Tuesday Travel Inspiration: Road Warrior Glam

Not too long ago, I shared a post showcasing 7 ways to amp up your wardrobe. As I've been traveling throughout this spring, I've been on the lookout for even more ways to rock an outfit without sacrificing too much space in my carry on.

From air travel to road trips, traveling for business can make it difficult to only pack the necessities. At least, it's difficult for me as I'm a recovering over-packer trying to make it as a carry-on-only traveler. I know I'll need the slacks and blouse, but what about an outfit for the reception afterwards, or for a night spent relaxing at a low-key pub? What if I need comfy clothes for the long haul drive back home, or for getting a morning workout in? And don't even get me started on the jewelry.

Sure, I get that not everyone is this kind of traveler. But for me, dressing for success is part of what helps to inspire a rockstar attitude. If I love what I'm wearing, and feel comfortable in the outfit, I'm ready to take on a long day of meetings, presentations, or chat with students on campus all day.

So for today's #TravelTuesday inspiration, we're going to dive into some fashion tips for all the road warriors out there. The most important lesson to take away from these before we even get started: make them work for YOU. As unique as our style of travel may be, so are the ways we rock an outfit. Get creative, make it your own, and keeping on doing you, boo boo.

Tuesday Travel Inspiration: Friends

                           
As much as a journey is defined by the places you go, so is it affected by those you meet along the way.

Whether you're on the go, settling in at home, or somewhere in between, there are often those in your life who "just get it" - whatever the "it" may be. You might call them friends, but that term can be SUCH an understatement - these are the people who love you for being a weirdo, who will tell you your hair looks like crap when it does look like crap, and will have your back through thick and thin. Can you imagine what life would be like without these individuals? Neither can I.

That being said, today's inspiration for #TravelTuesday is for all those who've left an impression on your life and travels.

Girl in Transition: Two Years & Counting

"Some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again."    

- C.S. Lewis

I've always loved that quote. I like to think that as you get older, it's discovering the magic in reality that makes for a true fairy tale. If we can discover the happy endings in every obstacle and challenge that comes our way, it's safe to say that one never really has to outgrow fairy tales.

Earlier this week, I marked my two year anniversary with GoAbroad.com and it's been a fairy tale of the best variety - filled with ups, downs, moments that made me laugh and cry, and the kind of learning that comes with a job you truly love.

Working in international education isn't everything I imagined it might be - it's more. It's more work, more persistence, and more passion than even someone as obsessed as myself thought it would be. And I'm not even close to done learning or connecting with others who dedicate themselves to international education opportunities. 

This is what they call a girl in transition. Or something like that. And on this #ThrowbackThursday, I'm jumping back to take a look at two of the biggest lessons I've learned about international education so far. Grab your coffee or tea. It's about to get all sorts of introspective up in here.

Annual NAFSA Conference & Expo - Meme Interpretation

I'm going to preface this post with the note that I'm in the thick of NAFSA planning, TBEX planning, GoAbroad Innovation Awards prep, and getting over a nasty bit of a cold bug. It's safe to say that these factors combined have made me more than a bit loopy of late. (Not that that is anything out of the ordinary.)

Perhaps that's why I spent my Sunday night putting the following meme together after preparing for all that comes with a pre-NAFSA-Monday-in-the-office. Those of you in international education will know exactly what I mean ;)

In preparing for the 2013 NAFSA conference, there has been much excitement in the air at the GoAbroad offices. From getting ready to meet new people and old friends, to celebrating innovation and new programs, the Annual NAFSA Conference & Expo is like prom for international educators. We may not wear ballgowns, and are apt to choose Dr. Scholl's inserts over platform heels, but celebrating international education with thousands of delegates from around the world is part of what makes our world go round. 

We all know, though, that the pre-, during and post- NAFSA experiences can also be overwhelmingly stressful. My advice to you: don't let it get the best of you! There are so many awesome things to experience at NAFSA, that it isn't worth letting the stress ruin those moments. Easier said than done, I know. This is where a bit of humor comes in to save the day.

Please keep in mind that this meme is made in jest and good fun. When your stress levels are high, and your Google calendar is looking like it's going to explode out of your computer, any sort of lighthearted humor is necessary to get through the day. I mean, am I right, or am I right? 

For all you NAFSA-ians out there, enjoy. I also suggest stocking up on green tea, comfy shoes, and expectations of many 12 to 15 hour days ahead at the end of the month. Be seeing all yo' faces soon! Happy travels!

Shameless promotion ahead: if you're a social media enthusiast who will be at NAFSA, consider showing up for the #TweetIEs to earn prizes and connect with other social media gurus in the international education field.

 

Where Creativity Meets Study Abroad: An Interview with Atlas Sliced

Are you looking to launch your career in the field of international education? Are you applying to jobs left and right, and wondering when your big break is going to come along? I know the feeling. I had similar thoughts constantly running through my head as I was trying to break into the world of study abroad. 

If you're on the brink of frustration and impatience, I have a word of advice for you: don't give up. Not yet. Not when the fruits of your labor will be as sweet as you imagine them to be. And certainly not when you owe it to yourself to turn your dreams into reality. 

Rather than fold like a deck of cards, consider adding more creativity to your job search. Find a way to stand out that's true to who you are and what you're passionate about. Easier said than done, I know, but if you want something bad enough - like working in international education - you'll tap into that internal well of motivation. It might just be the gold mine that leads to your success.

To help add a bit more inspiration to your efforts, I'd like to share a video interview I recently took part in with the amazing Alexa Hart of Atlas Sliced. The interview covers my own approach to launching a career in international education, and how creativity was the key to my success.  

If you aren't familiar with the site, Atlas Sliced is the ONLY travel web show that serves up advice on how to live and work abroad long-term. The goal of the interview-based show is to inspire, inform/educate, and motivate people to take action to fulfill their own travel dreams. 

I hope that my story helps you to keep thinking outside the box, and to remember that no matter where your journey may lead, the most important part is enjoying yourself along the way. Happy Travels!
 

On the Road Again: Reflections from the GoAbroad Bus

Jumping for joy near the border of Montana

After almost two years working as the Outreach Manager for GoAbroad, I keep wondering if my job will ever stop surprising or motivating me. I'm thinking not. Especially when one considers that I'm currently writing this post from a beautiful mountain town in Montana.

I've confessed to having "itchy feet" syndrome more times than I can count, as it's difficult to imagine being in one place for an extended amount of time. There are always the questions of what else is out there, what's waiting to be explored, and where is the next place I can call "home?"

The longer I live in Colorado and work for GoAbroad, though, I'm extremely fortunate to experience the best of both worlds: having a home base in a place I love, and traveling to a variety of interesting destinations. Most recently I've been exploring Montana while on board the GoAbroad Bus, and the awe-inspiring views are causing some internal reflection.

Bear with me as those thoughts become external declarations ;)

Breaking the Mold: A Career in International Education

No travel or study abroad experience? You aren't alone. There are plenty of individuals and post-grads out there who dreamt of making it a reality, but were often limited by circumstances. 

It doesn't mean you still CAN'T have meaningful travel experiences, though. Just the opposite actually. To help fuel your own dreams of traveling abroad, and having the courage to make it happen, I'm featuring an interview with one my colleagues at GoAbroad.com and the Founder of SocialMediaforStudents.com, Kayla Patterson.

Kayla sat down to chat about why she didn't study abroad, how it's actually helped her in her role within international education, and where social media comes into play! 

Why didn't you study abroad? How has it affected your current outlook on travel?

Ultimately I ended up not studying abroad due to my somewhat nontraditional college experience. Knowing that I wanted to get through college with minimal debt, I got my Associate's Degree at a community college and transferred it into my four year degree at Colorado State University. And honestly, I didn't even know that I could study abroad while I was attending community college. By the time I was a junior at CSU, studying abroad would have postponed my graduation - mostly because I wasn't taking classes in preparation for it.

Tuesday Travel Inspiration: Discovery

On this particular Travel Tuesday, I'm reminiscing about how it feels to set foot in a brand new place. 

Be it a new country, a new state, or simply a new state of mind, I never quite get over that feeling of awe and discovery. For anyone who loves to travel (or dream of travel), you'll know what I'm talking about. 

Take a moment to close your eyes. What do you recall the most vividly from those moments of discovery? Is it the smell of fresh-cooked street food? The sound of conversations in a different language? The feeling of a cool ocean breeze brushing across your face? Don't rush through the reminiscing - let it surround you and remind you why those moments were so memorable in the first place. Pretty amazing how much they stick with you, right?

As you continue to discover the world around you, here's to also discovering new things about yourself. It doesn't matter how old you are, how well-traveled you may be, how experienced you feel, or how much you've already learned. Anything is possible when you stop thinking of things in terms of impossible.

Once a student of the world, always a student of the world.

A Golden Year: 25 Life Lessons in the Making

And suddenly we're nearing the end of January 2013. Can someone remind me when we even got to 2013?? Once again, I've fallen a bitttttt a lot behind with posting some updates over the last couple of months - but it turns out this must have been meant to happen as the last two months have wrought more changes than I anticipated the New Year bringing.

If you know anything about me, you'll already know that I'm a fan of ongoing New Years resolutions, whether they're new or old. More than anything, it's the spirit of motivation and reflection that I enjoy the most about a new year. After partaking of an adventure to the Philippines, to finally re-connecting with family at home during the holidays, to most recently celebrating my 'golden' birthday, there have been a variety of highs and lows that have me thinking 2013 will be anything but boring.

In the midst of all these events, I've taken to thinking more deeply about how they've affected my life and the path I'm on to who-knows-where. Some might call them life lessons. Some might call them a cluttered braindump in a public space. Both cases could be argued for ;) In accordance with it being the year of my golden birthday, I'm going with 25 life lessons to share (organized in no particular order). It's a good a number: enough to incorporate all the things I've learned, but not so many that you'll be dozing off by the end of this post. Or maybe you will. If that's the case, grab a pillow, sit back, and get comfortable. What Would Jane Do is about to get a bitttttt a lot sentimental.

A is for Asia, B is for Bring it!

That's right folks, What Would Jane Do is headed for Asia today (the Philippines to be exact) for a much anticipated work conference! After a full season of domestic travel, it will be brought full circle with this international jaunt. 

Added to that, I've been looking forward to finally meeting coworkers I've only ever communicated with through email and Skype - and the day has at last arrived. The only thing more excited than me may be my passport - to say it's thrilled to be out of hiding is an understatement. And yes, I just gave my passport human-like characteristics. Deal with it. An overactive imagination combined with very little sleep will do that.

With layovers in San Francisco, Hawaii, and Guam, it's going to be a verrrrrry long day of travel before we arrive in Manila. There will be photos to come following the conclusion of our 10 days in the country, so stay tuned for updates! In the meantime, here's wishing you all a very happy post-Thanksgiving weekend. If it was anything like mine, it was filled with all sorts of good food and even better memories - including the part where I decided I was athletic and walked away with minor bruises after playing some good ol' night frisbee. The fact that my father calls me an "academic athlete" for more reason than one is never going to take hold, I suppose.... ;)

Happy travels!

Mid-Week Travel Inspiration

Sometimes you just need to hear this. And when it's the middle of the week, you have a big presentation to be prepping for, AND you're running low on coffee....well, like I said, you just need to hear this. 

Here's wishing everyone out there a good ol' aren't-you-glad-you've-made-it-halfway-through-the-workweek. Does it seem to matter that many of us had a holiday on Monday and so it's not really halfway? Nope. Doesn't matter one bit :)

Travel Lessons from an Amateur Road Warrior

Ah travel, how loveable you are--at least most of the time

Have you ever made a mistake that you thought had a simple solution, yet it came back to bite you in the you-know-where at least a few times? Oh yes, we've all been there. And as I've discovered, it usually happens when you think you've got everything handled. Is it just me, or is it really starting to stink of irony in here?

After my latest adventures to Virginia and Georgia for study abroad fair visits, there is one very important lesson that I have been reminded of:

DO NOT MISS YOUR FLIGHTS 

...But if you do, make sure you have a self-depreciating sense of humor to handle the roller coaster of emotions ahead...

International Education Week, Around the Mountain She Comes!

New business cards for the new job!

I'm quickly realizing it's harder than I thought to keep up with my personal blog, in addition to my new job responsibilities. If I thought I previously knew what time management was, this new venture is certainly making me work hard to prove it's the truth. Like every challenge, though, I wouldn't have it any other way. Where would the fun be in that?

But enough about me! I'm excited to help spread the word with this particular post about the upcoming 2011 International Education Week. If you've never heard of it, this week is an opportunity to promote international education and exchange worldwide. Like every other professional working in the international education industry, this week is a big one to look forward to. Why? Read on to find out!

Interview with Inside Study Abroad

When you're actively pursuing international education opportunities like myself, it's always a treat to discuss study abroad experiences. Fortunately, I was recently able to do just this with the fabulous Brooke Roberts of Inside Study Abroad. 

If you haven't already checked out the site (and are interested in some great resources for breaking into the international education industry) definitely take a look at it. 

You can also check out my video interview below with Brooke (and read the rest of the post here). Despite the fact that she admittedly adores coffee, I'm hopeful that all she needs is a little convincing to become a tea lover. We'll see how it plays out. Until then, I hope you enjoy the video! 

The Power of Pen & Postcard

Even the shortest message can mean the most

It's been awhile since I've traveled out of the country, but there are some experiences you don't ever forget: overlooking the ancient ruins of a Roman city, standing at the entrance to a cathedral so tall it hurts to crane your neck back, smelling the salt off the waters of an ocean during winter. These moments of adventure and feelings of awe are ones we can't wait to share with others and fortunately there are numerous ways to do so. 

With all the technology nowadays, sending a postcard might seem archaic, but there is much more to this 4 x 6, envelope-free card than might appear.I don't know about you, but I find that it's the smallest gestures which leave the biggest impact. The same idea applies to sending and receiving postcards. It may be a message for all the world to see, but the words on a postcard can capture the true essence of travel.

The NeverEnding Story: Study Abroad Alumni Style

As an ambassador, the camaraderie never ends

         
For any student that has ever studied abroad, there usually comes a time upon returning to your home country that you stop and wonder: "What now?' Leaving behind all the friends, experiences and moments you'll never forget can be one of the hardest times for a study abroad returnee. You can't help but wish for one more day--one more minute--to absorb the culture of a foreign country that has become less "foreign" and more like home. You spend your last waking moments trying to soak it all in, knowing that eventually you'll have to pack your suitcase and board that departing plane.

That being said, It's natural to experience the "what now" moment upon returning home--and oftentimes it occurs more than once. Fortunately, the study abroad experience doesn't have to end just because you're no longer abroad. Most, if not all, programs provide numerous resources for alumni to stay involved and continue to make a difference. Such is the case with becoming an alumni ambassador for the university/institution you studied abroad with. Not only is it a way of giving back to those who made your dreams a reality, but it also turns the page to a new set of opportunities.

Triple Threat Post: 10 Reasons To Study Abroad

Chloe explores Washington DC with her new study abroad friends

Ever get the feeling that you're destined for adventure? Well you're not alone! Chloe Johnson of Backpacking Journalist shares her tips on why you SHOULD study abroad:

It’s been almost five years since I plucked up the courage, packed my bags, left New Zealand (and a boyfriend) to embark on a life-changing journey. I’m talking about my incredible opportunity to study abroad at the University of North Carolina Greensboro.
 
While I cried myself to sleep for the first week thinking I’d never enjoy life in the States a little touch of pride splashed with a dash of curiosity wiped away my tears and introduced me to the time of my life. As I look back, I now realise that you have to have the down times to appreciate the (many) good times when living away from home. Here are 10 reasons why you should wipe away those fears and tears and study abroad:

Life Lessons and a Side of Breakfast

Wisdom can often be found in the most unexpected of places--even when you're working (like me) as a part time busser for a restaurant. I was inspired to write this post after an experience I had a couple of weeks ago, where a stranger reminded me of how easy it can be to take things for granted--even that which we consider to be "everyday."

Whether you're abroad or on home soil, it's a reminder I'm hoping fellow travelers take to heart.

It started out just like any other busy Sunday morning: hustling back and forth with steaming pots of black coffee, wiping down a dirty table and greeting new customers with the specials of the day. Over the clang of silverware and drone of voices, a lone man stood out from the regular weekend crowd. Sitting at the smallest table in the back of the restaurant, he had a look on his face that appeared to be deeply introspective.

I was unaware of it at first, but with only a handful of exchanged words, this stranger would leave a powerful impression on me.

The Traveling Gnome - Staying in Touch Made Fun

Dad "goes" to the Roman Coliseum with me

I was about a month into my study abroad adventure, when a package arrived from home bearing a backpack I'd forgotten and a.....how do I phrase this politely....slightly unflattering picture of my father. I didn't know it then, but that photo would be my ticket to making my study abroad trip as fun for my parents as it was for me.

These days it's not so hard to keep in touch while traveling. In this digital age, there are options aplenty--be it video calling with Skype or Google Voice, calling cards, postcards, email or creating a blog.  All of these methods are great ways to keep your family and friends involved in your adventures. But the list doesn't stop there-- there is another unique option available to you, as I discovered with my father's picture.

A Most [im]Proper Introduction

Welcome to What Would Jane Do!

Are you a fan of Jane Austen? What about college advice, study abroad or social media? Then you've come to the right place.

My name is Tiffany Harrison and I am a self-confessed teaholic with wannabe-time-traveler tendencies and a penchant for doling out advice. I hold a degree in journalism public relations, a passport with not nearly enough stamps (yet), and a creative writing streak.

Just as the tag line suggests, this blog will act as more of a guide than a rule book. I mean, who really follows the rules anyway? Certainly not me (unless we're talking about making the perfect cup of tea....which is a story for another time).

In retrospect, I have come to realize that setting up this blog was only a matter of time. After picking up my first book as a toddler and my first pen soon thereafter, I've been accumulating ideas for many years now. It was only recently that these ideas became streamlined, and pen was put to paper so to speak.