Off Track Planet » Volunteer, Study & Work Abroad

5 Cheap Volunteerships in São Paulo

connaroo — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 10:32:42 +0000

Beneath São Paulo’s shiny veneer of glamorous, marbled shopping centers and trendy, overpriced nightclubs, lies the dull throb of poverty. Thousands lack access to education, healthcare, and basic public services like water and electricity. While São Paulo is one of the hippest party cities in the world with some of the most beautiful people on the planet, there’s much more to this crazy city than meets the drunken eye. Travelers make the world a better place. So step away from the barstool for a few days and check out one of OTP’s Top 5 Volunteerships São Paulo.

Every year in July, English Camp invites kids and teens from rural parts of São Paulo Province to enroll in an English immersion program held in the countryside outskirts. Remember how important summer camp was for your “development?” Make it happen for impoverished Paulistano kids by proving to them that they’re worth more than unskilled labor. You’ll lead educational and recreational activities, but the main idea of the camp is to promote international understanding through basic English language skills. Fluent English speakers are always in high demand to be camp counselors and teachers. Accepted applicants receive free room and board for two to four weeks at the camp’s facilities, ground transportation to and from São Paulo International Airport and free laundry service each week. Need a souvenir to sweeten the deal? You’ll also head home with a commemorative hat and t-shirt, just like the good ole’ days of summer camp.

Monte Azul

Thanks to City of God, most people are under the impression that everyone from the favelas (slums) of Brazil is given a handgun and grenade at childbirth. While drug use and violence is indeed pervasive in these shantytowns, they’re definitely safe enough for the many nonprofits and NGOs in operation. One is the Associação Comunitária Monte Azul—a balls-to-the-wall organization that works directly with favela inhabitants to improve social services such as schools, health facilities, running water and sewage systems. The Associação accepts qualified volunteers on a rolling basis for long-term stints (six months to a year) in exchange for free room and board with a host family. Most placements involve working at schools, so expect to do a lot of finger painting, musical theater directing, foreign language teaching and soccer coaching.

If you’re in the market for a shorter-term volunteer gig, check out the American Society of São Paulo, an organization dedicated to improving relations between Brazil and the U.S. Become a goodwill ambassador and choose from projects such as working at an orphanage or chaperoning a field trip for troubled youth. Most American Society gigs are set up through various children’s nonprofit organizations, so if kids are your bag, this is your place. A complete listing of volunteer positions is available on their website. To apply for one, contact the participating nonprofit directly.

The INC is a expat social club open to members of the international English-speaking community of São Paulo (like an English oasis in a jungle of Portuguese and Paulistanos). Don’t let stuffy Harvard Club stereotypes turn you off—INC members are all about giving back to their adopted home and they’re always looking for volunteers. Placements vary depending on which charities the INC is sponsoring at the time, but previous projects included rebuilding homes, helping small businesses get started, hosting benefits (such as a sexy masquerade ball!) and hooking city teens up with Capoeira lessons. Contact the Community Services Director via their website for more info.

Grupo de Apoio à Prevenção à Aids (GAPA)

Despite efforts to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS in Brazil, they are still relegated to the backburner in terms of philanthropic missions. The devastating disease is stigmatized primarily because it disproportionately affects sex workers, IV drug users, homosexuals and those with a few more notches in their bedposts. That’s where GAPA comes in. It’s a nongovernmental organization determined to fight against the discrimination and human rights violations to those with HIV. GAPA is also intent on improving healthcare treatment for the HIV-positive population, while educating the general public about the disease. Those with a knack for business, marketing or social media are much needed… even better if you’re passionate about fighting the Black Plague of our generation. This isn’t a job for the weak. Make us proud by proving you are the bravest motherf*ckers out there on the road.

By volunteering in São Paulo, you’ll not only be able to pat yourself on he back for helping marginalized Paulistanos, but also for improving the reputation of backpackers by showing that we’re more than just a bunch of booze-guzzling party animals. We can guarantee that the do-good sense of satisfaction feels a hell of a lot better than the morning-after hangover.

F*ck Your Therapist, Go to an Ashram Instead

Lorenzorob — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 11:19:13 +0000

Made popular by the chick flick, Eat Pray Love, Ashrams aren’t just good backdrops for aging pretty woman, Julia Roberts. They are real mental exploration compounds (sounds like Heaven’s Gate, but it’s far from) and shit hasn’t changed much in Indian Ashrams in the past thousand years or so—it’s always been about peace of mind and Atman. When you’re traveling that’s sometimes exactly what the doctor ordered. Fuck your couch-laying therapy; OTP shows you how to get into this banging hostel alternative that doubles as the rehab of rehabs.

Back in the Golden Age of the Vedas, gold outweighed cows and spiritual lifestyles gave birth to the Kama Sutra, Ayurvedic massage and ganja smoking. Things have changed, but you can still find ancient flavor in the country’s Ashrams and temple-towns. And it turns out that one of the newest Western crazes is part of this ancient charm: yoga. Yoga is a Sanskrit word referring to physical and spiritual disciplines that evolved primarily in India.

Why the Ashram?

Everyone knows the drill about shrinks. They get paid to help people deal with shit, get over shit, or quit making shit happen. With less money than it would cost to talk about envying your dad’s wanger, you could be on the cheapest flight to India headed for the Las Vegas of Ashrams: Rishikesh. From Delhi, it’s a four hour bus ride. At 550 Rs. ($14) you’ll have enough for some ass and grass before checking in. Famous Ashrams, like Swami Shivananda’s, require a month’s notice to come stay, but most will let you waltz in for a “donation” similar to the price of a hostel bunk. Book a night or two at a hostel in town until you find your ideal spot, and do your research. Ashrams vary in terms of minimum stay and work commitment.

At an Ashram, you can wake up to the sounds of the River Ganges pumping life through the countryside, watch villagers bathe in the swirling waters, while others smack clothes against rocks, and in the distance, faintly hear the sounds of morning chants and devotional songs. Fucking great, right? Your experience will vary depending on how much you take part in Ashram life. Wake-up call and lights out differ from place to place, but meal times are usually standard. Most places require you to do a bit of work, and this can be fun—depending on whether you get to help milk the cows or clean the shitters. Even if the Maharaj, (the head-honcho), doesn’t require you to work, putting in some labor is a good way to get in good with permanent residents. Sunrise and sunset are usually filled with activities in the pursuit of a balanced, spiritually-fulfilling life. You might prefer to take off mid-day to check out the local temples and chill with other packers by the riverside, but trying everything at your Ashram at least once is worth the effort, especially Sadhana.

Sadhana is the Sanskrit word for spiritual practice. Practice can be anything from polishing the floor to conversing with strangers to meditation. Ashrams practice together, and this group effort ranges from reading scriptures to Hatha yoga to morning oms. This hippie shit isn’t just for totally off-kilter weirdos, though—the goddamn Beatles did it, after all.

Shootin’ the Shit

When you do find some downtime during your stay, make the most of it. Finding a spot near Lakshman Jhula will be your best way to meet some fellow packers. There’s always commotion and if you keep your eyes peeled, you’ll easily score some greenery for the scenery. 40 to 80 Rs. ($1) will get you fed if you’re sick of the Ashram food, which doesn’t change much from dal, rice and curry. There are plenty of shops and regular-ending massage parlors that offer budget-friendly options. Delhi, Mumbai and all the other big cities are high energy, fast-moving clusterfucks; your time at the Ashram should be low key and self-reflective… even if it takes a couple of zig-zags and a sitar.

Staying at an Ashram can be a spontaneous addition to your backpacking itinerary, or a conscious trip for some mental health. Mad props either way for refusing to fork over the dough to a douche with a psych degree. Ashram living is just about as chill as it gets in India, and it can be a life-changing experience for you if you let it (the White Album is proof enough).

Cheap Volunteer: 5 Budget Friendly Volunteerships in Mumbai

TeaSing — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 13:16:46 +0000

Make better sense of the Mumbai madness by adding some structure to your trip. Navigating through a city that moves at the speed of light will scramble your mind and volunteering gives you a solid schedule, clear goals and the ability to interact with needy people at a micro level. OTP sets you on the straight and narrow with 5 Budget Friendly Volunteerships in Mumbai; chilling out on the road rage is all you.

India Study Abroad Center (ISAC) has a range of opportunities available to help developing communities. Dive deep into culture, education, science or development with programs in film and media, grassroots community development, microfinance, rural health rotation, traditional medicine, teaching ecology and culture tourism. Costs vary from $900 – $1650 depending on the program, but with scholarships of up to $350 available, giving back becomes pretty cost efficient. No need to be a brainiac, just get cracking on the application.

Magic Bus

One third of India’s billion-plus population lives below the poverty line, two thirds of children are victims of physical abuse and one in two children are abused sexually. Adding to these awful stats, only six percent of people under 35 have access to organized sports and games. So, some kids never get to play ball or kick karate ass. Assisting in the Magic Bus mission to empower youth positively through sport can help to infuse their lives with a little fun. Although you’ll have to arrange your own accommodation, the day trips, weekly sports sessions and residential adventure camps will keep you active while you pump good karma back into the world.

This program is broken up into ‘quests’: social work, Kanjar, Indian cooking and environmental conservation. All the quests are fun; the environmental conservation one, combining the ultimate beach party in Goa with saving sea turtles, almost feels like cheating. Artificial light (glow sticks?) on the beach make baby turtles lose their way to the ocean and some die after ingesting plastic littered along the shore. Your mission is to clean up the beach (maybe tan a little along the way) to help keep the turtles on their instinctive paths to the water. Although fees are on the steep side (starting at $3065 for four weeks), it’s a solid package that includes accommodation, meals, transfers, insurance and train fare from Mumbai to Goa, as well as extras like language and cooking lessons, mountain trekking and a trip to an Ashram yoga studio.

OTP Tip: When it’s time to party, keep your litter in check. Otherwise, you negate the whole point of the volunteership (and the turtles will never forgive you).

For Mumbai’s street kids, life’s really a bitch. Soften the bite by working with Salaam Baalak Trust, a not-for-profit organization, inspired by Mira Nair’s Oscar nominated film Salaam Bombay. Help these kids get involved in engaging and interactive lessons in life skills and non-formal education, or creative expression and talent development. If the confines of a classroom get you down, go behind the scenes with documentation, marketing and communication. The minimum volunteer duration is 2 weeks and you must arrange your own accommodation and transportation. Internships are also available.

United Way Mumbai

United Way’s vision is an India with a socially responsible corporate sector and international volunteers supporting this dream are welcomed with open arms. The organization works in sync with other non-profits to create sustainable change in civic issues, women’s empowerment, children’s education and capacity building. Be part of key community-based reform and use this volunteer opportunity to show off big words (and bigger ideas) to fellow travelers. The ladies love it when you schmooze with a purpose.

OTP Tip: Training volunteers takes a considerable amount of time and resources. Therefore, most places prefer not to take on volunteers for a very short term. Keep your stay sizable to make it all worthwhile.

Most volunteer programs in Mumbai do not charge a fee but do expect you to sort out your own accommodation and travel, which is fairly easy in a metropolis like Mumbai. Online scouting could land you a stipend or scholarships to cover partial expenses. Volunteers for Prosperity (VFPServ) provides grants (from $500 -$1000) assisting skilled Americans volunteering abroad. National Geographic Glimpse Correspondents Program offers a $600 stipend to qualifying individuals planning to volunteer abroad for a 10-week minimum. If you’re worried about that long, expensive flight, Fly For Good is a company that will hook you up with discounted airfare if your ticket is booked for volunteering purposes.

Whether you’re a fan of humans or turtles, help is always welcome, as long as your intentions are sincere.

5 Volunteer Programs for Broke Ass Travelers in Laos

Erin — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 14:57:26 +0000

Photo by: Travel to Teach

Laos has the tragic honor of being the most-bombed-on country, per capita, in the world. Dragged into the Vietnam War as a supply route, they got the seriously shitty end of the stick. As if that didn’t suck enough, they’ve now had to spend decades dealing with the aftermath. It’s about time we got out there to help pick up some of the pieces.

SaeLao Project

Apart from once being littered with bombs, this primarily Buddhist nation also used to be covered in rainforest. These days, newer industries move in and destroy the land trees used to grow. As a result, natural resources are disappearing like the remaining change in your bank account. SaeLao Project works to close this gap by educating locals about effective resource conservation. The Van Vieng-based project consists of a farm, restaurant, community center and bungalows – and volunteers can expect to get their hands dirty keeping the operation running. To get hooked up with this gig and three daily meals, trade your valuable skills, along with a $25 registration fee and $7.50 per day. You can also stay at the guesthouse for as little as $50 for two weeks.

Perfect for: Jacks-of-all-trades – from building, to teaching and gardening. Bring a big heart and two capable hands.

Photo by: Big Brother Mouse

Imagine your childhood without the awesome literary works of genius that made you the pillar of society that you are today. Big Brother Mouse began in 2006 with hopes of making reading as fun and educational for the Lao kiddos as it was for you. Considering that some children have never even seen a book, the foundation hopes to, with the help of volunteers, distribute publications throughout the country. Not just a publisher, they spread the literary love beyond books, by also teaching children skills from reading to writing to computers.

Perfect for: those who’ve caught the entrepreneurial bug (as opposed to those other bugs you might have caught along the way) – dealing with governmental licensing and visas means confronting obstacles has to be your forte.

Organic Farm

Get the foodie experience of Laos through Organic Farm, which aims to promote sustainable technologies so that poverty-stricken Lao people can earn a living. To that end, they’ve set up shop on their farm in Vang Vieng where they have lodging, a restaurant and of course crops. Volunteers can help with a range of activities from planting trees, to milking goats, and even teaching English. And because you’re in full-on farm-mode, staying at the onsite rooms costs as little as $4 a night.

Perfect for: tree huggers, granola enthusiasts and travelers that can keep a house plant alive for more than a week.

Village Focus International (VFI)

You might think you’re strapped for cash, but many of the rural Lao communities will quickly put your mini budget-debacle into perspective. Poor and vulnerable villages face everything from natural resource exploitation to sex trafficking. Through local leaders, however, VFI aims to prevent, protect and rehabilitate communities over the long haul, giving them a more promising future. Based in Vientiane, volunteers can help out by offering expertise in areas ranging from marketing to law, or just by teaching English.

Perfect for: those who finally want to put some of their nerdy college skills to use.

Photos by: Tiger Trail

Like your life, Fair Trek mixes up adventure excursions, with actually doing something useful every once and awhile (well, in their case, all the time). Started by a group of travelers, the organization offers outdoor tours to remote towns, while at the same time connecting communities to new sources of income. Rather than fannypackers steam rolling through villages, visits instead integrate into everyday life – making trips more authentic for tourists and more beneficial for locals.

Perfect for: adventure seekers and nature nuts who are also up for doing some good and getting a real sense of the culture.

As tourism to Laos expands, volunteer opportunities here are growing faster than your bushy backpacker beard. Do your part by not just contributing your cash money, but also a helping hand.

5 Budget Friendly Volunteer Programs in New Zealand

Alex — Tue, 24 May 2011 12:37:23 +0000

Photo by: Pacific Discovery

Lush green vegetation, picture-perfect mountainous landscape and countryside overrun by sheep makes New Zealand a kickass backpacker destination. Let’s face it; you can only spend so many weeks bumming and boozing your way from town to town before your existence feels nearly as empty as your wallet. Keep vagabonding it up in New Zealand with some purpose by giving a bit of yourself back to the country with a volunteership.

The bad news is that volunteering has recently become popular amongst the double-mocha-frappucino-sipping, J-Crew-sweater-wearing, Upper East Side yuppie crowd. Like all other Stuff White People Like, that means it can get priced way out of backpacker-ville. You don’t need to give up your savings along with your sweat: OTP’s got five fantastic volunteerships for the New Zealand-loving, budget-savvy do-gooder.

Photo by: EMUCrossCultural

Ark in the Park

An abundance of human beings in any given environment often means awful things for the natural world. We cut down forests, pave over greenery and bring invasive species that just screw the rest of the ecosystem. Luckily, New Zealand is one of the few countries that really cares about keeping Mother Nature happy. Thus, hundreds of eco volunteer projects across the nation spend every day fighting human ignorance. An eco-restoration project in the Cascades Kauri Park, Ark In the Park aims for plants, trees, frogs and birds to co-exist happily and undergo natural recovery by introducing predator control and eventually restoring species that have long since left the park. Get a free workout with the physically demanding, but ultra-rewarding, work of maintaining bait lines or help out with project management and fund raising. Volunteers with experience in ecology or biological science are welcomed with open arms and overseas visitors are given assistance finding low-cost accommodation nearby.

Photo by: Travellers World Wide

If roughing it out in the mud isn’t your idea of a good time and you prefer sharing creative passions over getting your hands dirty, we’ve got your cup of musical tea. Live the city life in the heart of Auckland while working with refugee children from Somalia, Ethiopia and South Pacific Islands as an assistant music teacher. Unfortunately, many children around the world are only schooled in the bare minimum subjects (if they’re lucky), losing out on the chance to discover alternative fields of study like the arts. Music can be more rewarding than algebra for some kids, so you’ll be bringing out the ukuleles and ripping it up on the recorder with wide-eyed kids. Travellers World Wide coordinate this project, bringing volunteers from around the world to Auckland for anywhere between a month and a year for a minimal cost. Don’t worry if your musical talents are best reserved for the shower – it’s about having fun, inspiring kids and being enthusiastic.

If artsy-fartsy isn’t your style either, get involved in some playful competition with the athletics program, also coordinated by Travellers World Wide. Teach some kids the game of no-holds-barred rugby, the art of baseball or just about any sport you fancy. You’ll get to run around in the grassy hills of New Zealand while helping underprivileged children gain confidence, a sense of teamwork and a little healthy muscle tone too. Bonus: You’ll get an insight into the bizarrely different, but indescribably awesome New Zealand sporting culture, a travel discovery in itself.

: Photo by: cedartree_13

WWOOF.co.nz

New Zealand really is a land full of sheep – and New Zealanders love their white, woolly friends. You will get within petting range at any local farm and while you’re at it, why not do something a little more productive? If you haven’t heard of WWOOFing, it’s time you did. Unlike most conservatory programs that benefit a national park or government program, WWOOFing is a hands-on way to assist a specific organic farm of your choice. Every program is different, but most provide you with a free bed or camping spot and all the farm-fresh food you can eat. WWOOFing doesn’t save endangered baby animals or change a child’s life, but it is super-beneficial to the farm. Many are small, low-impact operations that can’t afford to pay realistic wages for the amount of labor necessary. You give and the farm gives back; the perfect symbiotic relationship.

For perpetually-curious inquisitive minds; get on board with the Takapu Research Project, a real world game of Clue. This project is focused on solving the mystery of the Australian gannets, a New Zealand seabird. These befeathered creatures are baffling local biologists with their success at not only sustaining a steady population, but increasing despite numerous competitors. You’ll be helping researchers who busy themselves with attaching GPS trackers to birds, studying their flight patterns and forging trips to solve the secret of this bird’s success, in hopes of promoting their strategy with other endangered species. If you can’t get a spot in this particular detective team, look for other projects with the New Zealand Conservation Volunteer brigade.

There you go, kids. Pack that backpack and leave the iPad behind. It’s time to give back and show some appreciation to those Shire folk in hospitable Hobbit fashion.

5 Beach Livin’ Volunteer Programs in Greece

Chris Platis — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 13:36:03 +0000

Photo by: jonny segments

If you’re ready to put the partying on hold for something more meaningful but just can’t part with the beach, volunteering in Greece is the solution. Doing good in the land of endless warm sand will spice up your life resume while putting a few (curly) hairs on your chest. Mount Olympus and the Parthenon have been around since the beginning of time and will patiently wait while you volunteer your services in other parts of Greece. Follow OTP’s guide to get elbows deep on a budget.

: Photo by: VFP

VFP opened their first international work-camp in 1982. They’re more present in developing countries, but give your charitable side a treat in Greece. Projects are typically focused on community improvement and restoration— like harvesting plants, cleaning footpaths for tourists, aiding in preparation for festivals and protecting and cleaning beaches. The initial fee is $300 (which includes food and lodging) and programs run anywhere from two weeks to a year. Your working and living location depends on the project, so choose wisely; that old jail restoration project on the outskirts of Athens won’t be as fun a stay as beach renovation on an island full of bikinis.

The island of Zakynthos has been hit hard over the past couple of decades with a still-swelling wave of tourism. While this bolsters the wallets of human inhabitants, tourism can take a toll on the livelihood of non-human natives. Earth, Sea, and Sky (not to be confused with Earth, Wind and Fire) was founded in 1999 in reaction to the rapidly declining population of Zakynthos’s migrating birds, sea turtles and the now endangered Mediterranean monk seal. The team’s main focus is to prove that conservation and sustainable tourism can benefit the entire island. This means you’ll be cleaning beaches, rescuing animals, recording flora and fauna and educating fannypack tourists about the environment. You’ll shack up in a private hillside home in the village of Vasilikos, and can spend your time off exploring the island, nicknamed “the flower of the East.” Rates, guidelines and other information (including an internship program) are all laid out in their application.

Photo by: Constantine Alexander M

Formerly known as Fiskardo’s Nautical & Environmental Club, this NGO operates on the island of Kefalonia. Primarily focused on research, environmental awareness and conservation, they have successfully completed several marine-based projects, including the excavation of an ancient shipwreck. They’re now looking for sea-minded volunteers to help finish the Odyssean World Museum in Argostoli. When it opens, museum exhibits will display the organization’s nautical prowess and provide a digitally interactive look into the world of Odysseus. Housing is offered a 10-minute beachside walk away from the museum site. Got some enhanced computer skills and seeking an outlet other than your right hand? They’re especially looking for programming nerds to help develop the final stages of the museum.

: Photo by: swift.garuda

World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) has people talking a lot lately… borderline barking. There isn’t a national Greek WWOOF organization, but there are plenty of WWOOF-like hosts that need your help. Work on a farm (often beachside) for a few hours a day, and let them take care of your bed and your meals. There are plenty of fig trees, olive branches and vineyards that need tending, both on the mainland and on the islands. Scroll this list down to Greece and find a host and farm that sounds right for you. WTF is WWOOFing you ask? We got the whole scoop right here.

CHI is an exchange program that’s been carefully blending cultures for over 30 years. Once you’ve filled out their online form about you and what sort of host you’re looking for, CHI-masters pair you with a family in the country of your choice. Your only job is to teach conversational English to the best of your ability—with no teaching experience necessary. You’re paid with food and a place to lay your head. Since the required teaching time maxes out at 15 hours a week, there is plenty of time to get to know the host family and explore the new surroundings. Because the work is easy and light and the accommodations relatively swank, CHI’s rates are understandably higher than most organizations (call it a lazy ass tax). Homestays are available for one to three months; the longer you stay, the less you pay. Knock out three months if you want to really revolutionize your life—and theirs.

While Greece is far from a third-world country, it can still use a hand. Its collapsing economy is a scalding issue, but that heat is best left for government officials and journalists. Volunteer to reap the benefits of low-cost living and keep the sand lodged in your crevices for as long as you please.

The 10 Friendliest Expat Cities

connaroo — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 15:28:59 +0000

Photo by: Little Sureshot

Back in the day, anyone who left home in search of the good life was called an immigrant. Today, there’s a much hipper label for the modern migrant—expatriate, or expat. Unlike people who immigrate because of poverty, political instability, or poor working conditions, expats usually come from wealthier countries and often plan to return or keep their native citizenship. Expats can be anyone; from broke-ass young travelers who never bothered with a return ticket to white middle-aged business dudes looking for someone to love them long time. If you’re planning to get out of dodge for a few years—or forever—try one of these, OTP-approved, cities to show your expatriotism.

Photo by: magdulec

The third-largest city in Ecuador, Cuenca is a thriving metropolis with a small-town feel. A combination of colonial beauty and friendly non-Gringo-hating locals make it a top pick if you’re looking for a laid-back place to settle down. The fact that Ecuador is ridiculously cheap and the weather is perfect year-round is just a bonus. Located by the Andes and the Amazon Basin for all your outdoorsy needs, trade in your gym membership for something a little more tropical.

In spite of its harsh anti-littering policy and unforgiving drug laws (no poppy seed bagels in sight), the city-state of Singapore is ideal for foreigners hungry for a slice of Asian life. Unlike Bangkok or Manila, Singapore is incredibly efficient with an insanely low crime rate—but that doesn’t mean it’s boring. With endless blocks of restaurants, clubs, bars, and shops, this sunny English-speaking port town is a cosmopolitan junkie’s playground. With a huge population of expats, you won’t have a hard time making friends. Use those tax incentives to take your new buddies for a drink.

Photo by: adlaw

If Singapore is too spotless, try Saigon. Like Singapore, there’s everything from late-night dance parties to Tai Chi in the park, but with enough grit to keep it real. Its vast network of 24/7 food vendors and cheap-ass bars guarantee you’ll never go hungry or thirsty again. When you’re ready to get local, buy a motorbike for practically pennies and learn to navigate your way through the hot mess that is city traffic. And now, thanks to the new citizenship law, becoming a Vietnamese national is as easy as learning the language, marrying a local or staying put for 5 years.

Photo by: KeysGirl

Way less expensive and cliché, Panama is taking over Costa Rica as the expat capital of Central America. Panama City is a cheaper, less pretentious version of Miami, and there’s a little something for everyone; from swank nightclubs and trendy lounges to opportunities for trekking and zip-lining across rainforests. Europeans, Americans and Asians have all discovered the secret and set up shop. For you, this means the city is filled with food options in case you have a hard time leaving your American zest for variety behind. Panama also offers some sweet tax breaks for expats.

Photo by: frarock

Previously overlooked in lieu of more glamorous European cities like Barcelona or Vienna, Vilnius is emerging as an expat hotspot. There’s something enchanting about this quirky Lithuanian capital. Decked out in Gothic-Baroque charm and home to the world’s only statue of Frank Zappa, artists and bohemians love Vilnius for its cheap cost of living and carefree attitude.

Despite claims by travel sites and blogs that Rio is too dangerous for tourists, the city remains a top pick for expats. Perhaps it has something to do with their gorgeous beaches, nonstop parties, sexy locals, and a huge, close-knit population of other expats. This modern city, in a developing country, is one of the more foreigner-friendly places in Brazil. If living within city limits is too pricey or rowdy, there are plenty of cheaper options in the suburbs of Rio where you can still spend your days tanning on the beach and your nights partying with Brazilians.

Photo by: Hutch.

Cocaine wars and FARC-related shootings are so 1990s. The new Medellin is surprisingly safe and welcoming to visitors. With perfect year-round temperatures, lush mountain ranges, and several area universities, Medellin has recently attracted a growing number of expats. This means plenty of student-priced apartments are always available for rent. The nightlife might not be as crazy as it is in Bogota, but the number of fake boobs per capita is still pretty favorable.

Photo by: EBoechat

Surrounded by stunning beaches and situated right under Table Mountain, this seaside city’s prime location is enough to make anyone move there. Throw in a perfect climate, thriving cultural scene, and an eco-friendly attitude, and you’ve got expat central. With all the outdoorsy, adventurous things to do, you’ll be looking fit and rugged in no time. If you’re more of a drinker than a hiker, there are plenty of vineyards in the area to indulge your boozy self.

Uruguay is one of South America’s best-kept secrets, and the small population of expats who live there hope to keep it that way. Frequently overshadowed by rambunctious Buenos Aires, Montevideo is like the like the girl next door—fun, attractive and totally accessible. Montevideo locals are super friendly, and from historic Ciudad Vieja to trendy beach-situated Punta Carretas, there’s more to it than you might think.

Photo by: Jose Téllez

Maybe it isn’t as cheap or friendly as Montevideo, but there’s something damn seductive about Buenos Aires . Still pretty affordable, Buenos Aires is perfect for expats in search of a long-term cosmopolitan getaway. Definitely not the girl next door, this city is more likely to go down on you every night while force-feeding you bottles of wine and seducing you into calling her to do it again the next day. Just know that once you start a love affair with Buenos Aires, you’ll be asking your home country for a divorce in no time.

With 7 continents and over 200 countries to choose from, there’s no reason to stay put in your country of origin just because it’s marked on the front of your passport. The economy sucks right now anyway; there’s no better time to pack your bags and head to where your money means more. You just might find that the good life costs a lot less than it does back home.

5 Volunteer Programs in Vietnam for Broke Ass Travelers

connaroo — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 13:36:53 +0000

Photo by: themexican

Over the last century, Vietnam has become accustomed to being used and abused by foreigners. First it was the French, who overtook the government and infiltrated the culture with their baguettes and accents. Then the Japanese, who sent the French packing and had their own way with Vietnam. Oh and that little incident, you may remember it, called the Vietnam War which definitely did a number on the country, producing boatloads of culturally-confused Wasian halfsies.

Although Vietnam got up, brushed the dirt from her knees, and came back as the hottest tourism destination in Asia, the country still struggles with the social and health problems caused by its long history of warfare. Nonprofit organizations all over Vietnam are dedicated to rebuilding this torn nation and welcome you to be a part of their efforts.

The quality of healthcare in Vietnam is pretty shitty in general, and practically nonexistent in the country’s rural communities. Project Vietnam, a nonprofit organization run by Vietnamese health professionals, brings free quality healthcare to the country’s most marginalized populations. A majority of patients treated are children. The organization is always looking for volunteers with experience in the medical field to help on their missions to the rural provinces. You don’t have to know your elbow from your asshole; your interest alone is usually qualification enough.

Perfect for: Aspiring doctors/dentists/nurses/murses-without-borders. It’s not cushy, but definitely beats volunteering in the gift shop at your local VA hospital.

Photo by: Global Volunteer Network

Most “volunteer organizations” will charge you hundreds of dollars just to hook you up with an unpaid gig at a Vietnamese orphanage. Vietnam Volunteer Network is the real deal without the price tag. It was founded by Kim Nguyen Browne, a Vietnamese orphan adopted by British parents (the Browne part). She vowed to one day return to her orphanage to help the kids that Angie Jo missed. A volunteer-based nonprofit dedicated to bringing humanitarian aid to orphans and other underprivileged kids of Vietnam, this program is absolutely free. You’ll be stationed at one of the many under-served orphanages throughout the country, though most volunteers end up at the Go Vap Orphanage in Saigon.

Perfect for: Child-lovers (not the NAMBLA kind) sick of babysitting their neighbor’s bratty kids looking to take care of more deserving children.

Company of Grace is a Vietnamese-Australian charity, which doubles as a tourism bureau, and works to provide education, rehabilitation and other social services that benefit disabled children. Polio-afflicted founder Peter Stone was also an adopted Vietnamese orphan. The tourism agency was an afterthought to keep the organization self-sustaining. Most of their tours operate in the south, since their center is based in Saigon. Company of Grace is currently looking for long-term volunteers (6+ months), for a full range of positions. A passion for child-rearing, tour guiding, and/or PR is a plus.

Perfect for: Future English teachers, daycare center managers, social workers, marketing experts and tour guides.

Photo by: abroaderview.volunteers

SJ Vietnam is an international youth NGO that advocates peace, tolerance, and social change in Vietnam through community projects. Their corps of nearly 4,000 members, in the 15 to 35 age range, tackle all sorts of issues. Want to figure out how to make that river cleaner? SJ’s all about solving environmental problems and sustainable development. How about helping the hundreds of rag-tag homeless find showers and beds? They’re on that too. Headquarters is located in the nation’s capital, Hanoi. Volunteering is completely free; the only cost is a measly 280 Euros/month for room and board.

Perfect for: Young idealists with hearts of gold and a can-do attitude.

Like SJ Vietnam, VPV is another peace-promoting, volunteer-recruiting NGO located in greater Hanoi, sans the age limit. Most of its projects relate to education, environmental sustainability and helping the disabled. Past projects included improving wheelchair accessibility for handicapped children, bio-diversity conservation of Xuan Thu National Park and supporting micro-finance projects for female entrepreneurs in rural Vietnam. Meals and housing are provided in exchange for a small fee. You can hit this one up short term (two weeks) or keep getting’ that VPV for up to a full year.

Perfect for: Hard-working do-gooders who can get down with dorm or hostel-style living.

With all the NGOs in Vietnam desperately in need of free labor, there’s no reason to pay big bucks for some foreign-based company to find you volunteer work. Work off some guilt for cheap by volunteering in a country that’s been burned one too many times.

The 5 Best Places to Teach English Around the World

TeaSing — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 16:41:04 +0000

Photo by: interexchangeusa

Home bred Americans, Brits and Aussies have a skill that’s high demand in many parts of the world: English. Your native language is pretty much the Man when it comes to business, education and foreign affairs, and the need for teachers is higher than the supply. Check out OTP’s list of best locales to teach your speech and cash in.

Photo by: interexchangeusa

China’s been on the verge of taking over the world for a while now, and there’s no better way to screw Uncle Same than to help them along. The world’s fastest-growing economy wants native English speakers like MSG wants noodles, and the swelling market ensures competitive salaries and great perks. As could be expected, certification regulation isn’t terribly stringent; a Bachelor’s degree is usually enough. Respectful students and community-oriented people will help to temper the cultural shock and will send you home with some bones in your pocket. Check out the China Program and the Council on International Education Exchange (CIEE).

Riding high on the Asiatic TEFL/ESL boom, teaching English at one of many South Korean gigs offers perks like free accommodation, insurance benefits and return airfare. Contracts usually last for a year and the low cost of living outside of ultra-modern Seoul affords plenty of time to save up on a respectable salary. Be warned: you’ll need to brush up on regional cultural norms before you go because Korean social etiquette can be a bit tricky. South Korea boasts the world’s highest-estimated national IQ and the most sophisticated IT infrastructure on the planet. These are the guys that brought us Snuppy and EveR-1. So bring out the smarts, hard. You can rest assured it’s legit: the Korean government has introduced English program initiatives such as English Program in Korea (EPIK) and Teach and Learn in Korea (TALK).

Photo by: lancewebel

Though you’ll have to apply for a special work visa if you’re not one of those lucky EU passport-bastards, teaching in the Czech Republic is your ticket to history’s playground. There’s a super-tight expat community here and the beer is literally cheaper than water. If you’re looking for a place with plenty of weekend-trip opportunities, you’ve hit gold—the country is landlocked by Germany, Poland, Slovakia and Austria. Prague is where the party’s at, but if cultural immersion is what you’re after, consider teaching in a smaller town such as Plzeň or Brno. Weekly English language newspaper, The Prague Post, is a good bet while looking for jobs from home. Check out TEFL Worldwide Prague for additional information.

In the interest of being straight-up, you’re not going to make megabucks here. But the country’s ancient heritage and mix of international influence casts a spell on Westerners. We’re talkin’ ridiculous architecture, delicious grub and gorgeous people. The Turkish middle class is eager to speak our language, and even though the TEFL/ESL scene isn’t what it was here a couple of years ago, there are still plenty of opportunities. Istanbul is pricey, so scoping out smaller city gigs is your best bet. No matter where you go, you’ll be in the land of Turkish baths and the geographical wonders of Kapadokya and Ölüdeniz. For job postings, keep an eye on Turkey Daily News and Craigslist Istanbul. Try your luck with The English Center, a language institute in Istanbul and online resources such as My Merhaba and Expat in Turkey.

Photo by: bishbish.com

Stray from the typical teaching curriculum, and land on the roof of the world—Central Asia remains virtually untouched by the tourism boom. Kyrgyzstan is the easiest Central Asian country to enter with a Western passport, has a young capital (Bishkek) and is rich in nomadic culture. Though the city doesn’t have much to offer by way of history, there’s a bright nightlife and enough bars to pump you full of all the antifreeze you’ll need to get through a Kyrgyz winter. Nearly entirely blanketed by the mighty Tien Shan mountain range, the country offers some awesome trekking, horseback riding and camping adventures. The Kyrgyz are known for their hospitality, but be prepared: they also have a strange penchant for Chinese food and karaoke. The London School in Bishkek offers TEFL jobs. As a foreign teacher, you’ll get free accommodation and be paid fortnightly (a little foreign speak for you).

Before you start packing your bags, make sure you’ve done your research. Your contract should be transparent and you need to read it closely. You don’t want to be blindsided by a situation where you’re stuck longer than you want, or get into more than you signed up for. Teaching abroad isn’t just about making money or the ability to wander longer. You’re fueling the future by filling in-demand voids.

5 Volunteer Programs for Broke Ass Travelers in Taiwan

Lorenzorob — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 15:48:54 +0000

Taiwan’s cities are crammed with so much crazy food, sex, drugs, and rock n’ roll that it’ll make you feel like Mick Jagger in 1969. It’s time to pay up for the good times with a little gratitude. Whether feeding babies or planting crops, OTP’s got the hook-up for volunteering options in Taiwan for the broke ass traveler. Known to the Portuguese as the ‘Island of Beauty,’ there’s no better place to bask in good karma.

Talk the Talk

This is your big chance to talk your brains out. Go to Taiwan as an English Conversation Friend (ECF) for up to three months. An in-home stay of the most intimate type, this program pairs you with a local to help them learn English. Your terrible foreign language skills are actually helpful because your pupils will be forced to speak in English. For $400 a month (including room and board) you can shoot the shit over tea with a new friend who’ll finally appreciate the endless stream of consciousness flowing from your mouth.

WWOOF It Up

World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) is bitchin’. Become a Taiwan WWOOF member for only $26 and receive a complete listing of all organic-farm labor exchange programs seeking volunteers in the country. Earn your bread the good old-fashioned way—by putting your back into it! You’ll be able to choose from interesting work that ranges from mango harvesting to composting. Pick up a few tricks of the indigenous Taiwanese agriculture trade by digging into the culture of Taiwan.

Help Exchange

HelpX is a backpacker-styled network where travelers answer calls for various gigs in return for housing and food. HelpX covers more areas of interest than agriculturally bent WWOOFing and, while you can find listings pretty much anywhere in the world, there are some baller jobs in Taiwan—like brewing espresso or practicing meditation. As this company is a small collective, job postings come and go quickly. What this means for you? You have no time to fiddle with the idea and call your aunt in Kentucky to see what she thinks; just get up and go before it’s gone.

It’s Fun to Stay at the…

The International YMCA has been keeping it real with the village people long before anyone had heard of The Village People… and they’re always in need of extra hands. Volunteer stints range from one month to over a year. Unlike most volunteer programs, the fee is not based on your length of stay and programs lasting one month to over a year cost a steady $775 (all-inclusive room and board stay). The longer you stay, the better the deal—if you’re there for a year, that’s about $65 per month to sleep, eat and help.

OTP Tip: The placement in Taichung is one of Taiwan’s finest, allowing you easy access to the gorgeous coastline as well as the rest of the island.

Get Down with St. Theresa

No matter how snot-nosed, dirty-handed and smelly they can be, you have to love children. Maybe it’s their inspiring innocence. Whatever it is, United Planet’s program in Yuching has got it on tap. This job allows you to work at St. Theresa Opportunity Center for either six months or a year. At nearly $9,000 for the annual fee, it isn’t the most budget-friendly choice but it’s, without a doubt, one of the most rewarding on our list. In addition to working at St. Theresa’s, you could also teach vocational education, do physical or language therapy, or work in a nursing home. Redeem yourself for all those sinful traveling nights by living like a saint for a while.

Experiencing everyday life with the working people of a place in addition to touring its attractions adds meaning and reason to your trip. You and Taiwan will have plenty of drunken, hopeless (pants-less?) nights, no doubt. Pause the party for a minute to volunteer, it’s the least you can do in return.

Off Track Planet » Volunteer, Study & Work Abroad

5 Cheap Volunteerships in São Paulo

Related Articles

F*ck Your Therapist, Go to an Ashram Instead

Related Articles

Cheap Volunteer: 5 Budget Friendly Volunteerships in Mumbai

Related Articles

5 Volunteer Programs for Broke Ass Travelers in Laos

Related Articles

5 Budget Friendly Volunteer Programs in New Zealand

Related Articles

5 Beach Livin’ Volunteer Programs in Greece

Related Articles

The 10 Friendliest Expat Cities

Related Articles

5 Volunteer Programs in Vietnam for Broke Ass Travelers

Related Articles

The 5 Best Places to Teach English Around the World

Related Articles

5 Volunteer Programs for Broke Ass Travelers in Taiwan

Talk the Talk

WWOOF It Up

Help Exchange

It’s Fun to Stay at the…

Get Down with St. Theresa

Related Articles