Here I am, a senior at Indiana University, embarking on one final semester. Hard to believe it's been four years. Four crazy, unbelievable years complete with three universities, in three completely different settings. Leave it to me to float around and make a mess of my credits, degrees, and living situations. Despite all these transitions, I came out on top: there will be (God willing) a diploma in my hand in May. This might be more of something to look forward to if I had a next step planned.
Now, it would be nice to blame it on our struggling economy, but let's face it: liberal arts majors aren't supposed to find jobs. Right?
The semester has just begun and I'm already stressed out. It's not the classes. It's all that time I have to talk to people about what I will be doing in just a few short months. "Oh, I don't know," I always said, confidently. "Something will work out."
Well, it's crunch time now, and I've been spending days at a time in the career center. I want to take a year and travel, but that requires money, proper documentation, and knowledge of language and culture around the world.
No one tells you how trying it is to find a job abroad. In order to work in Europe, you need a work Visa for the country you wish to work in. Unfortunately, in order for the States to grant you a work Visa, you need to have a job. ACK. So I can't just buy a one-way ticket and wing it.
Because of this system, it is very difficult for Americans to get jobs abroad at their leisure. Of course, the United States returns the favor by making it just as tricky to work here from another country.
Everyday I uncover more exciting programs and opportunities abroad. There are various pros and cons to all of them, of course: some cost money, some require varying degrees of language skills, some allow little time for travel or play (my main objectives).
I'm starting this blog as I began my quest for the perfect "gap year" abroad. I hope others can learn from my experiences and benefit from my mistakes. I also hope, of course, that this blog is my ticket to the world.
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