EUROPE
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  V. WORKING and VOLUNTEERING

STUDY ABROAD

There is a staggering array of options and formats for studying abroad. All it takes is money. Good sources of information include "The Whole World Handbook"; the Educational Travel Directory published in summer by Transitions Abroad; and the Council for International Educational Exchange. (All are listed in the next chapter). Study all the fine print closely and ask lots and lots of questions before making any decisions.

Studying abroad involves a host of new issues, and these will be (or should be) dealt with by your program coordinators. Make sure there is a reliable contact person at the receiving end. For more local information, check at your local university in the student advisor's office. Once again, turn to an Internet search engine to gather the latest materials specific to your country, as the rules and regulations vary from nation to nation.

Seniors (55 and older) can take advantage of the international educational opportunities offered through the Elderhostel program (http://www.elderhostel.org). The organization averages 8,000 programs a year in 90 countries; the programs to Europe are diverse both in terms of subject and location.

One final note: both working and studying abroad, even more than general travel, will return more than you invest in either. To be successful, give the situation adequate time and effort, patience and perseverance, and open-mindedness and dedication.



In his book "Travels with Charlie," John Steinbeck advised to not take the voyage; rather, let the voyage take you. I can offer no better advice.



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