What Should I Do Next Summer?

[Danielle]

Hi all,

So I'm busy contemplating what I should do with myself next summer.

Some background information - I'm a rising Sophomore at Columbia University in NYC, so next summer will really be my last (practical) chance to spend the entire summer doing something just for me (the summer before my senior year should really be spent at an internship or working in preparation to join the so-called "real world"). Also, with my major, study abroad during the school year is not possible, so the summer is pretty much the only time I'll be able to go there...

On the other hand, I will have more funds available for the trip if I save up for it an additional summer... As it is now, I figure that what I expect to save will JUST be able to pay for living expenses (apx. $5000 = $75/day); if I can convince family members to pay for my plane ticket, rail pass, backpack etc, I should be able to make the trip... However, if I work a 2nd summer and save for the trip then, I should be able to save enough to pay for it all myself...

Do I really want to live as frugally as possible this upcoming year in order to save for the trip? Or should I live a little less modestly and attempt an '06 trip instead?

The options are:
1) Go backpacking for 2 months in Europe
2) Stay in NYC and get a job / internship
3) Stay in NYC and take summer classes
4) Study abroad in Dublin for 6 weeks

What would you do?

[me]

Hey Danielle!

that really depends on what's important to you:

1 & 4 sound like the most fun! and fun is important. but, 2 or 3 might be more useful for your future.

i'm confused by your list of alternatives:

summer '04 - rising sophmore - summer is half over

summer '05 - rising junior - you're asking about this summer?

summer '06 - rising senior - not an option because you need to prepare for "real world."

if '06 is really out, '05 is your last chance to take a long trip for quite a while.

look at your options. if the last statement above is true, that might be your best option.

you might could combine 1 & 4, do the 6 week study, and use ryanair, easyjet, etc., to travel weekends, before & after the Dublin study.

something to think about.

- d

[MuvverRussia]

Do you have to study in Dublin? My school (London School of Economics (LSE)- http://www.lse.ac.uk) has a pretty good summer school program, also it would mean that you get to live in London for a bit. In fact, you could combine that with a bit of backpacking around continental Europe.

[Danielle]

My main problem here is cost though. I would LOVE to do both the summer program and backpacking on the side, but there is NO WAY I could afford that. The cost of the program is about $6000, I figure a 2 month backpacking trip would be about the same. Honestly, that's the absolute most I think I would be able to save up on my own. And, unfortunately, my family will not be able to help me out w/ this one.

David: yes, that's my reasoning. The only thing is that I could always try to do an internship or something during the school year, and use next summer ('05) to save up even more money.

MuvverRussia: yes, my heart is kind of set on Ireland (Trinity in particular) for study abroad. I'm 100% Irish, and it is where I wanted to study abroad during the school year. But unfortunately they don't have a dance program, and since I'm doing a double major in dance and US history, it's impossible for me to fit study abroad into my 4 years.

All that being said - I'm thinking that I'm going to go with option A (or at least attempt to). I've been wanting to go to Europe forever, and I honestly don't know how much longer I want to wait to go. Also, again, time wise it just makes the most sense.

Cross your fingers! I'll definitely be posting details/questions on here as my planning begins and (hopefully) my trip commences!

[Patrick]

Umm... I may be a tad biased, but I'd say study in Ireland! ;D


Seriously though, you're only young once, you'll have the rest of your life to work in the summer - so enjoy it if you can!

A trip to study would let you accomplish some goals while doing something you like to do at the same time. My cousin is doing something similar in England this summer and I wish I had done something like it when I was in school!

[me]

Hey Danielle,

any chance of getting a student aid/loan for the study abroad program?

when i was a college student, in Texas a few years back, several kids on financial aid were able to use the aid for study abroad programs.

with such aid, you might could also pay to travel a bit.

just a thought.

- d

[Danielle]

I'm already on maximum financial aid for the school year. Unfortunately, Columbia doesn't give aid for the summer. I suppose I could try to get a scholarship or something, but in all honesty, I was completely wiped out after last semester - I'm thinking having to "study" during the summer as well might not be such a great idea after all. Anyway - if I just backpack it's a lot less money, and I'll get to see more places! ;D