Volunteer Abroad News

• “Luxury voluntourism” might seem like an oxymoron, but this Forbes article has a round-up of five ways to give back “without sacrificing comfort.”

• The Huffington Post offers five questions to ask to ensure that voluntourism programs are “for" people rather than something that volunteers do “to" people.

Study Abroad News

• Abroad 101, a website dedicated to study abroad programs, is seeking a buyer after downsizing.

• Brazil aims to send 101,000 students to study abroad by 2015. But critics say the goal is unachievable and that the focus should be on quality of education and research produced—not the quantity of students sent overseas.

• Students headed abroad are realizing that there is more to prepartion than paperwork—your wardrobe might need an overhaul as well, particularly for female students.

• Study abroad safety has been a focus for educators this year and the publication of Amanda Knox’s memoirs is bringing this issue to the forefront once again.

Work Abroad News

• HSBC’s 2013 Expat Explorer survey has now opened.

• New research is demonstrating that the majority of UK expats choose to move abroad “indefinitely”—and the majority of Brit find that they’re “much happier” in France.

• How to leverage your gap year experience with prospective employers.

• Life in the UAE offers a promise of higher salaries and tax-free living. However, for many working abroad, an increased income doesn’t necessarily mean greater savings.

• China is using career fairs to attract expats. However, that doesn't mean it's easy to land a job.

Required Reading

• Canadian Aid Spending: The National Post’s graphic of where Canada’s sends five billion in aid money annually.

• The reason why some educators are starting to rebrand gap years as “bridge years.”

• An entirely different kind of gap year; train hopping is documented in photos.

• Must Listen: A Guide to Finding Work Abroad

Contests & Opportunities

• Win a volunteer trip to Kenya in Microsoft’s Spark for Change competition. Deadline is May 24.

Got a news tip or opportunity that you’d like to see included in our biweekly “travel with purpose” news round-up? Send us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..