all, but then, he gets along with people easily. He said the drugs & alcohol are at home anyway & he stayed away from it so he wouldn't end up in a foreign prison!
In the MM, your son would not be in relatively secure countries as in western Europe. He may go to all places, so he would need to be smart & careful.
The shipping companies take good care of the guys. He had good quarters; sometimes private bunk area, sometimes a double. The food was outstanding, which he loved. Steaks, lobsters, & more & all he wanted. At that time, I think the companies also took care of medical expenses, if any. I know they helicoptered guys off the ships when a health problem happened.
He has lots of memories from sailing the world & visiting lots of places.
I don't remember how his pay scale worked, but he made a big bunch of money each time he sailed (bought his first house). And then, while at home, he received unemployment.
Julie
He did go to the Merchant Marine Academy & he had the choice of work category. Prior to applying, he was advised not to go into the engine room jobs - too hot & poor working conditions. The only other 2 areas I can remember were kitchen & deck. Since there aren't any places in central Indiana for tying up a ship (!), he decided to go into kitchen & possibly apply the skills later on land. He ended up not liking the kitchen work - still too hot, "scut" work, too much dish washing (!). So, he ended up working on deck, which he liked because he is an outside type person. I don't know how it worked out that he was allowed to switch after graduating.
To get a ship, he had to go to the Merchant Marine union hall at a shipping port city. He learned which cities were the best - more options, faster to get placement. I remember that he went to New Orleans a lot. At the union hall, he had to put his name on the list & wait his turn. During that time, he had to pay for his living expenses & check with the union hall each day. At that time, it wasn't a problem getting a job within 1-3 days.
He also liked New Orleans for the unemployment benefits, which he could collect when he wasn't at sea & visiting at home. NO had higher benefits. He had to pay for his own airfare to & from home.
I remember him saying that he was the "oddball" guy. Not many middle income, central Indiana suburia kind of guys; lot of lower income, city guys. Some drugs, some alcohol. But he got along well with them all, but then, he gets along with people easily. He said the drugs & alcohol are at home anyway & he stayed away from it so he wouldn't end up in a foreign prison!
In the MM, your son would not be in relatively secure countries as in western Europe. He may go to all places, so he would need to be smart & careful.
The shipping companies take good care of the guys. He had good quarters; sometimes private bunk area, sometimes a double. The food was outstanding, which he loved. Steaks, lobsters, & more & all he wanted. At that time, I think the companies also took care of medical expenses, if any. I know they helicoptered guys off the ships when a health problem happened.
He has lots of memories from sailing the world & visiting lots of places.
I don't remember how his pay scale worked, but he made a big bunch of money each time he sailed (bought his first house). And then, while at home, he received unemployment.
Julie
Oct 3rd, 2007, 04:34 PM
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concernedparent, just talked with our son. He said, if traveling & seeing & experiencing other countries & cultures & meeting people is the objective, MM is not the way. It's mostly work every day with a little bit of limited siteseeing. He was in MM for years; that's how he got to so many places.
Also, he said, the docks are not the best places for seeing a country & not the safest of areas! If he was on a freighter, he often had more time in port. On an oil tanker, it was 24 hr. turn-around.
Julie
Also, he said, the docks are not the best places for seeing a country & not the safest of areas! If he was on a freighter, he often had more time in port. On an oil tanker, it was 24 hr. turn-around.
Julie
Oct 3rd, 2007, 09:34 PM
#46
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Dear Julie,
Thank you so much for your personal reply and the input of your son as well regarding the MM.
I have to share with you...as it is so ironic....although our family has lived in many states....and moved many times, our son has also been raised for the majority of his life, in the state of Indiana - and concernedparent=mom is the same age as your son. For all I know we could be neighbors?
Our son is contining to work through the process of leaving the univeristy he currently attends as he wants to remain in good standing should he choose in the future to return to college.
He is/was the recipient of a partial scholarship at the university and he is 'afraid' of disappointing the professors in the department which granted him the scholarship.
This is his decision, and we, as parents, will continue to support him with our enthusiasm. The rest is up to him.
Kind regards, CP
Thank you so much for your personal reply and the input of your son as well regarding the MM.
I have to share with you...as it is so ironic....although our family has lived in many states....and moved many times, our son has also been raised for the majority of his life, in the state of Indiana - and concernedparent=mom is the same age as your son. For all I know we could be neighbors?
Our son is contining to work through the process of leaving the univeristy he currently attends as he wants to remain in good standing should he choose in the future to return to college.
He is/was the recipient of a partial scholarship at the university and he is 'afraid' of disappointing the professors in the department which granted him the scholarship.
This is his decision, and we, as parents, will continue to support him with our enthusiasm. The rest is up to him.
Kind regards, CP
Oct 5th, 2007, 11:49 AM
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concernedparent, that is soooo strange. Small world isn't it! My son graduated from Triwest H.S. in Lizton, IN (west of Indy).
Had another thought - saw this on TV last night. Also would probably keep your son in good standing with his university. How about the current version of the Peace Corps? I think it is called something else now. I think that would be a great way for a young person to travel - as long as he can select his location - would want some place that is safe. He would really get to know the culture & the people, plus do a lot of good. And, I don't think the volunteer pays for any expense. I've heard the lodging is sometimes low on the totem pole, but he's young!
I saw this in an interview with Pres. Clinton. He gave a website of mycommitment.com. It's a volunteer website. Don't know if it includes the new type of Peace Corps info.
Julie
Had another thought - saw this on TV last night. Also would probably keep your son in good standing with his university. How about the current version of the Peace Corps? I think it is called something else now. I think that would be a great way for a young person to travel - as long as he can select his location - would want some place that is safe. He would really get to know the culture & the people, plus do a lot of good. And, I don't think the volunteer pays for any expense. I've heard the lodging is sometimes low on the totem pole, but he's young!
I saw this in an interview with Pres. Clinton. He gave a website of mycommitment.com. It's a volunteer website. Don't know if it includes the new type of Peace Corps info.
Julie
Oct 5th, 2007, 05:39 PM
#49
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Dear Julie,
Thanks for the suggestion of the Peace Corp........
but even more important......Tri-West is only a few miles from here. We live in the "Burg"...the longest we have lived anywhere. Our son graduated from BHS....wow.......it really is a small world...Regards, CP
Thanks for the suggestion of the Peace Corp........
but even more important......Tri-West is only a few miles from here. We live in the "Burg"...the longest we have lived anywhere. Our son graduated from BHS....wow.......it really is a small world...Regards, CP
Oct 6th, 2007, 09:53 AM
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I am a 54 year old woman who traveled a lot in college including a summer long backpacking trip to Europe. It was a life changing experience. As a result I encouraged both of my kids to do the same and they did. I always paid my own way and they did too.
My son graduated from college 2 years ago and postphoned starting his job for 4 months to take a trip around the world. He bought a RTW tickit with 6 stops, did very basic planning, then set out on his grand adventure. I had one request - that he check in every two weeks or so. Phone cards are cheap today, that and he created a blog that he downloaded pictures to which was a wonderful record of his trip and a way for me to know when he updated it that he was still kicking.
There is no better time to travel than when you are young and not yet burdened with the responsibilites of a family and career. You are more flexible, more open to new ideas, and more in awe of the world. What a wonderful adventure lies ahead for him!
My son graduated from college 2 years ago and postphoned starting his job for 4 months to take a trip around the world. He bought a RTW tickit with 6 stops, did very basic planning, then set out on his grand adventure. I had one request - that he check in every two weeks or so. Phone cards are cheap today, that and he created a blog that he downloaded pictures to which was a wonderful record of his trip and a way for me to know when he updated it that he was still kicking.
There is no better time to travel than when you are young and not yet burdened with the responsibilites of a family and career. You are more flexible, more open to new ideas, and more in awe of the world. What a wonderful adventure lies ahead for him!
Oct 28th, 2007, 07:58 PM
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Dear concernedparent,
Sorry it took so long for me to get back to you. I kept forgetting to ask my daughter for the information and I didn't know the facts about her jobs in Europe.
She said that rules were not so strictly enforced a few years back if you were working just a few days on a farm as day labor. Evidently, she just wandered into a village and asked around about anyone needing a worker. While you are supposed to have a visa for any kind of work, she thinks there were/are exceptions made for agriculture jobs, where someone may be hired on the spot for just a few days.
Her job as a maid was at a hotel for American military servicemen. It was operated by the US and, since she was an American citizen, no visa was necessary. I think you already mentioned a possible job with one of the recreation areas not on a base, so your son could look into it further.
My daughter makes beautiful beaded jewelry so, she took jewelry making supplies with her and sold her things at street markets. She said no one seemed to mind. She also wrote articles now and then for magazines and newpapers.
So, that was how she existed for nearly nine months in Europe. These things obviously won't work for everyone, but perhaps your son can come up with something unique for himself.
Are you familiar with couchsurfing? It is an organization where people offer their couch (or bed) for a night or two to people traveling through their area. You son might find it a great way to meet people. wiki.couchsurfing.com
Also, I don't know if they have a series of books, or just this one, but MTV Italy is the most comprehensive guide book for young, independent travelers that I have ever seen. It has great, detailed, travel advice in general, as well as for Italy.
Sorry it took so long for me to get back to you. I kept forgetting to ask my daughter for the information and I didn't know the facts about her jobs in Europe.
She said that rules were not so strictly enforced a few years back if you were working just a few days on a farm as day labor. Evidently, she just wandered into a village and asked around about anyone needing a worker. While you are supposed to have a visa for any kind of work, she thinks there were/are exceptions made for agriculture jobs, where someone may be hired on the spot for just a few days.
Her job as a maid was at a hotel for American military servicemen. It was operated by the US and, since she was an American citizen, no visa was necessary. I think you already mentioned a possible job with one of the recreation areas not on a base, so your son could look into it further.
My daughter makes beautiful beaded jewelry so, she took jewelry making supplies with her and sold her things at street markets. She said no one seemed to mind. She also wrote articles now and then for magazines and newpapers.
So, that was how she existed for nearly nine months in Europe. These things obviously won't work for everyone, but perhaps your son can come up with something unique for himself.
Are you familiar with couchsurfing? It is an organization where people offer their couch (or bed) for a night or two to people traveling through their area. You son might find it a great way to meet people. wiki.couchsurfing.com
Also, I don't know if they have a series of books, or just this one, but MTV Italy is the most comprehensive guide book for young, independent travelers that I have ever seen. It has great, detailed, travel advice in general, as well as for Italy.
Oct 29th, 2007, 01:21 AM
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I have to agree with most of the posters here. I think this is the best education that he can possibly get and we meet kids doing this all the time.
If he does not know about Bootsnall.com have him check out that forum where lots of young people are doing RTW trips.
He might want to check out nunomad too as they have ideas on how to support yourself while traveling.
It is really easy to travel Europe for extended time on a limited budget if he lives like a native and spends equal time in and outside schengen.
It is also really easy to stay in touch with family while traveling today. My mom knows more about us than when we lived ten minutes away.
If he blogs as he goes, it is a great journal to keep forever and will help you have more peace of mind.
More Americans should do this type of travel when young like so many Austrailians, Europeans and Kiwis do. It will enrich him and expand his horizons like nothing else.
The world is not so different, we have been on the road for 14 months and have found warm and welcoming people everywhere. We have also lived very cheaply.
Have him check out our website for possible ideas:
http://www.soultravelers3.com/
Tell him...carpe diem!!
If he does not know about Bootsnall.com have him check out that forum where lots of young people are doing RTW trips.
He might want to check out nunomad too as they have ideas on how to support yourself while traveling.
It is really easy to travel Europe for extended time on a limited budget if he lives like a native and spends equal time in and outside schengen.
It is also really easy to stay in touch with family while traveling today. My mom knows more about us than when we lived ten minutes away.
If he blogs as he goes, it is a great journal to keep forever and will help you have more peace of mind.
More Americans should do this type of travel when young like so many Austrailians, Europeans and Kiwis do. It will enrich him and expand his horizons like nothing else.
The world is not so different, we have been on the road for 14 months and have found warm and welcoming people everywhere. We have also lived very cheaply.
Have him check out our website for possible ideas:
http://www.soultravelers3.com/
Tell him...carpe diem!!
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