We’ve been focusing quite a bit on China around here lately, and we aren’t the only one’s. Michelle Obama recently made a speech encouraging young people to study abroad in general, but specifically to venture abroad to create closer ties with China. What really struck me about what Mrs. Obama had to say is that she recognized that many people may want to study abroad, but don’t think that they can:
“Maybe they may feel like study abroad is something that only rich kids do, or maybe kids who go to certain colleges; they’re the only ones who do that. They may hear those voices of doubt in their heads — you know, the ones that say that, ‘Kids like me don’t do things like that,’ or ‘How will this really be relevant in my life?'”
She went on to say that in order to allow more young people to have the opportunity to go abroad, we must provide more in the way of financial support. This was the perfect was to set the stage for President Obama to announce the “100,000 Strong Initiative“, which will “increase the number and diversity of young people from the U.S. studying in China. And we all know how valuable a study abroad experience can be when you are looking for jobs abroad in China! (Whitehouse.gov)
- And speaking of China, CNN investigates exactly how much more common it is for people in the U.S. to seek work in China. Working with Transitions Abroad, they determined that interest in working in China has certainly increased, which is also evident in some Peace Corps application trends. Whether this will continue remains to be seen, but the article does offer some cultural perspective about living and working abroad from someone currently in China.
- More from Transitions Abroad, a recent article sheds a little light on adventure tours abroad. Only this time, it’s about working for them, not taking them. If you’re adventurous, love the outdoors, and aren’t afraid to be active, leading adventure tours can be a great way to meet people, do what you love…and even make some money. The article also lists some great resources to start looking for positions in adventure travel. (Transitions Abroad)
- Culture difference are another big topic for in any conversation about working abroad and volunteering overseas, and as much as we’ve covered it here on Work Abroad Magazine, and first-hand account of one person’s teach abroad experience in Egypt is nothing short of fascinating. Sometimes reading about the more tumultuous aspects of teaching abroad can be off-putting, but having an insider view is a great way to learn about the entire work abroad experience, and to make your plans with all the relevant information in mind. (The Awl)
- Deciding to live abroad and work abroad requires a lot of planning, especially if you are going to work from home or start your own business. Tim Leffel’s Cheapest Destinations Blog lists some “annoying things” to consider before you move, mostly to do with logistics like money and email checking. A great overview of some issues that might be overlooked in the excitement of moving abroad. (Tim Leffel’s Cheapest Destinations)
Have you read any interesting news about working or volunteering abroad this week? Feel free to leave them in the comments!