You are a student in the U.S. and would like to experience something exciting abroad during the summer, but you have a limited budget?Would you also like to get a student loan?Does this sound too good to be true?
Read how U.S. college student Alecia Weaver spent her summer abroad – and how you can, too.
Take the first step
As a freshman, I was the definition of young, free and poor.At the end of my first semester, I glanced at the bulletin boards between classes.In the midst of the ads "Roommate wanted" and "Car for sale" I saw a flyer with the inscription "Would you like to live abroad for free during the summer??Yes!Are there other obvious questions?Where do I sign up?
My first summer abroad
The next summer I lived in Japan for eight weeks as a lifeguard and water safety instructor.Spending my weekends on more adventures than many students would dream of.In Kyoto, I saw geishas in traditional Japanese dress gliding past magnificent temples.In Hiroshima, I explored the Hiroshima Peace Memorial and stuffed myself with ¥100 ($1) sushi.In Tokyo, I danced in vibrant clubs in the Roppongi district until I could barely stand, and then went to sleep in a capsule hotel.
How I put the program together
But let me go back to how I was able to have these amazing experiences in the first place: Camp Adventure.Camp Adventure is a program that trains college and graduate students to become counselors and water safety instructors for children's camps.Summer camps last 8 to 12 weeks and are held at U.S. embassies and military bases in more than 150 locations in 19 countries around the world.
Some camps specialize in soccer, cheerleading, art and more.If you have a particular skill, you could teach it during the summer!If you really like the program, you can book 12- to 17-week camps in both the fall and spring semesters.Camp Adventure covers the cost of flights, accommodation and living expenses.College students also receive 12 hours of university credit, including internship credit.
After passing an interview at a designated leadership assessment center, Camp Adventure's training program includes 60 hours of training.My training was spread over six weekends during my spring semester.Training includes learning children's games and songs, conflict management, proper handling of bloodborne pathogens, and transitioning kids from one activity to the next.Of course, you learn a whole bunch of valuable skills along the way.Other requirements include having a valid passport, passing a background check, and being certified in first aid, CPR, and lifeguarding by the Red Cross.
What are you waiting for?
So what are you waiting for?Let Camp Adventure fly you around the world this summer!Experience adventures you could never have imagined.Acquire college loans.Living in a foreign country.Make new friends.Learn about a unique culture.Then put it all on your resume.Believe me, it looks good.