Playing Favorites to Teach Abroad- by Founder Emlyn Lee

I know parents aren't supposed to play favorites, yet since I gave birth to C.E., I admittingly have a favorite program...Teaching English abroad. My first international experience back in 1995 was to Teach in China, and it is the foundation of Cultural Embrace's existence. After I graduated with a liberal arts degree from the University of Maryland-College Park, I didn't know what I wanted to do or where I wanted to go. I actually had a nice corporate job, with a lot of potential to grow, but wearing pantyhose and heels were not appealing to me, and I needed a change from the metropolitan D.C. area. I contemplated Peace Corps, but not knowing where I'd be placed for two years, and the long application process was less appealing than taking the GREs and filling out grad school applications. So, I gave my first post-student 'networking' skills test a try, and contacted my Qi Yi Ma (Aunt #7) living in Wuhan, China, and asked if there were any opportunities for me to do something in China.

I recall my mother calling me one evening, asking in her "Oh no you di'int" tone what I did, because Qi Yi Ma (Aunt #7) CALLED from China. This is pre-Skype, pre-mobile, probably pre-cordless phone days. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if poor Qi Yi Ma had to connect long distance through a local Chinese operator to call the States. Anyways, my networking skills worked, because Qi Yi Ma hooked me up with a teaching gig at an university in Wuhan, China. Three months later, I packed a huge suitcase and duffel bag, and flew across the globe to teach English at the Wuhan Iron and Steel University.

Fast forward fifteen year (gulp-really?!), and I am back in China, but instead of being in front of the chalkboard, I'm working behind the scenes meeting with several of our ground suppliers and local coordinators for our teach, intern, volunteer, Chinese lessons, and group trips. I am checking up on our sites to make sure our ground operations are up to par and to discuss any issues we had from current and past participants. Plus, I'm finding new opportunities to expand our programs and services, as I want to China to expand their language training, in and out of their country.

I play favorites with teaching abroad because I think it's one of the most rewarding and affordable ways to travel. What better way is there to live abroad, get paid a comfortable local salary (usually with housing included), give back and be involved within a local community? Plus, most schools in Asia (China and Thailand) offer airfare reimbursement stipends at the end of the teaching contract. And, let's not forget to add the stress free work schedule and lifestyle, with loads of opportunities to travel, and its positive enrichment for your personal, academic, and professional endeavors!

Discover the Similarities- Share the Differences is my personal and career mantra, and since teaching abroad is my baby, I tend to put more attention and efforts with language training. Cultural Embrace plans to work with local communities abroad and in Austin to teach youths the ability to create change in their communities. We will strive to make a difference in the lives of others, all over the world, teaching them English through subjects discussing the fundamentals of leadership, civic engagement, and creativity.

We have several opportunities for you to teach abroad. If you are able to commit for a full semester (~4 months) to one academic school year (~8 months with a vacation break), we will pre-arrange a paid teaching placement in Chile, Mexico, Guatemala, China, Thailand, and Vietnam. If you are only available for 1-12 weeks, volun-teaching is another great option. We will organize an unpaid placement within a school, community center, or with a local host family. This is another meaningful and affordable way to travel and immerse within the local community, with accommodations and most meals included. We offer placements throughout Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America. Everything is pre-arranged and organized prior to your departure, so you will not stress out where to go, or what to do. Foreign language and experience are certainly helpful and more influential in the placement process, however, it is not a requirement. Some of our programs include an on-line TEFL training, or in-country orientation and training, or you may opt to take additional TEFL lessons.

Check out our Teach program http://www.culturalembrace.com/teach.html, and in a few weeks, we will have our updated 2011 programs and details. There will be a lot more opportunities combined with cultural orientation, teaching training and excursions. I can't wait for you to experience one of my favorite things to do in this world!

Discover the Similarities... Share the Differences,
Emlyn
Founder of Cultural Embrace

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Greetings from Beijing, China- by Founder Emlyn Lee

Ni hao! Greetings from Beijing, China! I have been here for exactly one week, and FINALLY feel like my brain and body are working on the right time zone. I attended a 4 days conference for the youth travel industry, and will spend the next two weeks visiting our site projects for our Teach, Intern, and Volunteer in China programs, and work on some new business development. I'll definitely share more details and insight of my experiences here, and how I hope this visit will improve our programs and services to this fascinating destination.

I am giving the 'touristy' things to do in Beijing amiss, as I have been to Beijing numerous times, either as a tourist, or having lead group tours. So now, I get the pleasure to sit back and embrace the local culture. Ironically, I am sitting in a Starbucks, in the HouHai district, which is in the heart of Beijing's Lake District. I know, Starbucks isn't really a 'local' thing, and in fact, I avoid the green and white chains back in the States, but not only is this one of the only places that offers free wi-fi, but it's everywhere in Beijing, and dominated by Chinese and foreign people alike. In fact, I'm sitting next to three local young Chinese girls, sitting around their netbook watching videos, giggling, bopping their heads, and singing along to Eminem and Rhianna. At a table across from them, there are three young Westerners peering over each other's shoulders, looking at a Mac screen with earphones on. Do you think they could be listening to the same thing? Who knows, but for me, at this moment, this coffee shop is a true representation of how we continue to Discover the Similarities and Share the Differences. Whether through food, coffee, music, people and ways to spend a lazy, chilly, Saturday afternoon...that's no lie.

Discover the Similarities... Share the Differences,

Emlyn
Founder of Cultural Embrace

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Q&A about Cultural Embrace's Work in Australia Program- by Past Participant Jennifer C Campbell

Hey hey guys! I'm very excited for everyone's interest in Cultural Embrace's Work and Travel Program, as my W&T experience was absolutely incredible, and urge each of you to boldly go after what draws you. Dive into every opportunity to broaden your perspectives, challenge yourself with unknown territories and live adventurously. You won't regret it!

My experience was awe-inspiring, and I'm still wholeheartedly living its effects. Miriam Beard explains it best, "Traveling is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living."

This final blog is a (Q&A) of commonly received questions and concerns and my best advice and explanations to provide an overview of my experience. Just a tip before we get into it: As I've said, backpacking/traveling is regularly a fine line between a plan and a few ideas that might sort themselves out, so don't get too hung up in trying to plan every move. Your plans are likely to scatter and change with the people you meet, travel and job opportunities, expenses, and just generally blowing with the wind... so keep an open mind for adventure's sake.

And we're off...

Program Details:

Q. So, the program fee, is it worth it?

A. Only you can decide if the fee is "worth it." If you have a fully scoped understanding of how much of the Cultural Embrace program's support services you would take advantage of, you can better assess whether or not it's right for you. After considering all of the services (listed in this final blog just below and also on http://www.culturalembrace.com/5772939_24622.htm under 'Introduction' and 'Program Details and Highlights'), weigh them against the cost of the program fee.

Q. What support services does Cultural Embrace's program, including their in-country partner company, offer?

A. Let me see here...

• Working Holiday Visa assistance
• General inquiry assistance (housing, city/area advice, etc.)
• YHA (hostel) discounts and three days of hostel accommodation including breakfast
• One month free luggage storage
• Private mailbox in the partner company's Sydney office with mail forwarding available anywhere in Australia
• Job assistance (the big one) through the partner company's in-house placement team
• Weekly emails with exclusive job opportunities throughout Australia
• Partner company's in-house travel agency which offers exclusive travel deals
• Airport pickup
• 24/7 Emergency Assistance
• Fifteen partner company locations across Australia with free Internet access, both wireless and on their provided computers (also, the constant in-office traveler/backpacker presence in each location allows you to continually meet people who need roommates, travel mates, etc.)
• Cell phone setup: provided SIM card and also device purchase opportunity
• General orientation in the partner company's Sydney office covering state laws (each of the states, including Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania, and the three territories, Northern Territory, Jervis Bay Territory and Australia Capitol Territory, have their own parliament and laws- including vocation certification laws), transportation tips (buying a car vs. public transport), destination overviews, safety tips, casual work information, tax information, superannuation information, general information, etc. - pretty much everything you would expect and then some.
• Tax File Number and Bank account set-up with Westpac Bank, which seems to have an ATM and branch on every corner. Also good to note, Westpac Bank is part of Bank of America's global alliance, which means you can access your Bank of America account via BOA debit card at Westpac ATMs without the $5-$8 overseas account withdraw fee. (Excellent!)

Work:

Q. How much aid does Cultural Embrace's in-country placement team offer in the job hunt?

A. The amount of aide the placement team extends in your job hunt is really up to you. Although they cannot guarantee you a job, they do offer plenty of resources to find employment throughout Australia.

The placement team is available to aid you in resume, interview and field certification preparations, and provides you with access to an exclusive job database where you're able to fill out a profile/resume section for easy online application (similar to the process on funjobs.com and careerbuilder.com). The placement team also sends out weekly emails with lists of job openings (mostly resort, hospitality and farm work positions) located all over the country.


Key: Every job Cultural Embrace's placement team offers up- through emails, database, etc.- are exclusive to those who use their services. As you can imagine, this exclusivity can be a huge advantage.

Q. What kinds of jobs are available?

A. Working Holiday Visa only allows it's holders/travelers to work in positions for up to six months without sponsorship... and because most companies are not looking to sponsor travelers, your job options can be limited. The majority of jobs travelers hold are in the casual work and hospitality fields- bartending, wait-staff, resort work (hosting, cooking, cleaning etc.), temp work, construction, retail, and promotional work.

But of course, there are cases where you meet somebody who knows somebody who can put in a good word for a position outside of casual work, or you score an interview based on your ridiculous amount of experience and expertise in a field. I did have a few traveler friends who held jobs outside of casual work- one worked in public relations, one was a pharmacists assistant, another a nurse and another an architect assistant- and each had exceptional and verifiable work experience.

So, depending on your experience and expertise you may be able to find something in a non-casual work field, but again, you'll find most of the opportunities available to you lay in casual work and hospitality.

** Certification courses are compulsory for any position requiring you to be around alcohol and/or gambling, or public service jobs (such as construction assistant or flagger jobs... which pay VERY well.) Certification course prices vary per certification and per state, however when you file for your taxes upon your return to The States you will most likely receive the cost of the course(s) back.

Q. How fast did you find work?

A. The amount of time it takes to find a job depends on the season, the city and what you're looking for... just as it is at home in the casual work field. Holiday seasons require more hospitality and casual workers, which is great, but it's important to apply and be ready for work while hiring is prime. The closer you get the holidays the fewer the jobs as employers have filled their positions. Mid-November would be a good time to have found a job in preparing for the Christmas/New Years season... jobs will start to open back up after New Years when Uni kids are going back to school and travelers/backpackers are heading out. Again, it's just as it is at home, pay attention to the types of jobs the city supports and keep your ears open.

I found my Surf Camp Aus job, my first job, through connections pretty quickly, and was working about two weeks after my arrival. My bartending job, my second and last job, took me around three weeks to find, mainly because it was so close to the holidays. If you're looking, and it's a good time for hiring (or just not a bad time), you shouldn't have a problem finding work within a couple of weeks or less.

Q. How do employers feel about employing travelers?

A. As far as casual work and hospitality goes, high turnover rates are typical, and it's my experience employers see hiring travelers as "fitting the bill." Occasionally you will run into retail stores desiring longer-term workers and that won't hire visa-holders, but it's pretty rare.

Q. Can I expect to be paid enough to save up for travel?

A. Depending on where and how often you work, and your cost of living, you may very well end up with some savings for travel. If your paycheck is reasonable -more than balancing out your weekly rent, bus/train passes, etc.- and you're not spending every extra dime going out, then it's likely you will have enough to save for a bit of traveling. I saved a pretty decent amount of my working money to travel, but I also ate bean paste on bread and oatmeal for months, slept in cars on road trips and finagled beers from fellow friendly beach-bums instead of going out in the city as often.  It's definitely doable if you're committed to putting money back. J

Q. I want to find a job that will help further my career, and not just work in non-technical/ casual work fields, is this possible?

A. Refer to 'Q. What kinds of jobs are available?'

Hostels/Housing:

Hostel Overview: As far as meeting people goes, hostels are great accommodation because you're living in a room with one...five...eleven other travelers (except in skandy places where they offer rooms with twenty+ travelers... always interesting) and it's impossible not to strike a connection with someone around.

There are hostels around every corner in most of Aus, with a range of prices and amenities, some with in-house bars and clubs and others with a kickin' it vibe and awesome beach access, small ones and huge ones, nice ones and the occasional dirty one... bla bla but most are a good time and provide an affordable and clean place to sleep. Out of all the hostels in the country I jumped around to, there were only two I remember seriously despising- one in Sydney, and one in Melbourne... both were overpriced, dirty and seemed to collect serious agro wankers...  aggravated jerks...- it happens, but it's definitely uncommon to find yourself uncomfortable after checking in. 

You can check out: http://www.hostelworld.com/ for hostel ideas, reviews, prices, amenities, locations, availabilities, contact info and online booking. This is a great website, but always check around with other travelers for suggestions!

Big Tip: If you're looking for accommodation around the holidays in Sydney especially, think of your housing situation as you would the job scenario I explained-- Try to find accommodation by mid-November (and I highly suggest pre-booking/pre-arranging accommodation if you are planning to show up smack in the middle of the season/December to early January). There are a million extra people in Sydney around New Years time, and a huge number of them are travelers looking for accommodation just as you are. (Sydney is the place to be around and on New Years... top-notch music festivals and shows are almost weekly events, busy beaches and raging nightlife... people from all over the world flock here for good reason.)

Hostels will book up quickly, and cheap/affordable more permanent accommodation has mostly the same story. For example, some hostels, specifically in Bondi and Coogee areas of Sydney, will have been completely booked since the winter (June/July/August) or earlier for most of December and January... it's crazy. I definitely knew a few people who had to find floors of more settled or sneaky hostel-staying friends to sleep on for weeks and others who had to leave the city because there wasn't any available accommodation... Don't make that mistake!

Q. What can I expect to pay for hostels?

A. For shared rooms you're looking at anywhere between $18-$40, depending on the number of roommates, city, location and amenities. Check out the hostel world site listed above, and or your Lonely Planet or Rough Guide, etc. for specific price examples.

Q. What kind of housing can I expect to find if I choose to stay and work in one place?

A. The housing options are pretty well ranged. You can find places with one month leases up to one year leases, with weekly rent from around $100 AU to the sky's the limit, share houses to typical apartments or condos, shared room or singles accommodation, and on and on. (Accommodation rents vary depending on the city and area of the city you're looking to live.)

For Sydney you can check out: http://sydney.gumtree.com.au/ (It's an awesome site, much like craigslist and has some of everything- including housing and even a few job leads.)

Other hostel quick tips: Lockboxes will quickly become your best friend -check for this asset wherever you plan on booking. Also, do your best to research hostels before putting your card down to reserve several nights. Hostels typically won't refund your one or two-night deposit if you're unhappy with the accommodation upon arrival/change your plans after the 24-hour cancelation deadline.

Travel:

Q. How much should I save up before I head out to work and travel Australia?

A. Along with proof of diploma to qualify for the Working Holiday Visa, the Australian Department of Immigration can ask for proof of financials showing a specified minimum amount. (I believe I was required to show an amount somewhere around $1,000.) Although the department may not ask for financial proof during your visa application process, it's a good idea to have it for customs agents upon your arrival in Aus just in case. 

Aside from this, the more you save up the longer you can adventure or just hang before working. Again, depending on your lifestyle you can easily blow through a huge sum pretty quickly (especially that first month because you'll want to be exploring and out and about every day and maybe night) even if you're a seasoned traveler practiced in doing things on the cheap.

Quick Tips: Use the kitchen, walk when you can to save your bus pass, and remember taxis are for divas, oatmeal is your friend and goon (extremely cheap Australian box wine) is usually only your enemy in large quantities.

Q. Do most people save up for traveling before they leave for or after they've gotten to Australia?

A. It goes both ways. It seems every other country in the world recognizes living out of a backpack for a year as a right of passage, so, some travelers have been saving for years for their great adventure (but virtually always plan to hit several countries), and most still work to make extra cash. Others, like myself, who decide to travel only a few months before departing, save as much as they can before heading off and pick up work ASAP upon arrival to save for traveling.

Q. Is it pretty easy and affordable to travel within Australia?

A. Here's a list of great affordable means of travel... not including hitchhiking which is unsurprisingly very popular: 

• Cheap in-country flights- most one-way city-to-city flights from southern Australia, along the east coast, to the Northern Territory range from $39AU to $140AU if you plan at least a month ahead. (Flights to and along the west coast are a bit more expensive as the west coast is farther away from hubs like Sydney and Melbourne and has only a few airports. Check out: http://www.jetstar.com/gx/en/index.aspx - awesome airline.
• Public rail transport is about the same cost as flight prices a month or so ahead of departure dates. (Trains that offer accommodation, amenities, tour guide-like services etc. will obviously be much more expensive.)
• Greyhound Australia has affordable city-to-city and multiple-city passes, as do companies such as OZ Experience, which offer the hop on hop off bus experience.
• Hiring camper vans such as Spaceships with friends is also a cheap route if you split rental and gas costs.
• Purchasing cars can end up being affordable if you can resell it at the end of your use and you typically split gas costs with travel mates.

I flew, used public buses and the Experience company, took rail transport and road-tripped in friend's cars and hired vehicles. With my experience, I don't suggest hiring vehicles unless it's a camper van and you're splitting costs with at least two friends, but aside from that note all means of transportation were pretty equally affordable in the end.

Also, Cultural Embrace's in-country partner company has an in-office travel agency, which offers exclusive travel deals and trip discounts. Although I didn't use the agency as I usually booked my travel and trips last minute or went along with friend's plans already in action, I knew several people who took advantage of the in-house travel agency and got some excellent deals on sailing in the Whitsundays, dive trips up north near the Great Barrier Reef, trips to the Outback and on.

Q. How easy is it to travel to other countries from Australia? Is my Australian Working Holiday Visa limiting?

A. Mixing travel through Australia with trips to nearby countries is easier, cheaper and more convenient than I anticipated.

Your Working Holiday Visa allows you to escape and re-enter Australia as you please, so it's pretty easy to globe trot a bit and come back and work when you run out of money. Some causal work positions across Australia even provide you with holiday pay, which means you can earn a set hourly rate while you do a bit of traveling = excellent.

Looking just a couple of months ahead of desired departure dates, I've seen round trip flights from Sydney as low as $140AU to New Zealand, $400AU to Fiji, and $600 Bali (about $250AU cheaper if you go from Darwin)- Thailand, Japan and Papa New Guinea are reasonable as well. Again check out: http://www.jetstar.com/gx/en/index.aspx

So, while you're in Aus working and saving, or working to make rent saving your savings, traveling Australia is just the tip of the roving opportunities in this part of the globe. Take FULL advantage of being in an excellent location/hub and venture out!! It's absolutely one of the best pieces of advice I could give you.

I hope this clears up some of your questions and concerns about Cultural Embrace's Work and Travel Australia program, and the general adventuring Australia experience. But please continue to feel free to contact me if you have any further questions or comments. It's always great to hear from you guys!

Live fully,

Jennifer C Campbell
Former Participant
Australia

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FAQs About Internships Abroad- by Founder Emlyn Lee

Happy Fall! This is probably my favorite time of year... the cooler weather, the foliage changing, pumpkin patch picking, and football season. Heck, even for the non-football fans, like me, you can't beat running errands and not waiting in line during game weekends! But one of my most appreciative part of this season is that students are back at school, and I get to go back on the road, and meet, visit and speak at institutions about the benefits of going abroad. Although our programs are available for all types and ages of travelers, students and recent grads are a prime target market, as they have the time and invested interest to seek a global perspective that will enhance their academic, professional, and personal endeavors.

During these campus visits, I have noticed a lot more interest with internships, and wanted to share some of my insights and answers to commonly asked questions:

Q: What is the objective of an internship abroad, and how will it benefit me?
A: No doubt, we are living in an inter-connected world, and our dependence on each other for financial, political, and social purpose is ever present. Having the experience to intern abroad provides you with first-hand experience that no textbook, newspaper, GRE/GMAT/LSAT test, or CNN may teach you. It will improve your cultural competency, and build a strong foundation of international contacts. Combine this with personal development and growth, and there really isn't any negative benefit from this experience.

Q: Who should intern abroad?
A: Interning abroad is ideal for students, recent grads, or professionals seeking firsthand experience and exposure of a particular field or industry. Once you send your application to our Austin office, our region-specific coordinator will have an in-depth phone interview with you, to learn more about your goals, interests, background, and such. Then, our Austin Coordinator will connect with our local Coordinators to organize the best mutually beneficial placement--matching the employer's availability and needs, with the skills, background, interests, and goals of the interns.

Q: What type of positions will I be placed in?
A: Cultural Embrace pre-arranges and tailors internship placements in a wide variety of fields. Our Austin staff and in-country coordinators work closely together to fill the interests and goals of the intern with the needs and availabilities of international employers. Although it is ultimately the employers decision to select the candidates they want to receive, our connections and relationships with these companies prove to be positive and influential. Placements vary, however, popular requests are within the marketing, business, advertising, graphics, fashion, culinary, hospitality/tourism, sports management, education, social service, IT/computers, engineering, art, medical, and media fields. We have more success in making placements within small to medium sized companies, non profits, or NGOs, which allow our interns to be more involved within the workplace.

Q: What are my duties, and how will I know I'm not just making copies?
A: Duties and responsibilities vary depending on each placement and employer. We hope, prepare and expect our interns and employers to maximize the interns' time abroad, so this is a mutually beneficial experience for all parties involved. You are a foreign guest that will be abroad for a limited time. Employers need to invest their time and energy to train and manage you. Take the initiative to learn, produce, and be of assistance, but be realistic of your expectations. You are there to be learning and helping the employer. The more you put in to something, the more you get out of it. You may not solve the economic recession, or discover a vaccination for cancer, or design the hottest trend for Dolce & Gabbana,..but an internship is a wonderful stepping stone for you to get experience and exposure in your specific field.

Q: Is my internship paid?
A: Due to visa regulations, most international internships are unpaid, and will typically last 10-24 weeks. The reason for this is because the local government wants the professional and technical jobs to go to their local citizens and improve their economy and unemployment. Thus, most internships are short-term and unpaid. However, there are some employers that may offer a stipend or other compensation (ie: meals, transportation remuneration, excursions, etc) to their intern, but this is up to the discretion of the employers. I recommend you going in with the mindset that you are joining this program without any compensation, except the 'priceless' experience.

Q: What type of visa do I have to get?
A: The duration of your placement and your nationality will determine what type of visa you need to obtain. For some countries, if your unpaid internship lasts for less than 90 days, a regular tourist visa may be fine. Some countries may require a student, cultural, or work visa. I recommend that you check with your local embassy or consulate's website to see what your specific nationalities' visa requirements are to intern abroad before applying. Cultural Embrace unfortunately does not have any control or say of visa regulations and immigration decisions of who gets approved of a visa or not. It is the responsibility of the intern to obtain the proper visa, however, our Austin and local coordinators are available to assist you with any questions, and will provide any necessary documents explaining that you will be abroad for an (unpaid) internship.

Q: What are the advantages of getting an international internship versus one at home?
A: The global recession has impacted the job market. Quality paid jobs are hard to come by, and more young professionals are using internships to be a productive stepping stone to gain exposure and enhance their resumes/CVs. The obvious advantages of an international internship are to: exemplify your leadership, initiation, and adaptability of the international world. Develop firsthand experience in your particular field, gain a network of global contacts, improve foreign language skills (English in Australia, Ireland, and South Africa are foreign too), improve interpersonal and intercultural skills.

Q: What are the requirements to get a successful internship?
A: Having some past work and/or course related experience is beneficial. Keep in mind that the employers want this to be advantageous to them as well. They are keen on having the most competent intern's fresh perspective and ideas, yet want their invested time and energy to be worthwhile. In regards to foreign language component, this depends with each country and employer, so it may be placement specific, but the general advice is the more the better. It is preferred and recommended to have high intermediate/advanced level for most employers. For example, most Western European countries (ie: France, Spain, Italy, and Germany) require high intermediate/advanced level of their native language. Most of our internships include a four-week intensive language course prior to the internship start date. This course will improve your overall language skills- oral, written, reading, comprehension; however, you should have an intermediate foundation before you travel abroad. The rule of thumb is: if you don't feel comfortable interacting on an every day conversation with the locals, a professional internship may not be the best program for you. Do not despair, we have other opportunities so you may volunteer, take cultural classes, or engage in a language exchange program. Or, if you want to add more language lessons prior to or during your internship placement, we are able to include that too.

Q: How will I be sure that this will be the best experience and program for me?
A: While CE strives for excellence in regards to safety, health, and customer service, the 'perfect' adventure has its joys and pains. The purpose of traveling abroad is to do, see, hear and taste things that are outside our comfort zone. Life is a constant roller coaster, and putting yourself in a foreign culture, will have its ups and downs...but isn't that the most exhilarating part of the ride?

Hope this helps all of those who are curious!

Discover the Similarities... Share the Differences,
Emlyn
Founder of Cultural Embrace

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¡Chi, Chi, Chi, Le, Le, Le, Los Mineros de Chile! - by Current Teacher in Chile Caroline

Chile's President and one of the Rescued Miners

What a crazy week to be in Chile! During what I've decided to call "Miner Fest 2010", all of Chile has been entranced with what's going on in the desert. Outside of the city of Copiapo (which is where I originally thought I would be living) 33 miners were stuck underground for 69 days while rescue workers drilled a super deep hole to get them out. Last week you couldn't leave the house without getting a play-by-play of the rescue process. When they finally took out the first miner last Wednesday night, the whole country went nuts. I was watching the whole thing from my room and suddenly I heard the whole block cheering, horns honking, fireworks popping, and bells ringing. I would be lying if I said I didn't get a little teary eyed... Viva Chile!

So ever since I got back from San Pedro, I haven't really taught actual classes. Instead, I have been given the role of "Theater Teacher Caroline" since I am now in charge of preparing the students for a big show that we are having this Thursday. In what has creatively been titled "The Big Show", the students will perform (in English) numbers from Aladdin, Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Snow White, and the Three Little Pigs. As much as I love yelling stage directions at a room full of hyperactive kids, I will be very happy to return to regular classes so that I am once again Miss Caroline, ruler of the classroom and maintainer of scholastic peace.

I am in the process of making plans for some upcoming travelling, and will post the final details later this week. In other news, Mateo has a new sweater this week. This little gym is covered in teddy bears that are wearing ribbons of various colors around their necks; fear not, a photo will be posted soon.

Also, I have added new photos and a video to my online photo album. You can see them by going to http://carolineenlaciudad.photoshop.com/ and clicking on the album called "More Iquique" and the video called "Gypsy Dance". Enjoy!

So, until next time, here's the philosophical question of the day:

Why isn't phonetic spelled the way it sounds?

Caroline
Teacher
Chile

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What's On?!- by Current Participant in Australia Amy

I was beginning to think that Aussies were obsessed with their television programs as there are "What's On" billboards, signs, magazines, and websites everywhere you turn. Alas, it is actually their way of saying "what's going on?!"--And there is plenty!!! Although there is more of a "fall" feeling in the air, the springtime festivals are in full swing. Brazilian festival, Latin Festival, Jazz Festival, Art and About Sydney, and my favorite so far..The International Food Festival! The festivals began over the long Labor Day weekend, which is in October here.

The Latin festival was dampened by the relentless rain over in Darling Harbour but it wasn't stopping the music and dancing taking place around each corner. We wandered from booth to booth and stage to stage in the rain, soaking it all in....quite literally! After awhile we decided to head for cover and went into the nearby shopping center where Sarah and I were lured into EVERY souveneir shop (probably close to 8 total, I'm embarrassed to admit) but we held strong and didn't make any cheesy touristy purchases....not yet anyway! Though I think there are Australian hoodies in our future! haha

I couldn't wait to check out both Manly beach and the Jazz Festival and I got to do both at once. I wasn't let down by either! The Jazz Fest was quite impressive with about 5 different stages set up along the beach and some really talented performers! I found a way to volunteer handing out programs and got a free t-shirt!--I'm such a sucker for free t-shirts! Sarah and I both plan on making plenty more trips to the beach as soon as the weather warms up! We were delighted to discover that it was much closer than we expected it to be....just waiting on that sun to show itself!

Sydney's Art and About takes place throughout the month of October, as does the International Food Fest. There are massive photographs that are hanging down the main walkway of Hyde Park and they are truly amazing. Another feature of the month long art exhibits is that local artists have clothed some of the most historical statues located around the city. Last weekend I thought I had lost my mind when I noticed the Queen Victoria statue clothed in bright royal blue and red clothing. I couldn't remember for the life of me if she had always been clothed, and thought it might be some kind of fashion week gimmick. I am now on a quest to locate all of the other robed statues throughout the city. Another really cool piece of work is the Bike-Bike. It is actually a bike made up of bikes. I saw it up close for the first time last night and it's really something to see! This coming weekend there is a tour of galleries throughout the city of approximately 92 different artists and this is not even the half of it. There are so many events happening all over I can't even keep up with them!

Bike-Bike

Queen Victoria Statue

And finally, one of the most beautiful things about Sydney is October is the International Food Festival. Again, there is more taking place than I am probably even aware of but I'm enjoying as much as possible while it's on! There were wine/cheese markets down at the Rocks last weekend. To top off the day there was a local bar celebrating its 3rd anniversary with a pirate party so one of my friends from work and his friends invited me to tag-a-long for the festivities. Definitely a good time and met some great new friends! The next two weeks will be Noodle Markets in Hyde Park with loads of booths set up from all of the local restaurants serving the favorites of Thai, Chinese, Malaysian, Turkish, etc. cuisine. There is live music, and entertainment taking place throughout the evening and is right next to the photo exhibition through the park. Such a good time! I went for the first time last night and definitely plan to visit again before it's all over with! The picture above is on all of the signs, and they actually created flags for each of the countries represented in the food festival---just in case you're curious (and my OCS people out there will appreciate this more than most) the stripes on the US flag are hotdogs! We are a nation of delectible tastes!

Flags Made from Food from Each Country

Noodle Market

So this is what has been keeping me busy! Please forgive the length of time between blogs. Hope all is well!

Take care! :)
xoxo
Amy
Participant
Australia

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