CIDA Merges With DFAIT

Religious charities receive more funding: the latest news in work, study and volunteer abroad.

Volunteer Abroad News

• Did you know that 2.5 million UK students plan on taking a gap year next year?

• According the Toronto Star, “it’s a good time to be a religious charity in Canada.” CIDA funding to religious organizations has increased by 42 per cent since 2005, while secular organizations have only seen a four per cent increase. However, all that might change now that CIDA is merging with the Department of Foreign Affairs—a move that explicitly links Canada’s role in international development with trade and commerical development.

Study Abroad News

The New York Times reports that study abroad may no longer make graduates stand out. Here’s what they’re doing instead.

• In 2012, Canada hosted 100,000 international students.

• “How safe are female students studying in Abu Dhabi?

• Not surprisingly, in a survey of UK students, cost and language barriers prohibit students from studying abroad. However, UK students are more strategic than their American peers when they do choose to study abroad, considering long-term career prospects before travel opportunities.

The issue is raised of how to best mitigate risk for students with mental health issues who study abroad.

• The ultimate study abroad opportunity for students who can’t leave their home country—right on their own university campus.

• We love this infographic on how to make study abroad more affordable.

Work Abroad News

• Want to work in Russia? It’s about to get a whole lot easier now that new immigration laws have been introduced.

Online therapy addresses the unique needs of expats adjusting to their new life overseas.

• In less inspiring (and surprising) news, 80 per cent of Qataris allegedly believe that expats are displacing jobs for local people.

Required Reading

“The gap year was once for sowing wild oats before university. Now, post-degree, it’s about getting a job.”

“Happily married and traveling solo.” Why one blogger chooses to travel without her husband.

“In defence of ‘voluntourists': Ignore the cynics, charity schemes do great work and can benefit both the volunteers and the communities they serve.”

“Benefits of a volunteering gap year.”

“Voluntourism: The Business of Orphans.”

“Google quietly pulls plug on Frommer’s print travel guidebooks.”

Contests & Opportunities

Help determine the earliest use of the term “gap year.”

Apply to be “chief funster” or “taste master” in Tourism Australia’s best jobs in the world competition.

• $50,000, six months, six continents and all expenses paid? We can’t lie—the Biggest, Baddest Bucket List competition sounds kind of awesome.

• Interested in travel and love to write? You could help write the next Rough Guide to China.

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..

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Published in Editor's Desk
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Jessica Lockhart

Contributing Editor

Although Jessica has travelled to more than 30 countries, her favorite place to throw down her bag is still her hometown of Cold Lake, Alberta. A freelance journalist, Jess has worked for international development organizations and tour operators. She’s conducted workshops in Vanuatu, perfected the use of a satellite phone in the jungles of Guyana and supervised teenage pool parties in the Dominican Republic. Although she's based in Toronto, Jess works remotely from all around the world.

Website: www.jesslockhart.com

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Travel with purpose; travel for good. Articles, resources and events for ethical and meaningful travel, volunteering, working and studying abroad.

Verge believes in travel for change. International experience creates global citizens, who can change our planet for the better. This belief is at the core of everything we do.

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