Choosing a Program That is Right for You

Travel Aptitude • Setting Goals • Explore Options

Travel Aptitude: How to Choose the Program that is Right for You

The first question to ask, is "Am I ready to go global?"

Starting a new job or a new academic program can be trying enough.  Add on the difficulties of starting these tasks overseas and it is easy to understand why going global can be challenging. Taking time to ponder the skills needed for going overseas and matching your strengths with the various programs can increase your chance of a successful sojourn.

Consider:

1) Independence

• Do I feel comfortable trying things on my own?  How do I feel dining out alone, seeing a movie by my self?
• Do I meet new people and make new friendships easily?
• Am I a risk taker? 
• When problems arise, do I feel comfortable consulting with others but rely on myself to solve things?

2) Familiarity with other cultures

• Am I interested in other cultures?  Am I aware about other communities, religions and ways of life? Am I aware of my own cultural particularities?
• Am I aware of events happening on the global scene?
• Do I know or have an interest in learning other languages?
• Do I have realistic expectations on what I can learn from my host culture and what I can offer?
• Do I know what my host culture thinks about me (in terms my nationality, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, politics, religion, dietary needs, and so on)?

3) Adaptability

• How do I feel when my language is not the language being spoken?
• What mechanisms do I have to cope with the uncertainty of travel?
• Do I like to try new kinds of food?
• Am I flexible with trying things a new or different way?
• Do I withhold judgment, trying first to understand why things are done in the way that they are?
• Am I well organized? How important is it that things go according to plan?

An honest self-evaluation may help you decide on the program.  Consider whether your program offers the structure and familiarity that you may need or the challenges that you are looking for.  It is always a viable conclusion to decide that you are not ready for going international.  If this is the case, postponing your sojourn until you have had more exposure to different cultures and communities may be best for you.  It is always okay to decide not to go.

Despite the difficulties, still want to go global?  Carefully considering and recording your reasons will help students optimize their experience.

Why Go Global?

There are many reasons why people choose to spend time working, studying or travelling in another country.  Some are drawn to the exotic quality of travel; others are simply looking for a change in pace.  After the decision to go global has been made, consider quite literally, the whole world is at your disposal.  Defining your goals and expectations will help determine what program is right for you.

Personal Goals and Challenges

Consider:

• Are you looking for a culturally diverse or more familiar environment?
• How comfortable would you be living in an area where the language spoken is not English?  Are you looking to learn or improve an other language?
• Is there a region that you are interested in? Are there opportunities to visit region? Are you a welcomed visitor? Have you been invited? By whom?
• Are there any health or geographic considerations?
• Do you have ties at home that make travel, at this time, unrealistic?
• Do you have dual citizenship?  Does your citizenship entitle you access to additional international programs/ markets?  Does it come with additional obligations such as military service?
• Can you participate in a Youth Host Program?  Youth Employment Strategies initiative?  Can you obtain a working holiday visa?
• Are there any health or geographic considerations?  Are you looking for warmer climate?  Do you have any allergies, disabilities or other challenges to consider?
• Will your host envionment meet your expectations and demands? Do you need/ will you have access to the internet? Hot water? Privacy? Room free from bugs and mosquitos?
• How necessary is it to be in a program that offers structure? Do you wish to operate in a program that provides a large amount of independence?
  

Financial Goals and Challenges

Consider:

• Can you afford to go abroad?  Allow for plane fare, visas, cost of living, accommodation, medical insurance, immunization costs and additional travel expenses.
• Are you able to invest in a sojourn abroad?  Are you looking to finance a trip/ holiday?  Save money for next year's tuition?

Professional Goals and Challenges

Consider:

• Are you looking to gain international professional experience? Be clear about your intentions and be willing to pay (work, volunteer, financial contributions) for the experiences.
• Is there a specific job related skill that you are trying to develop?  An organization who you are interested in? 
• Do I have a limit on the number of hours that I wish to work? How important is vacation time?
• Is there a certain geographic area in which you are interested in doing future business?

Keep your goals realistic.  Remember that a willingness to work may not be enough; in many countries there is no shortage of labour.  As such, your international experience should not be thought of as a free ride but rather a mutual opportunity for growth and benefit between yourself and host community.  Be humble about what you can actually learn and accomplish overseas; be humble, as well, as what you have to offer.

World of Opportunities

Whether one chooses to work, study, volunteer, or intern overseas, there are literally a world of opportunities out there.  Consider public and private realms; explore the internet, potential host newspapers and contacts, including searches here at home with the local rotary clubs, student associations and professors.  There are many great jumping off points to start your electronic search for international opportunities.

Keep in mind all the areas that one can find international work. Canadian companies with international branches, international companies that have strong Canadian interests, public sector, NGO's and Consulates.

Here are some links to get you started:

Search engines like 'Yahoo" can be most helpful if you enter a key word related to what you are looking for (i.e. internships ireland; spanish study; guatemala; etc.).

Department of Foreign Affairs provides country specific information regarding the countries that you are considering travelling to. It is a great place to begin any search.

Queen's University's International Centre site provides information on working, studying, and traveling abroad, as well as some useful links.

Ryerson University also has an excellent site, with links and tip sheets on planning an international experience abroad.

Escape Artist Magazine has a database for finding overseas jobs and study opportunities.

GoAbroad.Com has a search engine listing opportunities for working, studying, volunteering, and teaching english abroad. You can also search by country.

The Internet Public Library has a vast directory of newspapers from around the world.

University of Southern California's Centre for Global Education has links to various study, volunteer and work opportunities.

Disclaimer: The University of Toronto does not endorse or guarantee any of the programs listed in this site.

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