Feature -- by Karen Rocznik

Five years ago Laurie Keith decided she would take a semester off from university to go study abroad in France. While looking at various schools, she found it was really difficult finding contacts in the city who could help her with her decision. " I ended up studying in France for two weeks. It wasn't what I wanted." After coming home to Calgary, Keith, 24, researched studying abroad and found out there were a lot of scholarships and grants available for international students.

Keith, who has also spent two years teaching English in the Dominican Republic, found there was a need out there to help people with their decision to either work, study or volunteer abroad. "I found there was a need for myself. Through research I found there are no companies in Calgary or Western Canada that can help you study abroad." These findings persuaded Keith to start her own business. For the past two years, Campus Travel has been helping students and people of all ages explore possibilities in studying, working and volunteering all over the world. Anyone interested in an experience overseas is welcomed to come down and browse through their job boards. Campus Travel lists approximately 2,500 jobs and 1,500 volunteer opportunities as well as over 150 calendars for universities, colleges and languages institutes around the globe.

After selecting your job, school or volunteer experience of choice, official application forms and an information package on resume writing and cover letters are available for a fee of $20.00. There is no limit to how many applications you can receive, however, Keith says they try to establish the best choices for you. "Most people pick between five and 15 jobs they like, then I'll go sit with them and talk to them about each one and we'll narrow it down to the ones they're most interested in applying for."

In between running a business and helping prospective travelers, Keith took the time to go over some things to keep in mind when working, volunteering and studying abroad.

Working

Campus Travel list jobs ranging from being a nanny to working on a cruise line or hotel. For anyone considering teaching English, especially in Asia, keep in mind that the schools usually require that you sign a contract. This can be from three to six months. Other jobs, like being a nanny, the contract is negotiated between you and the employer. Cruise lines usually require you to work for six months. For teaching English in Asia, expect to know what you are doing. Most schools don't prepare you for teaching, so it's up to you. If you don't have any teaching experience, taking a two-week Teaching English as a Second Language certificate would probably be in your best interest. Also, if you have a teaching degree or TESL certificate the school may offer to pay for your plane ticket.

For cruise jobs, Keith warns that "either you hate it or you love it." Long hours, hard work and limited travel since most cruise ships stay on the same itinerary for the entire six months are all part of the job. Keith also cautions that you are treated like a servant instead of a waiter or waitress. The money is also by no means phenomenal. Most cruise workers make between $7.00 to $8.00 an hour. However, all accommodations and meals are paid for. Your only expenses are buying things and entertainment. Sea-sick take heart, most people don't find themselves hanging over the deck, greener than seaweed. But if you think it could be a problem, you might consider staying away from this job.

Volunteering

If you have ever wanted to experience other cultures behind the scenes of a normal tourist visit, consider volunteering. Campus Travel lists approximately 3,000 volunteer experiences with such organizations as Volunteers for Peace. In most cases they pay for your room and board in exchange for your volunteer services. Work can range from conservation and restoration to teaching English. You will usually be working project to project, each lasting around two weeks. The big advantage with volunteering is your chance to work with people from all over the world. "It's your chance to help others," Keith says. "I've never had a complaint about anyone volunteering. Everyone's come back saying 'that was the most fulfilling experience I've ever had in my life!'" Some things to keep in mind when considering volunteering: Ask for the history of the society, make sure it's well known. It's also not for everyone - you really have to be the caring type!

Studying

Campus travel list over 150 calendars for schools abroad and there is no fee for this. Keith says that language institutes are by far the most popular choice for students. For example, you can study French in France for one week up to a year. Things to keep in mindÉ application fees tend to be about $50.00. Ask how long they've been in business because there are a lot of language institutes that will pop up and leave. Most schools arrange home-stays where students are billeted, there are also residences and hotels. Get all the little details, like airport pickups, prices, fees, registration deadlines, tuition and books. Keith says that it's not uncommon for students to ask for letters of reference from past students.

So, whether you are planning on working, volunteering, or studying, be sure to do your research! Campus Travel is a great place to start, but there are also other resources such as the Internet and the library. However, with the advent of such a place like Campus Travel, the prospective of going overseas has become a lot less daunting.

Since this article was written, Campus Travel has changed hands and is now owned by Elite Travel