The Benefits of Interning at a Hostel

 

I consider myself fortunate to go to a school that so highly prioritizes the role that internships play in higher education. From early in my college career I had the expectation that I would complete an internship before I graduated, and as the summer before my senior year draws to a close, I am happy to say that I have completed that goal. Interning with HI Chicago for the past few months has been a great experience and has prepared me for a year-long job hunt culminating in graduation, and hopefully, a promising career.

Also...it was a blast!

I had only visited Chicago a handful of times before the summer, but knew it was where I planned to move after graduation. It is such an inviting city, and everyone told me the summer was the city's greatest time of the year, so I thought, why not try and spend my last summer break here. Having the priority of finding an internship in a specific place over a specific job left me in a sea of resumes and applications with no clear sense of direction. It wasn't until I stumbled upon the HI Chicago internship page that I knew I had a good fit.

You may be thinking "I'm not so sure if the hospitality industry is the field I'm looking for" or "Nonprofit, huh?". The truth is, while I may have shared some of those same reservations, I found that interning at a hostel can be one of the most beneficial, fun ways to spend a summer in a city you want to get to know, or already love!

Portable skills. So you're not looking to work at a hostel for the rest of your life. That's ok! It doesn't mean that an internship won't be beneficial. I learned new skills and honed existing ones during the summer that I'll be able to take with me whichever career path I choose. I've realized that while the specifics of any one job may vary, its the experience of going through the general process that is invaluable. I feel that my time spent as a part of the staff at HI Chicago has taught me how to be a successful addition to any organization.


Nonprofit organizations. Nonprofits are still businesses too. The hostel provides a service that customers pay for, so you'll still get the real-world office experience. HI Chicago, for example, has a variety of internships, including, Communication Strategies (your's truly!), Youth Outreach and Education, Sales and Marketing, Volunteer Management, Nonprofit Management, and Sustainability. You will be able to witness and be a part of the daily ins and outs of a self-run organization; everything from customer service at the front desk, housekeeping, national sales comparisons, to communicating on a local, national and international level. Staff meetings are a great way to see a summarized version of all the separate parts of management coming together to represent and support the hostel as a single entity.

More than meets the eye. If you're someone, like I was, who hasn't had previous experience with hostels, you may have the misconception that they're just cheap hotels. The truth is, they are much more than that. Hostels engage the community they are in and provide a community to their travelers for whatever amount of time they may be in one place. Hostels create a way for travelers to not just see the city they're in, but really experience it, as well as meet others looking for the same thing along the way. Just a heads up, this is the point in the article where I'm starting to transition a little out of the "business" side of the internship and elaborate on the whole package that comes with interning at a hostel.


Meeting People. I have met so many people during my summer with HI Chicago. I have networked with the staff during work and spent extended periods of time with other interns both during work and at "home", here in the hostel. Being able to live in the hostel with other interns was an amazing experience and allowed me to connect with travelers as well. Living among the travelers adds an extra layer to the internship experience. I sleep in the same beds, carry the same key cards, and even eat the same free breakfast as our guests - the croissants are amazing! This allows me to get into the traveler mindset as well as have an in-depth knowledge of the product we sell. Getting to know our travelers through interviewing at work and going on excursions with them outside of work is one of the highlights of the job. It's fascinating to hear peoples histories, travel tips and experiences and just share our different cultures. It has made me understand the true allure of hosteling and how important having that sense of community among travelers is.


Exploration. The hostel is in a great location, making it easy for me to go to lunch in, say, Greek town or Chinatown, or jump on the train on my off day and explore a new neighborhood. One of my biggest goals this summer was to become familiar with the city both because it would benefit my work at the hostel and also just because I love the city and wanted to see as much as possible! I was able to visit a good amount of Chicago's most well-known neighborhoods, trying new restaurants and sight seeing along the way. It is great to know that I have seen most of the cities biggest "attractions" while also being familiar with the "underground" spots. It makes me eager to recommend things to guests and friends alike. What's also great are the multiple tours and excursions put together by volunteers at the hostel. I have been able to join travelers on walking tours and pub crawls, and have even lead a few excursions of my own, getting to know people from all over the world. Just last week I shared a few stories and laughs with travelers from Japan, Germany and the U.S. over some good beer and live Jazz in Millennium Park. Now tell me, how is that for a summer internship?

If I've convinced you to have the summer of your life interning for a hostel, check HI Chicago's website here for updates on their many internship opportunities. Or, if you're not in Chicago, search for a hostel near you!


Written by Intern Jess Scherer

Staff Highlight

Sharday
Community Liaison

For this week's Staff Highlight I decided I would interview Sharday, one of the first staff members I met here at HI! The Community Liaison position, previously called "Activity and Volunteer Coordinator", does a lot of, you guessed it, both connecting with the community and coordinating activities and volunteers. If you've been on one of the hostel's neighborhood excursions or weekend pub crawls, Sharday probably had a hand in making it a possibility. She also helps with all major events held at the hostel from open houses to educational activities, promoting the hostel's mission all the way. Another responsibility of Sharday's position is coordinating the Internship program, but I would call it more of a highlight!

When asked what drew her to this position, Sharday said that, like the majority of the staff here, she has always loved to travel and has had a lot of experience staying in hostels. She thought HI Chicago seemed like a fun environment and a good opportunity to meet new people with similar interests, all while engaging and helping a community. She has traveled many places, including parts of Europe, being sponsored to stay with a host family in China, and completing an Internship with the United Nations in Saudi Arabia.

Sharday has only lived in Chicago for 2 1/2 years, and has no plans of leaving, permanently anyways, any time soon. She moved to do P.R. work for  the Arab Music Ensemble who offered her a position after she returned from her Internship in Saudi Arabia, and has been in love with the city ever since.

3 of Sharday's Favorite things about Chicago:
     Walking along the Lakefront
     Golden House Restaurant & Pancake House - In Uptown, good breakfast food and people-watching!
     Pilsen - The best Chicago neighborhood when you're craving amazing tacos!



*Written by Intern Jess Scherer

Staff Spotlight

Kat
Education and Youth Outreach Intern

I've enjoyed getting to know Kat this summer as we are both interns staying at the hostel and working in the office during the week. I figured I would use her for this week's staff spotlight so you could all get to know her too!

Kat is from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and is the Education and Youth Outreach Intern at HI this summer. She knew she wanted to live in a big city this summer and has always loved Chicago, so when she found this internship that was the perfect combination of her love of traveling and working with youth, she was sold!

As the Education and Youth Outreach Intern she works closely with Megan, our Education Coordinator. It has been a unique summer here at HI because of the IOU Respect program that has taken place at the hostel for the past two weeks. Kat has been heavily involved in the program, escorting the group around Chicago and planning fun meals and events for the young representatives of five different countries to enjoy. She has loved meeting people her own age from around the world, and considers the productive and fun program to be a "hidden gem".

The summer seems to have given Kat the travel bug, as she contemplates planning her next adventure. She hopes to go to Peru or Argentina next, perhaps this winter, to enjoy a new culture, and above all, new food!

Kat leaves us with some of her favorite things about discovering Chicago this summer:

• Favorite neighborhood: Lincoln Park 
• Favorite way to spend a day off: Second hand shopping in Wicker Park
• Favorite place to eat: Molly's Cupcakes (on Clark) Mmm! Check out the menu!

Written by Intern: Jess Scherer

Comedy: An Intern's Insight

Now about a month into my communications internship, I can truly say that interning at HI-Chicago is great experience. From the staff I work with, the travelers I meet and the amazing city I get to be a part of, I couldn’t want any more out of a summer experience. Living my whole life in Ohio, I have been asked a few times, much like the travelers staying here, “what brings you to Chicago?” Aside from the rich neighborhood culture, amazing architecture, flourishing nightlife, delicious food, lakefront beauty, and endless concerts, festivals, blues clubs, etc. (yes, I really could go on), there is one thing that keeps the masses flocking: Comedy.

(http://www.secondcity.com/performances/chicago/calendarandtickets/)

Known for producing such household names as Steve Carrell, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Chris Farley, Stephen Colbert, Bill Murray (again, yes, I really could go on), the Chicago comedy scene has been entertaining travelers and Chicagoans alike, as well as molding the next comedic masterminds for years. The opening of Second City in 1959 opened the door for itself and other theaters like iO to provide an outlet for this crazy world to flourish.

http://ioimprov.com/chicago/schedule/0/6/2012

It was three years ago on a sunny afternoon, my first, as a college undergraduate, free to roam the student-covered paths of The Ohio State University’s campus. Pamphlets were being shot into my hands left and right…for the Salsa Dancing Club, I was too uncoordinated…for the Wine Tasting Club, I, unfortunately, was not old enough…for the Barbeque club, I, what? You guys have a club for that? Yes. (also - really, really could keep going)…and then…auditions for the 8^th Floor Improv Comedy Group.

Was I funny? Would I embarrass myself? Should I just go back to my dorm? All of these thoughts raced through my head as I walked the two blocks to the audition. As I approached the escalator to the second floor that held my fears and anticipation I suddenly reached a level of calm with one thought: This was my clean slate. This was my chance to really be myself. If others accepted me for that then great, if not, then…well, I didn’t have to worry about that because I made the group!

It is that experience of putting myself out there, throwing caution to the wind in hopes of a great experience that attracts me to the hostelling lifestyle. Yes, it is a great, inexpensive way to see the world. But it is also a way to become a part of a community, for however long you may be in one place. It is a way to meet people who share similar wants and drives with so many different backgrounds and stories to share.

I am currently taking classes at iO and am trying to see as many improv and comedy shows as possible. I hope to bring you more information on Chicago’s great comedy theaters and their histories, classes/workshops and current shows during the rest of my time with HI-Chicago!

Written by Intern Jess Scherer

Intern Spotlight: Laura Cohen

Written by: Krista Baum

Intern Background

Name: Laura Cohen

Where you’re from: Mount Prospect, IL

Major/School: Double Major in International Studies and French at Illinois Wesleyan University

Intern Position: Non-Profit Development 

KB: What international experience have you had?

LC: I studied abroad in Nantes, France for a semester where I immersed myself in the French culture by staying with a French family and all of my courses were taught in French. I also took a 2 ½ week class touring in Italy, and in the past I participated in a high school weeklong exchange in Paris. I have also traveled to England, Scotland, Ireland, Canada, and Mexico.

KB: Why did you decide to intern with Hostelling International Chicago this summer?

LC: I was interested in exploring non-profit development as a career path but I also wanted to do something that had international aspects to it. Also I’m very pro Chicago and I like the idea of such a well rounded hostel in this great city.

KB: What do you hope to learn from this internship?

LC: I want to learn about the fundamentals of non-profit development, how to create grant-proposals, and learn the logistics of how to execute a successful fundraiser.

KB: Where would you like to travel in the future?

LC: Spain and Greece!

HI-Chicago Staff Spotlight: Kimberly Turner

Kimberly, the Assistant General Manager at HI-Chicago, has lived abroad for a total of six years and has traveled to countless countries. She shares with us her favorite travel spots, lessons learned while living internationally, and where to find eternal spring.

How long have you been with the hostel?
About 5 years and 4 months. I was initially drawn to HI because I was a big traveler and have always stayed at hostels whenever I had the opportunity. So I love hostels, but in particular I really connected to HI’s mission. The opportunity to work here presented itself and I was intrigued and lucky enough to get the position that I now work in.

What do you do as the AGM?
I extinguish fires (laughs)…no, I’m the complaint department (laughs again)…okay, I coordinate between different departments – front desk, maintenance, housekeeping. I organize scheduling, I balance the books. I assist where needed.

What’s the best part of your job?
It’s the people that I work with. I like the excitement that the staff shares in promoting the mission and the enthusiasm for travel. Everyone on our staff constantly wants to be on vacation! I also love the interaction with the travelers, as well as witnessing the exchanges between travelers, seeing people from different backgrounds interact and make connections.

Can you tell me about your international background?After studying Linguistics in college, I went to Ecuador and spent a year teaching in Guayaquil and traveling. After that, I lived in Dubai, United Arab Emirates for 5 years and taught over there as well. Whenever I had time off, I traveled throughout the region.

What did you like about living in Dubai?
I really liked the experience of learning about the cultures. Before that I wasn’t familiar at all with Arab culture, let alone the Emirati, and it was a good opportunity to learn and understand. I also made some lifelong friends, and I traveled extensively with them to see their countries. I visited Jordan, Lebanon, India, Pakistan, Oman, Thailand, Kenya. I think I really loved seeing completely opposite cultures from where I grew up, in Middle America.

You mention a lot about learning…what lessons did you bring back from your time abroad that you still use today?
People often pick up this learning piece of “we’re all the same.” I learned that we essentially are all the same...we want to take care of our families, enjoy life, be able to live it to the fullest, be able to support and sustain ourselves and the ones we care about. Whether we live in a mud hut or a palace, it’s all relative. It’s easier to have acceptance of all people once you realize that we all want the same things out of life.

I also really came to understand the huge sphere of influence that the US has on the whole world. That’s something that I thought I understood before then, but didn’t really understand until I had some perspective from the outside.

Do you feel that you were treated a certain way because you were an American citizen?
Yes…in Ecuador I stood out because I look so different than your typical Ecuadorian, so there was more a sense of curiosity than anything else. In the Emirates, I didn’t necessarily feel like I was treated differently because of the way that I looked, because the ex-pat community is very large there. But I did feel like sometimes I received good treatment for my American passport, especially in the workplace.

You’ve done a lot of travel - where are you favorite places?
I’d say my favorites are Morocco, Jordan, and Guatemala. In Jordan, I was staying with a friend’s family, and the level of hospitality was just above and beyond. It was a first-time experience for me, being treated like that. In Morocco I loved the constant sights of the market and watching the everyday life there…it was so basic and in a lot of ways ancient, but flickered with this sense of modernity. There would be these old houses, mud streets, a donkey in the alley, and paralleled with that would be a big cable satellite. Oh, and the colors there are amazing! And Guatemala, it’s just a really easy and peaceful place to travel. The weather is wonderful. I think they refer to it as the eternal springtime.

What’s your favorite neighborhood in Chicago to spend time in?
Probably Bucktown/Wicker Park. I’m can walk there from where I live in Ukrainian Village, and I love the convenience of what it has to offer. There’s so much to do and always so many people out and about. I’m a huge fan of Coast, a BYOB sushi restaurant on Damen.

What piece of advice do you have for those wanting to pursue an international career, either locally or abroad?
I’d say just always remember to keep an open mind. Even when you think you know where someone is coming from, you cannot assume, just like they can’t assume to understand your background. Don’t judge or make assumptions about others until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes.

From Alexandria to Chicago

Ahmed Mahmoud, Kitchen Manager, HI-Chicago
By Margaret Sheridan

Breakfast at HI-Chicago is served with more than delicious calories. The morning host and kitchen manager Ahmed Mahmoud prides himself in greeting guests in seven languages. The Egyptian-born 26-year old actor/singer/dancer/musician works from 5:30 am to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. But lately, he expects to be especially tired.

The native of Alexandria and his American-born wife Shawna just welcomed their first child, a son named Bilal, on March 9. “My heart flew out of my body when he arrived,’’ enthused the new father. Mother, father and the six-pound bundle of smiles are doing well.


How long have you been in Chicago and what's your impression of it?
I came here in 2008 and worked in a beauty salon. The owner was Egyptian. My wife’s family is from here, so we had instant family. We met in Cairo. She was a tourist; I was working as a singer in a nightclub. Moving here was great. Chicago is such a beautiful city. There’s so much to do. I love the lakefront and singing on the beach. Before I moved here, I imagined it would be a city with the Mafia. You know, gangs fighting on the street. That was a myth. Americans are friendly and curious. There’s respect for people on the street.

What are some favorite things about Chicago?
It’s an international city. It’s a destination place. I like working at HI-Chicago because I meet people from all over the world. Chicago is so easy to get around. You have so many choices in transportation. You take the bus or the subway. The Metra is fast. I can bike the lakefront. In Cairo, we have traffic jams, constantly. It’s always rush hour there. Too many cars, too many people, such narrow streets.

But you miss it?
Yes, my family is there. And it is such a beautiful country. The people are so hospitable. You are always invited into their homes, and they feed you so well. My wife and I went back in December. My family says I am so lucky to be in America. Egypt is ready for change. Thirty years of (President Hosni) Mubarak is too much. Everyone, especially people my age, are willing to fight for change. Life is so expensive there. For example, a pound of tomatoes costs $2 (American). My brother runs our family business, a factory that manufactures clothing accessories. I want my parents to come and see my baby. But my mother is afraid of airplanes.

What about your favorite foods in Chicago?
I love the Nile Restaurant in Hyde Park (1611 E. 55th St.) their kofta, kebabs, lamb, falafel. I like Greek food, especially the Greek Isles in Greektown. When I worked in Cairo as a singer, I also worked as a waiter in a Greek nightclub. So, I speak a little Greek and really enjoy their cooking, especially the grilled sea bass with lemon and olive oil, and moussaka (baked eggplant casserole with spiced meat and cream sauce). Another place is El Salam (4636 N. Kedzie Ave.) The cuisine is Middle Eastern. I’ve tried Chicago-style deep dish pizza, but it is too rich. It hurts my stomach. What I enjoy is having so many choices of ethnic foods such as Chinese and Thai, even Subway and just mac n’cheese.

What about the entertainment scene?
I love Second City. I used to do improv in Cairo. I hope someday to be a part of that group. There is also so much music in Chicago. My academic background is music. I had formal training in the “aod”, a Middle Eastern version of the guitar.

Do you enjoy travel?
Yes. I’ve been all over Egypt and Libya. I went to Turkey and stayed in Istanbul. It was an amazing place. I want to go to Greece and my wife wants to go to Spain. I was in New York City but it was so expensive. I stayed around Times Square but only for one week.

Are there are any myths about Egypt you wish to debunk?
Yes. About camels. People think Egyptians ride them all the time. We don’t. They’re for tourists around areas such as the pyramids. Riding a camel isn’t comfortable. They rock back and forth. If he runs, you shake.

Goodbyes

As the city heats up and the sun shines daily now, we are reminded that summer is finally on its way. The city lights up and we notice that Chicago really does have inhabitants. I love watching winter fade and warmer weather take its place. However, this year I welcome in the new season with mixed feelings. It is yet another reminder that my time at Hostelling International Chicago is ending.

Tomorrow I will spend my last day as an intern here in Chicago. Looking on to graduation that is rapidly approaching, excitement fills me. I am about to embark on a new adventure that has yet to take form. Regardless, it is an exciting point. At the same time, I am forced to look back on what I have learned and done this semester. Born and raised in a small town in Iowa, Chicago is definitely different than my usual atmosphere.

Starting at the end of January, small tasks such as managing public transportation seemed nearly impossible. “Which side of the tracks do I need to be on?” “How do I know I’m on the right bus? Where do I get off?” Even crossing the street was an educational experience! In my small town, the flashing orange hand means the light is changing, so stop. For Chicago that hand means, walk faster! After standing at a few corners way too long, a couple mistakes on the CTA, and pouring over maps, I finally transitioned. It quickly became second nature.

Aside from city life, Hostelling International Chicago also provided constant learning opportunities. Like many of you who stay with us each week, I knew very little about Chicago. For the first several weeks as I sat at the information desk, it felt like a crash and burn course on the city. So many random questions were thrown my way, and I hadn’t the slightest clue on how to answer them. Google was soon my favorite form of modern technology! HI travelers were always gracious as I explained that I just moved here myself and had no idea! I grew to love sitting down with a traveler and learning vast amounts about Chicago.

In addition to sitting at the information desk, I had the opportunity to interact with travelers daily. Attending hostel outings throughout Chicago, leading a walking tour every week, conducting focus groups, and eating lunch with groups of students all offered me the opportunity to learn so much. You as travelers were constantly teaching me new things about your own cultures and lives. One of my favorite parts of the internship was conducting interviews. So many of you were gracious enough to put up with my numerous questions and curiosities. It never ceased to amaze me the adventures you were on and the things you have seen! Through these interviews you also opened my eyes to Chicago. Without you I would have missed many of its treasures and quirks!

Interacting with so many different travelers throughout the semester also provided me with great amounts of laughter. There was always a funny story to be heard or hysterical situations to observe. If there was ever a slow day, I often found comic relief simply walking through the lobby. Whether it was making crepes with travelers in the kitchen, watching someone accidentally kick their flip flop in the fridge, or watching travelers dance to blues music, each has enriched my experience beyond words.

Over the past few months I have absolutely loved getting to know the heartbeat of Hostelling International Chicago. From the moment I interviewed for the internship, I knew I would love spending time here. A unique culture prevails within the beautiful downtown building. Staff members, volunteers, and travelers all create a great sense of community. So, thank you! Every one of you I have met these past months has contributed so much to my experience in Chicago. It will always be one of my favorite cities!

Best wishes on your own new adventures!
-Erika Ter Louw, HI intern

Souvenirs from Mainland Southeast Asia

You have just spent one, two, or ten weeks in Southeast Asia; Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, you’ve traveled the roads, seen the sights and mingled with the people. As you prepare to take the long flight home, you might have trouble thinking of ways to take the experience home with you. Here are ten souvenirs that will remind you of your travels and impress your friends and family.


Cotton shirt

Where to Buy: Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Burma
Best Place to Buy: Bangkok or Chiang Mai, Thailand
Price: $4-$12

Coming in a large variety of styles, cotton shirts in Southeast Asia are light, cheap and comfortable. Both hand-made and mass produced shirts are available and you can also find brand names from back home for dirt cheap. The real bargains are the shirts made for the sweat drenching climate of the region, which are light and breezy. Complement them with Thailand’s fisherman’s pants, or Burma’s longis, both perfect for hot climates. Unfortunately, these latter two won’t be the most fashionable back home.

Beerlao

Where to Buy: Laos, some tourist places in Thailand and Cambodia
Best Place to Buy: Vientiene, Pakse, or anywhere near Mekong River views
Price: $.70-1.20

One of the cheapest beers in Asia, Beerlao is also one of the best. Light and fresh, Beerlao lends itself well to hot Lao days. It also has a huge domestic following, having captured 99% of the Lao beer market. While it may seem silly to take a bottle home in your crammed baggage, the general consensus seems to be that Beerlao directly bought from Laos is better than the more expensive bottles back home (if you can find it). Beerlao isn’t just a great beer, it’s a life-style.

Paper Money

Where to “Buy”: Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Burma
Best Place to Buy: Everywhere
Price: Varies

Perhaps the souvenir that is easiest to get your hands on is currency. The images on the paper money of Southeast Asia countries tend to be unique, well-drawn, and culturally instructive. Some examples are the portraits of the tremendously influential and respected figures King Bhumibol and Ho Chi Minh on Thai and Vietnamese money respectively, and the image of a mythical lion that covers all of the Kyat notes of Burma. Common motifs include contrasts between tradition and modernization (such as pictures of temples vs. those of new highways), and local history and legend.

Something Elephant-y

Where to Buy: Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Burma
Best Place to Buy: Bangkok or Chiang Mai, Thailand; Luang Prabang, Laos; Siem Reap, Cambodia; Yangon, Burma
Price: $1.00-$12.00

Elephants are revered throughout southeast Asia with some examples of their popularity being the sacred white elephants of Thailand, the name of a former Lao kingdom, Lan Xang or “Land of a million elephants,” and Thailand’s popular Chang (elephant) beer. Traditionally used for both general labor and warfare, elephants are an enduring symbol of Asia. Elephant souvenirs are among the most common in the region, and include die-cast miniatures, wood cuts, embroideries, paintings, and any other medium you can think of. Elephant souvenirs are well beyond the point of being cliché, but this just means there is a larger selection to choose from, and who doesn’t love the world’s largest land mammal?

Hand-Rolled Cheroot

Where to Buy: Burma
Best Place to Buy: Inle Lake, Burma
Price: $0.50-$6.00 (for a pack)

If you’re the smoking type, consider the traditional cheroot of India and Burma. Some are rolled with paper and others with leaves, but either way, they’re dirt cheap alternatives to cigars or cigarettes. In Burma they are commonly hand prepared, and one can watch the whole process in workshops in Inle Lake. Extra bonus, the smoke of a cheroot works as an extremely effective mosquito repellant!

Tailor Made Clothes

Where to Buy: Thailand, Vietnam
Best Place to Buy: Bangkok, Thailand or Hoi An, Vietnam
Price: $8.00-$40.00 (shirts/pants), $20.00-$150.00 (dresses), $80.00-$350.000 (suits)

If you’re looking for tailor made clothing at a fraction of the Western price, look no further than Southeast Asia’s Thailand and Vietnam. Metropolitan Bangkok and the much smaller coastal Hoi An, are especially packed full of tailor shops. Quality and price can vary drastically from shop to shop, but in these two locations, vast competition has made the general price to quality ratio very reasonable. Before you go on a crazy shopping spree, remember these three guidelines; Shop around, inspect, and haggle. Make sure to look out for cloth quality, workmanship and price. Recommendations from other travelers are especially valuable.

New Light of Myanmar Newspaper

Where to Buy: Burma
Best Place to Buy: Yangon or Mandalay, Burma
Price: $1.00

The national mouthpiece of the military junta, the New Light of Myanmar would be a hilarious Orwellian parody if it wasn’t a legitimate attempt by the government to convey the news. The domestic news mostly comes from the state-run Myanmar News Agency (MNA), and international news is carefully selected and edited by censors before appearing in the bi-lingual daily. The result is domestic news of official inspections and general “progress” contrasted with mostly negative international news that would imply every country but Burma is falling apart. I think I remember a “scientific” article entitled, “Botox moves from face to brain.”

Cambodian Silk Scarf

Where to Buy: Cambodia
Best Place to Buy: Siem Reap, Cambodia
Price: $1:50-$15.00

If you’re looking for a cheap and beautiful gift for someone, seriously consider a Cambodian scarf. Commonly made from silk or fine cotton, many Cambodians wear scarves not to keep warm, but to keep out dust. The scarves are light and covered with assorted patterns and colors. There are a million varieties, so you’re sure to find something unique for yourself or anyone else.

One Crazily Marketed Product

Where to Buy: Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Burma
Best Place to Buy: Who knows?
Price: Varies

Ever seen a product placement that just didn’t make sense? Maybe it’s just culture shock, but Asia seems to have a plethora of hilarious ad campaigns. Scour the shelves of stores, examine the newspaper stands; the gem you are looking for could be anywhere. My favorite discovery was a box of condoms covered in “scantily clad” humanoid fruit.

And There’s More…

If none of these ideas appeal to you, be creative! Check out ornate boxes, wall hangings, lacquer ware, even weird looking rocks. The key to a great souvenir or gift is to find something that will remind you of that “feeling of travel”.

-Ted Gault, former hostel intern

HI Staff have the Travel Bug!

Working at a hostel, everyone has the travel bug. Hostelling International Chicago's staff members often take their vacation times and put them to good use. One staff member, Kimberly Turner, just returned from vacation. Naturally we were curious to see how her trip went and we wanted to share with you!

HI: What do you do here and how long have you been working at the hostel?
I am the assistant general manager. And I have been here a little over 4 years. 4 years and 3 months.

HI: So you recently went on vacation in Italy. Where were you in Italy? 
We went to Rome, spent one night in the Cinque Terre, two nights in Siena, two in Tuscany in the countryside outside Florence. 

HI: How long were you there for?
We left of the 7th. So, 10 days.

HI: What did you do as you were traveling?
We basically saw the sights. The Vatican, the Sistine Chapel, the Coliseum and we spent time just wandering around the cities. Eating a lot of good food and good wine (laughing). That about sums it up! Nothing too exciting. 

HI: Sounds great! What was your favorite part?
My favorite part would have to be…(pauses thinking) I loved the Sistine Chapel. And the Coliseum, I loved them both. But the Sistine Chapel was my favorite. It was even more amazing than I pictured it to be. We went at night and had an audio tour. It was very helpful and so beautiful at night. It was incredible. 

HI: If you had to recommend one thing that a person had to see in Italy what would it be?
I would say the Coliseum is an absolute must. Just because there is nothing else like it. The third station of the cross is there if you are religious; or event if you are not it is still cool to see. It is also cool to look back to that point in history. There is so much history there! ½ million people died in sick and twisted games. It is disturbing but part of history. The Coliseum is also really easy to get to! Its right off of the train stop. You get off and the Coliseum is right there! 

HI: Wow! 
Yeah it was really neat. It was like watching free entertainment for them. I learned so much! There was free food and free wine. And most of the animals, tigers, giraffes, and stuff, are from Africa. But only 20% of them made the trip from Africa! 

HI: Wow, sounds like there was a lot of information there!
Yeah we had a 45 minute tour with a guide. There was so much I never even thought about. It was well worth the paid tour. I was thinking of just going in and walking around and looking at the signs, but it was so much more fascinating with the guide. 

HI: So after your travels in Italy, trying to get back to the United States in light of the Volcano, were you affected?
No we weren’t! We were so lucky! Our flight was Saturday morning and we had been watching the news a lot to make sure we were still on. But there were still people traveling in Italy and Spain. So we made it out. The airports were busy but I expected it to be more hectic. When we landed in New York, JFK is normally such an insiane place already but it wasn’t bad at all. There were cots lined up for stranded travelers, but it wasn’t bad. It was much busier in Chicago. 

HI: That is so great! I’m so glad you made it back and didn’t have problems. 
Yeah we were so lucky! It was such a blessing that our flights were on time! 

HI: Well, thank you very much for talking with me! Have a good rest of the day and welcome back!
No problem! Thanks!

Cultural Kitchen with Christopher House

Hostelling International Chicago is a wonderful place to stay, with a great staff, clean and comfy rooms, and an unmatchable location in downtown Chicago. In addition to these advantages, HIChicago offers several education programs for Chicago students. One of these programs, appropriately named "Cultural Kitchen", challenges students to explore cultures outside their own and then spend a night at the hostel.

A typical Cultural Kitchen begins outside the hostel, when one of HIChicago's education staff visits a classroom of students at the their school. After learning about the program, the students vote on one country to study. In the following weeks, they study the culture of that country, researching topics like religion, geography, food, dress, traditions, and more. Although it is very educational, this part of the program is only the beginning of the students' learning experience.

After researching, the class travel downtown to Hostelling International Chicago. While at the hostel, they cook a typical meal from the country they studied, share the meal with hostel guests, present their research, and finally stay overnight. Most students learn a ton, and their reactions demonstrate the importance of intercultural experiences. 

A Cultural Kitchen happens almost every week, but the group that came on March 31 made a unique impression. The group was not from a Chicago high school, which is the usual case, but from a community organization named Christopher House. The youth studied the country of India and then cooked a wonderful Indian meal -- Vegetable Curry, Potatoes and Spinach in Cream, Chicken Tikka Masala, and Coconut Bars (Nariyal Burfi) for dessert. The food was delicious, but it was topped by their presentation afterwards. 

After dinner, the Christopher House students presented a slide show about India. In addition to painting a beautiful picture of this country and its culture, several students shared about their own cultures and backgrounds. The hostel guests learned even more about Nigeria, Ecuador, Puerto Rico, Mexico, and even Chicago. The presentations were very interesting and fun, as was the game afterwards, but it was most rewarding to hear the reactions of the students. In the end, Cultural Kitchen was not just another research project for them, but an opportunity for each student to get to know world cultures more. They themselves responded by saying things like "Learning about other cultures opens our minds to new things", "Cultural understanding helps build peace in our world", and "Learning about other cultures is good practice before we travel". On top of that, they all got to explore their own heritage more and become more familiar with their own cultures.

It is very rewarding to see this kind of influence that cultures, travel, and hostels can have on the youth of today. Most Chicago youth rarely get the opportunity to leave the country, but they are able to "travel" to new places by studying them, talking to travelers, and staying at the hostel downtown. Cultural Kitchen is an excellent program that offers so much for Chicago youth. And those guests that sign up to attend get some excellent food, learn more about other countries, and may even get to learn about the heritage of students in Chicago! What a program!

A Night at the Opera

When I awoke on Monday morning, I anticipated it would be like any other day. Head to my internship and then a night of catching up on emails, homework, and other meaningless tasks that needed to be done. However, my night drastically changed when a kind man gave away a free ticket to the opera. Being a college student and on a budget, I jumped at the chance to experience something so extravagant. So after rushing home and preparing for the evening, I set out on my newest adventure in Chicago. 



As I rounded the corner, a large beautiful building stared back at me. Great round columns stretched to the right of the ornate entryway. Nervous and unsure of what to expect I headed into the warmly lit Opera house. I was overwhelmed with the grand lobby that greeted me. A large regal staircase was to my left and an elaborate balcony wrapped around the three-story foyer. 

Attendees were filtering in slowly for the 7:30 showing. Many were enjoying a glass of wine at high tables and admiring their surroundings. Slowly I ascended the staircase, taking in every detail. The railings. The breathtaking crystal chandeliers warming the lobby. The intricate signs. The marble foyer floor. The excited and buzzing Opera lovers. 






The stairs first brought me to the Mezzanine floor. Slowly I wandered into the seating area. I was greeted by the incredible and breathtaking stage. Looking over the railing, I could see every detail of the grand room. With the 3,563 seats and the 580 yards of heavy-weight wool velour and silk fringe on the stage curtain, it was an incredible sight to behold. Above the Mezzanine floor there are two additional balconies. 











Aside from the grand building itself, the show was yet another marvel. As the orchestra began playing Mozart, I was instantly drawn in. The three and a half hour opera was funny, touching, and capturing. The Marriage of Figaro constantly kept me guessing and entertained by the number of trials faced by Figaro, Susanna, the Count, and the Countess. Never before have I heard such incredible ballads! 






By the end of the evening I found myself reluctant to leave. The building, the opera, and the audience members were all such a fascination to me. However, eventually I took one last look at the stage and theater, engraved it in my memory, and headed home. From now on, every time I hear a beautiful composition by Mozart, I will be reminded of my incredible night at the Opera! 


-Erika Ter Louw, HI intern