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6 Ways to Travel the World While Studying in College

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6 Ways to Travel the World While Studying in College

For college students, many things might seem unreachable. We dream about going places or doing so many things we love. However, it might be hard to succeed while in college. With all the studying, projects, college obligations, and lack of money, it’s hard to fulfill everything we’re dreaming of. The same goes for traveling the world.

college

Travelling is one of the best ways to spend your time and money. You widen your horizons, learn about the world, and experience some amazing things. Still, college students find it hard to afford traveling and are waiting until they finish college to enjoy it. For those of you who don’t want to wait until you finish college, there are ways to start traveling today.

The list above will help you find a way to travel more while in college and enjoy life to the fullest.

1.     Earn Money on The Side

While in college, you need to focus on your studies and academic success. However, this doesn’t mean it should be the only thing you’re doing.

Let’s face it. It can’t be possible that you only have time for studying and attending classes.

If you’re well-organized, you can find a way to earn some money on the side.

You can find an online freelance job and work remotely from your dorm room or your home:

  • virtual assistant
  • data entry
  • tutor
  • customer service agent
  • social media manager

You can also continue working while on your trip with nothing more than your laptop and Wi-Fi.

These jobs don’t require years of experience and are easy to land. You can also find a job locally, near your college:

  • bartender
  • babysitting
  • pet sitter
  • tutor

You can earn money for a trip abroad and travel to a destination you dream of seeing.

2.     Get a Scholarship

Your academic success and the effort you put into doing good in college can get you to see the world.

There are scholarships and student exchange programs that can provide you a year of studying and living in a foreign country.

All you have to do is:

  • be a great student
  • find an exchange program you’d like to apply to
  • get the details for applying
  • write a killer application letter

In case you need help with writing a motivation letter, you can get help from the best online essay writer and ensure you get the scholarship.

This way, you’ll be able to travel thanks to your hard work and dedication to your studies.

3.     Volunteer Work

Another fantastic way for you to go abroad and travel the world while you’re in college and have no money to finance this yourself is to volunteer.

Volunteering is a noble, rewarding experience that everyone should try at least once. You get to help people, meet new friends, and spend time doing something truly selfless.

But, the best part is that volunteering enables you to travel free of cost. In most cases they will:

  • provide accommodation
  • provide food

You won’t be earning any money, but you won’t be spending any. It’s a great option for students to travel.

4.     Internship or Research Centers

As a young academic, you can also consider the option of finding an internship or a job at a research center to get yourself abroad.

It’s a win-win situation since you’ll be:

  • gaining work experience
  • improving your knowledge and skills
  • seeing a new part of the world

Luckily, all you need to succeed is access to the internet. Start searching for internship opportunities and find the one that fits you the most.

Then, make sure your application stands out from the rest and hope for the best.

5.     Teach English

If you’re a native English speaker, you can travel the world by teaching English abroad.

You don’t have to have a college degree in the English language, you just need to be able to teach it to foreigners.

These programs will get you jobs at language summer camps all over the world:

  • China
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • France
  • Africa

It’s one of the best ways to spend your summer, instead of partying and doing the same things every day.

Instead, invest your energy into finding a job as an English teacher and spend your summer abroad doing an interesting job and experiencing something completely different.

6.     Take a Gap Year

Finally, for those of you who are seriously hungry for more adventure, new experiences and memorable moments, the summer break won’t do the trick.

If you want to travel further, see more things, and spend more time as a free spirit, you need to find more time.

Well, you can always take a gap year.

For so many students this sounds like a terrible thing. Just remember, you only have one life to live and your college isn’t going anywhere.

You can go back to your old life a year later and continue working on getting your diploma.

Consider this option and try living your life the way your heart is telling you to.

Final Thoughts

Traveling as a college student is far from impossible. As you can see, there are numerous options for you to consider and you can go for any of them today.

Use the list above as a guide and inspiration for planning your travel adventures while studying. Start enjoying your life more and work hard for achieving your travel goals.

Asia, Travel Planning

Taking a Gap Year: Destination Hong Kong

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So, you’ve finished high school and would like to take a gap year before figuring out what you’re going to do next? So many people your age are in the same situation and have decided to do the same. Now, the question is what you should do during the gap year so that it’s not wasted. Well, you’ll be spoiled for choice, to be honest.

The best way to spend your gap year depends on you and your ambitions and goals. You might look for some work experience, experiment with a new career, do some volunteering work or simply travel for fun. Whatever your motive, one of the places where you can achieve your goals is definitely Hong Kong.

Why Hong Kong?

To begin with, English is one of the official languages, which makes it a natural choice for many young people. Also, there are very good employment opportunities for those interested in working hard and broadening their horizons. We should probably also mention that it’s one of the most popular destinations for adventure and cultural travel. As you can see, Hong Kong is definitely an option worth considering.

Ngong Ping 360, Hong Kong, monk
Photo by Tiplada Mekvisan on Unsplash

Fun and culture

Despite its size, Hong Kong offers a range of fun and exciting activities, from backpacking and camping on the beach to rock climbing. With many national parks, you can also immerse yourself in some of the most stunning sceneries in the world.

Hong Kong, as you might know, has a lot of historical significance. It is also an excellent starting point for exploring other parts of Asia, particularly China. The city itself is a magnificent mixture of cultures, which makes it rather unique.

Teaching English

Despite the fact that English is one of the official languages, there is a great opportunity for native and non-native speakers to teach in Hong Kong. One of the things you could do to improve your chances of landing a great job as a teacher is to sign up for the renowned Monkey Tree TEFL courses and get the necessary qualifications.

Choi Hung Estate, Hong Kong, playground
Photo by Dan Gold on Unsplash

Volunteering

Another option worth considering is sharing your time and skills with those in need. Some volunteering opportunities are through church organizations, but you can also find many other options. They range from helping children learn English and working with the physically challenged to making crafts. You can choose a program that fits your interests and you’re bound to be rewarded, though not financially.

Internship

Hong Kong also offers many internship opportunities, allowing you to explore the life there in the best possible way. Working in such a culturally diverse environment can provide you with invaluable experience, which you probably couldn’t get at home. By joining an internship program in Hong Kong, you’ll be able to develop not only professionally, but personally as well. Just imagine living and working in a foreign culture, possibly learning another language and meeting people from all over the world!

Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong, sunset
Photo by Leonardo Yip on Unsplash

Living in Hong Kong

You need to know that living in Hong Kong is more expensive than in most other cities in Asia and be prepared to pay around $20,000 HKD (approx. $2800 USD) for a two-bedroom apartment. Utilities average around $1000 HKD (approx. $ 120 USD) and you should also count on spending $450 HKD (approx. $65 USD) per month for public transport. Other expenses depend on your lifestyle.

Culture and etiquette

Hong Kong is dominated by Cantonese habits and customs. Whatever you do and whatever you achieve is a reflection upon your family. People address each other by their family names unless the host or colleague asks you to use their first name.

In terms of personal space, you can expect people to stand quite close when talking to you, but they will refrain from touching you. Also, friends and couples like to hold hands, but such examples of affection are seldom seen in public.

Ngong Ping, Hong Kong, temple
Photo by Meckl Antal on Unsplash

Health and safety

You’d be glad to hear that Hong Kong has very high standards with regards to health. Restaurants and other public places are regularly inspected and tap water is safe, though many people don’t like the taste and choose bottled water. Hospitals provide excellent care, should you need it. Also, it’s safe to walk around even at night, but you still have to be careful, since pickpockets operate in high traffic areas.

As you can see, Hong Kong is really an attractive destination for your gap year or at least a part of it. The potential benefits of your stay there by far outweigh any concerns you might have. So, don’t miss such a great opportunity to travel and spend at least a small part of your life there.