Infrequently Asked Questions: Where can I find courses to learn Arabic in Syria or Lebanon?

A: Try searching Language Schools or Worldwide Classroom. In Syria, there is IRAMES, which offers an intensive 5/6 month course and has links with international University departments. Or To Learn Arabic, which offers courses from beginner to advanced. Arabesk is another with strong international links. The IQRA Institute offers programmes in Damascus, but is also based in Lebanon, where it offers a 1 year course in Arabic. The Lebanese American University in Beirut offers an intensive 6 week summer course (for all levels) and 15 week fall course (for intermediate and advanced)

Top Tips: Travelling Abroad

Yes
Do your research. Arranging it yourself will be cheaper than going through a company, but there will be a lot of organising to do. If you do get someone else to organise everything for you, shop around. There’s a wide variety of prices. If you are volunteering in developing countries, you may want to think about some ethical considerations e.g. Does it work with local partner organisations and invest in its volunteer programmes

No
Don’t forget the red tape. Make sure you have the correct visas, particularly if you want to work outside the EU. Don’t take risks with your health. Make sure you get any jabs you need in plenty of time. If you are volunteering, don’t lose sight of the fact that it’s not a holiday. But don’t forget to have fun too!

See Also:
CDEC’s International Work & Volunteering Opportunities – includes lots of organisations and advice-giving sites

I want to be a ... Pro Surfer

Why?
You spend your time surfing and hanging around on beaches in the free gear you get from your sponsors. There is a great deal of travel involved, usually to places warmer than Britain

How?
Sam Lamiroy states that "Surfing's more about adaptive skills than pure physical endurance and fitness. It's almost like a martial art. The sea is a quickly changing environment, so you have to be artistic, creative, and able to interpret your surroundings. If you want to make a living from it, you have to be smart and know what your sponsors want. You're constantly dealing with people, so you need to be genial and professional." If you haven't been surfing from a young age you are unlikely to make it as a professional. A clear way to get into pro surfing is through competitions which are listed in places like Drift Magazine, higher level events include the ASP World Qualifying Series for pro surfers. If you don't make it as a professional there are Surfing Instruction jobs with group like Flying Fish

Where?
Talent and practice are important so check the surfing conditions for training. Lists of surf schools and job vacancies in the industry can be found at Surfer's Village
Check out CDEC’s Work and Study abroad information as well as our jobs database for relevant vacation work. We also have a new Volunteer and Work abroad section in our foyer with takaway information on relevant volunteering or work schemes and gap year projects

Web Review: Jobaroo

http://www.jobaroo.com/
Jobaroo has vacancy listings for professionals returning or emigrating to Australia as well as for backpackers visiting. You can join relevant recruitment agencies for education, health, engineering, construction and labour/outback jobs or apply directly. There is a useful information on work visas, job prospects about how much you can expect to earn in different sectors both for professional and temp work. The site also has a number of useful links to other jobs sites, guides for visitors to Australia, accommodation websites, and communities of ex-pats and backpackers

See also:
CDEC's information pages for working and studying abroad in Australasia. CDEC has a new Volunteer and Work abroad section in our foyer with takaway information on many volunteering or work schemes and gap year projects. We also have useful books for those looking to travel and work abroad. These are listed on our Shelfari page

Guardian Postgraduate Study and Training Fair

The Careers Group and The Guardian are running a Postgraduate Study and Training Fair and an MBA fair on Wednesday 21st January 2009. The fairs are free to attend but pre-registration is recommended. To register and for more information go here and here

Free Courses for Lone Parents

Women's wisdom and working links are providing Empower courses to lone parents in Brighton and Hove. These are open to both men and women. The courses involve four modules on self-analysis, how to make changes and recognise opportunities (including with career planning). The courses take place over 4 weeks starting 13th January 2009 at Patcham Community Centre, 8th January 2009 at Moulsecombe Community Leisure Centre and 7th January 2009 at South Portslade Community Centre. All run 10am - 2pm. Contact women's wisdom on 0800 7818597 or at enquiries@womenswisdom.co.uk to book a place. Refreshments are provided and reasonable travel and childcare costs will be subsidised

Big Issue Theatre Writing Competition

The Big Issue is launching a play writing competition in association with the National Student Drama Festival. The competition is aimed at students and people who have never written for theatre before and the scripts should concern human interest, social affairs and politics. The play should be around 10 minutes (around 10 sides of A4). A shortlist will be performed by professional actors at a Big Script Festival Night where the winner will be chosen. To enter send scripts to "The Big Script, The Big Issue, 1-5 Wandsworth Road, London, SW8 2LN" by 31st January 2009

Social Network for Economists

The Government Economic Service have set up a social network for economists and may be especially useful for economics students. The website can be found at http://economists.ning.com

City Law School Postgraduate Open Evening

The City Law School is holding a Postgraduate Studies Open Evening on Thursday 11th December 2008 6:00 - 8:30 pm. There you can find out about their Graduate Diploma in Law/CPE, GE LLB and LLM Programmes. Further information can be found here

Deloitte Scholar Scheme

Deloitte are starting a new programme for first year students considering a career in the professional services. It is an opportunity for students to get a foot in the door with Deloitte and pick up some useful skills along the way. SkillBuild is offered to first year students only and consists of six sessions over the next 18 months based on life and employability skills. For information on entry requirements and how to apply see their website. There is no deadline given but the scheme begins on 7th January 2009 so send in your application asap

Bank of England PHD Internships

The Bank of England is now accepting applications for PhD internships in 2009. The internships are for two to three months, focussing on projects analysing issues relating to monetary policy and/or financial stability. The deadline for applications is 23rd January 2009 and more information on how to apply can be found here

Engineering & Construction Career Event Expo

Discovery4 are running an Engineering & Construction Career Event at Epsom Downs Racecourse all day Friday 30th January 2009. The event is free to attend and includes seminars, a career development workshop, company presentations and information on postgraduate study. To register go to the Discovery4 website where you can also find information on exhibitors and top tips on preparing for the event