This week’s BLOG FOCUS found us chasing to keep up with PAUSE THE MOMENT…but we got a little side-tracked by the idea of a gap year in the Czech Republic. What would you do if you spent a year in the Czech Republic? Read on to gain some ideas…

Here’s the quick overview of what types of things you might encounter during a gap year in the Czech Republic:

• The Facts – The Czech Republic is a small, land-locked country in Central Europe, situated south-east of Germany, and bordering Austria to the south, Poland to the north, and Slovakia (which used to be combined with the Czech Republic and known as Czechoslovakia) to the south-east. One cool thing about the Czech Republic is it’s still getting its feet wet at independence. In November 1989, the communist government was peacefully overthrown in what is known as the “Velvet Revolution.”

• Cuisine – Traditional Czech food is heavy and hearty, perfect after a  long day’s work out in the fields. A traditional main meal of the day (usually lunch) consists of two or three dishes, with the first dish usually consisting of hot soup (polévka), the second dish being meat-based (plus a side), and the third dish being something smaller (like a vegetable salad or a dessert with coffee). Other traditional Czech dishes include knedlíky which are basically dumplings, pečená kachna (roast duck), and bramborák (garlicky potato pancakes).

• Cultural Details – Czech people will be offended if visitors make ignorant comments about whether Czechoslovakia still exists or if the country is a member of the Soviet Union. Czechs are “the most atheist people in the world” and they’re quite proud of it. Also, the main language spoken here is “Czech,” although you’ll find a small subset of people who speak “Slovak.” The Czech people are quite proud of their language, even in Prague it will be unusual to see a street sign in English. Most Czechs speak a second or third language, and English is pretty widely spoken.

• Currency -The Czech currency is called the koruna (crown). The code CZK is used internationally, but the abbreviation ” Kč (for Koruna česká)” is also widely used. The exchange rate is approximately: 25Kč = €1, 30Kč = £1 GBP, 20Kč = $1 USD. The currency is a little funky and takes some getting used to (it feels weird spending in thousands for something relatively inexpensive) but it’s uniqueness is a quintessential Czech characteristic.
• Things to see and do - No matter where you end up in the Czech Republic, you absolutely need to make a pit stop in Prague. There, you can take a free walking tour to get yourself situated and see things like the Astronomical Clock Tower, the Prague Cathedral, and Frank Gehry’s “Fred and Ginger” building bordering the Charles River. Don’t forget to trek across the Charles Bridge as well. You may also want to check out the towns of Olomouc and Cesky Krumlov as well.  

And, as always, here are some things you might consider doing while you’re spending your gap year in the Czech Republic – besides reading Kafka and trying to figure out the currency:

• Learn Czech – Spend your time in the Czech Republic taking an intensive language course, so you can converse with the locals and come away with fluency!
• Volunteer with the Earthwater Institute - Help restore the vital ecosystems that were damaged by acid rain in Northern Bohemia, Czech Republic.
• Volunteer with Concordia International Volunteers – Participate in a short-term volunteer project (for UK-residents only)
• Teach English – With a TEFL/TESOL certification, you’ll be able to make a difference and make some money!

Thinking about heading to the Czech Republic for a year – to learn, work, or study abroad? Have you been to there before and have additional advice? Leave us a note in the comment section below or message us on twitter (@iwishgapyear).

Also – do you have an idea of a country you’d like to spend a gap year in? Leave us a comment and we can get that information to you!

Kaitlyn Sullivan writes about taking a Day off in Mombassa in our latest edition of INSPIRE Gap Year Magazine.

OVERVIEW
Lying on the Indian Ocean, Mombasa is Kenya’s second largest city and a great destination for those who have a free day to indulge in some sightseeing. In fact, the city is actually an island connected to the mainland by bridges and ferries, giving the traveler a chance to see Mombasa’s wide harbor, where commercial shipping mingles with traditional sailing dhows.

The city has a long and saturated history, yet at the same time is a fascinating commercial and cosmopolitan port town. Those who do get a chance to explore this multinational city will find a distinct culture finely constructed by a richly diverse group of communities, including locals, Arabs, Asians and the British. Despite their diverse backgrounds, ethnicities and religions, the groups have been able to co-exist for hundreds of years. However, Mombasa is also nicknamed Kisiwa Cha Mvita (or Mvita) which translates to “Island of War” in Swahili, a result of Mombasa’s fascinating history of multiple ownerships.

OLD TOWN
Start off in Old Town, a part of Mombasa that is reminiscent of the days when the Arabs had wielded a heavy influence on the town and its culture, especially in the architecture and language. You’ll discover ancient buildings, extravagant art designs and curio shops that sell anything from antiques to popular Kenyan souvenirs. The streets are a sea of bright colors of the traditional coastal khanga and kikoy, the all purpose wrap-around cloth worn by both men and women. The air of is even distinctive, heavy with the scent of spices. Exotic bazaars and markets in Old Town are worth a stroll through if only for the atmosphere. A picturesque walk through its winding alleyways will reveal a combination of old and new as well as an obvious blend of the many ethnicities that exist in this cosmopolitan city. The architecture of the various mosques, Christian churches and Hindu temples will further provide a clue to the city’s unique diversity.

FORT JESUS
Next, head off to Fort Jesus, built in 1593 and just steps away from Old Town. Standing at the water’s edge, the Portuguese fort was built in 1593 by the Italian architect and engineer Joao Batista Cairato. At that time Portugal was under the King of Spain, and Fort Jesus was one of the fortresses with which the Spanish crown attempted to maintain its empire. Originally built in order to protect their trade route in India and their interests in East Africa, it served the needs of different occupants throughout its existence.

The fort secured the safety of the Portuguese for nearly 200 years before the British had it converted into a prison in 1895. On October 24, 1958 fort Jesus was declared a national entity in the custody of the Trustees of the Kenya National Parks.

Since then, the fort has been converted into national museum, holding a number of artifacts well worth a visit. The fort is even considered Mombasa’s most popular tourist attraction and a testament to Mombasa’s tumultuous past.

GETTING THERE

If you’re not up for walking, the fastest way of getting around Mombasa is by taking a matatus, a mini bus, or a tuk tuk, a three person taxi. Both are inexpensive and worth the experience.
Prices for matatus and tuk tuks vary but are usually cheap and efficient ways of transportation.

What are your experiences of Mombassa?

This week’s BLOG FOCUS takes us to Pause the Moment, the blog of twenty-somethings Ryan and Liz, who practiced the art of being frugal in order to save for a round-the-world jaunt. Their travel tips can definitely be applied to a gap year or volunteer abroad project. Join us as we explore Pause the Moment…

Ryan and Liz’s blog is pure travel inspiration. They include numerous photo and video montages of the exciting places they’ve traveled since June 5, 2010: Prague, Krakow, Paris, Thailand, Egypt, and Greece, just to name a few.

In their About section they explain what the purpose of their trip is all about:

“We’re heading off to explore our dream destinations, get off the beaten track, experience what daily life is like in less fortunate countries and to meet new friends of many colors, religions, and walks of life from all over the world. Maybe, just maybe we’ll come back from this trip with a whole new outlook on life. Hell, it may even remind us to appreciate all of the luxuries that we wake up to and take advantage of each and every day back home…”

Ryan and Liz have carefully saved and budgeted for this trip which has proven to be very important for them, especially since they have no set itinerary and are not sure how long they’ll be traveling for. Throughout their blog posts, they make note of how much they are spending in different locations – and it sure seems like they’re getting the most for their money. With authentic chicken Pad Thai on the street in Thailand for 1.26 USD and a near-luxurious hostel in Krakow for $20 per person, per night they really are making the most of every dollar.

Other helpful elements of this blog include the photo display of everything Ryan and Liz took on their trip. From specific electronic devices to fast-drying athletic T-shirts, this reference is a fun way to get to know them better, as well as to snag an idea or two.

The best thing about Pause the Moment, however, is the way Ryan and Liz weave their true desire to learn and explore as much as they can together with their sense of humor. In one humorous post while the duo was in Prague, for example, they explain how they had a comical encounter at dinner:

“Our night only got more interesting when we experienced a divorce first hand as divorce papers were passed across our table between a man and a woman who were attending dinner with us. Talk about an odd situation.”

In addition the humorous anecdotes, Ryan and Liz have a truly impressive photo collection of their travels. These alone can make anyone start stalking Kayak.com for a flight deal overseas.

They offer helpful, affordable, and practical travel tips, making “Pause the Moment” read like a combination of an adventurous and younger take on Rick Steves combined with the right amount of travel inspiration to encourage just about anyone to think beyond their cubical, 9-5, or classroom to get out there and really learn by doing and exploring.

Are you thinking about trekking abroad? Check out Pause the Moment for inspiration and some quick tips. As always, don’t forget to check out our website for more travel details and follow us on twitter (@iwishgapyear)!

“When I came to the University I was not sure about what I wanted to do, but I knew I wanted to study abroad ever since high school,” Leslie said. “It was the one thing I was excited about, living in a new place for a semester.”

Leslie talked to I Wish Gap Year writer Megan Smith about her time studying and living in Valencia.  You can read more below, alternatively the full article can be found in our INSPIRE Gap Year Magazine!

By the time of her first year of University, Leslie was already looking at programs through FSU International Programs to get involved in. Even though she knew she would not be studying till her second year, she wanted to get a head start.
“I chose the program in Valencia because although it was smaller, it was unique. It just seemed well organized and successful,” Leslie said. “It was also a nice facility and the classes went towards my major so I wasn’t just taking random classes.”
By choosing a program that ran through her University, Leslie was able to supply the financial support available in the U.S. towards the program, as well as the work contributing to her final degree. It was that easy, she said.
The one obstacle to overcome was money. Leslie was surprised at the USD$13,000 cost of the programme. Even though the cost included everything from board to meals, it was still an intimidating task to take on as a college student. But according to Leslie, there was a silver lining.

“I had some help from my parents but I was basically on my own, I worked over the summer and was able to apply my U.S. based financial support. I also took out some loans and used my savings,” said Leslie. “It was expensive, but completely worth it.”
After handling her financial affairs, everything else became “exceedingly easy”. Her University, FSU helped her greatly with the administration process and emailed her frequently to remind her of due dates for forms and such. She began the application process before the academic year, “Even though the process only takes a few months I started my paperwork over the summer,” Leslie said. “I was just so excited to go though.”

Soon enough, Leslie’s wait and work paid off. In January 2010, she set off on her next adventure in Spain. After the jet lag and the first few crash courses in the city, she felt immediately at home.  “I was living in a new city and becoming a local, seeing the culture and “being a part of it,” Leslie said.

She described a typical day in Spain as a wonderful learning experience. From figuring out cultural nuances, to bonding with roommates and discovering something new about Valencia every day.   By day she studied marketing, business, Spanish and multinational business operations in a hands on approach in Valencia.
“Compared to studying at FSU it was easier,” said Leslie. “You actively participate, but you have to manage your time between school and your social life in order to do well.”

Class would continue on during the Spanish siesta (from 2-6pm) and after students would hang out and play soccer. Dinner started around 9:30, much later than the Unites States, where dinner can start anywhere from 5 to 8. Something Leslie said took a while to get used to.

After Tuesday’s Blog Focus on “Nourishing the Planet” and border jumping across Africa, we have a gap year in Africa on the brain. This week’s FRIDAY FEATURE explores a gap year in Kenya. So join us as we delve into this vibrant and inspiring country…

If you’re considering spending some time on a gap year in the near future, some time in Africa will undoubtedly expose you to a life different from yours. You may be out of your comfort zone occasionally, but you’ll also come to know a unique culture and beautiful terrain. Here are the details for what a gap year in Kenya might be like:

• Quick Facts – Kenya is located in Eastern Africa. It borders the Indian Ocean, Somalia, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Sudan, and Uganda. Kenya has one of the more powerful African economies, but it is still a developing country. The poor quality of life may come as a shock to some people who are unfamiliar with developing countries, and the HIV/AIDS epidemic has left parts of the country in social upheaval in recent years. Kenyans have a strong sense of national pride, in part due to the unity for the struggle for “uhuru” (independence from British rule) which was achieved in 1963.

• Cuisine - Nairobi has some of the most finest eating establishments in Africa, with a wide range of ethnic cuisines as well as every style of food – from fast food to fancy. Also, Kenyan beer is pretty decent, with one particular brand known as “Tusker Lager” is widely available, but you can also find imported beer and wine.

• Shopping Tips – Kenya is famous for many different types of handicrafts, many of which are particular to certain tribes or regions. The largest selection of handicrafts can be found at Maasai Market in Nairobi on Tuesdays. Also, you should make sure to listen to some Kenyan music – especially Reggae.

• Cultural Details - Kenya is predominately Christian, but it has a large Muslim influence as well. English and Swahili are the two official languages. You can get by with English mostly, but a few simple phrases in Swahili will go a long way.

• Sightseeing – There’s a lot to see and do in Kenya. It has some of the best game reserves where you can see some of the best African flora and fauna. Kenya is also a great destination for beach holidays, as well as golf vacations or excursions. While you’re there, you can also you can also find time to take part in activities like ice-skating, scuba-diving, snorkeling, sailing, waterskiing, swimming, surfing, deep sea fishing, or climbing Mount Kenya.

Need some ideas for what to do on a Kenyan gap year? Check out these suggestions below:

• Conservation - While in Kenya, you can work to participate in a project where you’ll be working on animal conservation. Are you an animal lover looking to go to Kenya? This may be the gap year experience for you.

• Care Work - There are many children who have been orphaned due to the outbreak of HIV/AIDS and malaria. This gap year project will allow you to connect with these children and make a real, measurable impact in their lives. In particular, if you have any medical experience this could be a good option for you, since people with medical knowledge are needed in the dispensaries.

• Sports Coaching- You’ll spend your year coaching swimming near the beautiful island of Mombasa. Many children die in water-related accidents each year because they are unable to swim, and it’s hard to learn to swim in the Mombasa area due to the water conditions. If you embark on this project, you’ll be more than doing your part to reduce these accidents.

• Teaching – You can teach kids ages 3-16 in government or private schools. The schools themselves are quite small so you’ll instantly have a family in Kenya to interact with and call your own.

• Medical Internships - You’ll gain valuable experience for your CV or resume as well as a position in a hospital that changes daily.

• Learn Swahili – Before you undertake a gap year in Kenya, you can take a one-week intensive course on Swahili to help you get your bearings.

Have we convinced you to go to Kenya? Book that flight and make sure to tell us about every leg of your adventure. You can connect with us through our website (and check out the Gap Year Guide on Kenya for more info) or reach us on twitter (@iwishgapyear). Happy travels!

So this week we tried to keep our latest Where In The World Post as close to that of our blog focus on Tuesday.  Well what a great blog that is, but it was certainly hard to keep these pics as closely related as possible.

Have a go, see what you think and you even have clues this week!

ONE

Where are these?

Can be found in a Christian country located on the Horn of Africa

TWO

Name the Dam?

Located on the border with two countries beginning with Z

THREE

Where is the Church?

No clue with this one – sorry!

So what do you think?  Any ideas?

]]> http://www.iwishgapyear.com/blog/2010/08/26/where-in-the-world-3/feed/ 1 http://www.iwishgapyear.com/blog/2010/08/26/where-in-the-world-3/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/IWishGapYear/~3/348ikfIp4Ow/ http://www.iwishgapyear.com/blog/2010/08/24/blog-focus-nourishing-the-planet/#comments Tue, 24 Aug 2010 12:45:19 +0000 Gillian http://www.iwishgapyear.com/blog/?p=891

This week’s Blog Focus takes us to the continent of Africa, where Bernard Pollack and Danielle Nierenberg have lived the life of border jumpers since October 2009. Join us as we explore their travels and good-will adventures as they cross numerous African borders with their blog, Nourishing the Planet.

Bernard and Danielle’s journey began with a mission of visiting just about every country in Africa where they would meet with farmers, community leaders, labor organizers and activists, unions, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the funding communities, and local press with the goal of bringing stories of hope to the larger world audience.

Danielle is an expert on livestock and sustainability and is the Project Director for the think-tank known as the State of the World 2011. She specifically is looking for solutions to alleviate global poverty and hunger, and blogging about it every step of the way on “Nourishing the Planet.” Bernard is the communications and labor movements specialist, and together the two contribute to “Nourishing the Planet” more than once each day to share their experiences with as large an audience as possible.

Their blog features many in-depth explorations at problems and possible solutions they encounter. In one post, called “Innovation of the Week: For Pest Control, Following Nature’s Lead” the duo explains how the best way to deal with pests is to live in harmony with them:

“It might feel counterintuitive, but the more varieties of vegetables, plants, and insects that are included in a garden, the less vulnerable any single crop becomes.”

In “Curb Your Water Use with National Geographic’s Water Calculator,” an intern with the Nourishing the Planet project highlights just how much water Americans use, and offers the calculator to drive the point home:

” [The calculator] allows consumers to discover how much water is used in typical daily activities, and determine their “water footprint.”  Users can also compare their footprint with the average American and see how they fare.”

Beyond the straight-forward, instructional components of the Nourishing the Planet blog, Danielle and Bernard include posts like “In Case You Missed It, The Week in Review” where they outline all of the goings-on in their project. This past week’s post included this info-heavy post:

“The United Nations declared an International Year of Youth to promote empowering young women and men in alleviating global hunger and poverty.  We met Yao Afantchao, a Togolese farmer working with the University of the District of Columbia’s agricultural extension services and learned how he is helping Maryland’s farmers tap into new markets with African indigenous vegetables.”

Another great feature of this blog is the “Snapshots from the Field” category of posts. Each week, the team selects a photo of a favorite memory from their time in Africa. The August 22nd photo was this one, taken from their visit to ECOVA MALI, “a non-profit based outside of Bamako that hires local experts to provide “hands-on” agricultural training, as well as instruction on business planning, basic accounting, and marketing to Malian farmers.”

While Bernard and Danielle aren’t exactly participating in a typical “gap year,” their zest for adventure and desire to obtain real, verifiable impact is nothing short of admirable and inspirational. If you’re interested in learning more about their work, check out Nourishing the Planet as well as their numerous social media accounts. For more specific details about Africa itself, head to our gap year guides on our website.

Our great new Gap Year Magazine INSPIRE, gives you some wonderful inspiration for your Gap Year and general travels.  Here, in this brief excerpt from our article, Megan Smith talks about the many reasons for visiting India on your Gap Year.

“India is a fascinating place. A popular tourist destination, India offers the best in history, food, culture and sights. Beyond the known sights and cities, India is home to 1.1 Billion people and growing at a constant rate. These people live and breathe the real India that you should get to see and know, where divine religion and culture make everyday a true Indian adventure.

Culture

India is renowned for its culture. The lifeblood of the country lies in its mystique of ritualistic day to day occurrences. Everything from feasting to festivities can be seen as a unique part of the Indian lifestyle.

Religion

In India, it seems everything is interconnected. Food is a part of culture, culture is a daily activity and the daily activity is religion. The appetite for spirituality can be seen in custom, law and tradition where polytheism reins king.

History

Birthplace of the Indus Valley Civilization and connector of East and West, India is steeped in a diverse and cultural history.   India’s history goes dates back to 2500 B.C. where many empires have ruled over India, such as the Gupta dynasty.

Volunteering

According to the Word Bank, a 2005 study shows that 42% of India falls below the poverty line, as well as harboring over a third of the worlds’ poor. A stagnant caste system and low economic growth rates have led to an exceedingly poor nation. India is the perfect place to begin volunteering abroad due to these conditions.

Language

When arriving in India, you will see that many people speak English. This is great for tourists, but enables us to stay comfortable when traveling. Instead of reverting to your language, try out the native tongue and the world’s third most spoken idiom.

The Food

Can a dish bring spiritual harmony? Indian dishes are not only flavored by an abundance of spices and smells, but heavily influenced by culture and religion. Even sacred cows are held in high regard and are not eaten, ever since the Gupta period.

To read the full article on why you should take a Gap Year in India and for other great articles, then read our magazine here.

This week’s Blog Focus on Jessica Marsden’s blog, “To China…and Beyond!” got China on our brains. We’re devoting this week to exploring the concept of a gap year in China. Read on…

China’s culture is hard to pin down because it is comprised of so many different important elements. From the Great Wall to the cuisine and languages, there is something for everyone and many different aspects of the term “culture” to get to know while you’re there. Here are the quick details you’ll need to know before planning a trip to China:

• Overview - China, also known as the People’s Republic of China, is a massive country in Eastern Asia. The country itself is about the same size as the United States, and has the world’s largest population. China borders 14 nations as well as the East China Sea, Korea Bay, Yellow Sea, and the South China Sea. China’s history is extensive – for a synopsis of everything from dynasties to Mao,  head to our gap year guide.

• Cuisine - Chinese food…ah, a classic staple in any young person’s diet, right? Little did you know, however, that Chinese food varies widely from region to region, so saying “Chinese food” means about as much as saying “Western food” would. Be sure to try a range of cuisines while you’re in China – like Beijing’s home-style noodles and baozi, Peking duck, Cantonese dim sum, and Shanghai’s chive dumplings. Also, be sure to brush up on your chopstick skills – food is most commonly eaten with them.

• Currency – The currency of the People’s Republic of China is called the renminbi, or “People’s Money.” It is abbreviated RMB. The base unit is the yuan (CNY).

• Climate - China’s climate is extremely diverse (noticing a trend?) It can range from tropical regions in the south to subarctic in the north. In case you weren’t convinced that China really is massive, Hainan Island is at about the same latitude as Jamaica, while Harbin (one of the largest cities in the north) has a latitude approximately equal to that of Montreal.

• Sight-seeing - There is an endless array of things to do in China. You may haven’t considered getting a massage…but you should! You can get foot massages for 15 to 60 yuan as well as head or full-body massages.

• Cultural Tips- Helpful hint: Tipping isn’t required, and in some cases can actually be frowned upon and seen as disrespectful. If you plan on presenting a business card, it’s customary to present it with both hands at the same time. Also, if you’re visiting someone’s home, a small gift to show your appreciation is always welcome.

Are you strongly considering a gap year in China? Here are some options of what you can get involved with while you’re there:

• Conservation Project: Spend your gap year working as an assistant panda keeper at an animal sanctuary in China. You’ll get full training and work from 8 to 5 generally each day, with multiple breaks thrown in. This experience should definitely be on any “Top 10″ gap year lists.
• Teaching: Volunteer with Lucky Kids Kindergarten where you’ll be teaching English in a fun, relaxed, and interactive environment. You’ll be working with kids ages 3-6 so bring your energy and creativity!
• Healthcare work: You can participate in a medical internship at a hospital in Beijing, shadowing doctors and uncovering the unique mix of Eastern and Western medical practices.
• PR and Events: You’ll gain valuable experience for your CV or resume and set yourself apart from everyone else trying to break into this industry – especially if you’re a recent graduate!
• Learn Mandarin: Learn Mandarin Chinese at the cosmopolitan Yantai University. One-fifth of the world’s population speaks Mandarin – so you’ll have no shortage of chances to practice speaking.

Are you dying to get your visa and book that flight over there? Check out our gap year guide for more detailed information and follow us on twitter (@iwishgapyear) for the up-to-the-minute news in all things gap year!

For our latest edition of “Where in the World”, we are moving from Canada to China.  Test your knowledge and see if you can guess where in China these are from?

ONE

TWO

THREE

FOUR

Although some might be harder than others, looking at these four great photos just makes me really want to pack up and take off to China.

Thanks for the photos goes to: from sxc.hu …. 1) jont  2)leozah  3)ZaNuDa and 4)CreativeCommons