Words of Wisdom in ‘Handbook’

“Indonesian rail travel is not for the impatient. Two-hour stops in the middle of rice fields in the hottest part of the day are common.

“On a trip from Denpasar to Jakarta, I sat on an uncushioned wooden seat for 52 hours. This was in third class and one of my fellow passengers was a goat. Invest the few extra dollars and travel first or second class instead.”

This sage advice can be found in an excellent book called “Work, Study, Travel Abroad: The Whole World Handbook,” published by the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE). The 1990-91 edition, printed by St. Martin’s Press, is now available.

This comprehensive handbook is packed with information on opportunities in foreign countries from studying photography in Salzburg to teaching English in Japan.

It contains leads for work, study, volunteer service and internships, all geared to student-style travelers. Brief information for more than 1,000 different programs is included.

New for this 10th edition are recommendations on books to read and films to see before you go. Also included are maps and introductions to the countries from travelers that provide a cultural and social background for the areas.

The CIEE is the type of network that can reach out and contact student travelers. The organization was created in 1947 to re-establish student travel exchange after World War II.

This not-for-profit service has 29 retail travel offices in the United States (called Council Travel) and locations in Hong Kong, Paris, Madrid, Kyoto, Tokyo, Rome and Bonn.

The quotes inserted throughout the handbook were gathered from travelers by interviews and letters, plus evaluation forms and questionnaires that were distributed at colleges and universities across the United States.

Some of the insights will help you learn how to best prepare for a trip. For example, one student found that not doing the proper research before going abroad was an important oversight.

His school would not give him full credit for the courses he took abroad. “The loss of credits was my own fault because I didn’t get my adviser’s assistance before I left.”

Other tips can help with packing.

“All the equipment you plan on bringing should be packed. Then, go for a long hike with it. This will help you make choices on what to bring and what to leave at home. But at least bring rain gear.”

You’ll also find advice on how to get started on the right foot in a foreign city.

“A good way to meet people and find a cheap place to stay is to head for the university of the city you are in. There is an international camaraderie among university students and young people out there that is well worth plugging into.”

Sometimes they can suggest ideas for interesting experiences that you may not have even considered.

“Learn about organizations that will help you arrange to spend a short time with a family while you are abroad. Often government tourist offices, will be able to arrange an afternoon or evening visit for you.”

“Work, Study, Travel Abroad: The Whole World Handbook,” is available through retail bookstores, or it can be ordered from the Council on International Educational Exchange, Dept. I.S.S.,1205 E. 42nd St., New York 10017. Cost is $10.95, plus $2.50 for first-class, or $1 for book-rate postage.

Britain’s National Trust is operating 300 working holidays for young volunteers who are interested in making new friends while helping to conserve Britain’s heritage.

The “Acorn Projects” run from weekends to two weeks, and are open to cheerful, reasonably fit, volunteers over 16. There is a charge of $40 to $72. Accommodations are provided at 37 base camps.

Projects range from biological and archeological surveys to extending the Cornish Coastal Footpath.

For more details, contact Chris Tews, National Trust Volunteer Unit, P.O. Box 12, Westbury Wiltshire BA13 4NA, England.