Do you enjoy working with children and being surrounded by nature? Have you always dreamt of living abroad and improving your English? If so, American or Canadian summer camp jobs could be the adventure of a lifetime. Read on to discover ten great reasons why you should consider seasonal work as a camp counselor in the United States or Canada!

1. Live in a foreign country

Among the most enriching experiences you can get from living in a different country is immersing yourself in the local culture, meeting new people, and discovering new places through travel.

Not only will working as a camp counselor take you to breathtaking locations, but it will also enable you to work with people coming from various cultural backgrounds. By the end of camp, you will step out of your comfort zone and grow into a much more open-minded and understanding person.

2. Get professional experience

Summer camp jobs look great on your resume, especially if you are interested in continuing your career as a teacher or educator. It will help you understand working habits and give you an idea of the atmosphere in an international working place. The list of professional benefits for being a camp counselor is longer than that. For example, a continually changing environment such as a camp will teach you to develop soft skills needed in any company today.

These soft skills might be organization, planning of activities, and understanding the campers you work with. Seasonal work abroad will surely prepare you for whatever challenges your future career brings.

3. Get paid to do what you love

While you will be responsible for paying the program fees and the flight to your destination, summer camp jobs will give you a salary of around $1600-$1850. The additional benefit of working at a camp is that you won’t have to worry about accommodation or meal costs. Some counselor jobs in America and Canada even offer individual accommodation. Still, you will often share with other counselors and get the opportunity to turn your coworkers into new friends on the way.

At the end of the summer, you will have enough money in your pocket to head out and explore the vast expanses of the USA or Canada. This would be the perfect opportunity to get to know North America a bit better, and maybe even consider coming back to study abroad.

4. Travel after your work is done

Camp counselor duties are many, and it’s a job that requires flexibility. That doesn’t mean you won’t have time to rest.

On your days off, you are free to get to know the area and cities around your camp. But the best thing is: after camp is done you will still have more than enough time to truly experience the country of your choosing. The working permit and visa you need to go to Canada or the USA will allow you to travel for up to 30 days upon the completion of your job. Make sure you pack accordingly!

5. Make new friends from around the world

The counselors from the country of your choosing (the US or Canada) will not be the only friends you get to make. Hundreds of counselors that travel from all over the world for seasonal work abroad to get the same experience as you will make your social circle more interesting and diverse. They will be looking forward to meeting you and spending the best summer of your lives together, just like you! It is the perfect opportunity to exchange experiences, stay in touch, and maybe even plan for a reunion after camp is over.

6. Polish up your English skills

It’s important to know that to be able to work in counselor jobs in America or Canada, you need to have an upper-intermediate or advanced level of English.

In your everyday work around camp, you will rely heavily on your communication skills. While there are helpful tips for mastering a language, one of the best ways is to practice with native speakers. Practicing English with other counselors and campers who are native speakers will help you become less shy and significantly improve your English skills.

7. Teach what you like to do the most

Have you ever wished you could teach others a hobby or a craft that you care about? Photography, water sports, horseback riding, rock climbing, painting, you name it. A camp counselor has the freedom to engage the campers in various activities.

When the time to say goodbye comes, you will be able to feel proud of teaching campers and awakening interest in them for something new.

8. Be a role model

Being a camp counselor, even through seasonal work abroad, is your chance to change a young person’s life and make their time at camp a memory they’ll gladly revisit.

Since camp is the ideal place for children that want to make the most out of their summer, they will see you as a leader and a reference point.

This means that you will be the first person they come to for help and guidance.

You’ll be a role model for your campers, and will make sure they’re well looked after. From waking the campers up in the morning to tucking them in at night, you’ll keep camp rolling along smoothly.

9. Spend time in the great outdoors

Both Canada and the USA are large and geographically diverse places. While it is true that the cities in both counties offer adventure and entertainment, the nature in North America is just as impressive.

During your stay, you will get to experience untouched wilderness and enjoy being surrounded by forests, valleys, rivers, and mountains. From the glacial lakes at Banff National Park in Canada to Yellowstone Park in the US, you will never lack awe-inspiring landscapes.

10. Experience sleepaway camp – the real, North American way

Ever seen Camp Rock? Being away at camp is 100% like the movies. You’ll sing, dance, make new friends, sleep in cabins, make s’mores, tell campfire stories, play games…the list of fun-filled activities is virtually endless. Sound like a good time? Head out to the Land of the Free or the Great White North and find out what the hype around camping is all about! Summer camp jobs in America and Canada will not disappoint!

Jenny from Columbia

A guest post by Jenny Franco, an engineering Master’s student at Carinthia University of Applied Sciences in Austria.

Have you ever gotten lost in your thoughts, wondering what you want to do with your life, picturing what it would be like to live in another country?

Don’t get me wrong, I love coming from a small city in Colombia, but deep inside, I knew there were so many things I could discover and learn from.

If you have similar thoughts, then we have something in common, and hopefully, as you continue reading about how I ended up in the small but amazing city of Villach in Austria, you’ll pick up some helpful and inspiring tips for your own study abroad journey.

My life before studying abroad in Austria

As I mentioned, I was born in Colombia. I lived in California in the USA with my family for 10 years because my parents wanted to seek out the so-called “American dream”. Eventually, my mother decided that the best option for us was to return to Colombia, so at 14, my brother, mother, and I returned to Colombia, where I finished high school and did my Bachelors.

In Colombia, I lived with my parents and younger brother. We’re a middle-class family – my father worked in construction for many years, and my mother is an English teacher. Growing up, my brother and I had the necessary things and a little more, but we knew that for our parents to pay our tuition fees and accommodation costs abroad was out of the question.

Of course, we always have their support no matter how big our dreams are, and for us that is more than enough. For this reason, I decided to do my Bachelor’s in environmental engineering in Colombia (keeping in mind that my goal at this point was to do my Masters in another country).

Deciding where to go

For some years during and after my studies, I worked as an English teacher (since English is my mother tongue). It was a great job to save money. During this time, I began researching the application processes, accommodation options, and legal documentation requirements of different countries, as well as the opportunities to study engineering (specifically environmental and geographic information systems).

By the end of this search, I had narrowed it down to two countries – Austria and Germany.

Then the big question was how was I actually going to get to these countries? For me, the only option was to work as an Au-Pair to continue saving and finally have that experience abroad.

Why I chose Austria to study environmental engineering

From a career point of view, I needed a country where I had the chance to combine my environmental engineering Bachelors with a Master’s in geoinformatics. After talking to my colleagues and teachers I realized how much Austria had to offer.

Engineering in Austria

In general, Austria offers many opportunities for engineering students. There are student jobs and internships available at many companies, whether smaller startups or bigger established companies. More and more of these companies are using drones and remote sensing for agriculture and land use management, which provides fantastic opportunities to grow and put into practice everything we’re studying.

There are also many cities, such as Salzburg, that have a strong engineering community, with frequent seminars and summer schools.

Another reason Austria makes a great study abroad country for engineering students (or any student for that matter) is how central the country is within Europe, making it possible to travel to neighboring countries in your down time.

Austria has offered me so many opportunities that leaving this beautiful country will not be easy.

Life as an international student in Austria

I arrived in the city of Villach in September 2019. I was so nervous and excited, just a whirlwind of emotions!

I had met some other Latin American students through Facebook and mutual friends.

I had also found an apartment but couldn’t move in the same day I arrived because the girl who was there had not moved out yet. So, I stayed with a Mexican friend I met through the Latin group on Facebook. I stayed at her house almost until the end of the month. Even though she is the sweetest and kindest person, I was so eager to move into my own beautiful and very cheap (250 euros) apartment. It was the first time I had lived by myself, so I was excited to start this experience.

The city of Villach

The city is quite small but so comfortable to get around – you can get to all the stories, supermarkets, parks and rivers by just walking.

I managed to get myself a bicycle which I restored, and is my main transportation, taking only 13 minutes to the university. Going to the lake by bike is around 30 min, which is totally worth it as it’s the spot to gather during summer to sunbath, play some beach volley, talk with friends, and meet more students.

Also, I found a part-time job at a restaurant. It’s only on weekends which is great as it doesn’t interrupt my classes during the week. What’s more, the prices in Villach aren’t crazy. With this salary, I survived, pay rent, food, phone bill, debts back home and have enough to go out with my friends and enjoy student life.

Villach has felt like my home since I arrived. The university has so many other international students, so it never feels uncomfortable to speak English. The people from Villach are so kind. Usually, they know that you’re a student and never treat you differently. There are so many places to travel to, filled with rich culture and history. Villach is a great place to call home, to study, work, and enjoy life.

My top tip: Be patient during the application process

Patience is key if you want to travel abroad for studies.

If you get a rejection, then don’t stop. With time and patience, everything will work out in the end.

Once I started as Au-Pair (which is a whole other process) in Klagenfurt, a neighboring city of Villach, I searched for many universities and master programs related to Geoinformatics. During my research, I found and applied for five different programs. These applications were six months prior to the actual deadline. In my experience, coming up with the documentation was the hardest thing, but once you have it all sorted, you won’t need to do it again.

Visa process

My favorite part of applying to study in Austria was the visa process, which was much simpler than in other countries. Depending on your nationality, it can be done once you arrive in Austria and only takes two weeks, tops. This was far less stressful than doing it in the Austrian embassy back home, which usually takes three to four months.

Don’t ever give up. The study abroad journey has a lot of ups and downs, but believe me – it’s more than gratifying when you take those first steps onto the university campus.

More about Jenny

Pursuing your studies in public health will result in qualifications, knowledge, and skills that are applicable to any global context. Public health is a broad subject area, and your studies in public health at the master’s level can lead to a diverse number of career paths, including, but not limited to:

• Epidemiologist
• Community health worker
• Health educator
• Health policy manager
• Health program administrator
• Research assistant
• Public health strategist

Many master’s programs in the public health field are offered on a part-time basis, to allow practicing health professionals the freedom they need to gain new knowledge without stepping away from their ongoing careers. When it comes to online formats for learning, the degree of freedom is even greater – whether full-time or part-time – online students will be able to formulate their study schedule around their existing schedules and become well-qualified public health professionals on their own time!

If you’re interested in master’s studies in public health, browse our top 10 popular master’s in public health programs, all offered completely online!

Or, use our free search engine to browse more online health programs to find the perfect fit for you!  

10. Master’s in Advanced Surgical Practice (taught)

This part-time MSc in Advanced Surgical Practice from Cardiff University is an e-learning, inter-professional course for registered nurses, doctors, operating department practitioners and other healthcare professionals.

It aims to offer knowledge and expertise to provide a transition between theory and your own clinical practice. The course draws together a collection of fundamental information in an e-learning format, with an emphasis on the general principles of surgical practice rather than on the management of specific conditions.

The full MSc course takes two years to complete, although you can choose to exit with a Postgraduate Certificate after nine months or a Postgraduate Diploma after 18 months, if you have fulfilled all the criteria for those awards.

9. MSc in Public Health

This program aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to enable them to address public health challenges through research and practice. It covers the whole breadth of public health, encompassing low-, middle- and high-income countries. It reflects local, national and international public health agendas, and provides students with the opportunity to explore public health issues in depth with academics, researchers and practitioners alike.

8. MSc in Public Health

The MSc in Public Health is a challenging and rewarding programme designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to public health for students who intend to pursue careers in public health practice, management and/or research at local, national and/or supranational levels.

The core focus of the programme is on improving the health and wellbeing of populations, preventing health problems before they occur and reducing inequalities in health. It offers a cutting-edge knowledge and skills base in the principles and methods of public health and a creative and supportive learning environment. It explores a broad range of contemporary public health issues, supported by leading experts in the field of public health as well as the experiences of other students sharing diverse experiences from a range of public health systems around the world.

7. Master’s in Public Health

This online MPH programme will provide students with a thorough understanding of Public Health and provide an ideal foundation to develop as an effective public health professional.

New: A 1-year RSPH student membership is now provided to all Public Health students after completion of their first module.

The Master of Public Health (MPH) programme online has been designed for busy health professionals looking to gain a recognised qualification from a top UK university while continuing to work at the same time.

This course will provide students with a systematic and critical understanding of the key concepts underlying public health. Through its alignment with the Public Health Skills and Knowledge Framework this course will develop your ability to undertake independent research culminating in a dissertation project as a capstone to your studies.

6. Online MSc in Population Health Sciences

Population Health Sciences is an important and emerging field that combines a number of disciplines to better understand and measure health outcomes and their distribution in a population. Its role is to measure, quantify and describe the health status and health inequalities of populations through understanding the interactions of the physical and social environment, individual behaviour, resource allocation, investment and genetics over time and throughout the course of life.

The online Population Health Sciences program from the University of Glasgow offers you all the benefits of their public health program, but with emphasis on statistical, rather than clinically focused, content. Through a broader public health focus, this program explores the multiple determinants of health outcomes and their impact on the population. With patient data linking now more prevalent, this line of research is key to the future of healthcare.

5. Master’s Degree in Healthy Ageing and Quality of Life (interuniversity)

The Master’s Degree in Healthy Ageing and Quality of Life offered by the Universidad de Léon is organized by several universities. It is aimed at students who wish to receive advanced specialist training in the nursing of elderly people.

The program is of relevance to everybody who wishes to age actively and hopes to make ageing a positive experience and to achieve a life with a potential for continuing good health, participation in activities and safety, increasing the expectancy of healthy life, and optimising social and health provisions so as to improve the quality of life as people age.

This course is offered in two formats: with attendance or entirely through on-line distance learning.

4. Master of Public Health

By taking the online Master of Public Health program from Monash University, you’ll be provided with the full range of quantitative, analytical and communication skills to work as a knowledgeable and well-equipped public health professional.

You’ll also learn the quantitative methods of the population-based health sciences and their problem-solving application for primary care provision in Australia and developing countries around the world. As a fully online program, you can pursue your studies with Monash University from anywhere around the world!

3. University Specific Master’s in Mental Health – Social Clinic

The master’s degree provides a high-level university education with a professional specialization. The program of studies is interdisciplinary, systematic and gradual.

The online Master’s in Mental Health – Social Clinic program from the Universidad de Léon introduces the cultural, scientific and clinical knowledge needed to address some of the main individual and social conflicts that affect Mental Health in the contemporary world.

2. Master in Child and Youth Studies (Distance)

Children and youth around the world are growing up and living under very different circumstances, yet they still share many common lived experiences.

Delivered entirely online and part-time (50%), this two-year English-taught Master’s Program in Child and Youth Studies will provide students with a deepened understanding of the various conditions that shape, restrict and promote the experiences of young people in a wide variety of global contexts.

1. Online Master of Public Health

Outdated health policy risks the wellbeing of individuals, families and communities. It takes a confident and committed person to drive the necessary changes to safeguard public health. Whatever your healthcare background, the Online Masters of Public Health (MPH) program will provide students with all the experience they need without interrupting existing careers. It’s essential learning for those working in health improvement, health protection and humanitarian aid.

The 100% distance learning program has an emphasis on original research, psychosocial and international approaches to public health. Widely recognized by health organizations and businesses the world over, a Master of Public Health opens up careers in teaching, health program management, epidemiology and academic research.

A career as a medical doctor is highly sought after, and thousands of students and professionals across Australia aspire to study medicine every year. There is no doubt that it is an exciting, challenging, and multi-faceted career, however many can be put off by the equally challenging and multi-stage application process.

Whether you’re in high school, studying an undergraduate degree, or already working in another field, you may need to start preparing early if you’re considering a career in medicine.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the requirements for both undergraduate and graduate medicine applications in Australia.

Please note: this article in no way intends to substitute official information from the universities and other relevant organizations, so always ensure you check with your desired university for their specific entry requirements.

Applying for Undergraduate Medical Studies in Australia

For those applying to undergraduate medicine in Australia, eligibility is generally based on a combination of your high school and UCAT ANZ exam results, and (if offered) performance in an interview. Aspiring medical students should also pay attention to what subjects to study in high school. Of course, studying subjects that provide a solid science foundation would be advantageous. However, it’s not necessarily required by some universities. The University of Sydney, for example, has mathematics as a prerequisite subject. Generally, universities that do not have prerequisite subjects recommend that students take Year 12 Chemistry (or equivalent).

The minimum Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) requirements differ between universities, and between students from different backgrounds, like rural or remote. However, students who don’t achieve a high enough ATAR should not give up on their medical career, as there are many options for the graduate medical pathway.

Applying for Postgraduate Medical Studies in Australia

For graduate medicine, eligibility depends on many factors. Firstly, applicants must have completed at least a Bachelor’s degree. This does not need to be in an area related to medicine, so students from any undergraduate background may apply. There are also no benefits awarded to applicants from a related background, however Deakin University will award bonus points for prior clinical experience.

Importantly, most universities don’t require prerequisite medical studies. The University of Melbourne, for example, will be phasing out their current prior knowledge requirements, and the University of Queensland will be implementing prerequisite studies from the 2022 intake onwards.

This means that many aspiring medical students may choose to take their undergraduate studies as an opportunity to broaden their horizons, however many will decide on a Bachelor’s in Biomedical Science (or similar) to provide a solid foundation before starting medical school. There are of course pros and cons to each approach, and what works best will depend on the individual.

Arguably, the most important consideration is how prepared you would like to be for your first few months as a postgraduate medical student. Given that there seems to be an increasing focus throughout medical programs to get students out of the lecture theatre and into the hospitals as soon as possible, having any background in chemistry and biology is highly beneficial.

The sheer amount of content that medical students are expected to learn and retain in such a short amount of time can be extremely challenging, but a background in the medical sciences can help with this. On the other hand, this approach generally requires a high GPA, so it may not be the best option for every students. If studying chemistry will drag down your GPA and harm your competitiveness, perhaps considering an alternative way to prepare yourself for medicine would be more strategic.

The results you get during your Bachelor’s degree are also important considerations when applying for a postgraduate medicine program. Offers for interviews will be based on an applicant’s GPA, which can either be weighted or unweighted and will vary depending on completion of any postgraduate studies. The GAMSAT score also plays an important part when offers for interviews are made.

The GAMSAT exam

The GAMSAT exam is the admissions test for graduate medicine. This test is feared as a great hurdle for many, as it involves a grueling 5.5 hours of MCQs and essay-writing covering topics across both the humanities and the sciences. Generally (however it does vary greatly), graduate medical schools have a minimum GPA around 5.0 and GAMSAT score around 50. Competitive scores are often much higher than this.

Some medical programs in Australia will require a portfolio

In addition to GPA and GAMSAT results, the University of Wollongong and Notre Dame require applicants to complete a portfolio outlining experiences that demonstrate specific desired qualities for a career in medicine, for example leadership. Applying to these universities can therefore be a strategic move for anyone with a diverse background of formative experiences, such as volunteering, musical, and sporting achievements.

Consider your university based on your GPA vs GAMSAT scores

Universities weigh admissions criteria differently for both interview and final place offers, so being familiar with how a university calculates its weights can be advantageous to applicants. For example, if you have a low GPA and a high GAMSAT score, you may consider applying to universities that attribute greater weight to GAMSAT than GPA in their ranking process.

Every year, GEMSAS, the organization that facilitates, the admissions process for the majority of graduate medical schools in Australia, releases a Medicine Applications Guide detailing these criteria. Applicants should carefully read and understand this document. Furthermore, the University of Sydney, Flinders University and Monash University all have their own individual application systems.

Interviewing is the last step to applying for medical school

Of course final offers for a place in a graduate medical school will depend on your performance in an interview. Similar to the other aspects of the medical admissions process, each university has a unique approach to interviews. For example; the University of Wollongong even include an additional aptitude test that students must complete.

Final thoughts

Whilst it can seem daunting reading about the necessary preparation and hurdles that students must overcome when applying for medicine, the multi-faceted nature of the applications process is designed to assess applicants’ suitability for a career in medicine. These hurdles are only the beginning of a lifelong of learning and facing great challenges in what may be considered one of the most dynamic, demanding, and rewarding career paths one can take.

The application process for university admission differs from country to country and there is no perfect formula for obtaining admission to your desired university. However, there are some general rules that you should follow and tips that can help you gain admission.

1. Choose your program

Decide on where you want to study abroad and in which level and area of study you’re interested and have the academic background to qualify. Consider your career prospects and then decide on a specialization. Choose a program that is aligned with your goals and try to choose a university that is highly ranked, has a great reputation for your desired subject, or meets other criteria that are important to you.

2. Read the requirements and deadlines carefully

The first step for applying to a school abroad is checking the requirements. If the information on the website is confusing to you or is insufficient, request more information from the schools. If you are unsure if your nationality is accepted for student visas in the country, you can also try visiting official government websites and study councils. It is important to pay attention to the deadlines to make sure that you don’t miss the admission or entrance exam deadlines.

3. Write a motivation letter

Applying for certain fields of study or schools requires a motivation letter. The motivation letter or cover letter should show your ability to perform well at the institution, and should include an evaluation of your skills, as well as your accomplishments. So express your interest in studying at the university in a clean and structured motivation letter, and remember to use clear English when writing the letter.

4. Ask for a recommendation letter

University or program admission sometimes require one or several recommendation letters from a teacher. Don’t be shy to ask for the recommendation letter from your teachers that you had a good relationship with. Remember that recommendation letters take time for instructors to write and they may be asked for letters from multiple students. Ask them as early as possible to ensure that they have the time to write a detailed and compelling recommendation.

5. Get prepared for the TOEFL or IELTS test

If your first language is not English and you’d like to study abroad, you will probably need to take an English language test. When planning your study abroad timeline and booking your test, take the preparation time for the test into account. Depending on your English language proficiency and your ability to use the English language, as well as the score that the university requires, you’ll need time to study and get prepared for the test.

Additionally, don’t forget to book the test at least one month in advance because each test center offers tests a maximum of four times a month depending on local demand. If you apply late, it might be full.

6. Translate and authenticate your documents

If you’re applying to study a program taught in English abroad, you will need to translate your documents (including your diploma and grades) to English. Be aware that the translations should be authenticated by a competent authority. If you aren’t sure what authorities are accepted by your prospective university, check their website or inquire about it with an admissions official.

7. Use the online application platforms

Nowadays more schools tend to use an online application platform to make it easier for students to apply for the programs. Sending the documents electronically instead of by post is preferred by most schools and students as it is faster and usually less expensive or free.

8. Register for the entrance exam

Some countries like India and certain schools, such as medical schools, have entrance exams that test your knowledge of natural science and skills relating to subjects like language or mathematics. Check the date and place of the exam as the test usually takes place one or two months before the school’s opening day. You’ll need to register for the test in advance and if required, make a plan for your travel abroad. Also make sure that you know what to expect on test day. If possible, prepare by taking a look at a sample test.

9. Be confident for the interview

The last stage of the application process might be an admission interview. Some schools like the University of Oxford and certain elite programs conduct interviews to find which candidates are more qualified to get into the school. The interview usually starts with why you want to study in this school or program, your background and plans for the future. Practice for the interview, be confident and don’t let the formal setting stress you out. Remain calm and don’t speak too quickly or slowly.

10. Schedule your visa appointment

To be eligible for a student visa, your school and program should be accredited by the government of the country they are located. In most cases, after you receive a letter of acceptance and get admitted at the school, it’s time to apply for the student visa. Depending on the country’s regulations and number of applicants, applying for the student visa can be a long and complicated process. Therefore, it’s better to apply for your student visa and schedule your appointment or interview as soon as possible. The documents you’ll need for the student visa application are usually a bank statement,  the application form, the receipt of payment for your application and university tuition fee, your passport, medical and background information.

11. Plan for the costs

You’ll need to consider that applying to schools abroad will have costs relating to the school’s entrance exam, translating documents, booking the English language test, tuition fees, and visa application fees. Don’t let this discourage you as many students study internationally on a budget, but do make a plan for your likely costs so that you can budget appropriately.