By now, you’ve figured out that my mantra is “be willing to travel anywhere.” If you’re passionate about travel or anything for that matter, take chances that are out of the ordinary. That’s my challenge to you!
This is the part where you ask yourself, “Who is this Mike Nixon guy to tell me that I need to be willing to go somewhere I don’t want to go? I just want to vacation in Cancun.” My reply is, “Then come up with a plan and do it!”
This post is for those who are like I was and started with nothing: no family vacations to Disneyland (and definitely not Cancun), no sense of geography, no money—nothing! The purpose of this post is to share my experiences with you and provide resources. I’m not promoting anything or telling you to do things a certain way. No one is paying me to promote their services; however, my email is at the bottom if anyone is interested in talking business.
Study Abroad
Many colleges and universities have study abroad programs. Students get the opportunity to travel abroad, complete academic courses related to their majors, intern at professional organizations, live with a host family, and experience what it’s like to live in another country. If you’re a college student or applying to a university and you’re interested in studying abroad, find out if your university has a study abroad program and speak with the director.
That’s where I started, and here’s my story:
A long time ago, I was a sophomore in college and didn’t even know my university had a study abroad program. I had a friend named Sean who just disappeared for half a year. Later, I found out that he studied abroad in South Africa. He showed me photos and told me inspiring stories. I was so excited and decided I needed to do this study abroad thing to become enlightened like Sean.
Sean introduced me to the Director of the study abroad program. The Director said there was an opportunity to study abroad in Russia. I thought, “Cool, I heard of that. I’ll go.” Weeks later, the Director said that a spot had become available in the Dominican Republic and I could leave a lot sooner if I was interested. I had no clue what or where that was, but I said, “I’ll go.” The Dominican Republic was my first trip outside of the United States.
Volunteer Abroad
There are a lot of opportunities to volunteer abroad, and yes, many of them actually cost money. If you have the money and desire to pay to volunteer, cheers to you. If not, then continue with the story:
Studying abroad in the Dominican Republic was the most eye opening, inspiring, and beautiful experience of my life; however, I didn’t become a traveler in the DR. When I returned home, I wanted to discover new places and make a difference in the world. I searched short-term travel opportunities and mostly came across costly volunteer programs. I thought it was absurd that it costs thousands of dollars to volunteer for a week in another country. As a broke college student with debt, I didn’t imagine changing the world would be so expensive, and so I moved on. I got a job or two, went to school, and occasionally traveled to the Dominican Republic (it was the only foreign country I knew how to travel to).
At the same time, I realized there had to be another way. Visiting the DR had become routine, and I longed for more novelty and adventure. Halfway through my senior year, I came across an organization called the Peace Corps in a travel book. I would be able to travel abroad, live in a different country, and work. I just knew I had to apply. A year and a half later, I was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Paraguay, working at one of the most rewarding jobs I’d ever done!
Work Abroad
Like volunteering, there are many opportunities to work abroad. There are Fortune 500 companies with positions worldwide. The government also has jobs all over the globe. Then there’s teaching English (which pays a comfortable salary in many Asian countries).
In my case, I found short-term work with a U.S. nonprofit organization with assignments in Nicaragua. There, I designed and facilitated cultural exchange programs for U.S. high school students visiting during the summer.
Here are a few websites where you can search for positions worldwide:
- USAJOBS (For Federal Jobs)
- Monster (For Employment in the Private Sector)
- TeachAway (For Teaching English)
Build your resume by working and/or volunteering. I highly recommend volunteering if you lack work experience. One, it’s a wonderful feeling helping others. Two, it’s the perfect opportunity to build relationships with like-minded and productive people. I’ve volunteered and met entrepreneurs, who have then offered me jobs. If anything else, volunteering will get you away from the TV and out into the real world.
Check out the link below for volunteer opportunities:
Good luck!
Serve Your Country
This is probably not what most people think when traveling comes to mind. As challenging as it can be, it is also very rewarding. There are unlimited opportunities and benefits for those who choose to serve. I’ve had the opportunity to serve my country and be stationed in Japan. Being stationed allowed me to travel inexpensively throughout Asia. When you work smart and meticulously on your goals, it pays off!
Other Opportunities
Become a WWOOFer
I met a WWOOFer while staying at a hostel in Montevideo, Uruguay. He had been accepted to work on an agriculture project in the countryside. Before beginning his assignment, he was sightseeing. Since I was doing some sightseeing as well, we teamed up and traveled across Uruguay together.
Work At a Hostel
Moreover, I met many foreigners who worked at hostels in other countries. Some of them were getting paid salaries. Others were getting paid via room and board.
Open Your Own Business
If you’re interested in starting a business in another country, the best resource is contacting people who work in the country where you want to live. For example, if you’re interested in opening a restaurant in Thailand, google “American Restaurants” in Thailand. Find a restaurant on TripAdvisor, contact the owner, and ask him/her how they did it. There are a lot of successful people in this world and they’re willing to help you! For legal information, check out the embassy’s website.
Conclusion
Viktor Frankl put it perfectly in his book Man’s Search for Meaning, “Those who have a ‘why’ to live, can bear with almost any ‘how’.” The same thing applies to travel. Traveling is not important unless you have a reason why you want to travel. The “why” could be to study, to volunteer, to work, or something else entirely. Whatever your “why” is, there are plenty of resources—including the ones above—to help you with the “how.”
If you have additional information or resources, please share it below to help fellow adventurers accomplish their goals! As I promised to you folks interested in talking business, feel free to contact me at brogotravel@gmail.com. Of course, if anyone has questions or concerns, you can reach me there as well!
