Category Archives: Guest Posts

Mom-Approved Tips: Knowing the Warning Signs of Cough Medicine Abuse

 

Years ago, I worked for the local school district creating drug awareness materials for Red Ribbon Week. I was shocked as a parent to discover that some teens will do just about anything to get high. From huffing paint, to taking ritalin, to abusing cough medicine. Today’s guest post is from Tammy Walsh, a high school math teacher with a passion for helping to educate teens on the dangers of substance abuse and a mother of two boys. She contributes to The Five Moms blog at stopmedicineabuse.org. Being passionate about this topic myself, I was happy to give her an opportunity to share her advice.

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cough medicine abuse
Photo from stopmedicineabuse.org

As your teen relaxes and enjoys some much needed time away from academia this summer, it’s important to keep in mind that this increased free/unsupervised time can also increase the likelihood of your teen engaging in risky activities. Underage drinking and smoking is at the forefront of parents’ minds when they think about what drugs teens are choosing to experiment with, but cough medicine abuse is usually not on the typical parent’s radar. Unfortunately, it should be. One out of 25 teens reports abusing over-the-counter (OTC) cough medicine to get high. Perhaps even more alarming, roughly one out of three teenagers knows someone who has abused cough medicine to get high.

As a parent, it’s overwhelming to think about looking out for yet another dangerous activity your teen may be engaging in, but we aren’t hopeless. The first step to combating teen cough medicine abuse is to familiarize yourself with the warning signs.

Signs of abuse of OTC cough medicine include:

  • Empty cough medicine boxes or bottles in the trash of your teen’s room, car, backpack or school locker
  • Your teen’s purchase or use of large amounts of cough medicine when he or she isn’t sick
  • Missing boxes or bottles of medicine from home medicine cabinets
  • Hearing your teen use certain slang terms for DXM abuse, such as skittles, skittling, tussin, robo-tripping, robo, CCC, triple Cs, dexing and DXM
  • Noticing that your teen has visited pro-drug websites that provide information on how to abuse DXM
  • Unusual internet orders, the arrival of unexpected packages, or unexplained payments for a credit card or PayPal account
  • Changes in your teen’s friends, physical appearance, sleeping or eating patterns
  • Declining grades
  • Your teen’s loss of interest in his or her hobbies or favorite activities
  • A hostile and uncooperative attitude
  • Unexplained disappearance of household money

Unusual chemical or medicinal smells on your teen or in his or her room. While some of these warning signs may appear to be normal, angsty teenage behavior, be sure to follow your natural instincts, trust your gut and directly address the situation if you suspect that your teen may be abusing medicine.

Visit stopmedicineabuse.org to learn more about cough medicine abuse and how to start the conversation about drug abuse with your teen.

 

How to Get In-State Tuition if You Live Out of State

 

in state tuitionIs your child considering a school that is out-of-state? More than likely, you want to give them the ability to attend any of the schools that they are considering. However, this is difficult when in-state colleges carry far less expensive tuition fees. We’ve compiled some tips for getting in-state tuition for out-of-state students to help families solve this cost dilemma.

1. Plan ahead

The more time you give yourself to plan, the more opportunities you will have to obtain tuition benefits. It pays to research, as many of your savings options can last through all four years of college. Also, it is important to apply to many of these benefits early, giving you preference over other applicants.

2. Understand the college’s rules

Some schools have stricter in-state tuition qualification requirements than others. It is important to research the rules for each school that your child may be considering. Some colleges require students to have graduated high school in the state or have a parent living in the state. Others allow in-state residency for students that live in the state for one year and are financially independent from their parents. It completely depends on each school. Check out Finaid.org for a list of links to each school’s rules regarding in-state residency requirements.

3. Fill out forms carefully

Make sure you completely understand the rules for each school so that you do not make any mistakes or omit any information when filing for residency. Be cautious when filling out forms and be sure to look them over before submitting them. If you have any questions, be sure to utilize the college’s admissions offices by giving them a call. As a result, you can be sure to submit the correct information.

4. Avoid penalties

Try to avoid the negative consequences of making a mistake. The penalties assessed to students for inaccurate in-state residency range from expulsion from school to being charged for past tuition at an out-of-state price.

5. Research academic reciprocation agreements

There are currently four regional programs that help students obtain lower out-of-state costs compared to the full out-of-state tuition. These programs are made available to students interested in specific majors. Students must qualify and there is usually a cap on how many students can receive this benefit from each college.

The Western Undergraduate Exchange helps resident of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming gain access to out-of-state schools. Students from one of these states are eligible to receive a reduced tuition rate of 150% of in-state costs at a school outside their home state. This includes two and four-year institutions. Again, this depends on how many spaces are available for WUE students at each school.

Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia all participate in The Academic Common Market. This program offers tuition savings to students if an institution in their home state does not offer them the program that they are looking to study.

The Midwest Student Exchange Program offers students in Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, or Wisconsin a similar benefit.

The New England Board of Higher Education offers a tuition break program referred to as the New England Regional Student Program. This allows students that are permanent residents in the states of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont to receive tuition aid. With this program, students may qualify if the out-of-state college they would like to attend is closer to home than an in-state college that offers the same academic program.

6. Hire an expert

In-State Angels helps students and families navigate the often confusing process of establishing residency in a different state. Avoid the risk of going at this by yourself and employ an Angel to help. ISA helps students gain residency in the fastest and most legal way possible, saving families like yours tens of thousands of dollars.

These tips can help you and your student by opening up as many college options as possible, even those you originally thought to be too expensive. Like we’ve been saying, it pays to do your research, so get searching and start saving!

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About the Author – Jake Wells founded In-State Angels in 2009 after graduating from the University of Colorado-Boulder with more debt than seemed reasonable. He is on a mission to prevent others from suffering a similar fate, and now advises students on how to get in-state tuition in the fastest way legally possible.

 

Making the Most of Summer College Visits

 

summer college visitsCollege visits can determine what schools you apply to and which one you ultimately decide on as your top pick. Summer college visits allow you the opportunity to visit campuses in a less formal atmosphere and wander around the campus on a self tour. Classrooms may be empty, but that shouldn’t stop you from visiting. The college doesn’t necessarily have to be on your list–visits to any college help you formulate the list and give you ideas on what you like and don’t like on campus.

However, paying attention on college tours can be difficult, especially when there is a lot of information to digest. When deciding on a college and looking back on your time at each one, you may even forget important factors that can sway your decision. Here is some advice to get you through each visit and keep track of all the key details.

Make a list of topics to discuss

Before arriving for the college tour, make a physical list of all the topics you and your parents would like to know more about. When compiling this list, keep in mind that general questions about what majors the school offers can be quickly answered by referencing the website. Ask questions about activities, clubs, research, and campus culture.

Ask questions and take notes

During the tour, take notes on anything relating to your major and interests. For example, if you are interested in majoring in biology, pay attention to research opportunities the guide may mention and any labs you tour. If you have not decided on a major, you can ask if there is a program for undeclared students. You will also be going through the freshman dorms, gym, library, and other facilities that are available to students. If you are interested in fitness, the condition of the gym and its equipment may be important to note. Will you be able to study at the library? Will your dietary restrictions be a problem at the cafeteria?

The tour guides may mention the kinds of activities available on campus. They may also know how big Greek life is, or if there are a variety of clubs to join. These are the biggest ways to meet others on campus. If you do not feel comfortable with joining a sorority or fraternity and most of the student body participates in Greek life, that college may not be the right choice for you.

Do some exploring

Once your tour is over, take time to explore the campus and surrounding city on your own. While walking around the school, look at the bulletin boards and posters to get a better idea of the types of events and activities offered.

It can be overwhelming to visit multiple colleges and keep all the information straight. However, by taking notes, the college application process won’t seem as daunting. Once you are done with each visit, reflect on your time and try to think about what you did and did not like about each school. If you have a list of pros and cons before even applying to colleges, you will be better able to determine your college preferences. As long as you are organized, you will be equipped to make a decision.

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 About the author: Priya Sudendra is a senior at University of Colorado and a staff writer for CollegeFocus, a website dedicated to helping students deal with the challenges of college, including housing, finance, style, health, relationships, and transferring from a community college to a four-year university.

You can follow CollegeFocus on Twitter and Facebook.

Dorm Decor Must-Haves for Your High School Grad

 

With high school graduation in full swing, finding the perfect dorm decor for your teen is next on the list. Take a look at these graduation gift ideas to be prepared for fall move in!

Dorm decorDecorative Curtains 

Students are going to want privacy when sharing their small space with a new roommate. Hanging a chevron curtain to the ceiling by their bed serves as an innovative room divider and also blocks out unwanted light. Choosing curtains with a bold print will bring in a youthful pattern to the space. Be sure to purchase curtains with ties or hunt for a contrasting ribbon to hold back the curtains when they’re not in use.

Dorm lightingLight it Up

String lights are one of the most popular decorations found in dorm rooms. Since candles are rarely allowed, string lights provide a similar ambiance to the room and create a cozy environment.  You can even find lights with small lanterns attached for a bohemian, outdoorsy theme. Take a look at Target and World Market, as they have a large selection of decorative lights to choose from. World Market’s burlap star lights are a personal favorite because they’re neutral and aren’t too bright.

Make it Cozy

The next four years are going to go fast, but it’s important for your teen’s dorm room to feel like home. Bring in area rugs to add warmth to the room, layer mix-matched throw pillows for contrast, and work in monograms where you can to personalize their space.  Coming up with a color scheme will also give the dorm a cohesive look.

Matching ottomans or floor poufs are an easy buy and are small enough that they can be tucked away when not in use.

Get Artsy 

Don’t forget about the walls! Hanging art on those drab, white dorm walls will truly transform the room. Wall decals, such as sticker frames, Etsy prints with inspirational quotes, and decorative mirrors are creative options for your new college student. The For Like Ever poster from Super Rural doesn’t miss a beat with its bold color and typography, and fun saying. Mood boards are another way to personalize their side of the room.  Buy colorful pushpins, paint a corkboard a bright color, and collect family photos and other memorabilia to collage with. During the next four years, this board will be a source of comfort and inspiration for your teen.

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This is a guest post by Erica Bryant of Roomations. Roomations is an interior design and e-decor site that connects you with professional designers for custom room concepts online. Work with up to three different interior designers to visualize your project then make it happen by taking to the streets (or your computer) with a shopping list that includes everything you’ll need. Custom interior design has never been so accessible, affordable and convenient! Start by finding your personal style with our free Style Quiz.

Consider Studying or Volunteering Abroad This Summer

 

studying abroadFor many teens, it can be tempting to spend summers off from school hanging out with friends, sleeping in well past noon, and doing a whole lot of, well, nothing. And while it’s true that some downtime for your growing kids is absolutely necessary – two and a half months of doing nothing but lounging around is maybe not the healthiest option.

Encouraging your teens to get out and have some worthy, productive summer experiences is super important – for you, and for them. This is especially true if your teen is hoping to go to college, and possibly even win a scholarship or two. After all, what’s going to look better to a college admissions board – months of sitting around at home, or a worthwhile volunteer abroad program?

There are many different summer activities out there for high school students, but one of the best, and most beneficial, is the option of studying or volunteering abroad. High school study abroad has been on the rise for a few years now, and there are many reasons why:

1) Foreign language proficiency is an incredibly important skill to have in today’s world. And because younger students learn faster than college-aged students, your teen is more than likely going to be able to soak up another language pretty fast – giving him or her one awesomely marketable skill for the future.

2) Study abroad looks wonderful on college applications and resumes. Because it’s possible to earn college credit or community service hours while abroad, your child’s abroad experience will signal to college admissions counselors that he or she takes academics seriously. In addition, study abroad really helps imbue students with vital global leadership skills and a more balanced, worldly perspective – talk about a great resume-booster!

3) While abroad, your teen will receive a much richer education than a normal classroom would provide. Study abroad programs offer a chance to learn about a country’s language, history, and culture – while living in that country! This kind of in-depth, culturally-enriching education will be invaluable to your teen.

4) Gain good contacts and networking prospects for the future. You never know who you’ll meet when you seize an opportunity like the chance to study or volunteer abroad. Other than gaining good skills for a future job (it’s not that far off!), it’s entirely probable that your child could make some worthy connections for the future – and possibly even score a potential summer internship or employment opportunity.

5) Studying abroad is an amazing experience. Your teen will undoubtedly achieve new levels of maturity, focus, and tolerance while abroad – being immersed in a foreign culture just has a way of doing that to you. And, of course, study abroad is a wonderfully fun experience!

Just as an added bonus: high school study abroad doesn’t have to be expensive! Many programs offer scholarships, financial aid, or fundraising guides. So, start encouraging your teen to get out in the world and have a life-changing abroad experience!

 

How to Help Your College-Bound Teen Find the Right Job

 

find the right jobFrom high school on, employment will be a constant consideration for your son or daughter. This can elicit mixed feelings among parents. Your child probably already has a daily schedule packed to the brim with studies and extracurricular activities. There’s often barely enough time for what’s already on his or her plate.

Even if financial considerations make securing a job a necessity to defray hefty college costs, you may be skeptical. Could a job take away from, not add to, your child’s ability to earn admission to and succeed in college?

Not if you help your child find the right job. Follow these four simple tips to help your son or daughter find a job that not only puts money in their pockets, but also helps them get into college.

1. Benefits and Bummers
At this point, we have roughly two decades of data showing that students with part-time jobs actually perform better than their unemployed counterparts in school. There’s a caveat, however: 15-20 hours per week is the max at which that benefit shows up. Students without jobs at all follow in academic performance, and students who work more than 20 hours per week fare worst of all.

Make sure any job requires a maximum of 15-20 hours in a week. More demanding jobs will likely do more harm than good.

2. Resumes Rock
Helping your child create a resume may seem odd, especially if he or she has minimal work experience. While many entry-level jobs don’t require a resume, putting one together is a great exercise and lifelong skill. Simply put, it’s training for the real world.

Can your child type quickly and accurately? What about knowledge of office programs such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint? Does your child have knowledge of HTML, Java or C+? Have they held leadership positions at school, on teams or for a charitable organization?

Taking time to organize and document these things is perfect practice for when college applications or new job opportunities roll around. In addition, it will instill a, “What’s the value of this?” mentality that helps your son or daughter understand how work ultimately impacts their lives.

3. Ask Around
Even in the Internet age, many great jobs still aren’t posted online. Leverage your personal network and encourage your child to reach out to his or her own contacts when seeking work. Teachers, school advisors, volunteer coordinators and group leaders may know of unpublicized opportunities that could turn into perfect-fit jobs for the right person.

4. Fantastic Fast Food
I hear groans and see heads shaking already; hear me out, though! Salary, health, and perception issues typically make fast food a less-than-coveted employment option. Don’t immediately dismiss those jobs, however. Quick-service restaurants usually have flexible hours, ideal for already-packed schedules. Such franchises also often help ambitious employees advance quickly, providing rare chances for management experience. Finally, some large chains offer scholarships exclusively to their employees.

To help your child secure a great early-life job, take time to guide him or in assessing skill sets, reviewing relevant options, and ultimately making a deliberate decision. This can provide a huge boost in confidence when it comes time for other job and college interviews. And don’t forget that a part-time job is the perfect opportunity to help your child begin practicing good financial habits that last through and beyond college.

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Today’s guest post is from Ryan Hickey, the Managing Editor of Peterson’s & EssayEdge and an expert in many aspects of college, graduate, and professional admissions. A graduate of Yale University, Ryan has worked in various admissions capacities for nearly a decade, including writing test-prep material for the SAT, AP exams, and TOEFL, editing essays and personal statements, and consulting directly with applicants.

Three tips to ensure internet security in college

 

internet securityUsing the internet is essential when you are a college student. The vast majority of college students use the web to revise for exams, to research and submit assignments, and to communicate with friends and family. However, to ensure your safety and security, there are a number of steps you will need to take when surfing the web.

Here are three tips to ensure internet security in college.

1. Ensuring that your computer is safe and secure

When using the internet at college, make sure that the computer is equipped with the latest security software and web browser to minimize the risk of viruses, threats and other threats.

Make sure that your computer firewall is turned on. If you are using a shared computer in a library or classroom, you may be unable to change the security settings of the computer without permission from the relevant department of your college. If you suspect that the computer is unsafe, or doesn’t have the latest security updates installed, contact a member of staff.

USBs and other devices that you connect to the computer can sometimes contain viruses so will need to be scanned via the security software on your computer.

Ensure that your computer is able to update the latest software updates automatically. You will be able to customize your security settings from the control panel of your security software. Remember, software updates are one of the most important tools to protect safety and security of college students on Internet.

2. Protecting your personal information when browsing the web

You may have to provide some personal information when purchasing items online at college, or when submitting personal details to faculty or members of college staff. Security will need to be adhered to at all times to minimize the risk of cyber-crime.

When choosing a password for an online account, make sure it contains both a capital letter and a number. Your password should be strong enough so that it will not be easily guessed by other people.

Create unique passwords for different online accounts. You may need to create a password to access your college emails for example, or to submit assignments online. Separate passwords for individual online accounts can minimize the cyber-criminals from accessing your details.

Never leave your computer or laptop unattended when you in a public space, for example at the college library or when in a classroom or lecture theatre. Take care to lock the computer and to password protect the account on your operating system to safeguard against other people accessing private information.

3. Protecting college work and assignments

You will most likely be spending long hours completely assignments and other work when at college, so care must be taken to back up your work.
Make an electronic copy of all files, documents, photos, and folders and store this in a safe place using not so complex backup tools. Not only will this ensure that no-body can access your files if your laptop or computer is stolen, but you will be able to access these files if your computer has become affected by a virus.

Label USBs so you can find the files that you are looking for quickly. You may also want to include a phone number or email address on the label so somebody can contact you if you lose it.

Top 5 Testing Tips

 

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testing
Photo Courtesy of Student Loan Network

Exam time is a stressful and tiring time. Nights leading up to the exam are usually filled with studying and pulling all-nighters at the library and, sometimes, you may just be unsure about how to approach studying for a particular class. Whether you like to plan your studying ahead of time or you don’t think about the exam until the last minute, here are 5 testing tips to help you ace those tests.

  1. Prioritize. In college, there might be times when you have to study for several different classes. It can get overwhelming and stressful. In these cases, prioritizing your workload can be helpful. Dedicate more time studying for an exam that can make or break your grade rather than an exam that won’t affect your grade very much. Once you have strategized your studying, be sure you are reviewing only content that will be on the test and you are not wasting any time by studying irrelevant content.
  2. Review with others. Reviewing with others can be a great way to study for the exam, and oftentimes there will be review sessions provided by the professor. Many will focus on topics that will be covered heavily on the test, which can be helpful in deciding what to study later. Reviewing material with other students can also be helpful. You can teach material you’re confident in, which will make you understand the topics instead of just memorizing them. In turn, your classmates may help you pick up on material you are unsure of. If you are studying with friends, try to stay on topic and don’t study with friends who are not studying for the same exam as it can only lead to distractions.
  3. Study smart. Do not try to reread the whole textbook before the exam. Even if you can get through the book, it can be information overload and it will be hard to remember all of it. Hopefully, you have kept up with the reading throughout the semester so you can go back over your notes instead of attempting to read the book. Skimming through notes can also help you find topics you’re not confident with.
  4. Take breaks. Taking breaks during your study sessions is a must. A good study session should consist of 45 minutes of studying followed by a 15-minute break. This method gives you a mental break and it can help you stay focused since you just need to study for 45 minutes. Eat a healthy snack, take a walk, or talk to friends and you will come back to studying refreshed. Eating and drinking water regularly helps fuel your brain and exercising can help clear your mind.
  5. Be prepared. Before you go into your exam, pack everything you might need. Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated as well. Dress in confortable layers so you are prepared for varying temperatures in your testing room. Head into the exam early so you are not in a rush and stressed out before you even start the testing process.

Exams can be exhausting and full of anxiety but they can be manageable by studying smart and being prepared. These tips can help you go into the next exam with confidence.

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 About today’s guest blogger: Priya Sudendra is a recent graduate of University of Colorado and a staff writer for CollegeFocus, a website dedicated to helping students deal with the challenges of college, including housing, finance, style, health, relationships, and transferring from a community collegeto a four-year university.

You can follow CollegeFocus on Twitter and Facebook.

Top 3 Ways a Test Prep Tutor Will Improve Your Test Score

 

test prepStandardized tests such as the ACT, PSAT, and SAT have a lengthy tenure, and they are unlikely to disappear in the near future. They continue to serve as a valuable component of college applications and therefore must be approached very critically. Given the competitiveness of college admissions, a growing number of parents are seeking tutors to guide their children in preparing for these crucial assessments.

So, how can a test prep tutor best assist your student?

Teaching test-taking strategies: The makers of these tests typically rely upon question banks of thousands of problems for each portion of the assessment, so students can succeed when they learn the appropriate strategies for solving these types of questions, rather than just the correct answers. A talented tutor can teach your child how to approach difficult problems, decode mathematics questions, and work through verbal passages – even those with unknown vocabulary.

As these tests are timed, students with strong time management skills are more likely to earn higher scores; possessing the correct answers to the remaining questions won’t matter if time runs out and you are unable to answer them. Depending on the test, it may be useful to either skip more difficult problems or answer them with educated guesses – tutors familiar with the grading of the examination will identify which strategies are useful, as well as how a student’s time should be spent.

Recognizing strengths and improving weaknesses: No two test-takers are alike; the ACT and SAT are standardized, but the individuals who complete them are not. Everyone has certain areas where they consistently perform well and areas where they struggle (perhaps with decoding problems, working toward the right answer, or identifying key vocabulary). A capable tutor will assess your child’s abilities and develop a plan for improvement in his or her weakest subjects.

Many students who excel in the multiple-choice section often struggle with their writing, or vice-versa. Addressing an essay prompt within a specific period of time is a skill your child may or may not possess. A tutor will be able to aid your student in brainstorming, outlining, and writing within the exam’s time limits, all without sacrificing valuable time that could be applied to other portions of the test.

Developing motivation: Reviewing for a standardized test can be a lonely endeavor – unless your student is working in a study group or completing study sessions in school, he or she will likely be reviewing alone. A great test preparation tutor will provide guidance, motivation, and encouragement. Preparing for an assessment can be stressful; students may not grasp the point of devoting so much time to an examination, or they may become overwhelmed by how much the ACT or SAT matters on a college application. A tutor will assist with this. Undoubtedly, the tutor will have his or her own experiences with taking the test and applying for college and university, and he or she can serve as a fantastic role model for your student.

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Richard Bamattre is a professional tutor and contributing writer for Varsity Tutors. He holds a Master’s in Education from UCLA.

How to take a working holiday abroad

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  • As the economic crisis continues to affect countries across the world, the option to work abroad is becoming increasingly popular amongst young people
  • Education, work and sports are the most sought after activities by temporary foreign workers

working holiday abroadAs a result of the economic crisis, one of the words that we have incorporated into our language is ‘emigration’. Tens of thousands of young people have already crossed the border in search of a better future, from neighboring countries to even as far as the Asian market.

In this case, one of things that is influencing those deciding to work abroad more and more is the Work and Travel Program (PVT in Spanish or French) or the Working Holiday Visa, which allows those under 35 to work and holiday at the same time in a foreign country for between 6 and 12 months.

Also called the Holiday-Work Visa (VVT in Spanish) or the Working Holiday Program, it is the result of mutual agreements that seek to encourage young people to travel to all parts of the world, with the possibility of finding part time work to finance their stay there. Australia, Canada and New Zealand are considered the best destinations by those embarking on such an adventure.

Working while on holiday or during the summer

There are two categories within the Holiday and Work Program. The first of these provides the opportunity for students to work during the summer months. This is designed for younger students who want to take advantage of their summer break and experience working abroad, with a maximum period of 3 months. For this option it is essential that the student is enrolled in post-secondary education or at a training centre and carries the requested travel insurance.

working abroadThe other option concerns working while holidaying, designed for travellers who want to sightsee, get to the know the culture and work at the same time. The maximum duration is 12 months. This is the option that is becoming increasingly more popular amongst Spaniards, as it offers a clear solution to the problem of unemployment that is affecting many countries, with the added attraction of possibly learning a new language.

Beatriz Valiente, in charge of customers relations at AVI International, highlights “the significant increase in the number of calls and contact we have received regarding our Working Holiday insurance for 2012, especially insurance for general covers”. Other issues of particular interest for applicants are that this visa has “the option of integrating sports and leisure  or manual work into the insurance, and that it includes the possibility to visit neighbouring countries, which it does include, but only for a maximum of two weeks.”

And what destinations do people choose? There are dozens of countries that you can travel to with a Working Holiday visa. China and Taiwan are recent additions, although they are not yet in high demand. “100% of those Spanish people insured have chosen Canada to carry out their Working Holiday”, Beatriz Valiente points out, “while the majority of French insured go to Australia, followed by New Zealand and then Canada. Very few opt to travel and work in other countries such as such as Argentina, South Korea, Japan or Singapore and the new destination: Hong Kong.”

5 pieces of advice for the Working Holiday Visa

When it comes to applying for a Working Holiday visa, often there are limitations attached to the criteria that the applicant must meet, which in many cases are restrictive:

  • It is essential to be between 18 and 35 years old, with both these ages included.
  • For some destinations it is necessary to carry with you a large sum of money as costs can escalate at the beginning of your stay.
  • One of the key requirements is that your medical insurance covers you for the entire duration of your stay. When it comes to confirming it, Beatriz Valiente adds that this criterion is “absolutely essential for the Working Holiday visa to be accepted.”
  • It is important to know what limitations exist when it comes to studying and working. In the case of New Zealand and Canada, the Working Holiday visa only allows you to study for a period of 6 months, and to work for up to 1 year. As for Australia, a certain level of accredited English is also required. Your country of origin can also play a part in what countries you can travel to.
  • Analysing the possible destinations and their economic and unemployment rates, with the aim of choosing a country that offers the best employment opportunities.

Therefore it is important to know in detail the necessary requirements and characteristics for each country, so that you can plan in advance on how to make the most of your trip and have the best experience possible. Looking ahead, it is one of the options being considered more and more: “I believe that it is a product that will work really well in the next few years; many Spaniards leaving the country in search of work, prices are economical and conditions are very good”, concludes our contact at AVI International.

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Today’s post is from AVI International, a leading provider of travel insurance for tourists and those who holiday abroad.