Work, Study Abroad

If you want to go abroad but aren’t sure what kind of trip you want to take, you can find out about hundreds of interesting opportunities through the 1986-87 edition of “Work Study Travel Abroad--The Whole World Handbook.”

This is not a guidebook, although it does pass along some suggestions on what to see and where to stay. The book’s strongest point is its list of sources. It won’t answer all questions but it will make you aware of interesting opportunities and lead you to associations, publications or companies that can help you make arrangements or get information.

For example, if you’re interested in joining an archeological dig you’ll find details on two groups that publish lists of excavations seeking volunteer helpers. If you’re planning a do-it-yourself bicycle trip in Europe you’ll learn of a company that publishes a booklet outlining 12 trips in the wine areas of France, including details about wineries and accommodations en route.

The three subjects--work, study and travel--are covered for the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Africa, Asia, Latin America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East and the Caribbean.

Beware the ‘Catch-22’

Travelers interested in working abroad will find the book does warn of a “Catch-22” situation. “Some countries will not grant a work permit until you have a promise of a job from an employer and employers say that they cannot hire you without the work permit.” The book does, however, tell of organizations and agencies that will place you in a job and get a permit for you and it gives brief outlines of companies that seek volunteers for unpaid positions such as an au pair in France or a kibbutz worker in Israel.

The wide variety of opportunities abroad includes a free service that helps to arrange evening visits in Japanese homes, the chance for students visiting Cyprus to stay at Greek Orthodox monasteries for one or two nights free and how to contact a company in Paris called Allostop Provoya, which matches up drivers with riders who share the cost of trips.

The book also offers an insight into the nitty-gritty of foreign travel through comments by young travelers about what they liked and disliked in their adventures abroad.

One young traveler warned that Indonesian rail travel isn’t for the impatient. “On a trip from Denpasar to Jakarta, I sat on an uncushioned wooden seat for 52 hours. This was on third class and one of my fellow passengers was a goat. I recommend that others invest the few extra dollars and travel first or second class instead.”

Watch What You Pack

Another says to watch what you pack when hiking in New Zealand. “In New Zealand we have forest services with national park huts at very low costs. The rangers . . . usually inspect the packs to make sure people have sufficient warm clothing: If not--out you go.”

Young travelers who sought jobs crewing in the Pacific advise that Tahiti is a good place to seek work as a deckhand. “Most of these boats have sailed for weeks . . . many of the original crews are tired of ocean travel and Tahiti is the first port from which they can fly home. . . .” Other travelers praised certain services. “Four stars to the Student Travel Information Centre in Delhi. The staff is helpful, informative and mellow and ordered tea for all of us.” They helped with flight and visa information, and offered advice on what to see and how to find one’s way around India.

“Work Study Travel Abroad--The Whole World Handbook” is available through bookstores or can be ordered for $7.95 from CIEE--PB Dept., 205 East 42nd St., New York 10017. Add $1 for book-rate postage or $2.50 for first-class service.