My summer plans: phases 1-3 out of infinity phases
Phase 1: Default
In the default phase, I hadn't really given much thought to straying off the straight and narrow. I applied for a 10 summer jobs that sounded interesting. However, most of them got cancelled (thanks, recession) so I ended up only getting 2 interviews, and from there, 1 job offer.
So basically the plan was to take the job (even though it wasn't the best for me, nor did it even pay that well), and spend the summer saving as much money as possible as to avoid going into debt next school year as I finish up my degree.
Phase 2: Reckless
Then I called my mom, sort of like, "ah, I dunno" and she convinced me to turn down the job offer on the logic that if something doesn't make me happy, I shouldn't do it. She also said if I couldn't get a good job for the summer, or if I decided I wanted to not be employed this summer, that she would loan me money for 4th year.
So, suddenly free from the shackles of making ends meet, I started researching volunteer opportunities. Like international ones! I found this excellent looking one in Nepal where I'd volunteer for three months at a women's crisis shelter.
My criteria for a placement was something like this:
- 3-4 months
- doing something that couldn't be done by a local. For example, digging wells, or helping carry water. For the amount of money even just my plane trip costs, I should just stay home and send money. You know? Like why not pay somebody to dig that well, and the job gets done AND somebody can support his/her family.
- relatively safe country
- not teaching English. (90% of jobs are teaching English. I don't know... not up my alley so much I guess)
So I've found that there are basically two types of organizations:
Type 1 is really expensive, and costs about 5000 for 3 months (plus airfare). The testimonials feature pictures of groups of volunteers playing beach volleyball, looking like they've all showered recently. Girls wear eyeliner. Sample itineraries boast weekend trips to nearby touristy cities.
Type 2 is less expensive; prices are about a quarter of type 1 organizations. But these Type 2 organizations have ugly websites with hotmail email addresses and animated gifs. Google searches for people who have blogged their experience with these organization turn up sketchy or no results.
So now I don't really know what to do this summer. I don't want to spend a lot of money to hang out with rich kids who are trying to buff up a CV. I also don't want to travel to a remote part of the world and be lonely and afraid.
Hello square one, nice to see you again.
10 comments:
Consider looking at other universities' summer study abroad programs and service trips. Where I am at, Wake Forest University (North Carolina), there are a number of trips in the summer that include a service learning component - this summer: Benin, Nicaragua, and Vietnam are the service learning trips. More info for WFU can be found on their Center for International Studies website. Many of these trips allow 'external' students to apply and enroll, as long as the student takes the co-requisite class which is also part of the trip. You can feel good that it will definitely have a service component (part of the mission of the school), while also being reputable, having a sizable number of participants, and being capable of dealing with emergencies or other big issues.
hmm that's tricky. you could always stay local and volunteer in amazing ways. didn't you say you were thinking of applying to a camp for kids with cancer? camp trillium came to mind when i heard that... my brother volunteered there a couple years ago and said it was a pretty amazing experience.
Anon- thanks! I will def check that out!
gnr- I did say that... who are you? Also, I applied for Trillium yesterday!
Aren't you required to do something for your co-op? or are you not doing co-op and just have been lucky getting all these fabulous engineering jobs?
A friend of mine volunteered for an organization that sounds like Type 2 on your list. It ended up falling through at literally the last minute.
I'm not quite sure what's the best plan to take, but I'm sure you'll pick a good one.
Britt- we have 6 co-op terms, but we only have to have a job for 5 of them. I did the first 5, so I've decided to take my 6th off.
Tom- the worst! and thanks
Jac- I emailed you! I can't wait to hear back!
Last year I decided to take my last summer easy. My parents offered to cosign a loan for me if I wanted to work a small part time job and stay at home. I eventually was offered a job at a summer camp. They pay was not that great, but the experience was. Other jobs I applied for: tour guide in San Francisco offering go-cart rides in the city, working a coffee stand on Pier 39. Sometimes, tourist cities are the best to find part-time summer jobs that provide enough cash for food and housing.
That last line describes my life perfectly. I feel like lately, I'm always going full circle and winding up where I started.
Hmm. This is one of those times I feel like i shouldn't leave a comment because I have nothing insightful to add, but at the same time want you to know that I think the idea of volunteering is amazing. I'm with you on wanting to go somewhere and feel like I'm making a real difference, rather than perhaps hang out with people who are helping to make the resume look better. I look forward to reading about what you end up doing. And of course, know that no matter what you do, you will (of course) rock it.
Not sure if you've seen this yet, but I came across this link today and thought of you:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap_travel/20090302/ap_tr_ge/travel_trip_volunteer_vacations_on_a_budget;_ylt=AuIUtBvvBjpERd8RJoyF3uk8sM0F
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