National Holidays and Stuffed Cake ~ by Abby Goldstein

Sorry its been so long, I have been very distracted as of late. My computer broke, I lost friends, I gained friends, I went swimming… I smell something burning.
Moving on, last week was pretty much a blur, a lot of new work and training. I am now learning our Tibetan routes, as I started sales today (yay!). I have been offered a post grad job here for a few years. Definitely something to chew on. Speaking of chewing on, I had pizza this past week, it made me delirious. It was a Chinese national holiday similar to the American Labor Day. So we went to Richard’s country club for swimming, pingpong, and badminton. I also tried new foods this week… chicken blood, eel, sea creature of unidentified origin (Manny and I couldnt pinpoint what it was and have taken to calling it sea creature). We went to Hot Pot with a girl named Olivia who was in from Shanghai, she was a total sweetheart, and we walked all the way from dinner which was on the north west side of town, to the clubs on the south east side of town (it was a surprisingly refreshing walk). We stopped along the way to pick up a dress for 20 quai for me which looked fantastic with my sneakers, and a shirt for Manny to replace the oil splashed one he ruined at hot pot ( I suggested we just rub some mud and other weird stuff on it to make it look like part of the design). Either way, we had a blast (and a free bottle of champagne, oh how I love being foreign).

On Saturday Manny, Florence, and I did 6 hours of ktv…. straight through. It was awesome. We did everything from Elvis to Lady Gaga. This was all for only 15 RMB per person, non-alcholic drinks included! I was a little shy at first, but I was belting out by the end of the first hour, I was belting it out like I was possessed by Whitney Huston herself. My companions’ enthusiasm is contagious. I met a bunch of local girls, which was nice. Apparently, we hit it off enough that they were asking Manny for my number. Ah, if only I was that popular with the opposite sex. C’est la vie.

I met a ton of foreigners, many of whom I will be seeing at a concert tomorrow. I met a dance crew who was in Step Up 3 who were here from Holland for an international dance competition (apparently they liked me enough, I was sought after when they went into CC.) They are also the reigning champs in their competition, so mazel tov to them . I was given an oven too… a toaster oven, my boss is like you can cook cakes in this right, I shook my head and said I would try my best. I have mosquito bites up the wazoo, it totally blows, but I got them being outdoorsy so I am okay with it. I hit the mountains to the south of Chengdu this weekend with some friends, the views were breath taking, I need to start remembering my camera, its a really bad habit of mine to not have it. I will upload some new pics at some point, let me acquire more first.

I met my Chinese tutor, we have set up our first few meetings. My co-workers have gotten especially busy as it is peak season now, and don’t have time to teach me anymore. She seems very nice and has friends at Sichuan University. She works in a company that specializes in tutoring. Isabella referred me to her, she seems to be a very powerful woman, Isabella, that is.

I will keep you updated on other things as they happen, starting with a concert tomorrow. May is a month of new beginnings I have decided, and as such, there will be a lot of changes made. Social, academic, health-wise, and breaking bad habits. Sadly I am not much of one for making New Year’s resolutions and am beginning making some just a bit later in the year. With that strong note, I leave you for this evening.

A pleasure updating you all, as usual.

Soooooooooooooooooooo much love,

Abby
Cultural Embrace Intern in China  2011

April's A-Ha! Travel Moments ~ Abigail Goldstein

My A-ha! moment was definitely in the middle of last semester. I was feeling homesick....for China? I then expressed my need to travel back here to my parents. I figured it would be a great internship opportunity, as well as a great way to learn Chinese. I also think its a good way to gradually enter into the "real world" and experience things on my own. What a great decision it was! I absolutely enjoy it here, I have made many new friends and acquaintances, which is always refreshing especially if it is something you accomplish entirely on your own. That aside, I landed in the perfect office. Soon I will begin training to learn how to do basic travel sales, and it sounds like I will soon be putting my advertising skills to good use. This is one a-ha moment I will never regret or forget!
Abby Goldstein
Volunteer in China 2010
Current Intern in China 2011

Shouldn’t I Be the One Getting Paid?? -by C.E. Coordinator Casady Monroe

Living takes money. In all of the various positions I interned in, none of my bosses ever offered enough funding to cover my housing, my meals, or even my gas money. I understand the entitled position of, “Hey—I’m doing you a service. You’re lucky to have my young, agile mind disposable to your whims. And I deserve adequate compensation!”…But this just isn’t how our economy works. You have to prove yourself and your knowledge before any company is going to look at you as an asset. Interns often show up for the free training, work a few months, and then move on. So it makes sense that most companies don’t pay their interns, but consider their work output as an exchange for the guidance and industry secrets the host company provides.

While you’re in the interning phase of your life, why not consider doing it abroad? Interning abroad isn’t cheap, but neither is interning in general. Here are some tips for covering the expenses:

•          Get a second job. Put fliers up around town for a private English tutor or offer your services up at an Irish Pub or touristy restaurant.
•          Sell stuff. Downsizing your possessions makes sense if you’re planning on spending several months abroad, so take the opportunity to put your old clothes, unread books, or unnecessary kitchen appliances up for sale online on Craigslist or EBay.
•         Share your living expenses with other interns and students. Many of our programs offer shared apartment options with fully equipped kitchens; rotate the nights that each resident is responsible for making dinner.
•          Move in with your parents. I know, not the most fun living arrangement, but it is a great way to save money while planning for your next adventure.
•          Check with your college. Study Abroad Offices, the Language Dept. , the Dept. of your major, and Career Services often provide funds for students to travel abroad and gain professional development.
•          Ask family. If you’re able to present a precise argument for why you want to go to country X and learn more about X profession, all the better. Don’t expect them to be willing to cover everything, but chipping in or providing a loan until you establish your own career might be a possibility.
•          Avoid expenses. Don’t go out every night and run up bar tabs. By all means, enjoy the new friends that you’ve made, but consider the cost of a glass of vintage red wine versus a simple water with lemon.
•         Go above and beyond. Bosses will sometimes offer bonuses, concert tickets, or pocket money for interns that surpass expectations.
•         Consider budget-friendly options. Interning in Argentina is cheaper and provides many of the same opportunities that Interning in Spain would.
•         Get the most bang for your buck. Interested in business? China is a hot market and looks great on a resume. Into fashion? Hello, Milan, Italy! Want to be a doctor? Get hands-on in Ecuador. Contact Cultural Embrace for country suggestions that match your aspirations.

Cultural Embrace helps you secure an internship that matches your professional goals, and in many cases also provides housing and meals. Working abroad takes you out of your comfort zone, bolsters your language knowledge, and provides a delightful vacation-ambiance as an alternative to the zombie-like daily grind of a 9-5 job. We specialize in matching your skills, education, and goals with available opportunities in foreign companies. When I was seeking out internships, I took virtually every offer that came my way, and ended up with a diverse (and pretty useless) sampling of bankruptcy law, accounting, editing, and public relations. If I had known about Cultural Embrace, I would have had a more appealing and logical resume when I took my first steps into the paying job market. Plus, I would have had an instant “in” for discussing the personal growth, independence, and understanding that I experienced living abroad.

Once you’re abroad, make the most out of your internship. Network with your colleagues and clients and keep their contacts for sending them a quick “Thanks! I’m home; I’ll never forget the experience,” email once you return. It’s a good idea to make a stack of your own business cards before heading oversees, so acquaintances know how to reach you once that perfect, salaried position opens up. Also make sure to update your resume as soon as possible—you’ll want to include details about all you learned and observed in your international position. Then get ready to sell yourself and put your new, global skills on the market!

FAQ: Why Pay to Volunteer Abroad?

I love my job.  Preparing great people to travel abroad and finding the perfect match for them with an international non-profit or school is uplifting.   However, as an international coordinator, the one thing that will get me down is when participants are frustrated that the service we provide is not free.  The most common question I am asked is, "so, why do I have to pay to volunteer?"  My best answer is you aren't actually paying to volunteer, other than with your greatly appreciated time and effort.  But, your trip abroad is not free.  You are paying for our service in setting up the placement, housing, meals, airport transfers, international medical insurance, tours and support from our local coordinators for the entirety of your time abroad.  Since we are a non-religious, non government agency, we receive 100% of our funding from program fees.  Program fees are what enable us to remain in business and offering our services. 

My great grandmother always used to tell me, "pack half the amount of luggage you think you need and double the amount of money."  For better or for worse, she was right!  When I traveled to Australia on an exchange trip, I took a huge backpack filled with everything I thought I couldn't live without for 6 months.  As it turned out, I could have left my sheets at home (they weren't the right size), half my clothes (laundry was easy to do and I wanted to shop for cute clothes from local shops), scuba gear (a pain to carry around and it could be rented), tent and camping gear (hostels are cheap) and laptop (internet cafes were everywhere).   Mid-way through the adventure I was seriously considering swimming across the river to campus so I wouldn't have to pay the ferry fees as I had blown through my savings by taking surf lessons, hiking in the Blue Mountains, visiting Uluru and scuba diving in the Whitsunday Islands.  But, I have no regrets and would go broke again to have my head spinning by the awe of learning and experiencing something so new and different.   This poem sums up how I aspire to live life:

Life should not be a journey to the grave
with the intention of arriving safely
in an attractive and well preserved body
But rather to skid in sideways
chocolate in one hand
wine in the other
Lover right behind you
body thoroughly used up
totally worn out and screaming
Woo Hoo what a ride!

Travel is a big part of the ride, at least for me!  Costs you should save and prepare for in advance when planning an international trip not only include your program fee, but your visa fees, airfare and personal expenses like souvenirs and going out for a coffee or drink with friends.  Here are some great ways to financially prepare for your adventure:

1.  Work and save money in advance
2.  Choose a program where your dollar will go far (i.e. traveling to Latin America is cheaper than traveling to Europe due to the exchange rates and cost of airfare).  Here are links to our cheapest volunteer programs: Volunteer in Latin America and Volunteer in Southeast Asia
3.  Let your support network know what you are doing and ask for financial aid
4.  Choose a program where you can earn money (like teaching or working abroad).  Here are links to our paid programs: Summer Camp Counselor in China, Work in Australia or New Zealand, Teach in Guatemala, Teach in Mexico and Teach in Thailand

5.  Apply for scholarships at your school or online

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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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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Hot Placements Abroad!

Calling all World Adventurers! Cultural Embrace currently has some great placements abroad available. Check 'em out below and contact us today for a life changing experience abroad!

Teach in China

• Aug.30th - Jan.1st, 2011
• Salary is 3500 RMB monthly, if you stay until July 1st (Academic year) then you get a bonus of 2200 RMB plus 8000 RMB airfare reimbursement.
• Requirements: Native English speaker, Bachelor's degree
• Program fee is $1295 for a semester or $1495 for a year (includes placement, medical insurance, housing, airport pick-up, orientation/training, and visa letters)

Contact Julie Dean at jdean@culturalembrace for more information and to apply!

Work in Australia

• Unlimited openings with flexible start dates
• Designed for a very independent and spontaneous traveler who wishes to explore Australia while taking on temporary, casual jobs for up to a year. We arrange your airport pick-up and 2 night stay in a hostel where our local coordinators meet with you for an orientation/training, help you set up a bank, tax, and postal account, then introduce you to their job database which has hundreds of opportunities available around Australia.
• Limited to certain nationalities due to Working Holiday Visa requirements.

Contact Casady Monroe at cmonroe@culturalembrace.com for more information and to apply!

Intern Australia

• Special discount for internships in General Marketing, Human Resources, and Business Administration from August-December, 2010
• Program Fees: 4-6 Weeks - $2770 / $2610*, 7-12 Weeks - $3150 / $2860*, 13-24 Weeks - $3610 $3460 /$2910*, Hospitality Internships (6 months only) - $3080
• Requirements: 18-30 years old, university coursework or degree in field

Contact Casady Monroe at cmonroe@culturalembrace.com for more information and to apply!

International Au Pair

• 30 French families in Paris, Neuilly, and Chatou currently seeking au pairs to start in early September and early October for a 10-12 month placement!
• Compensation: private room in the family's home, free board, weekly stipend for spending, usually given weekends off to explore the country
• Requirements: 18-30 years old, able to obtain student visa or proper temporary resident visa, high school diploma, language lessons are required for those with a less than intermediate level knowledge (not included in program fees)
• We also have placements available in Italy and Spain. Shorter term placements (3-9 months) can often be arranged as well.
• Program Fee is $1250 for 3-12 months. (includes placement, medical insurance, room and board, airport pick-up, orientation/training, and visa letters)

Contact Casady Monroe at cmonroe@culturalembrace.com for more information and to apply!

Teach in Mexico:

• Last minute position available in Michoacan, Mexico starting August 18th! Apply TODAY!
• Teach ESL in a language academy for ~30 hours a week on an initial 5 month contract.
• Salary is $5000 pesos per month
• Requirements: Native English speaker, Bachelor's degree
• Program fee is $1800 (includes placement, medical insurance, private room in a shared teacher's apartment, free Spanish lessons, optional TEFL certification, and orientation/training)

Contact Jillian Hall at jhall@culturalembrace.com for more information and to apply!

PAID Internships in Brazil

• In the following fields: Education (English, Math, and Special Ed teachers needed), Business Administration, Marketing, Hotel Management, Event Planning, Graphic Design, Chemistry, Geography, Metallurgy/Material Science, Veterinary/Zoology
• Requirements: 18-30 years old, must be enrolled in a university full-time if internship is longer than 3 months, Portuguese language preferred but not required if you speak fluent English or Spanish, experience or education in field of internship.
• Program fees vary based on length of internship. See our website for more details.

Contact Jillian Hall at jhall@culturalembrace.com for more information and to apply!

Internship in Electrical Engineering in Brazil:

• 16 weeks of Internship, from August to December 2010
• Ouro Preto, Brazil
• Interns will work on a research project in the pattern recognition and signal processing field, involving an acquisition of electrical signal from steel sleepers in order to determine the structural health condition, using the Matlab program.
• Requirements: 18-30 years old, must be enrolled in a university full-time if internship is longer than 3 months, Portuguese language preferred but not required if you speak fluent English or Spanish, experience or education in field of internship.
• Program fee is $3650 for 16 weeks (includes placement, medical insurance, room and board with a host family, airport pick-up, orientation/training, and visa letters)

Contact Jillian Hall at jhall@culturalembrace.com for more information and to apply!

Volunteer in Guatemala Group Trip:

• Sign up to be a part of Cultural Embrace's H.U.G. Guatemala trip and spend your Thanksgiving Helping, Understanding, and Giving to the Guatemalan community.
• Program fee is only $780 for 5 days. (includes room and board with a host family, activities and excursions, airport pickup, English speaking guide and project leader, and materials, supplies, and donation for service project at an indigenous children's center.)
• CE Alumni, inquire about our special past participant discount!

Contact Emlyn Lee at elee@culturalembrace.com for more information and to apply!

Volunteer in South Africa:

Call us at 888-214-8570 to "Discover the Similarities, Share the Differences..."