Best Experience Ever - A Giant Step! by Monica Nava

Below is Monica Nava's brief description of how traveling abroad effected her life tremendously and how her path in life was ultimately changed for best!

"On December 2009 I was on holidays in Australia, immediately I fell in love with the people, landscapes and lifestyles. After that I decided to make an internship, I wanted to be part of this life, learn more about their culture and people and having the opportunity to work in a different continent in my field of study. I also wanted to have the opportunity to be more independent and do things on my own.

So, on April 2010 I was able to come to Sydney and start my 6 month internship in The Defectors, a small marketing agency. Being a Graphic Designer working on a Marketing Agency is one of the best options as they work with many different clients with different wants and needs. Since the beginning my boss and co-workers were really nice to me and were eager to help me learn as much as I could, and they were also really interested in learning from my past working experience in Mexico.

It´s really easy to love life in Sydney, people are really nice and welcoming. It is a multicultural country, I have met people from all around the world, and learn about their cultures and traditions. When we are far from home, as we don´t have our families near, friends become an essential part of life, and I can honestly say that I have met really good friends in this time. People love to hang out, go to pubs, have BBQs, going to the beach and having outdoor activities.

Landscapes are amazing, beaches are beautiful, I enjoy simple things in here, taking the ferry to Manly beach, walking on the Botanic Gardens or Centennial Park, having coffee in front of the Opera House and Harbour bridge, etc.

In Australia people love cultural and outdoor activities, so summer is the best time to be here! I had the opportunity to be at the Sydney Festival, where music, dance, family, theatre, talks, films and visual arts get together, it was awesome!

While I was in my last months of the internship, I was offered a sponsorship by The Defectors, so, after the 6 month internship my working visa was approved for me to stay 4 more years!

The internship was definitely the best experience ever, it was a giant step to get me closer to reaching my dreams."

Off the Beaten Track with Internship Vejer

AIDE participant, Patrick McGurrin, recently returned from his internship in Vejer, Spain. Patrick decided he wanted a more authentic experience by immersing himself in small town culture in Spain. Read his review below for a glimpse into his trip: 

The opportunity to immerse myself in a culture entirely unlike my own was unreal. Spain offered an escape from the American customs that I have always known and introduced me to the heart of Spanish culture. Vejer led me off the map into a small coastal town. The people were more than eager to help me better my Spanish skills, and wanted nothing more than a friendly chat in return.  In no time I felt like a local.

                My internship landed me working for a small company working with the handicapped children of Vejer. My co-workers welcomed me from day one. Within the workplace, they allowed me to do as much as my comfort level and language ability would allow. I tutored math and grammar, played games, and helped with physical therapy sessions.

My co-workers became more than workmates, they became close and long-lasting friends. Anxious to show me the town and the surrounding sites, excited to help me experience all the highlights of a true Spanish lifestyle. This included everything from bars, beaches, and music, to religion, sports, and food. They introduced me to the best local spots around town.

I have to be honest, the change to Spanish style food was easy, and it was the readjustment to American food that gave me the trouble. Venturing out for dinner at 10 or 11 was one of my favorite changes. Food often was served as small portions, tapas, which offered the opportunity to enjoy a nice variety of the Spanish food. Vejer, being so close to the coast, had the perk of cheap (and delicious!) seafood.

Vejer was a trip of a lifetime and I am hopeful for an opportunity to return. In the meantime, I continue to chat with many of the friends I came to know, keeping in touch quite often. As far as I’m concerned I left Spain with the heart of a true Spanish local, and that being said I don’t think I could have asked for anything more. 

Travel Trends in 2010

Are you wondering what has been the most popular AIDE program or top trends this year? Well here we will take a closer look at what the past has shown and which programs/destinations we think will be upcoming in 2011!

1)  The absolute most popular program of 2010: International Internships. It's the best way to gain professional experience, earn class credit, learn or develop your skills at a new language, meet new people, explore culture differences and truly find what motivates you.

2) Volunteering. Going abroad and giving your personal time to better a community, whether by teaching, building structures or helping endangered animals, volunteer programs will never go out of style. It's the classic choice for those who are still hopeful and really are trying to make a difference in the world.

3) AIDE participants' most popular destinations in 2010: Costa Rica, Argentina, Australia and China. Participants are still showing interest in Central and South America, but Asia is becoming a popular destination as well!

With 2011 right around the corner, our expectation is that the year will hold a surge in popularity in Teaching English abroad. You can choose between various countries and a formal program or more flexible program. It really allows individuals to not only experience a country from an insider's perspective, but to also truly make a difference in the local children's lives.

What's your favorite way to travel? We'd love to hear!

1 Week Left - AIDE Video Contest

Only 1 week left to enter to win $150 in our participant video contest! It doesn't take long to put together a 1-2 minute video representing your experience abroad! You never know - you could be our winner!!

Good luck to all!

Internship Argentina - Video 1

The "On-Time" Airline

Hey guys, anyone thinking about participating on our Teach Spain program? You might want to look into purchasing a flight to London and then flying from London to Madrid? Or perhaps already in Spain and looking for a cheap, quick way to get around Europe. RyanAir.com is a great resource when looking for last minute flights! Our friends at vagabondish.com posted an excellent, sarcastic article called: A Tribute to RyanAir: Decoding the Perfect Business Plan. Check it out here: http://www.vagabondish.com/ryanair-budget-airline-tribute/

They may conclude that you'll end up spending more money and time if you use RyanAir - however, we tend to disagree! The key is be sure to research where the airport is you are flying into before buying your ticket. (It may well be an hour outside the center of town). But isn't that typical of most airports in big cities anyways? The other thing to keep in mind, is get all the details right when purchasing the ticket - don't try and change the name or the date on the ticket. Heck, you only lost $50 if you can't use the ticket. For great priced flights around Europe, check it out! Safe travels.

Participant Video Contest - Win $150!

Guide for Video Submissions

Here’s how to participate:
1. Create a 1-2 minute video about your experience abroad. Get creative! Your video should explain what made your experience unique. You can focus on your work, on your host family or anything that was the highlight of your experience.
3. Upload your video to YouTube or an alternative sharing platform of your choice.
4. Notify AIDE Abroad that you wish to enter the contest by emailing us at: reinventyourself@aideabroad.org. Please include:

• your full name
• a link to your video
• the title of your video
• the program you are participating in

5. All eligible videos will be featured here AIDE's blog.
6. The winner will be notified in late November 2010. 

Any questions? Contact AIDE Abroad at: reinventyourself@aideabroad.org

Not sure where to start? Need tips? 

Perhaps you could focus on:

• Host Family/Housing: Show us where you live or show us who you live with!
• Internship/ Volunteer project:What is your position? Show us clips from a typical day on the job. Or show us the volunteer project you have been working at, and the work you have accomplished!
• Language proficiency: Has your Spanish improved? Did you meet friends in your language class that you'll never forget? Tell us about it! 
• Settling in to a new culture: Were you exposed to some new food, drink or custom that surprised you? Share it with us!