Summer has to be my favorite season. While I like the emergence of Spring and football in the Fall, the Summer brings hot weather, beach time, the sun setting later, tank tops, cookouts, and happy times.
My other favorite thing about summer is driving in the evenings in a sundress with the windows down, a warm breeze blowing, and listening to terrible boy band music, like “Summer Time” by LFO. (True story. I know I shouldn’t admit that.) This summer, however, I won’t be doing that. I won’t be driving, I won’t feel those hot summer breezes, and I probably won’t be wearing sundresses either. But am I excited? Most definitely! Through a series of random and very fortunate events, I got a job. In a foreign country. And it sounds perfect. I’m not sure I can even call it a job though, as it will be an educational experience for me and involves travel to places I have never been.
This summer I will be going to a village north of Johannesburg, just outside of Kruger National Park. While I visited South Africa last July, I’ve only been to the Cape Town area. I will be advising on social business start-ups in the poorest region of South Africa where the unemployment rate is extremely high (over 50%). I will be living in the village with a family. I’m excited about living with locals and learning about a new tribe and culture.
In preparation for this gig, I’ve been doing plenty of reading and research, both on the history of South Africa and on social business and development. I first became interested in social business a couple of years ago after stumbling on this online retailer that invests their profits in women’s micro-lending programs. I’ve even assisted in starting a small business in Kenya. This opportunity will allow me to put my Africa and business knowledge to use while gaining a more in-depth view of start-ups in rural Africa. I am thrilled for the opportunity and of course, can’t wait to blog about it :)
What are your travel plans this summer?
Congrats!!! This sounds fabulous and perfect for you! Yes, it will def. be challenging – but I can also imagine how rewarding it will be. The best is that you will still be exploring and bringing us wonderful stories of your life!
Thanks Sherry :) I’m really excited for the opportunity and of course to explore!
Congrats!! What a fabulous summer plan, you’re gonna have a lot of fun! And you’ll be helpful!:)
Starting my summer in Thailand and hopefully will get to NYC or Vancouver:)
Sounds like an exciting, interesting summer Laura. Looking forward to hearing all about it!
Really looking forward to reading about these adventures and the challenges you’ll be facing this summer. What a great opportunity for you to combine some of the goals you mentioned last December! Safe travels and keep the updates coming! :)
Its not listening to terrible boy bands but this really sounds like are great opportunity to help and learn.
Incredible! I’m moving to Germany to be an au pair! Nervous but so excited. hopefully my first of many experiences abroad.
Au pair- how fun! Also a nice way to spend the summer I think :)
This sounds like a great way to spend the summer. I am sure you will have quite an adventure and I can’t wait to read about it.
AHHH! You got LFO in my head and I’ve been avoiding it since 1998.
I am super stoked for you and your upcoming adventure! How awesome to not only help out, but be super involved in the community.
Very cool. Can’t wait to hear how it unfolds!
OMG that’s awesome, wait we were just tweeting about SA and you didn’t say anything, bad girl!!!!!!!!!!!
Mate! That sounds amazing! Congrats — look forward to reading about your experiences.
holy crap that’s fantabulous!!! congrats!!! really looking forward to reading about your time there! and funny- i’ll likely be driving (in my new tiny rv!) with the windows down in a sun dress listening to terrible boy band music! ;)
This sounds like an awesome job!! I’d really like to get to South Africa someday. I can’t wait to read about your experiences there!
Wow, that sounds fantastic! Can’t wait to read all about it! :)
What an awesome opportunity! Like everyone else, I really can’t wait to hear all about it!
Congrats!
Thanks Luna! I’m really excited and really appreciate all of the kind words from everyone :)
Wow, awesome news!! You’ll have a great summer, that’s for sure :)
I also love Summertime Girls, it’s a cheesy summer song and every year I welcome it!
Good luck in South Africa, sound.s like an amazing opportunity
Very cool! Sounds like its going to be a great summer. I can’t wait to read more about your adventure.
Sounds like a great way to spend summer — I’m sure it’s going to be both a great travel and learning experience.
Fantastic travel plans! WIsh I had some as well…I’m sure something will come up though!
Congrats on another trip planning, I bet you’ll enjoy in Johannesburg, because you’re a good researcher and planner :)
Woohooo!!! Super excited for you!!
Hey Laura,
So awesome that you are getting involved with social enterprise in rural Africa. Looking forward to hearing about it. My summer plans also involve social enterprises in Africa. And camel drawing. :)
B well,
Phil
Thanks Phil!
I would love to hear more about what you’ll be doing with social enterprise this summer. I’m hoping to benefit from the experience and continue on with some work of my own once my gig finishes up in August. Camel drawing= awesome. My mom’s coworker lives in Camelville, KY. You should go there. I think if you live in a town with a name like that, you really should at least know how to draw camels ;)
oh wow laura, that sounds amazing! i haven’t yet got my summer planned but with etc but it’s going to be tricky. for one though, i’ll be attending my graduation :D
Graduation? Exciting. And definitely an excuse for a trip :)
Sounds like fun! Have an amazing time!
Wow- sounds really interesting. My boyfriends sister just spent a lot of time there are really had a great experience. Good luck!
Gorgeous mountain top photo! Your trip sounds awesome!
This is so exciting!! How long is the job for? And what’s the village called?
I’m so excited to read about your adventure.You’ so talented to climb on the top of Table Mountain in South Africa.
It’s so beautiful