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How My Sister Is Working, Attending College & Traveling

Last Updated: November 21, 2018 BY Michelle Schroeder-Gardner - 84 Comments

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you. Please read my disclosure for more info.

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Hello! Here is a post from my wonderful sister who blogs over at FITnancials. She is getting ready to leave for the summer for a volunteer trip in Peru. I’m a proud sister! Also, don’t forget to enter the $100 cash giveaway at the end!

Hello everyone! My name is Alexis and I’m the blogger behind Fitnancials.com. I am also Michelle’s younger sister!

She inspired me to create my own blog since I’m so incredibly passionate about fitness and saving money. I not only talk about fitness and budgeting, I also talk about traveling and how I plan on earning a living while seeing more of the world.

As you may know, our dad passed away due to lung cancer a few years ago (it will be 7 years on Saturday). My dad was just over 50 years old, but he spent his entire life traveling the world. He is a big reason for why I love traveling so much.

His wanderlust transferred over to me and I know he would be so proud to see all of the traveling I’m doing. I can’t wait to pass on this travel bug of mine onto my children as well.

I have traveled more than ever in the past several months, and with that I have also received many questions about how I’m doing this. I want to say that it is possible for anyone to do what I’m doing, if you truly want it. It might take a little hard work, but it’s mainly about good planning and time management.

Below are some of the questions I often hear. Hopefully this will help you be able to travel more as well.

 

How can you travel while staying in school?

I recently moved to Chicago to go to a university here, but I have since realized that it is not for me. I am transferring to a different university now that has an online option so that I can travel more. While this may not work for everyone and for every major, it does for mine (yes, it is properly accredited) so I am going with it!

This allows me to travel the world while finishing my degree. Yes, school is important but I am able to do both this way.

If you really want to travel now but you are working towards a degree, I highly recommend using any school breaks or even searching for a more flexible course schedule. Of course, still make sure that everything is properly accredited so that your degree is worthwhile.

 

How do you travel on a college budget? 

There are SO many ways to travel with a low budget.

Aside from all of the normal ways you hear of people saving money when traveling (using credit card rewards, Airbnb, etc.), I’m a participator of Couchsurfing.com and that really helps me save a lot of money.

If you haven’t heard of Couchsurfing, I talk about Couchsurfing plenty on my own blog. It’s basically staying on someone’s couch for free, but you get SUCH a better experience from it than staying at a hotel. I’ve met amazing people from couch surfing.

If you haven’t yet, definitely check out Couchsurfing.com.

Would you ever couch surf?

 

How do you plan on earning a living?

Right now to save and earn money, I am a Behavioral Therapist for children with Autism. I’ve been working in this area or something similar to it since I was 16. This has allowed me to save money to fund my frugal travels.

I also recently obtained my TEFL, which allows me to teach English in a foreign country. This is something that I have been thinking about doing full-time more and more.

Depending on where you go, you can make a decent amount of money and save a lot of it. This job also allows you to travel the world and immerse yourself into an entirely different culture.

If you don’t feel like being a teacher though, there are other opportunities. You can go through organizations like Workaway or WWOOF and do a wide variety of jobs. These jobs can range from working at a hotel to working on an organic farm.

Traveling and earning a living has never been easier than it is now!

 

Why do I want to volunteer? Why do I want to spend the rest of my life traveling?

First off, I want to do my best to make even the slightest change in the world. A part of me wishes I could help every person in the world and create a strong foundation for all children to strive on.

I know that isn’t possible, so I would at least like to try my best to do what I can. I also love traveling, so it makes sense to travel to different countries that are in need of assistance.

Traveling by myself has allowed me to become the best version of myself. I get lost in a city, but while finding where my destination is, I’m also finding myself. I believe traveling by yourself is something everyone should partake in, at least once.

If you are a new reader and haven’t been following my blog, I am about to depart for a summer long stay in Peru. I will be in Cusco volunteering at a special needs orphanage. I’ll be volunteering in an orphanage that has about 50 kids to only 2-3 teachers/helpers. It’s an area that is definitely in need of help.

Also, I am a finalist for IVHQ’s scholarship to teach English abroad in a foreign country that really needs it. So this means in addition to going to Cusco, I could possibly be chosen to volunteer abroad in a different area.

If chosen, I will be given 2 weeks to spend at a school that really needs assistance. I’d be so eternally grateful to be given a chance to make even the slightest impact on these children’s lives.

So if you can please vote for me, it only takes 5 seconds! Steps:

  1. Click here to vote.
  2. Enter your email.
  3. Confirm your vote in a link sent to you.

Done!

You can vote 1 time per email. After 7 days you can vote again, which would really help me out a lot!

Thank you for reading.

How do you travel for cheap? Have you ever participated in TEFL, a volunteer program, or an organization like Workaway?

 

Giveaway

Today, I’ve decided to host a $100 cash giveaway to go along with my sister’s post. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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84 Comments
Filed Under: Budget, Travel Tagged With: Budget, Travel

About Michelle Schroeder-Gardner

Michelle is the founder of Making Sense of Cents, a blog about personal finance and traveling. She discusses how her business has evolved in her side income series. She paid off $40,000 in student loans by the age of 24 mainly due to her freelancing side hustles. Click here to learn more about starting a blog!

Comments

  1. NZ Muse says

    April 16, 2015 at 2:55 am

    Woohoo! Voted.

    We’ve couchsurfed, airbnbed, volunteered through a specific English programme, and also done HelpX (like workaway).

    Reply
    • Alexis says

      April 16, 2015 at 10:54 am

      Thank you so much!

      Reply
  2. Holly Thomas says

    April 16, 2015 at 4:06 am

    voted, Good Luck!

    Reply
    • Alexis says

      April 16, 2015 at 10:55 am

      Thank you tons!

      Reply
  3. Lisa Brown says

    April 16, 2015 at 5:28 am

    thank you for the chance to win 🙂

    Reply
  4. Nikoletta D. says

    April 16, 2015 at 5:30 am

    I voted for you. I think it’s amazing that you are helping people while also traveling to their countries. I wish I can get out of my comfort zone in the future and volunteer to help people too.

    Reply
    • Alexis says

      April 16, 2015 at 10:55 am

      You can do it. Believe in yourself. I once thought the same way as well, I was too scared.

      Reply
  5. Dianne says

    April 16, 2015 at 5:56 am

    Voted! Best of luck to you!! It appears you are well on your way to a wonderful life of helping others and leading by example 🙂

    Reply
    • Alexis says

      April 16, 2015 at 10:56 am

      Thank you so much Dianne. I am very excited for what’s to come.

      Reply
  6. Amy @ DebtGal says

    April 16, 2015 at 6:24 am

    I admire your commitment, as well as your self-reliance in traveling alone. Have a wonderful trip!

    Reply
  7. Stefanie @ The Broke and Beautiful Life says

    April 16, 2015 at 7:01 am

    I’m trying to get my little brother to do a program like workaway or wwoof. I honestly think everyone should spend some time traveling and working abroad as part of their education. It’s one of the most illuminating and fulfilling experiences I’ve ever had.

    Reply
    • Alexis says

      April 16, 2015 at 10:57 am

      I believe so too. I think it’s very important for personal development.

      Reply
  8. Katelyn @ Diaries of a Wandering Lobster says

    April 16, 2015 at 7:48 am

    Just voted! Good luck!

    I did my Masters program online through my local University. I think online schools make sense for some people. It definitely gives you the flexibility as long as you have good time management skills. I certainly found myself at times doing assignments at the last minute.

    I haven’t couchsurfed yet, but am planning on it in Europe this May/June when I go. I’ve met people through it though and it’s awesome! If you’re interested in teaching English abroad look into the EPIK program in South Korea. You can make a good chunk of change working a year and then traveling. That’s my plan for next year. I’ll definitely be following along on your journey! 🙂

    Reply
    • Alexis says

      April 16, 2015 at 10:58 am

      Thanks for the advice. I am definitely looking into South Korea, but I believe you have to have a bachelors degree for that and I am still working on mine. I also plan on getting my masters online. =)

      Reply
  9. Meredith says

    April 16, 2015 at 7:58 am

    Traveling during college was one of the best decisions I ever made. 🙂 Good luck with the scholarship!

    Reply
    • Alexis says

      April 16, 2015 at 11:00 am

      Thank you Meredith. I’m very excited.

      Reply
  10. Dana Truitt says

    April 16, 2015 at 8:05 am

    It really is amazing to do all three, wow!! I give her props for sure! I also voted I really hope your sister wins!

    Reply
    • Alexis says

      April 16, 2015 at 11:01 am

      Thank you Dana.

      Reply
  11. Stephanie H. says

    April 16, 2015 at 8:31 am

    It’s amazing that your sister is able to do all three at the same time. I wish I had some of her ambition. Good luck traveling abroad!

    Reply
    • Alexis says

      April 16, 2015 at 11:02 am

      Thank you Stephanie!

      Reply
  12. Carly says

    April 16, 2015 at 8:38 am

    Amazing! I like that you are so honest on your blog! You’ve accomplished so much at such a young age!

    Reply
    • Alexis says

      April 16, 2015 at 11:20 am

      Thank you so much!

      Reply
  13. Erin says

    April 16, 2015 at 8:43 am

    My vote is in! Good luck!

    Reply
    • Alexis says

      April 16, 2015 at 11:28 am

      Thank you Erin!

      Reply
  14. Fervent Finance says

    April 16, 2015 at 8:48 am

    That’s awesome that you’re into fitness and saving money. My other passion besides personal finance is powerlifting (squat, bench, deadlift). There is a great Youtube community of powerlifters out there where I get a lot of my information from. There is not a better stress reliever than throwing some heavy weights around! I’d take that over drinking, watching Netflix, etc. anyday!

    Reply
    • Alexis says

      April 16, 2015 at 11:28 am

      I totally feel the same way!

      Reply
  15. Raki says

    April 16, 2015 at 8:55 am

    Am glad you are following up on your dreams of traveling; in later years, you often do not get a chance to fulfill them.

    Reply
  16. Michelle says

    April 16, 2015 at 9:24 am

    One of the most life transforming things that I have done is travel. I am so excited for you and I can’t wait to see your pictures and to read your posts about your trip.

    Reply
    • Alexis says

      April 16, 2015 at 11:29 am

      Thank you Michelle. I’m very excited. =)

      Reply
  17. Angie Young says

    April 16, 2015 at 9:37 am

    I think it is so great that you are traveling in order to help others around the world. I hope you are able to fulfill this dream of yours.

    Thank you for the awesome giveaway. I voted for you. I wish you the best of luck!

    Reply
    • Alexis says

      April 16, 2015 at 11:34 am

      Thank you Angie, means a lot!

      Reply
  18. Haley C says

    April 16, 2015 at 10:00 am

    Best of luck to you!

    Reply
    • Alexis says

      April 16, 2015 at 11:34 am

      Thank you Haley!

      Reply
  19. Kayla says

    April 16, 2015 at 10:43 am

    I’ve always wanted to volunteer with IVHQ. Hopefully I can make it happen someday 🙂 Good luck to you!

    Reply
  20. crystal says

    April 16, 2015 at 10:56 am

    I voted I hope you win!

    Reply
  21. amy pugmire says

    April 16, 2015 at 1:14 pm

    Thanks for the chance. I voted!

    Reply
  22. Sarah Cool says

    April 16, 2015 at 1:52 pm

    I voted! My fingers are crossed for her!

    Reply
  23. Tricia Hope says

    April 16, 2015 at 1:55 pm

    What a full life!

    Reply
  24. Jason B says

    April 16, 2015 at 3:11 pm

    I voted. Good luck!

    Reply
  25. nicole dziedzic says

    April 16, 2015 at 4:16 pm

    Awesome! I Voted! Glad to help out in this! Very fun!

    Reply
  26. Ashley says

    April 16, 2015 at 4:39 pm

    Im curious, Ive found that online schooling is more expensive than going to school locally. I dont want to rack up any more debt than my already ridiculous student loans from my bachelors degree but I am very interested in getting my MBA. Have you found programs that are less expensive that are online?

    Reply
  27. Marilou Scott says

    April 16, 2015 at 4:54 pm

    Done! All the very best and enjoy your journeys xx

    Reply
  28. Barire says

    April 16, 2015 at 4:57 pm

    This sounds like an amazing opportunity for you this summer and I hope you have a great experience!

    Reply
  29. Natalie says

    April 16, 2015 at 7:21 pm

    I voted for you and wish you the best of luck.

    Reply
  30. Channing says

    April 16, 2015 at 9:00 pm

    I voted! Good Luck! 🙂

    Reply
  31. Kasia says

    April 16, 2015 at 9:05 pm

    Just voted! All the best with it! Sounds like a great opportunity to see the world and do some good.

    I think it’s great that you’re going to be combining study and travel. It can be a challenge but it’s totally doable. I studied while being a TEFL for a couple of years in Europe. I really enjoyed teaching English and had the opportunity to meet lots of different people.

    Hope you win!

    Reply
  32. Melody @ Saving To Sail says

    April 16, 2015 at 9:33 pm

    Alexis – I love what you’re doing and what you’re all about. Good luck in your ventures, and I hope my vote counts! 🙂

    Reply
  33. Shannon B. says

    April 16, 2015 at 10:43 pm

    I voted! One of the ways I travel cheap is by sharing a room with a friend or family member. I just recently started staying in hostels and find it fun (and cheap!). Also sign up for airline e-mails. I just went to Hawaii because of a e-mail promoting cheap travel for Feb. It helps to go places off-season.

    Reply
  34. Jacqueline Diaz says

    April 16, 2015 at 11:34 pm

    Good luck with the contest. Teaching aboard would be a wonderful experience for you.

    Reply
  35. ashley says

    April 17, 2015 at 1:20 am

    I don’t have much money for traveling right now. I’ve wondered about couch surfing but I wonder if it would be dangerous for a girl traveling alone.

    Reply
  36. Arra says

    April 17, 2015 at 5:02 am

    voted 🙂 good luck to her

    Reply
  37. Judy Thomas says

    April 17, 2015 at 5:41 am

    Good Luck with the vote. Thank you

    Reply
  38. Karla Sceviour says

    April 17, 2015 at 6:55 am

    Thanks for the chance,,good luck!

    Reply
  39. Amy Heffernan says

    April 17, 2015 at 7:03 am

    Voted for you sister!! Thanks and GL!

    Reply
  40. Lisa Brown says

    April 17, 2015 at 7:04 am

    thank you for the chance

    Reply
  41. veronica lee says

    April 17, 2015 at 7:33 am

    Voted! I wish her the best of luck.

    Reply
  42. Lane Phillips says

    April 17, 2015 at 8:44 am

    Good luck! Best wishes! I hope you win.

    Reply
  43. Janet W. says

    April 17, 2015 at 9:02 am

    I’ve never done anything like and am not a very well traveled person. Best wishes to your sister!

    Reply
  44. rhonda miotke says

    April 17, 2015 at 10:18 am

    voted and entered, thanks for the chance for CASH!

    Reply
  45. Lyndsey says

    April 17, 2015 at 11:03 am

    Love your blog! Thanks for an awesome giveaway!

    Reply
  46. christine burd says

    April 17, 2015 at 12:35 pm

    I voted for you , Alexis . I think the ideas in this post were very helpful for young people trying to juggle school, jobs and travel.

    Reply
  47. Colleen Boudreau says

    April 17, 2015 at 1:34 pm

    Thank you! 🙂 I already voted the other day for her, I will vote again in 5 days when it lets me.

    Reply
  48. shaunie says

    April 17, 2015 at 2:21 pm

    Voted for her, hope this helps.

    Reply
  49. Carolyn Massey says

    April 17, 2015 at 3:40 pm

    I voted. Good luck to you. Thanks for this commentary.

    Reply
  50. Amy Jarratt says

    April 17, 2015 at 3:40 pm

    Best of Luck. Voted.

    Reply
  51. Kimberly says

    April 17, 2015 at 6:48 pm

    I voted for you.I hope you win!

    Reply
  52. Judy Thomas says

    April 17, 2015 at 7:23 pm

    What an awesome prize, thanks for the chance 🙂

    Reply
  53. Addie F. says

    April 17, 2015 at 8:42 pm

    Oh gosh, your sister is doing something amazing. I’m working and attending school currently, but I’d LOVE to add traveling to it. I’m 23 and I’m thinking about getting a TEFL certification. For her to have done all this by 21 is really incredible! I voted!

    Reply
  54. nicole dziedzic says

    April 17, 2015 at 9:03 pm

    Congrats on being a finalist for IVHQ’s scholarship to teach English abroad! Sounds awesome!

    Reply
  55. maria says

    April 17, 2015 at 10:24 pm

    Have fun on your travels! Thanks for the chance!

    Reply
  56. Barire says

    April 17, 2015 at 10:29 pm

    As a family, we travel cheap by bringing snacks and food in a cooler.

    Reply
  57. Denise A. says

    April 17, 2015 at 10:50 pm

    Interesting way to travel… I never would have thought of this!

    Reply
  58. Rita Corey says

    April 18, 2015 at 12:18 am

    I voted. Good luck, hope you win!

    Reply
  59. Alexis says

    April 19, 2015 at 11:22 am

    Your sister is being an OT to work with children with Autism? That’s amazing! I’m an Autism teacher myself and give serious kudos to your sister and wish her the best!

    Reply
    • Alexis says

      April 19, 2015 at 11:28 am

      Sorry, *becoming an OT (autocorrect)

      Reply
  60. Michelle L says

    April 19, 2015 at 12:23 pm

    wow Michelle, besides sharing the same name, I also lost my dad, in his early fifties from cancer… condolences…

    Reply
    • Michelle L says

      April 19, 2015 at 12:24 pm

      Sorry Alexis, I am more familiar to Michelle:) Been following this blog for awhile.

      Reply
  61. Catherine Shaw says

    April 21, 2015 at 4:19 am

    I wish I’d done more travel “back in the day.” Hooray for your sister!

    Reply
  62. Natasha Mairs says

    April 22, 2015 at 1:44 pm

    just to let you know that the bloglovin link in thwewidget just takes you the bloglovin homepage, not your profile. I had to click on the bloglovin button in your sidebar

    Reply
    • Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says

      April 22, 2015 at 3:07 pm

      Thank you so much. I had no idea so I will fix that now.

      Reply
  63. Wanda McHenry says

    April 23, 2015 at 6:39 pm

    Voted! Good Luck!!

    Reply
  64. Shannon says

    April 26, 2015 at 3:03 am

    I voted, good luck!

    Reply
  65. connie danielson says

    April 26, 2015 at 10:46 am

    I voted. Good luck! Thanks for this awesome chance to win! connie danielson

    Reply
  66. DNN says

    September 3, 2018 at 9:31 pm

    The good news about traveling and multitasking is anyone can start a side hustle blog and center it around the topic of “blogging as a travel related side hustle,” and document their travel experiences through accountable blogging, YouTube videos with links in the video description pointing back to specific blog posts, and making a reputable name for themselves while getting closer to achieving side hustle millionaire status.

    Reply

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