Have you ever shared a hotel room with 4+ people? Do you have any advice to share? Let us know in the comments section below!

By Eileen Rush

I was walking down a street near the Duomo in Florence, Italy, with two friends. Both are backpackers, and close to my age. One needed to go inside of a store and buy a new memory card for her camera. We’d spent the afternoon exploring beautiful Fiesole, walking through its winding streets and marveling at the gorgeous views of Tuscany’s rolling hills.

It was growing dark. My friend and I waited outside of the store, watching crowds of people trickle by. Everyone was in a hurry, on their way home to dinner, coats pulled tight against the October evening chill.

Directly across the street, sitting cross-legged on the ground, was a familiar sight in Florence: a man begging on the street. He held a cardboard sign. It was in Italian, a phrase I couldn’t read. My friend told me it said, “I’m hungry.”

I think she’ll forgive me for paraphrasing some of what she said. It was something along the lines of, “I always feel so bad when I see that. I never know what to do.”

Stubbornly, I made a case against giving. I used arguments that I’d heard before, and told her something along the lines of, “Well, he probably made a lot of poor choices that got him there.”

Looking back, I’m kind of shocked at the words that came out of my mouth. I’ve volunteered in one of East Africa’s poorest communities. I’ve been all over the world, and seen devastating poverty. Yet, here I was, being the devil’s advocate and stubbornly arguing against helping someone in need.

My friend gave me a great reminder.

“It doesn’t matter what choices he’s made,” she said. “It doesn’t matter where he comes from, what he’s done, or what circumstances got him there. He’s still there.”

She was right.

I remembered an apple I had in my bag, leftover from our trip to Fiesole. I didn’t need it, or the few Euro that were scattered in my purse. I fished them out, crossed the street, and walked up to the man.

He was cross-legged, looking at the cobblestones, holding his sign. I dropped the few Euro into the plastic cup he held before him. He looked young, close to my age maybe. Then, I held the apple out to him.

He finally looked up. Our eyes met, and wordlessly he accepted the apple.

Rather than feeling like some sort of saint, all I felt was shame: shame that I’d judged him, before I ever gave.

The truth is, the way you interact with people is never black and white. When you travel, you’re often faced with difficult choices. We can’t say “Never give” or “always give.” Judge each situation for yourself, and go with what you feel in your gut. Listen to your friends.

And, when in doubt, err on the side of compassion.

What do you think? Do you have a similar story? Are you just as conflicted about dealing with people who “beg” on the street? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.

Living overseas for a semester impacts each person in unique and unexpected ways. For some, the transition is easy; for others it can be difficult and nerve-wracking. Here’s some advice on how to adjust to your new life abroad and provide useful tips and advice to make the transition as smooth as possible.

By Harmonie Rosenberg

Sitting in a Boeing 747 at 35,000 feet above the Atlantic Ocean, my mind wandered anxiously, contemplating the study abroad experience that lay ahead of me. I had no idea what to expect, and this made me incredibly nervous. Now, looking back at that moment after a semester of trial and error in Italy, I have come to realize how much I’ve learned about adjusting to life abroad.

Common problems people encounter in their new life abroad can include making new friends, struggling with language barriers, dealing with completely new food, and in general, figuring out all the little details of life, from finding the bathroom to shopping in the grocery store, that can seem so effortless at home.

Here’s my advice to students who are going abroad, which might help you ease into that transition:

• An open mind is a ready mind. Be prepared to embrace a starkly different culture that will continue to shock you from the first day you arrive til you board the plane for home. Whether traveling to Istanbul and covering your head when entering a mosque, or entering a church in Rome and covering your legs on a hot day, adjusting to life abroad is all about respecting and learning as much as you can from life in a  new country.
• Expect things to go wrong. Before you step on the plane, prepare yourself mentally for to hit a few roadblocks that will cause you extreme anxiety. Buses run late, train strikes put a fork in your travel plans, budget airlines’ baggage restrictions might throw you into a frenzy 30 minutes before you board your plane, and taxi drivers are just as frustrating in Europe as they are in the States. Being tolerant of things going wrong is probably the most important aspect of travel. And always remember that even when things go wrong, it’s your attitude and resourcefulness that will determine whether you continue to have an amazing trip regardless of what happens along the way.
• Make a community for yourself. Living far away from friends and family, not to mention the clubs, sports team or other social groups you are part of at home, you may feel as if you’ve lost your sense of community. But there are plenty of opportunities to create a new sense of community in your new home.

• Develop connections and networks with the other students on your study abroad program. After all, the other students are probably feeling a similar need and similar fears. Don’t be afraid to reach out and make new friends. Travelers frequently say that the people they meet while abroad can become some of the best friends in their lives.
• Reach out. Your school is host to peers, teachers, student life coordinators and a variety of other people who can help you stay involved and make new connections. sense of community with individuals in the same situation as you.
• Explore your neighborhood. Get to know your block, your local restaurants, cafes and bars, your local market vendors. Become a regular at a few establishments and befriend the owner
• Attend religious services and connect with other attendants. Religion is an important aspect of culture, no matter where you go. Even if you aren’t religious or don’t share the beliefs, keep an open mind and explore this area of life abroad. Keep in mind that places of worship are also home to some of the greatest architecture and works of art that a culture may have — so missing them will mean missing something incredible.
• Exercise. It’s so easy to get lazy and indulge a little too often abroad. Find a local football club to scrimmage with, join a gym, or develop a jogging route that keeps you feeling fit. When you exercise, you feel good, and it’s a great way to relieve some of the tension and stress that can come from being in a new and strange environment.
• Be a neighbor. Look into community events, clubs, expatriate groups and other resources available in your study abroad city. Speak with your student life coordinator to see how you can get our there and meet lots of people over shared interests and hobbies.
• Leave some time for yourself. Making friends among fellow study abroaders is inevitable, and probably much easier than you think. Before you know it, you’ll find yourself constantly surrounded by people. While it’s fun to travel in groups, grab lunch with your peers, or explore the city with friends, taking time to be alone is important. This is especially true considering you may be sharing a room with a flatmate. Even the commute to or from class is an opportunity to clear your mind, get off your cell phone and reflect on how fortunate you are to be have this wonderful experience. Look around and soak it in, because it’ll pass by faster than you can imagine.

The food might be unpronounceably delicious and the street signs might just be unpronounceable, but your anticipated adjustments are anything but. Clear and distinct, make this time abroad worth every lesson learned, and get excited to thrive and flourish in the face of alteration.

Do you have any tips for adjusting to life abroad? What were your struggles when you first went abroad? What are you dealing with now? Let us know in the comments section below!

“How do you know when the fruit is ripe?
Simple, when it leaves the branch.”
— André Gide

Who Teaches Cooking Classes in Europe?

Cooking classes are taught by:

You may not have set out on your journey abroad with intentions of using the experience as a resume booster, but knowing how to market yourself to future employers is vital. Here’s how to effectively use your skills gained from living abroad to set yourself apart from other internship or job candidates. Whether you’re still abroad or you’ve recently lived abroad, take these steps to ensure professional success.

By Kristen Sandstrom

Take a moment to think about those unforgettable, successful people who are passionate about what they do. If you’re able to integrate your passions with your professional life, you’re one step ahead of the rest of the world. As a study abroad student you’ve had the opportunity to make the world your classroom and apply the lessons learned to your career and personal life. You have a lifetime of work ahead of you so choose the internships that fit who you are as a person and go the extra mile to seek something that makes you happy-you’ll be thankful that you did.

While You’re Abroad

For all of you travelers who haven’t returned home yet, note how the industry you’re interested in plays a role in the economy of your study abroad country. With globalization on the rise, it’s  important to see the ideas and trends that ‘stick’ with people all over the world.

• Make a professional travel blog: The creative freedom is up to you, just tailor it to your ideal career path. Blog about businesses abroad that relate to the industry you’d like to work in. Write reviews about the books you read in your travels or blog about marketing abroad, customer service abroad, history you encounter etc. Blogging also shows off your writing, communication and multi-media skills. Include photos and videos to showcase your interests.
• Festivals and events: Research your desired career path and see if there are any festivals or events you can attend that would relate to what you’d like to do.
• Get a foreign perspective:  Befriend others when you’re traveling. Ask them about their job experiences and what the job market is like in their country. Note the differences and similarities as they relate to your own culture.

After You’re Abroad

Step 1: Make a list.

Start by brainstorming and create a list of the things you learned and enjoyed. Weed this down so it applies directly to your interests and career path.

Step 2: Figure out the skills you’ve gained.

International travel says a lot about you as a person. Any employer would love their employees to have these characteristics:

• You recognize amazing opportunities and have the confidence to go for them.
• You’re open minded and interested in the world.
• You have the ability to deal with ambiguity and embrace change
• You’re flexible
• You can do research to prepare for what’s ahead of you
• You can solve problems on your own- Riding solo during travel shows that you can manage the logistics involved with serious travel.

Think of a time when you encountered a logistical nightmare and note how you overcame the problem. Think of an interesting story about personal change, or a lesson you learned on the road, which you could tell in an interview. Keep it brief, but focus on impact, change, and skills.

Step 3: Show what you’ve learned about your industry on a larger scale.

• You are informed about the industry and where the power is located
•  You have the ability to see how the industry fits into the larger, global picture
•  You have the ability to demonstrate leadership while showing respect for different nationalities, cultures, and religions

Step 4:  During the interview.

Many interviewees believe that their boss only wants to hear about work related topics during an interview. Your future boss is not a “soulless” robot that eats, sleeps and breathes work for Company X. The employers of the world are real people with families, interests and goals, just like you. As people spend more and more time at the workplace, companies seek employees who will not only accomplish their job, but who will fit in with the company culture.

Build rapport by finding similarities between you and your interviewer. International travel heightens your exposure to different cultures, foods, interests and people so you’re guaranteed to find something you both have in common! For example if your employer has a picture of a soccer team, break the ice by talking about how you went to a European game.

Step 5: Application of your skills.

Once you figure out what skills you’ve gained make sure to notice how they will better your professional life. Giving specific examples of how you applied your skills in real life situations is important to your employer because it will give them a better idea of what you can do for their company. And remember to focus on all of your experiences. Chances are, study abroad is the most recent and exciting experience that you’ve had.  Don’t forget the other great things you accomplished to get yourself where you are today and show that you’re well rounded.

 A World of Opportunities

Studying in another country opens the door to a world of possibilities. The people you meet from different walks of life teach you about the world and act as contacts for the future. Traveling offers the unique opportunity to explore your passions and find new ones in the process.  You will begin to better understand the way in which international affairs influence every aspect of American business and life.

Do you think studying abroad is a way to advance a student’s future career path? Did studying abroad change your mind about what field you want to work in? Do you have any advice for students who want to talk about their travel experiences in an interview? Let us know in the comments section below!

Looking to improve your surf technique without worrying about weather conditions? Check out the new wave garden in San Sebastian:

“Wavegarden’s cutting edge technology allows for the creation of a broad and customisable range of authentic surfing waves in a safe and natural environment. This cost effective and environmentally friendly wave generation technology is now available to the public and for the first time makes economically-viable inland wave sports and lifestyle facilities possible.The Wave Garden in Spain is a man-made surfer’s paradise.”

Couchsurfing has become a  widespread, accepted  alternative to staying in hotels or hostels. For those travelling on a dime, it saves you a ton of money and gives you the insiders scoop on local hot spots. Some members of our company have been hosting and we’ve met some ‘interesting’ characters, and we’ve had some that we’ll stay in contact with for a long time.  Either way if you’re considering couchsurfing, check out this article on the good and the bad by our friends at Global Grasshopper.

The ups and downs of couch surfing by Pris Killingly:

“So where will you be staying while you’re traveling? Hotel? Friends?”  “Nah, I’m couch surfing.”   “I see…”

When you tell someone that you’ll staying with complete strangers during your travels, you will instantly be met with a plethora of concerned looks that let you know your friends think you’re absolutely insane. And it is indeed possible that one has to be kind of insane to couch surfing – but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

For those who don’t know what couch surfing is yet, it’s an online community of vagabonds like myself who give other vagabonds a place to crash for a night or more. Contrary to popular belief, it isn’t just a free hotel service and many CS-ers frown upon being used solely for their couch (however, others are surprisingly cool with it). Couch surfing is completely free to use and anyone that visits the website can create a profile and begin their journey…..

Read the Full Article here.

 

Have you ever couchsurfed? What are your thoughts on staying with strangers when you travel? How do you explain it to your mom?!? Let us know in the comments below.

We here at SnoworSand are a company of backpackers who have experienced the pains and the joys of traveling with our most valued electronics. Sometimes its best to go without, but when that’s not possible, our friends at 52nd & West have some helpful suggestions for you:

Any mobile worker would have to travel and work with its own environment but would also be able to adapt to any environment. Here are the 5 golden rules to keep in mind before going to a travel I learned in 2009. It’s probably a reminder to most of the reader of this blog … but also a good way to go back to the basic.

Size matters

Being mobile implies to deal with the size and the weight of objects the mobile worker would have to carry. And sometimes, being a mobile worker could be just really painful for your back (or your bag … or your pocket). For example, a cool and ultra new smartphone could be really a fantastic tool, yet not easy to fit in your pocket. Sometime, the latest gizmo isn’t the best solution.
Of course, laptops are probably the biggest concern regarding the size. Since the rise of netbooks, they now are a good answer with very compact size. If laptops and netbooks become really small these days, it’s not always the case for the charger, though …

Read the Full Article here.

 

What are your personal “rules of mobility?” Dispense some travel advice in the comments section below!

Gaudi's Masterpieces

They say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I doubt however, that many would disagree that Spain offers its visitors some of the most aesthetically appealing views in Europe. Before you journey to Espanga, take a look at some of these breathtaking suggestions brought to you by our friends at Global Grasshopper; you won’t regret it.

With its sunny climate and thousands of years of history and culture, Spain is a dream travel destination for many. Although with vast landscapes, world-famous coastline and wide stretches of mountain ranges it’s hard to know where to start. Here are ten of the most beautiful places to visit in Spain chosen by published travel writer and author of the Frommer’s guide to Seville, Granada and the Best of Andalusia, Jeremy Head.

Read the Full Article.

 

Where do you love to visit in Spain? What’s a place you absolutely can’t miss? Let us know in the comments section below.