I'm wondering about schoolterm break opportunities for work exchange vacations - room/board in exchange for needed indoor/outdoor work at an inn or resort. How common is this idea and where could I look for locations similarly interested? I'm just looking for a change of pace, new location and a break from academia during fall, spring or summer holidays. Thanks in advance for any comments.

Being a camp counselor is the only thing I can think of. Unless a resort/hotel is in a remote location, they don't usually provide room and board.

ttt

Something that someone recently suggested to me, which might be of interest to you.... If you can get the appropriate training you might find owners of B&B's who'd like to have someone cover for them for a week or two here and there. It could be an interesting way to spend a summer!

I have a speech pathologist friend who got a legal job as a "traveling speech pathologist" in Ireland for a year. Despite the obvious differences in dialect (is it considered dialectical differences? whatever) there were lots of job opportunities for her. I don't know if there's something similar for teachers, and I can't tell you where to look, but I guess it's possible. It wouldn't be the break from academia you desire, but it would be legal (there have been threads on the Europe board lately about how difficult it is to legally work in Europe if you're American) and definitely a change of pace!

Good luck.

Don't know if this is something you would be interested in.

http://www.maho.org/WorkExchange.cfm

Good luck in your search.

check with the Smithsonian, I know several teachers who do their summer programs, also the National Parks hire teachers for summer work (Grany Canyon does for Example) -- also the Unitarian Society, American Friends Service Committee and I am sure there are other religious organizations that have peace-mission based programs nationally and internationally, try a google search.