Photos: author

It’s quite natural to claim your home city as the best and to look down your noses at the heathens in your rival city. Sydney has held Australia’s spotlight for some time now as the “place to be”. They have the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and beautiful beaches. They had the 2000 Summer Olympic Games.

But there was a reason we chose Melbourne when we moved to Australia almost two years ago. And no, it wasn’t because of the weather (it’s surprisingly cold and rainy here).

We’ve fallen in love with the city, with the cafe culture, the gorgeous and varied buildings, and the ease of moving around — both by public transit and by bicycle. You can spend days wandering around Melbourne’s inner suburbs — St. Kilda, Fitzroy, Brunswick, Prahran, Richmond, Collingwood, Footscray — each one claiming a unique culture and vibe.

Survey says what?

I’ve known it, the residents of Melbourne have known it, and now, apparently, the rest of Australia knows it. Melbourne is Australia’s most liveable city, according to this article in The Age that is. The results of an annual survey of 1200 Aussies have been released and Melbourne is the clear winner when it comes to sporting and cultural events, shopping and restaurants, cafes, clubs, and bars.

Melbourne has the Australian Open, the Melbourne Cup, the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix. It has the cafes, the compact and interesting CBD, and an outstanding music scene. The shopping is second to none (at least my wife tells me — and I have good reason to believe her).

The tables have turned. The scales have tipped. Since 1999, Melbourne has crept up on Sydney and now holds a comfortable lead. I’ve visited Sydney several times and I’m backing up this survey 100%. Sydney is car-centric. The roads are massive and the vehicles plentiful. Public transport is a pain to use, and the bus drivers I’ve encountered were very unfriendly.

Other than the surf culture around the beaches, I don’t feel a vibe, except for the vibe of aggressive drivers honking at each other.

The debate isn’t new. The rivalry is even listed on Wikipedia and a quick Google search for “Melbourne vs. Sydney” will come up with many hits, which most seem to favor Melbourne.

Sydney. It’s a nice place to visit, but I wouldn’t want to live there.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION

For some of my favorite pastimes here, check out 5 Things to Do in Melbourne.

What have you got to say for yourself Sydney? Prove me wrong!

Photo: author author

Most foreign travelers looking to learn Spanish in Guatemala make Antigua their first and longest stop, charmed by its cobblestone streets and its lively bar and club scene. More serious travelers, however, take the 4-hour bus ride to Quetzaltenango (or Xela) for a different kind of experience.

While Antigua offers a lot, there are compelling reasons for giving Guatemala’s second city another look.

Fewer Gringoes

Antigua is well known for its influx of would-be Spanish speakers, and that’s the very reason I recommend avoiding it. With an estimated population of 35,000, many of them European and North American expats, the odds alone suggest you are more likely to end up in conversation with another English-speaker in Antigua.

In Quetzaltenango (almost eight times the size of Antigua) you’re more likely to meet serious Spanish students and groups from universities who stay for stretches at a time rather than the casual travelers learning how to order a cerveza.

And homestays, which are as common as black beans and rice in Guatemala, suffer the same pitfalls as the language schools in Antigua. The abundance of gringoes has converted many a host family’s dwelling into more of a hotel.

Aside from the included meals, your experience ends up offering a hostel environment rather than a glimpse into Guatemalan life.

In Xela, you’ll spend more time engaging with your host family in Spanish there and less time planning your social life with the rest of the U.S. travelers.

Better Study and Volunteer Opportunities

With an estimated population of 250,000, Quetzaltenango has a distinctly more urban feel than Antigua or any of the more remote villages of Guatemala often pictured in photographs. As such, its schools offer a wide array of cultural, volunteer and social opportunities not to be found in smaller locales.

The Instituto Central America (ICA), a 30-year-old Spanish language school in Xela, has a sister organization called ICAmigos which pairs students with volunteer projects ranging from reforestation to literacy.

Meanwhile,the Celas Maya Spanish School emphasizes the importance of education for indigenous people, and offers students language classes in K’iche, the Mayan language of the region.

Hooking up with schools is easy. Book online or inquire after you arrive. Classes at most schools last 4-5 hours per day, in either the afternoon or evening, while volunteer opportunities can take up the rest of the day.

One tip: don’t be afraid to switch schools, teachers or homestays, even mid-week, if things aren’t working out. Teachers have different styles, schools have different philosophies and all homestays are, obviously, unique. You’re there to learn. No one will be offended if you ask the director of the school for another arrangement.

Exploring Xela

On the weekends, you can explore the Mercado la Democracia, a sprawling commercial district of vendors hawking everything from traditional Mayan wares to Pampers and plantains.

Or you can sip coffee on the terrace of Café la Luna and gaze out over the central park of Xela while you practice your verb conjugations. Guatemala is one of the largest coffee producers in the world, and here you can sample some of its finest.

And on any night of the week you can find free salsa lessons. Unlike Guatemala City, spending the night out is relatively safe, and unlike Antigua, you actually have a chance to converse with locals rather than other travelers.

Surrounding Areas

Most schools organize activities in the surrounding area, such as hikes up Volcan Santa Maria, or afternoons at Fuentes Georginas, the country’s most popular natural springs.

To go to Santa Maria, leave first thing in the morning from Xela. The ascent takes 4 hours at a brisk pace, although you’ll probably get passed by Mayan women in sandals balancing baskets and babies on their backs. It’s a humbling experience as you’re huffing your way up.

On the weekend you may encounter a Mayan religious ceremony at the summit, with indigenous people participating in call-and-response style prayers that include shouting, jumping and singing in a mixture of indigenous and Catholic beliefs.

Alternatively, many tour operators and Spanish schools offer monthly moonlit tours. Bundle up and bring a flashlight.

The hot springs at Fuentes Georginas are phenomenal. Spend enough time in any Guatemalan town of decent size and undoubtedly the exhaust from the chicken buses will start to wear on you. These springs are a brilliant relief from the pollution and frenzy of city life.

From Xela, the hot springs are about an hour’s drive. Fuentes consists of four pools, each one hotter than the next, all heated by natural sulfur springs. There’s also a nature walk, restaurant and bungalows if you’re inclined to stay the night.

From Xela, you can take a four-hour tour from any number of operators in town, or venture on your own. Take a chicken bus to Zunil, the nearest town, then another up to the springs.

Xela might not yet be on most travelers’ itineraries in Guatemala — and that’s exactly why it’s worth checking out. Even if you’re set on studying in Antigua, it’s worth it to pop down for a weekend or so to check out what Xela has to offer.

Community Connection

Planning a trip to Guatemala? Read Rachel Ward’s story of losing her travel virginity in Guatemala. If you’re interested in volunteering, check out options for working with A Safe Passage.

All photos courtesy of the author.

1. Geneva is a city with much to offer but at a steep price.

Everything from a night out to groceries is expensive, but there are ways to avoid the Geneva money-trap.

Denner is a cheap and decent place to buy groceries. While it may not carry every item you need, it has the basics and then some, including all the alcohol and chocolate a person could want.

Going out to bars and clubs on the weekends can be fun, but for those on a budget it’s probably best to limit nights out to special occasions.

Drinks at clubs can cost a fortune; I once paid 30 CHF, about the equivalent of $27, for one drink. As an alternative to going out every weekend, sit by the lake and enjoy a bottle of wine with friends.

2. It’s best to travel from Geneva by train.

Although Switzerland is at the center of Europe, it’s not so easy to find flights out of Geneva to where you want to go.

Traveling by train makes getting around easier and cheaper, especially with a half-fare card. This card costs 150 CHF for a year and saves you 50 percent off any tickets for travel within Switzerland.

3. Some bathrooms cost money to use.

Oftentimes train stations charge about 2 CHF to use restrooms. Those restrooms are better kept and cleaner, but they’re not the only ones available. In Geneva’s main train station there are free public restrooms in the bottom level.

4. The winters are cold.

Think of Geneva as the Chicago of Europe — the windy city. During the winter, the winds are especially brutal, so be sure to pack a heavy coat, scarves, gloves and hats.

5. Geneva is a French-speaking city.

Unlike most of Switzerland, the main language of Geneva is not German.

With the city located so close to the border with France, most people speak French and many even commute from France to work in Geneva.

6. The Swiss are very punctual.

Unless there’s an accident, trains always run on time in Switzerland, so don’t be late!

7. The last train out of Geneva leaves around midnight.

If you will be living just outside of Geneva, this is good to know. However, if you miss the train or are planning a late night, you can catch a night bus.

You may have the feeling of being kidnapped in these small vans, but they offer a cheaper alternative to cabs. They run about once every hour and a half in the very early morning hours and stop only at select spots.

8. Geneva is a great place to try skiing and paragliding.

The Alps make skiing convenient almost year-round, and there are many ski resorts in the area.

Paragliding off the top of Le Saleve, a mountain just across the border in France, allows you to see all of Geneva — the lake, fountain and mountains.

Geneva Study Abroad Programs

There are many study abroad programs in Geneva, so it helps to know which stand above the others.

My personal experience was with Webster University, which has its own campus in Geneva. Webster offers 8-week, semester, year and summer-long programs. Another perk, the school also covers round-trip airfare for undergraduates in good standing.

Kent State also has a solid study abroad program in Geneva, which allows students the chance to intern with a non-governmental organization during their stay. Students can live in dorms or with locals. Semester and summer programs are available.

Smith College, in Massachusetts, offers a yearlong study abroad internship program in Geneva in which students live in dorms with other international students. Students must have at least four years of college and have taken two years of French to be eligible.

For a comprehensive list of study abroad programs in Geneva, check out the Geneva page at studyabroad.com.

Photo by i:txhar

Taking a taxi in Cairo is the Egyptian equivalent of Russian Roulette.

You’re going to need nerves of steel, plus a little bit of luck, if you want to arrive at your destination with life, limb and wallet all intact.

Appearances are everything

There are no meters, and no set fares, so the drivers charge as much as they can. Exploiting tourists has understandably been raised to an art form – a sort of legalized, semi-consensual mugging – so you want to appear as integrated into the local culture as possible.

Photo by storozhenko

Think about how you are dressed when you go out. In general, the fewer clothes you are wearing, the higher the fare will be.

Bermuda shorts and a muscle vest never look cool, so why pay extra to wear them?

Most importantly, lose the bottle of water.

No, really! Nothing screams “tourist” so loudly as a foreigner clutching a bottle of mineral water to his (or her) chest like a travel comfort blanket.

At the very least, bury it in your bag. And it helps if your bag actually looks like a bag, rather than a strap-tastic day pack with multiple-pocket-disorder that, let’s face it, you wouldn’t be seen dead with back home.

Finding a taxi in Cairo is never a problem.

They patrol the streets of the city like ravenous mechanical sharks, seeking out easy prey.

Photo by tronics

Flag down a taxi by raising your hand slightly, as if you are bidding at auction.

Don’t shout and wave your arms: you are not on a Hollywood film set, and the locals only shout when they are talking to someone who is standing right next to them.

Greet the driver through the window with as confident a “salaamu alaykum” (peace be upon you) as you can muster, and just state the general district of Cairo you want to go to. You can be more specific when you are nearer your destination.

If the driver’s happy to take the fare, he’ll flick you a nod or a grunt whilst pulling away, so jump in quickly. Women should avoid sitting next to the driver, unless you want him to think you have a different sort of ride in mind.

Smoke and mirrors

To survive the journey with only minimal psychological damage, you will need both the patience and the fatalism of a saint.

You’ll spend most of the ride spluttering and wheezing your way through the inevitably gridlocked Cairo traffic, but when a gap does open up, you’ll career through it like a kamikaze rally driver on crank.

Lane markings and traffic lights are treated as irrelevant urban art installations, and rules of the road as nothing more than a quaint rumour.

Most drivers think indicating direction is a sign of weakness, and only use their brakes as a last resort.

They use their horns, however, with passion and commitment: like a cacophony of bats that avoid bumping into things by constantly squeaking.

Photo by xiaojiecha

Your driver will smoke, and he will talk on his mobile phone.

He’ll lean out of the car to abuse other drivers, yet he’ll manage to look you in the eye whilst asking the most intrusive personal questions.

He’ll also thoroughly examine you using his multiple interior mirrors. Ladies, watch your angles!

To cope with all this, you need to adopt the insha’Allah (“God willing”) approach to life.

The insha’Allah world view says that everything that happens on Earth is God’s will.

Even if you are hurtling the wrong way down a one way street, while your taxi driver simultaneously texts his wife and grills you about yours, there is nothing you can do about it.

Your story has already been written, so just relax.

Photo by zozo2k3

Failing this, tool up with some ear plugs and an eye mask, and try to ride it all out in the same way you would a bad acid trip.

Payment

There are two schools of thought on this. One, is that you should negotiate the fare before you even get in the car. This is what most tourists do, but it’s hard to get a fair price this way.

Alternatively, if you know roughly what the journey should cost, then it’s better to pay at the end. Be sure to err on the side of generosity, and make sure you have the correct change. The driver certainly won’t give you any of his.

There is a certain technique to this. Jump out of the cab, and pass the money back in through the window. You should aim to pay with as grubby and disorganised a bundle of notes as possible.

Destinations

Community Connection to Egypt

By the time your driver realizes that he has lost the opportunity to scam you, you’ll be long gone.

Now’s the time to give thanks to your higher power of choice that you survived the journey in one piece.

Take a life-affirming breath of exhaust fumes and exotica, savour the contrast between the car horns and the Call to Prayer, and set off to explore the boundaries of your new-found insha’Allah approach to life.

You might even take that bottle of water out of your bag.

Community Connection

Nick Rowlands is Matador’s resident Egypt expert.

For a much more chill side of Egypt, check out Benjamin Orbach’s guide to Basata, a peaceful beach town on the Sinai.

Photo by etoile

Despite how daunting it might be to pick up and move to a new country, especially one with the loaded history of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City can be a surprisingly manageable place to live.

So, why SGN?

One obvious reason to choose Southeast Asia, and Saigon in particular, is that the region offers incredible value.

Photo by augapfel

Rent, food, beer, and transportation are easily covered by an English teacher’s salary.

Even in ‘slow’ months, (like May, when school ends and summer sessions are just picking up) working 20 hours a week provides a sufficient living wage.

That’s 50% of your typical workload at a job that’s at least twice as fun as working for the man back home.

So really, the only question is: what should you do with all the free time?

Fortunately, Ho Chi Minh City is anything but boring. Whiz around the bright streets on a motorbike, check out museums and parks, admire colonial architecture, or browse one of the many overwhelmingly markets.

The city has tons of chill bars, quality restaurants and hip nightclubs to check out, with a niche for every possible taste (you can find ideas in Word HCMC magazine).

Think you’ll have trouble convincing Mom and Dad?

As my own father put it:

“When I was your age, I was doing everything I could NOT to go to Vietnam.”

However, these days HCMC is a thoroughly friendly, modern place that is probably safer than your hometown.

Photo by Tuey

Guns are illegal and crime is relatively rare and petty.

The biggest concern? Traffic.

But never fear, since the government began enforcing a mandatory helmet law (passed in 2008), the streets are significantly safer.

Another way to comfort parents, or yourself, is to volunteer or complete an English teaching certificate course in the city before looking for work.

These options provide a structure for the first weeks here and can help you get settled.

Once settled, you’ll probably need to get a job.

Teaching English is by far the most available and popular employment for young expats in HCMC.

Going through a TEFL or TESOL certification program (as I did) is a more expensive route, but provides a structure and instant network of support.

For example, check out the organizations LanguageCorps or ILA.

Teaching jobs are plentiful and higher paid than in surrounding countries.

Not a teacher? Hate teaching?

Photo by brianholsclaw

It is possible to find other types of jobs in HCMC, but you must be relatively motivated and it helps to have a working knowledge of Vietnamese.

Since HCMC is the economic hub of the country, many people find work in international banks or marketing firms.

I have friends, many of whom were originally English teachers, who now work in banks, television production companies, law firms and even MBA graduate programs and internships.

If you’ve already got a bankroll, there are many volunteer opportunities that can be very worthwhile, such as helping in orphanages, working with Habitat for Humanity, or teaching English and business skills to under-served groups (check out Sozo Café on Bui Vien Street).

Note that almost all international NGOs are based out of the post-war northern capital, Ha Noi, and so these types of jobs are less available in the south.

Finding a home, making friends, and creating a life:

Saigon real estate has gotten increasingly pricey in the past year, but the city can still be considered a major bargain when compared with comparable cities in the states.

District One and District Three are usually more expensive, but there is plenty of expat turnover so rooms in houses and apartments are often available (sometimes with cool roommates!).

Outside of downtown but still convenient are District Ten, Binh Thanh District and Phu Nhuan.

These districts are significantly less expensive than popular ex pat spots, with the added charm of being local neighborhoods that are still just a quick motorbike ride to downtown.

Apartments, classifieds, expat advice and forums can be found online via Facebook or on the website Living In Vietnam.

While teaching is a great way to make friends with both locals and foreigners, networking and becoming involved in extracurricular activities such as yoga or basketball is as simple as finding the motivation to try something new.

There’s also an active group of Couchsurfers in Saigon.

Photo by numberjuan

Still not convinced?

The Wall Street Journal interviewed recent college grads to highlight how the current economic slump is preventing young people from attaining gainful employment (or any employment whatsoever).

According to the resulting article, while going to grad school might be the best option for recent college grads struggling to get a job, another option to consider during the recession is to travel and work abroad.

Living and working in Ho Chi Minh City this past year has allowed me to pay rent, travel, and live comfortably within my own means… and isn’t that just music to every recent college grad’s ears?

COMMUNITY CONNECTION:

Saigon makes our list of the 5 Best Cities To Live In If The Economy Keeps Tanking.

Matador Trips editor Hal Amen recently gave the lowdown on cycling Highway One in Vietnam, one of Southeast Asia’s classic expeditions.

Destinations

Community Connection to Vietnam

Matador blogger Jules Atkins, one of the best backpacking writers on the planet, wrote about motorcycle madness in Saigon during her trip around Southeast Asia.

JoshyWashington is Matador’s resident expert on Saigon.

Before you go to Saigon, be sure to check out the comprehensive and accurate Saigon city guide at Travelfish.

Another great Vietnam travel resource is expert travel writer Robert Reid’s free online Vietnam guide.

Matt Gross, who is pretty much the only reason to read the New York Times travel section, recently published a terrific article about boutique comfort in Saigon, a city he knows better than most ex pats.

Editor’s Note:

Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City, HCMC, Than Po – what to call the place?

Well, most locals say Saigon, though officials from Northern Vietnam sure the heck don’t.

HCMC is an easy way to write the official post-war full name – Ho Chi Minh City. Calling the city Than Po is like saying, “The City” – which probably explains the popularity of the phrase among ex pat New Yorkers.

Guaranteed, we’ll get comments on this article from people pissed off about what we call the place. To them we say – call it whatever you want, it’s still a great city.

Photo by Tallkev______Feature pic. by Mhogan35

Keep your sushi simple. Avoid rolls with mayonnaise or anything deep-fried.

If the highlight of your meal is a spicy tuna roll, you’re in trouble.

Pink Sherbert Photography

1. Pick Your Master Chef

Make no mistake: although sushi is often the main attraction in upscale Japanese restaurants, there is lots of lousy sushi out there. Let’s start from the bottom of the barrel.

Pre-packaged

I don’t care if it was made at Whole Foods with all-natural ingredients; the freshness and quality of fish in most prepackaged sushi samplers is laughable.

Why spent a minimum of $8 on a cheap sushi lunch when you can duck into an atmospheric restaurant and get ten times the quality for only twice the price?

On The Cheap Side

Fast food Japanese places restrict themselves to maki rolls when it comes to sushi.

The reason? The “rollers” don’t have to be trained as full-blown sushi chefs, and the fish doesn’t have to be properly cut with an amazingly sharp knife.

What You Want

Irrashai-mase! Tiarescott

Look for a slightly nicer Japanese restaurant featuring a sushi chef who:

Keeps a clean cutting board.

The cleaner and neater the work station, the better the chef.

Has charisma in his presentation.

You want to be able to talk to your sushi chef, joke around with him, ask him for recommendations.

Knows his rice.

Chefs in Japan typically spend two years’ training on rice alone, as it is the essence of sushi. Unlike sweet rice served at meals, sushi rice is repeatedly rinsed to clean up the grains and seasoned with vinegar and the chef’s own secret ingredients.

Fortunate enough to have a woman as your sushi chef?

That’s a rarity. For better or worse, sushi is a man’s world. If you’re living near Los Angeles, be sure to check out Sushi Go 55, run by the country’s first female sushi chef, Tomoko Morishita.

2. Ordering: The Three O’s

Trevor Corson offers the following guidance in his fascinating book The Story of Sushi:

“The order in which the customer requests different types of fish is not crucial, but most sushi connoisseurs begin with leaner, lighter-tasting dish and progress toward fish with strong flavors and higher fat content.”

Here are three Japanese phrases that refer to different ways to order sushi.

Okimari: “It has been decided.”

This refers to set meals and sushi samplers, menu items that have a fixed price and require very little thought. Still, there is usually a good variety of fish to be had.

Okonomi: “As I like it.”

If you’ve been around the block with sushi restaurants and know what suits your palette, go ahead and order fish-by-fish. Most venues will present only two pieces of sushi for each order – the idea is to appreciate the variety.

Omakase: “Please decide for me.”

Saying “omakase” while sitting down at the sushi bar is probably the smartest decision you can make.

Plastic sushi Matsuyuki

Sushi chefs know which fish are the tastiest to have arrived that day, and omakase gives them an opportunity to show-off their skills and experiment with presentation.

The only downside of omakase is the expense: if you ask the chef to choose what’s best, he will most likely assume you aren’t concerned with the price.

Many chefs will use less rice for an omakase order, so you may eat more fish without filling up so quickly.

3. NO chopsticks, NO wasabi, NO soy sauce

The most ignorant thing you can do in a sushi restaurant is to pick up a perfectly formed nigiri topped off with the freshest bluefin tuna the Tsukiji Market has to offer, and proceed to dunk the entire slab of fish into a dish of wasabi and soy sauce.

In old Tokyo, sushi was a finger food sold on the street. Many westerners traveling to Asia assume everyone uses chopsticks for all varieties of food – this is simply not true.

Sushi is meant to be eaten with your hands.

Toro (tuna) Adactio

Give respect to the taste of the fish itself. Every morning good sushi chefs are scouring fish markets to choose only the best catch for their restaurants.

A lot of thought goes into the weight, color, texture, and age of the fish… which is one reason many Japanese chefs are puzzled when their American patrons ruin the taste by overpowering it with salty soy sauce and strong wasabi.

Did you know that the vast majority of Japanese restaurants in the States serve fake wasabi, an inferior horseradish product?

4. Let’s Enjoy Eating Sushi!

Ok, by now you’ve got the basic protocol down. Let’s try some sushi.

Destinations

Community Connection to Japan

Step 1:

Make sure your hands are clean by wiping them down with the damp cloth provided.

Step 2:

Pick up whichever fish suits your fancy.

Step 3:

Insert into the mouth upside down so that the “fishy side” touches the tongue first. Get it all in one bite, and mindfully chew, enjoying the tasty sensations.

Step 4:

If you’re moving on to a different type of fish, be sure to eat some ginger to cleanse the palate and wipe your hands again to eliminate traces of the other fish.

Step 5:

Repeat as needed.

At the end of the meal it is proper to drink green tea. Congratulations. You are now a certified sushi ninja.

5. And Now For Something Completely Different

Kaiten-zushi

kaiten-zushi by jlastras

Conveyor belt sushi is becoming increasing popular outside Japan. Instead of placing your orders with a chef or waiter, diners simply lift their choice of sushi off a belt that rotates around the room.

The dishes, which are counted at the end of the meal, are color coded to determine price. Kaiten-zushi is usually much cheaper than a regular restaurant.

Nyotai-mori

Some rather twisted people like to pay a lot of money to eat sushi off a naked body.

Although women are typically the centerpieces, men can be used as well (called nantaimori).

Do you have a favorite sushi restaurant?

Give us a heads-up in the comments, and be sure to leave a link – maybe the chef will give you some free maki in exchange for the review

COMMUNITY CONNECTION:

Why is sushi the sexiest food on the planet?

Check out Tim Patterson’s Sexy Sushi: The Global Foreplay Food.

If you’re interested in traveling to Japan to try some really fresh fish, brush up on Japanese customs with Turner Wright’s Zen-like advice.

Want something even more exotic?

Nellie Huang explains why every day is an adventure when you’re eating in Asia.

Corporate rule? Izaak Hane

Maybe to experience another culture. Maybe to do some traveling. Maybe for work.

Maybe to escape the hordes of morons in this country who don’t know anything about the world, and yet insist on characterizing it as bug-infested, crime-ridden and moments away from a coup.

You all can slave away the rest of your lives to afford your poorly made, vinyl-sided house in a featureless subdivision, fighting it out with everyone else to prove how much you have and just how good of a consumer you are.

Buy Humans Buy! sf slim

I’ll be sitting on my porch with my feet up, a drink in hand, listening to the sounds of nature and enjoying the simple life.

I’d love this country if it weren’t populated with total idiots…

COMMUNITY CONNECTION:

This post was a comment in response to the article What Can $150k Buy In Real Estate Around The World.

Do you agree with the author?

Do you think his aggressive, insulting tone is unhelpful regardless of the quality of his arguments?

Please leave a comment below!

Photo taken from the Burj Dubai by 7-70. Feature photo by millyarder.

Is Dubai a modern day Babel?

Few places exemplify the surreal juxtapositions of the modern age like the boom-town of Dubai.

Dubai is a city built on bubbles and sand, a free market playground for the global elite.

Yet Dubai is also a labor camp for countless economic migrants, a dictatorship where an obscenely wealthy prince was recently caught torturing an Afghan merchant, then driving over him in a Mercedes SUV.

Photo by Sharif

DuBabel?

Here at Matador, we wonder if Dubai might be a modern day Babel, a place where ambition outstrips empathy.

The tower of Babel fell because the men who built it were unable to communicate with each other. Does the same communication gap divide the bankers and bricklayers of Dubai?

After all, the official website of the Burj Dubai Tower, the highest in the world, has this for a slogan:

Burj Dubai will be known by many names. But only a privileged group of people will call it home.

The Burj Dubai under construction. Joi

We Want Your Voice

If you are an ex-pat living in Dubai, we want to hear from you. We want your dispatches from the front-lines of the global economy.

You will be our Dubabel correspondent, so we expect a somewhat critical take on things. Your writing should target the gap between the height of excess and the reality of mortal limits.

“The New Mecca” by George Saunders is, in our opinion, the pinnacle of Dubabel journalism. Too bad it’s not available online, but you can listen to a long excerpt here and read an interview with Saunders over at Worldhum.

Finally, it’s OK if you like Dubai, and it’s even better if you love it.

After all, if you didn’t care about the place, you couldn’t write about it well.

Interested?

Please leave a comment below with a link to something you’ve written about Dubai, and we’ll get back to you.

For details about what writing for Matador entails, please visit our guidelines.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION:

The Tower Of Babel by Brueghel

Abha, Matador’s expert on Dubai, left a PR job in the UAE after reading the inspirational book Vagabonding by Rolf Potts.

Here are some Dubai blogs we enjoy:

Secret Dubai Diary

One Big Construction Site

Dubai Consumer Mirror

Dubai Thoughts

Matador’s Tokyo expert, Abram Plaut, was raised in San Francisco, but has called Japan home for the past five years.

In that time, he’s developed some serious skills “in the ways of Japanese sake, ramen, and peddling limited edition goods on ebay.”

He’s also put together a portfolio of photographs that document daily life in Tokyo–from the mundane to the just plain bizarre.

The photos are presented together in this video, which represent his five years in Japan…in three minutes:

5 Years in Japan in 3 Minutes from Abram Plaut on Vimeo.

Matador Profile:

abram

Personal Blog:

Yo! Japan.

Photo by la_cola_de_mi_perro Feature by hiro008

1. There are plenty of English teaching jobs and internships.

Chile is a great place to work, especially in Santiago where there are numerous English teaching opportunities. Though many adventurers have signed up with an institute before arriving, there are plenty of opportunities to snag teaching positions once you get settled.

A few of the more well-known institutes in Santiago to consider include Norteamericano, Fischer, and BridgeLinguatec.

There are also writing and photography internships available through the English online newspaper, Santiago Times, and its sister paper, Revolver.

2. There are plenty of Chileans and gringos.

The Chileans I’ve met have welcomed me and befriended me quickly, in spite of my inability to understand them or communicate with them very well. They have extended incredible courtesies that I can only hope to repay when they come to visit me.

Photo by Diego.78

On the other hand, everyone needs a little familiarity in a foreign country, and that’s what your ex-pat gringo friends are for. They are the lifelines when Chile becomes a frustrating and intricate labyrinth of cultural cues you don’t understand. Plus, you occasionally need someone who can sing the theme song to the “Fresh Prince of Bel Air” with you.

3. It’s fun learning Espanol-po.

Chilean Spanish takes a keen ear and the patience of Buddha to master. It is filled with modismos, or slang, an accent that lops off the ends of s’s and d’s, and a new way to pronounce the “you” form.

In spite of the challenges, it can delight you when you least expect it. For example, the word for boyfriend is pololo, which means a type of small fly that buzzes around your face. What a word!

4. Chile has diverse terrain to explore.

Photo by hiro008

Why visit a bunch of different countries when you can see everything in one? Chile’s got it all. Visit the Atacama Desert, ski the Andes (the longest mountain range in the world), surf the Pacific Ocean, walk the forests around the Lake District, catch a glimpse of a glacier in Patagonia, or climb volcanoes and paddle world-class rivers in Pucon.

Photo by hiro008

5. Chile’s hot…and cold.

The Andes run down the eastern side of Chile and are home of some of the best skiing in the world. From Santiago, you can take a weekend trip to Portillo, the practice site for many professional skiers.

Two hours outside of Santiago to the west are beaches. There are some of the biggest, most uncrowded points for surfing on the whole Pacific coast, as well as chill beach towns.

6. Santiago’s art and culture.

Photo by Claudio.Núñez

Not only does Chile’s capital have an incredible set of museums like Bellas Artes and the Pre-Columbian, it has a vibrant street art scene withnew murals and graffiti as well as events like those put on by Mamut Collective Theater. I highly recommend their Teatro de Gorilas, an improv show much like Whose Line is it Anyway?

7. Who can resist an Independence Day celebration that lasts a week?

Photo by >Voj>

Chileans celebrate September 18, their independence day, by staging a week of fondas (street fairs), where you can play games, eat lots of food, and watch the cueca, Chile’s national dance.

After the fonda, you will most likely head to someone’s house for a fiesta that lasts until the sun rises. Then, you’ll go home to sleep it off and get up to start it all over again.

8. Chile has a stable economy and government.

Chile’s stable economy and government make it a good choice for solo travelers, especially women looking to move to a South American country on their own. Certainly, there are dangerous areas of any country, and Chile is no exception, but a gal on her own can get along very safely here.

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9. Ice Cream.

Places like Emporio la Rosa and Bravissimo can become a favorite corner of the world for the foreigner in Santiago. With flavors like nueces (walnuts), miel (honey) and manjar, you won’t want to return home.

10. For all the familiar, Chile still feels foreign.

For all its safety, Chile is still a foreign country. From having to throw your toilet paper into the trashcan by the toilet to the water heater that must be lit every day to take a shower to the stray dogs wandering the streets, Chile is nothing like home. And that makes it all worth the adventure.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Headed to Chile? Read up on the country’s 8 Natural Wonders, or check out this guide to Trekking Torres del Paine.

Studying abroad in Hong Kong taught me that our assumptions about foreign cities are usually wrong — and that they can be changed by spending time letting the city change you.

Deciding to study somewhere you never imagined visiting, let alone living, is the beginning of an adventure. Here are seven reasons why I recommend studying abroad in Hong Kong:

Photo by tallkev

1. It’s not what it seems.

The typical image of Hong Kong is one of endless skyscrapers and fast paced madness. Guidebooks focus on shopping malls and high class restaurants. But this is only a small part of the picture.

As a resident, it’s possible to explore the other side – backstreets full of charismatic and grimy noodle shops and smoky Daoist temples. The ordinary side of Hong Kong is far more interesting.

2. When else can you afford to live there?

It’s hard to afford housing in Hong Kong unless you’re working a high paying job. Even backpacker hostels are more expensive that those in nearby Asian countries. But here’s a secret: Many of the university’s student halls are extremely cheap, providing accommodation in prime real estate locations.

3. Hong Kong has some of the best food in the world.

It’s worth leaving home just to explore the wonderful world of Cantonese cuisine.

Photo by tiltti

Cheap yet quality food and the abundant free time of a student’s schedule is a delicious combination – the perfect opportunity to spend a good portion of your week in the boggling number of dim sum restaurants!

4. Hong Kong has plenty of outdoor adventures.

Believe it or not, 70% of Hong Kong is actually covered by national parks. Public transport provides easy access to spectacular spots for hiking, cycling, and rock climbing. Travel outside the city to get a glimpse of more traditional lifestyles, eat some freshly caught fish, and join an army of old ladies for Tai Chi.

5. Hong Kong’s the gateway to mainland China.

China is just a short train ride away; from there, the options are immense.

6. Learn Mandarin or improve your English.

While Cantonese is the local language, there are many opportunities to learn Mandarin. Meanwhile, the other official language of Hong Kong is English, making it a convenient destination for many international students.

Photo by *Solar ikon*

7. Hong Kong students know how to have fun.

Whether it’s karaoke, hiking, or just hours spent at a hot-pot restaurant with friends, you are sure to be whisked away to some mystery adventure at any hour of the day or night by a hospitable classmate. Just accept all invitations and you’re sure to have a good, if not slightly bizarre, time.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Thinking of studying abroad in China, whether in Hong Kong or on the mainland? Check out David DeFranza’s detailed guide, Where in China Should I Study Abroad?

Photo above by Jaako

1. Medellin

Your mother might not know that it is safe to travel in Colombia these days (here are 10 reasons why it is, if you want to show her), but everyone else seems to have gotten the message.

There are good reasons backing the hype. The weather is almost always delightful in the City of Eternal Spring. The nightlife, especially in La Zona Rosa surrounding Parque de Lleras rivals any in Latin America. The nightclubs further afield are worth the cab fare, though check with locals to find out which spot is currently in vogue. The increase in backpackers has led to many more hostels. Casa Kiwi currently claims the title for best party digs.

Closer economic ties with the United States should theoretically increase demand for English teachers, and though wages are generally low, so are the rents. Medellin is home to several major universities, and with the large student population there are always rooms for let in budget apartments. Entrepreneurs will find a can-do business climate and a people overjoyed to have the dark days of the cartels and the FARC behind them.

2. New Orleans

Photo above by dsb nola

Dirty, violent, corrupt, and sinking further beneath sea level with each passing year, New Orleans will always be on the precipice of disaster.

And that’s just how the locals like it.

Turns out it will take more than a major hurricane or catastrophic floods to wipe New Orleans off the map. The Crescent City is back to business, and there now are signs of life even in the wards most devastated by Hurricane Katrina.

Tourists have returned, but much of New Orleans’ mystique is not accessible to short-term visitors. It takes time to discover the best dive bars, jazz, blues, and voodoo joints, and those unassuming corner stores that surreptitiously serve the most delicious po-boys on the planet.

It will take more time still to meet the cognoscenti who can help you penetrate the high walls that enclose lush gardens and the best parties. A European accent or Latin American chic will come in handy for the latter endeavor.

New Orleans has always been a prime vacation spot in the States, but with the loss of other industry, tourism now makes up an overwhelming percentage of the local economy. The high number of hotels and restaurants per capita makes for plenty of expat opportunities throughout the hospitality sector. Much of this work can be gotten off the books.

3. Saigon

Photo above by ibarra_svd

With pundits proclaiming the end of capitalism, perhaps it’s time to consider one of the most dynamic cities in the Communist world. The steamy bustle in Saigon might suffer with the global downturn, though it is hard to imagine a metropolis with Saigon’s vigor will languish.

Traces of the French legacy add a pleasing texture to the city experience, from colonial French architecture to those addictive baguette sandwiches smothered with delicious local fare. Adrenaline junkies will be quick to find a motorbike and navigate the chaos of city traffic.

Expats looking for a permanent address in Saigon should be elated by the Vietnamese National Assembly’s recent passage of a new citizenship law. Foreign nationals who marry a local, learn to speak Vietnamese, or reside in the country for at least five years will be eligible for dual citizenship. In these tough times, a second passport may be a wise bet.

4. Vilnius

Photo above by Swamibu

How many cities can claim a public park devoted to Frank Zappa? Vilnius’ memorial to the eccentric rock legend suggests the capital’s appreciation for the quirky and offbeat.

Vilnius has been designated the 2009 European City of Culture and will host hundreds of concerts, art installations, and cultural programs throughout the coming year.

While Gothic, Baroque, and Byzantine churches dominate the city’s skyline, the club and music scene below street level is cutting edge. The best DJs in Europe pass through local Gravity Club, and Vilnius is home to a re-emerging local rock scene.

Cost of living varies greatly in Vilnius, with prices in the old town approaching those of other European capitals. Prices in outlying neighborhoods remain affordable, provided one can tolerate the Soviet bloc digs.

5. Cape Town

Photo above by neilalderney123

Energy is sure to be building as South Africa’s big cities scramble in their preparations for the next World Cup, the first on the African continent.

The colorful city nestled under Table Mountain boasts a burgeoning green community with excellent farmers’ markets and a number of eco-friendly initiatives. The Mediterranean climate and access to mountains and oceans provide a plethora of year-round outdoor activities.

English is the language of business in South Africa, opening a wide variety of professional opportunities for expats. Savvy residents still around in 2010 might be able to get a year’s worth of rent by subletting their flats during the weeks of the big matches.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Headed to one of these five cities? Check out the Matador community blog to learn about yoga in Saigon, the Pablo Escobar era in Medellin, the Chapman’s Peak trails near Cape Town, tracking down art supplies in Vilnius, or the legendary Dr. Love in New Orleans.

Feature photo by CharlesFred. Photo above by Soqotra (Yemen).

Despite its rap as a hotbed of kidnapping, terrorism, and tribalism, San’a, Yemen is doing for Arabic what Antigua, Guatemala has done for Spanish: making the language affordable and accessible in a stunningly beautiful location (UNESCO has declared the entire old town of San’a a World Heritage Site).

Wandering the labyrinth streets of San’a is like peeking back into the Persian Gulf before oil, before the trappings of modernity. Here the essence of frankincense – piney, medicinal and evocative – drifts between lopsided towers of stone and mud brick.

Stacked on top of each other six to eight stories high, the towers drape the narrow alleyways in shadow. Yemeni women seem to float by, their eyes encased in head-to-toe black veils.

Photo by alvise forcellini.

Mustachioed men in turbans and long skirts sport curved blades. Smiling broadly, they ask for your name, where you’re from. Little boys and girls stop and stare before chanting, sura, sura, sura! (Photo, photo, photo!). The cacophonous adhan, the Islamic call to prayer, thunders down from the peaks of minarets spiraling skyward.

The sights and sounds of ancient San’a get you all turned around. Don’t worry though, that’s part of the fun. But when the minarets get to whirling like dervishes and you’ve heard the adhan more than once, you’ll know its time to stop one of those guys in a ma’waz (an ankle-length skirt) and jambiya (Yemeni dagger) to lay down that line you’ve been practicing on the plane ride over: Low samahat, eyen madrassa arabia? (Excuse me, where’s the Arabic school?)

They’ll be delighted with your attempt at their language and will more than likely escort you all the way there. If you’re feeling adventurous, accept their invitation to join them after class for a traditional afternoon of chewing qat, a mildly addictive stimulant grown throughout Yemen.

Photo by Dawson-Foremans.

During class, you’ll get the kind of attention that would have made you squirm in your high school French course: intensively individualized instruction. Unlike in Tunisia, Syria, and Egypt (where as many foreigners as possible are packed into a class), classes in Yemen max-out at six students per teacher.

Before you book your flight, here’s a couple of places that’ll get you headed straight into the heart of Arabia.

Center for Arabic Language & Eastern Studies
Phone: 967-1-292-090; Fax 960-281-700; Az-Zumar St.; www.ynet.ye/cales.

Part of the University of San’a, the school offers monthly intensive courses for US $390 for three to six students (80 hours: four hours per day, five days a week).

San’a Institute for Arabic Language
Phone: 967-1-284-330; Fax: 967-1-284-329, As-Saliah St.; www.sialyemen.com/ An intensive three week course (60 hours) costs US$ 300. A six week (120 hours) course goes for $570; a nine week (180 hours) course will set you back $1,215 and a full year (720 hours) is just $3,240. Arabic for Specific Purposes (ASP) is also available.

Yemen Language Center & Yemen Center for Arab Studies
Phone: 967-1 -270-200; Fax: 967-1-270-127; 26th of September St.; www.ylcint.com. An all inclusive five weeks in Yemen (airfare, Arabic instruction, accommodation, two meals a day, organized excursions and high speed Internet) will cost you $2,960.

Community Connection

For more on travel in this under-visited region, check out 6 Under-the-Radar Destinations in the Middle East, 7 Reasons to Travel to Iran NOW, or Discovering Israel’s City of the Future.

1. Copan Ruinas, Honduras

Wake up for class to the sound of horses trotting on cobblestone roads and the aroma of freshly made tortillas. Copan Ruinas is home to mystical Mayan ruins, boasts vibrant local culture and is at the center of a growing eco-tourism movement in Honduras.

There are numerous opportunities in Copan Ruinas for both teachers and volunteers . Find paid vacancies in local villages or in the local bilingual school. Take field trips to the Bird Park in Copan Ruinas and explore the shade-grown coffee fincas.

Photo by cadampol

2. Antigua, Guatemala

Just 45 minutes from Guatemala City is the town of Antigua, Guatemala, with epic volcano views on the horizon. Enjoy classes outside, exploring the colorful 16th century architecture. Donate your time to teach for two months through a local education program and experience a meaningful cultural and linguistic exchange.

Photo by dsnet

3. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio is a city with brown sugar beaches, bohemian neighborhoods and a pulsating nightlife that will leave you teaching phrasal verbs with sore feet from dancing samba. Rio is also an international hub for teaching English with multiple opportunities in language schools, along with volunteer opportunities in the favelas. When you’re not in the classroom, paraglide from Sugarloaf, play capoeira, and fall in love with Rio’s riotous rhythms.

Photo by armandolobos

4. Buenos Aires, Argentina

Work will always take a backseat to pure enjoyment in the modern city of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Take advantage of the theatre, develop a taste for red wine and Argentine steaks and get caught up in the swirling nightlife of the most cosmopolitan city in South America. Why not learn the tango while you’re there?

Photo by formfaktor

Intag, Ecuador

Escape to the cloud forests of Intag, Ecuador, where you can teach as a volunteer in one of the greenest corners of the Andes mountain range.

Photo by sara_y_tzunki

Valparaiso, Chile

Teaching in the UNESCO World Heritage seaport city of Valparaiso, Chile is a dream job for many travelers. Find an apartment on the hillsides of Cerros Concepcion and Alegre, where you’ll have a sweeping view of the Pacific Ocean.

Photo by anarchitect

Athens, Greece

Island hop on the weekends, eat roast chicken drenched in olive oil in the shadows of the Parthenon and develop a taste for ouzo while teaching in the frontisteria of Athens, Greece.

Photo by ranopamas

Tuscany, Italy

Tuscany has a pleasingly laid-back rhythm of life. The rolling hills of the countryside will appeal to your artistic side and motivate you to write your Toscana novel while teaching English on the side.

Photo by juanillooo

Prague, Czech Republic

Meander through historic architecture dating back to the Middles Ages in Prague, Czech Republic. Living in the centre of Old Town in Praha is a close commute to many TEFL vacancies.

Photo by cuellar

Andalucia, Spain

Flamenco cuevas, free tapas and winter skiing in the Sierra Nevada makes Andalucia, Spain a tempting place to teach, especially for its laid-back siesta lifestyle.

Photo by josjos

Istanbul, Turkey

Hadi gel! There is never a shortage of jobs in Istanbul, Turkey. The culinary excellence and alluring districts of the city have already enchanted a number of expat teachers. Intrigued? Read “An English Teacher In Istanbul“.

Photo by will-ellis

Hainan-Dao, China

Freelance on the remote island of Hainan-Dao, China and have your next preposition lesson on a tropical beach, or high up in the Limuling mountain range.

Photo by will-ellis

Majuro, Marshall Islands

Majuro, Marshall Islands is a Micronesian getaway five hours from Hawaii, with plenty of local teaching opportunities and world-class scuba diving.

Photo by cmichel67

Zanzibar, Tanzania

Volunteer with young students on Tanzania’s paradise island of Zanzibar and teach vocabulary in the first National Jozani Forest and Bay Conservation.

Photo by paulwatson

Cape Town, South Africa

Teaching in Cape Town, South Africa’s cosmopolitan outdoor adventure playground, appeals to adrenaline junkies, tree huggers, and city slickers alike.

Photo by marionaubert

LINKS:

Teach in Guatemala

Volcanoes in Antigua

Language School in Brazil

Paraglide in Rio

Theatre in Buenos Aires

Work in Buenos Aires

Intag Cloud Forest

Volunteer in Ecuador

Teach in Chile

Valparaiso, Chile

Teach in Greece

Teach in Italy

TEFl in Prague

Ski in Spain

Teach in Turkey

Istanbul districts

Beaches in China

World Teach on the Marshall Islands

Support Schools in Zanibar

Table Mountain, Cape Town

Surf and Shark-dive in Cape Town

Teach in Cape Town, South Africa

Feature photo by lachiquita Photo above by leomei

Study abroad offers insight not only into a foreign culture, but into our own. This is especially true for US students studying in Mexico. The two countries are connected not only by geography, but history – most of the southwestern US belonged to Mexico until 1846 – and immigration, which has given new vitality to Mexican culture within the US.

As you consider the many different study abroad locations, programs, and living arrangements in Mexico, keep this question in mind: How far are you willing to step outside your comfort zone in order to immerse yourself in another culture?

The key to a rewarding study abroad experience is finding the level of immersion that is right for you.

Choosing a location

Some locations in Mexico offer a greater degree of culture shock than others. In northern Mexico and many urban areas the pervasiveness of US consumer culture makes for an easier adjustment to life abroad.

This ease of adjustment, however, makes it more difficult to experience what is unique about Mexico. The same applies to coastal resort areas, like Cancun and Acapulco, where you often see as many foreigners as Mexicans.

Southern Mexico, on the other hand, is less economically developed, but rich in culture. Centuries-old indigenous traditions endure in the food, music, dance, and dress.

Do not be frightened away by reports of political unrest. The only Zapatistas you’re likely to encounter in Chiapas are the Comandante Marcos dolls for sale in the markets. While deep socioeconomic disparities make political unrest inevitable, it poses little danger to you as a traveler.

Like southern Mexico, Mexico City is a study in contrasts. It bombards your senses with dizzying extremes of high culture and abject poverty.

Unfortunately, Mexico City is as famous for its violent crime as its pyramids, murals and museums. For many students, the risks are far outweighed by chance to live at the center of art and culture, not only of Mexico, but all of Latin America.

But to put the crime rate in perspective, consider that many Mexicans have a similarly grim picture of violence in the US from watching news footage of school shootings like the one at Virginia Tech.

If Mexico City is too intimidating, consider Guadalajara, home of the Mariachi, or the equally lovely and more manageable sized colonial cities of Guanajuato, Cuernavaca, Morelia and Mérida.

Photo by leomei

Choosing a program

Almost all study abroad programs bill themselves as “immersion” programs; what this actually means can vary considerably. The level of immersion is determined by two factors: the type of school you will attend and your living situation.

Private language academies, such as Instituto Jovel in San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas and the Ollin Tlahtoalli Spanish Center in Oaxaca provide a supportive environment, especially for beginning students. The classes are small and often held outdoors in scenic gardens or terraces.

Most schools supplement their language programs with workshops in traditional art, dance and cooking. Many also offer you the opportunity to volunteer with community organizations like Oaxaca Street Children.

The drawback is that you will be taking all your classes with other foreigners, which limits your opportunities to interact with Mexicans. As a way to compensate, most schools offer intercambios, or exchange programs, that match you with a Mexican conversation partner.

For students with higher proficiency in Spanish, I recommend programs like those offered by the Butler University Institute for Study Abroad which allow you to take regular university classes alongside Mexican students. Being plunged into an unfamiliar education system is bewildering at first, but your Mexican classmates will be only too happy to help you navigate the cultural differences.

This is also a good option for students of disciplines other than Spanish, as universities have more diverse course offerings. The National Autonomous University of Mexico in Mexico City is the largest and most prestigious university in Latin America.

Also excellent are the Monterrey Institute of Technology and University of the Americas in Puebla.

Photo by lachiquita

Living Arrangements

The most common living arrangement for student abroad participants is a homestay. Some programs place you in dorms or other group housing. A few offer private apartments.

Programs build high expectations for homestays; students expect to be effusively welcomed into the bosom of their new Mexican family. Sometimes this happens. More often than not, host families treat participants with hospitable reserve. For most of these families, this is a business first.

You’d also be surprised how many participants find themselves speaking more English than Spanish at their homestay. This is because families usually host more than one foreign student at a time.

Even if you specifically request your “own” host family, your program may not be able to accommodate you; it just doesn’t make financial sense for the families they work with.

Dorm situations and other group housing offer a more independent lifestyle. You have greater freedom to come and go whenever (and with whomever!) you choose. However, you inevitably end up spending more time socializing with your foreign roommates (in English!) than with Mexicans.

Overall, if you focus on finding the right level and kind of immersion for you as an individual, these seemingly overwhelming questions about locations, programs, and housing will fall into place.

Community Connection

Connect with other travelers in Mexico as well as local experts, check out local orgs , read blogs about Mexico, and more, all at the matador community.

Feature Photo by slushpup. Photo by m.bjerke

Ready to head south for more study options? New Zealand and Australia offer a great backdrop to world-class tertiary education in native English-speaking environments. Not only that but between them they hold three of the top-ten places in the Times Higher Education rankings for international staff. Sweet as, mate.

New Zealand

New Zealand — Land of the Long White Cloud — had been made famous by the Lord of the Rings trilogy, but before that it was known for pioneering people: first to allow women to vote, first person to split the atom, first to climb Mt Everest. Universities continue the pioneering spirit in this beautiful country.

Photo by JennyHuang

Auckland

New Zealand’s biggest city sits on an isthmus between two beautiful harbours and boasts surf-beaches and native forest within an hour’s drive of the CBD. Once you arrive the moniker “City of Sails” becomes instantly clear making it a great location for waterbabies. Auckland has a plentitude of institutions and specialist centres catering for all tastes: the two best known are the University of Auckland and the Auckland University of Technology.

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s top University and was ranked 50th in the world by The Times Higher Education World University Rankings in 2007. It hosts the largest University library in the country and the largest research commercialisation centre in Australasia. Not a bad place to study really. AUT (Auckland University of Technology) is also located in the city centre and known for it’s creative IT and journalism courses amongst a multitude of industry-focussed qualifications.

Wellington

The Kiwi capital is small and groovy; the set of Peter Jackson’s cult film Braindead and the home of the Beehive – New Zealand’s parliament building. Expect a solid local arts scene and cafe culture alongside a small but friendly University and the national museum, Te Papa.

Victoria University makes the most of this and relationships with several other local research centres to provide research-based degree and post-graduate courses. A job with local company Weta workshops would certainly be an education in itself, but there’s less chance of that than Frodo making a cameo in Halo 3!

Christchurch

Parocial Christchurch sits on the east coast of the South Island. A beautiful city centre is bordered by beautiful Akaroa on one side and climbers and snow fans will love the slopes of Aoraki-Mt Cook being less than an hour away. It is also the proud home of the Canterbury Crusaders, New Zealand’s top rugby team.

Canterbury University is one of the two top South Island Universities, boasting several research centres and an energetic student community. Unlike most Kiwi cities, Christchurch is remarkably flat making it very comfortable for wheelchair users and cyclists.

Speciality: Wine

Prefer a different approach? Grab your glasses and head to one of the Southern hemisphere’s premier wine regions to study wine and viticulture at Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology. You’ll be in the region of the iconic Cloudy Bay amongst many others. Courses are available at certificate, diploma and degree levels with access to their excellent Wine Research Centre. NZ Wine has a fuller list of study options from casual wine appreciation courses to serious drinking programmes.

Speciality: Adventure Tourism

As home of the Zorb and pioneers of bungy jumping, New Zealand seems the perfect place to study Adventure Tourism. On the practical side, Adventure Training New Zealand offers 18 week courses aimed at international students looking to explore the South Island while gaining the technical and personal skills necessary for life as an adventure sports guide. They also offer assistance finding a job in the industry at the end of the course — sweet as.

Australia

Australia has a lot more to offer international students than Crocodile Dundee. The land of kangaroos and crocodiles has a wealth of study options in metropolitan cities stretching along the coast from Perth in the west to the rich eastern states. Australian National University, the country’s top University is based in the capital Canberra, but I certainly wouldn’t recommend it over the country’s other main cities.

Perth

Sitting alone on the west coast, Perth is a paradise for those seeking a relaxed and productive lifestyle within easy reach of the sea and top wineries. It’s known as Aussie’s “Education City” and many European students I’ve spoken to prefer Perth to centres in Sydney or Brisbane.

There are five Universities to choose from including the prestigious Curtin University of Technology which is ranked in second and sixth place world-wide for International staff and students respectively. It’s MBA programme is especially lauded, recently being placed fourth in the world by the EIU. And when all the stats are too much, head down to the beach for a surf.

Melbourne

Melbourne has to be my favourite Australian city: along the Yarra River run excellent local arts and cultural events, great museums and galleries, not to mention the Australian Centre for the Moving Image and the MCG – famed for cricket and Aussie rules football all wrapped up in a modern design ethic emerging from Victorian roots.

It’s replete with Universities: no fewer than nine of them! The creative energy is amazing. Both the Univerity of Melbourne and Monash University are top 50 Universities with great campuses in the centre of this funky city.

Sydney

Australia’s biggest and flashiest city is stereotypically represented by its Opera house and harbour bridge. But behind that is the strongest economic drive in the South Pacific which brings in lots of business opportunities and big shows. Sydney is a big festival city with the Madi Gras and the largest Chinese New Year celebrations outside of Asia.

The University of Sydney is the top ranked University amongst four others so — once again — there’s plenty of choice in this exciting city.

Photo by blairstirrett

Brisbane

Brisbane is the largest city on Australia’s east coast and has a reputation for fun, sun and surf. Forgetting the beautiful Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, Queensland also has a reputation for quality education.

The Queensland University of Technology offers a wide range of Undergraduate degrees, giving ample choice for those looking to study in a place in the sun whilst the University of Queensland has a well-recognised research ethos.

Speciality: Oceans and Coasts

A speciality for Australia? It’s far too big to simplify, but with the Great Barrier Reef sitting off the coast budding Marine Biologists and Oceanographers can have a field day in Australia. One new specialist course to consider is the Bachelor of Coastal Studies at the University of the Sunshine Coast. Located just north of Brisbane it’s the perfect place for beach-lovers.

Northern hemisphere visitors should note that the Australasian University calendar is somewhat different, starting semester one in February or March and semester two in July or August; some institutes run intensive “summer schools” in January and February.

If you’re looking to research further you can check visa and entry information for New Zealand and Australia and visit University directories for New Zealand and Australia.

Photo by poagao, Feature photo by yakobusan

From the rapidly changing economic and political centers of Beijing and Shanghai, to indigenous cultures of the south, China has a wide variety of opportunities for study available. Whether you are interested in history, business, food, politics, or culture, there will be a place and a program for you.

University or Private School?

The first question you should ask yourself is whether you want to study at a Chinese university or through a private program. If learning Chinese is your primary concern, then studying at a Chinese university is probably the best option. Most major universities offer programs for foreign students of all ability levels. The focus on language these programs provide, as well as their total immersion, almost guarantees a huge improvement in your Chinese competency.

Private programs are generally a better option for those interested in more specific academic subjects. These programs tend to be comprised of only foreign students, but offer focused study of a specific topic like art, anthropology, economics, or business.

Often, language study is incorporated as well, but with less contact with Chinese students and shorter periods devoted to language, you may not see the same results in this area.

There are many different places to study abroad in China, and with so many options it can be hard to find the one that is best for you. Here are eight of the most popular places to study abroad, each with its own special characteristics and advantages.

Beijing

Beijing is the political and cultural heart of China. It is also the educational and administrative center of the country. This an important consideration for the study abroad student for two reasons. First, there are many universities offering programs for foreign students. From the very popular Beijing Language and Culture University to the internationally acclaimed Peking University, there is a school in Beijing that will fit your goals.

As the administrative capital of China, Beijing has the advantage of being home to the dialect that is officially the national standard. This means that the Beijing dialect is an internationally recognized standard that will transfer well to future applications in business and academics.

Shanghai

Shanghai is the financial center of China. Students interested in business and economics, or those who want to experience life in a vibrant cosmopolitan metropolis, will find what they are looking for with a program in Shanghai.

From museums to architecture, shopping to nightlife, a semester studying in Shanghai is easily as much about experiencing this exciting city as it is time in the classroom. Fudan University and the very central Shanghai Jiaotong University are popular options for foreign students.

photo by doctorow

Qingdao

Located on the coast of China between Beijing and Shanghai, the port city of Qingdao has the feeling of a relaxed beach side resort in the warmer months. The architecture of Qingdao is noticeably European, a holdover from the city’s days as a German colonial outpost, and is the home of the famous Qingdao Beer brewery.

Famous for its street food and quiet nightlife, Qingdao provides a great setting for a more relaxed semester abroad. A popular place for foreign students to study is Qingdao University.

Xi’an

Xi’an was an ancient capital of China and a major stopping point on the Silk Road and other Asian trade routes. For these reasons, those interested in ancient Chinese history could not pick a better place to study abroad.

In addition to the numerous archaeological and historical sites, Xi’an is a great jumping off point for explorations of central China and, in recent years, has developed a nightlife scene that has come to rival that of the coastal cities. If you are interested in studying in Xi’an, two great places to start your search are the Xi’an Jiatong University and the Xi’an International Studies University.

photo by phil_lai

Kunming

Yunnan province has the largest variety and population of minorities in all of China. In addition to this ethnic diversity, Yunnan offers a wide range of geography, from the high mountains of the Tibetan plateau to the low jungles reminiscent of the province’s Southeast Asian neighbors.

This makes Kunming, the capital of Yunnan and one of the most beautiful cities in China, an excellent place to study for any student interested in anthropology and minority culture. A good place to start looking for programs is the University of Yunnan. If you are interested in studying minority cultures, a great program is SIT’s semester in Yunnan Province.

Something Completely Different:

If you are interested in a more unique study abroad experiences in China, there are several places that can offer something completely different.

Hong Kong

One of the most vibrant cities in Asia and the world, Hong Kong offers a confluence of cultures, a thriving economy, and a night life that is unmatched in most of China. Whether you choose to study at the University of Hong Kong, the Asia-Pacific Institute of Business, or through some other school or program, Hong Kong will provide an exciting place to spend your time.

One thing to keep in mind is that, while Hong Kong has something for everyone, from shopping to hiking, the main language is Cantonese not the Mandarin spoken on the mainland. If you are interested in studying Mandarin Chinese, Hong Kong is not the best choice.

photo by mariaismawi

Xinjiang

Xinjiang is China’s large northwestern province, home to the sizable Uygher Muslim minority group. For many visitors, entering Xinjiang from coastal China is like crossing into another country. The architecture and people take on a more Central Asian appearance, mosques outnumber temples, and the musky smell of roasting lamb fills the streets.

Whether you decide to study in the provincial capital Urumqi at a major university like Xinjiang University, or through a program in a smaller city or town, studying abroad in Xinjiang provides an opportunity to study a variety of languages and a unique culture in a very different part of China.

Tibet

The high mountains and Buddhist culture of Tibet is nearly legendary. For the international student, a study abroad experience in Tibet can be like no other. It can also be a serious logistical challenge. If you decide that you want to study in Tibet, it is best to start planning well in advance.

There are several programs set up through partnerships between Chinese and American universities. Unlike other places in China it is advisable that prospective students work through one of these well established partnerships, or through something like the excellent SIT Tibetan and Himalayan Studies program, instead of making arrangements for yourself.

photo by asianinsights

Visas

Visitors from most countries require a visa to enter China. However, if you plan to study in China, you will require a special visa. For those looking to study for six months or less, the F class visa, often called a business visa, is required. This requires a letter of invitation from the school at which you intend to study, at least two empty pages in your passport, a completed visa application, a few passport photos, and payment of the visa fee.

If you plan to study for more than six moths, then the X class visa is required. The process for acquiring this visa is the same as for the F visa, except a physical examination will be required. For those unable to obtain an X visa from their home country, it is sometimes possible to upgrade a standard tourist visa once in China. Ask your program administrator in advance if this is the case.

From Beijing to Shanghai, Hong Kong to Tibet, there is something for everyone in China. The large, rapidly changing, country is exciting and at times intimidating. However, by narrowing down your search, it is easy to see that China is an ideal place to study abroad.

Travel Insurance

For long term study abroad plans, travel insurance is highly recommendable. Make sure your policy is tailored to wherever you’re going in China.

Photo by Ametxa

Brazil is a big country. Approximately 185 million inhabitants inhabit a land mass roughly the size of the continental USA. Two-thirds of Brazilians live within 100km of the coast, where, many would argue, you’ll find the most vibrant cities.

The following study abroad guide covers cities by moving down the coast from north to south.

Northern Brazil

Geography and Culture

Northern Brazil is predominately populated by people of African descent, while Southern Brazil has a large German and Italian population. The northern city of Salvador is also known as Roma Negra, or Black Rome, while the southern city of Blumenau holds the second largest Oktoberfest, outside of Germany.

Life is typically more laid back and infused with a lively Afro Brazilian flare in the north, while cleanliness and a reserved culinary palate comes with the cooler weather of the south. Regardless of whether you choose to study in the north or south of Brazil, you are going to find incredibly friendly people with an unrivaled passion for life.

Fortaleza

Capital of the northeastern Brazilian state Ceara, Fortaleza has the most sunny days of any coastal Brazilian city. You can dance to hot Forro beats in the city’s buzzing nightlife district.

Beautiful beaches stretch for 25 km in front of the town. Some of the best bars and clubs are found near the Dragao do Mar Center of Art and Culture. With a number of universities, including Universidade Federal do Cerra, the city has a long tradition as a cultural center.

You will enjoy a sumptuous life melding bohemian nightlife, white sand beaches, and spicy food, alongside peaceful and fun-loving people.

Salvador de Bahia

Unquestionably the cultural heart of Brazil, Salvador, the State Capital of Baiha, is a melting pot of different cultures.

A very strong African influence infuses the music, food and dance here. If you are interested in Capoeira (a combination of martial art and dance), Salvador is a great place to learn.

The city is large and safety is an issue, but if you want to be in the heart of Afro-Brazilian culture, Salvador is where it beats.

Rio De Janiro

Rio is a city of great contrast: class and classicism, beach and granite, rambling jungle and abject poverty–all wrapped into an urban landscape. There are world-class accommodations, bars, restaurants, shopping, beaches and surf–you can find anything in Rio.

photo by Zeca Baronio

Tijuca National Park, rising from the center of the city, offers a great place to take walks or cycle, and is the largest urban forest in the world.

Living in Rio you will find the locals, “Carioca” very friendly but weary of the dangers in their own city.

Rio is wonderful, but desperate poverty lives right down the block. Violence is common and the consequences cannot be overlooked. Many exchange programs will not place students here due to the violence, but I would gladly take the risk.

Use caution, avoid flashing around money and valuables, ask the locals where to go, and you will have an amazing stay.

Balneário Camboriu

This resort town is located on the coast of Santa Catarina, and its beach-front is a popular Brazilian getaway. There’s good year-round nightlife due to a lot of university students, and many clubs are situated a little outside the main city with dance parlors stretching out onto the sand.

photo by appm

The world’s only cable car connecting two beaches is the bondinho running from the southern end of town to Laranjeiras Beach, with a pit stop on top of a mountain.

Equipped with modern amenities, cinema, shopping, and good restaurants, Camboriu strikes a good balance between the buzz of a large city and the safety of a smaller town.

Southern Brazil

Florianopolis

Located on the island of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis is known for its beaches, surfing, kite-boarding, and sand-boarding.

photo by Andréia

Florianopolis has forty-two beaches to choose from, varying from stylish beach resorts to deserted stretches of white sand. Southern Brazil, predominantly settled by Europeans, has a large German population. “Floripa” as the locals call it, is known throughout Brazil for it’s beautiful blondes.

Southern Brazil is much safer than northern Brazil, and has a cooler climate–particularly nice during the summer months. Floripa claims to have no Favelas, (slums) like Rio de Janeiro or Sao Paulo. The culture is laid-back and you can find many nice bars in the city center or in the neighborhood of Lagoa.

Which Program is right for me?

You will find a number of study abroad programs in Brazil; here are a few good ones.

If you are high school age, AFS, is a great program for 6 month to year programs, and you can go with no prior study of Portuguese.

Another good program is First Step World, which offers a number of courses in Rio de Janeiro, Florianopolis and Salvador.

Also take a look at Two Worlds United.

Different programs will require different levels of language proficiency, ranging from two years of college Portuguese to no prior knowledge at all.

Choose a program that fits your skill level. Program costs will differ depending on the length of stay and additional options they give you. Look for programs offering trips to other parts of Brazil. After all, you want to see a bit of the country!

Two Worlds

Once, I had a conversation with a Buddhist monk about language and cultural exchange.

He said, “When you speak two languages it is like having two minds, when you live in two cultures, you have lived two lives.”

I think his sentiment is a beautiful and true way of at looking at study abroad. No matter where you choose to study, with whatever program, you are going to have an eye-opening, exultant, wonderful experience.

Community Connection

Check out more on Brazil including info from local experts, organizations where you can study and volunteer, plus job opportunities, travelers you can connect with, and the most inspired blogs you’ll find anywhere on the web.