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!

Want to Apply for Teach Korea?

For those of you who couldn't make it to the information session last week let us know if you want to set up a phone call or join us in our office to discuss the program more. We are always happy to meet our participants and answer any of the questions they may have!

For those of you who are already interested and counting down the days until the application becomes available so you can apply! You may want to check out this interesting list of books that are great to read before you leave (or after you arrive) to help provide insight into the Korean culture and way of life. They may just help you settle in a little easier.


http://www.lonelyplanet.com/south-korea/travel-tips-and-articles/75861

The Teach Korea program has many benefits:
1) Well-paid teaching position (arranged prior to departure)
2) Free accomodations
3) Entrance and exit allowance
4) Settlement allowance
5) Bonus upon completion of contract
6) 18 working days paid vacation (not including national holidays)
7) Thorough 9-day orientation to help you settle in

Not only that, but it offers participants the opportunity to work in an international setting which allows them to gain employable skills in a global context. Ask us how to apply today! Reinventyourself@aideabroad.org 

Julia's trip to the Galapagos!

Julia went on a 3 week volunteering trip to Isabela Island of the Galapagos, in Ecuador. She worked at Campo Duro, a tranquil camping getaway, where tourists stay in tents with views of beautiful gardens and eat at a delicious restaurant. She helped out in the restaurant and with the tortoises living in this reserve, as well as spent some time with the giant tortoises at the Breeding Center. In addition to the tortoises, Julia had an opportunity to explore the island and see giant marine iguanas, sea lions and snorkel with the white-tipped sharks. Julia also went on a day trip to hike up to the giant crater of the Sierra Negra volcano and the calderas of Volcan Chico. Check out her video of the giant tortoises "running" towards their lunch!