Summer Break 2010: Alternatives to Spending Summer Pool Side

We've hit the half way mark of the semester. Spring Break is over, midterms are done, and now it's just another long stretch to the finish line to reach the end of Spring 2010 semester.

Maybe you've thought of taking summer classes. Maybe you've thought of spending your summer on the patio of The Grotto. Or maybe you haven't even thought of making serious summer plans yet, it's only March!

Regardless, there are plenty of alternatives to spending your break in Kalamazoo if you're looking for a more interesting time. Here are some suggestions:

Looking for a summer job far, far away?

If you like volcanoes, hot springs, mountains, and wild life check out Yellowstone National Park. Last spring I got hired to work here for summer 09 as a hostess at the Old Faithful Inn. They offer a place to stay, plenty of hours to work, and a decent wage. You're working with tons of other college students and make friends with people from all over the country. The best part? You're in beautiful Yellowstone for four months!! I was dying to take the position but unfortunately I realized after getting hired I needed to take summer classes. Check out http://www.yellowstonejobs.com/ for their list of opportunities for college students. If Yellowstone doesn't sound ideal, check out other national parks across the country.

Can't get away for the full summer?

Are you mature, creative, and dying to go overseas without paying for a study abroad program? Check out Recrear!

Initiated by an international group of students and young professionals, Recrear is a grass roots project. Recrear aims to connect non-profit organizations, private individuals and businesses to empower people in need across the world. They are currently accepting applications for their 21 day program. "21 Days for 21 Creative Minds" Come and live in Berlin, Germany for three weeks while working on their focus on the empowerment of youth, women and the needy. Maybe I'll see ya there,I have an interview next week!

Don't have funds for out of state summer expenses?

If out of state or out of the country is simply out of your price range but you're still looking for time away from Kalamazoo, maybe you should consider working on Mackinac Island.

Home to fudge, taffy, and horse rides Mackinac Island is one of my favorite summer destinations. They offer seasonal employment at many of their establishments on the island and typically offer inexpensive dormitory housing. Mackinac.com offers a listing of different establishments available for employment. What better way to spend summer than around the Great Lakes?

If none of these sound appealing to you there's always the option of staying in Kalamazoo for the summer if you don't want to go back home.

Find a job around town and spend your lazy Sundays enjoying the beaches of Lake Michigan at South Haven. Check out www.experience.com, WMU's job search website for a list of opportunities.