I've got this friend, Greg. His story is not unique, especially in the recent months. He graduated college last June with a new degree in business and decided immediately to inject himself into the job market and build a nice foundation for his career. It was all planned out, just like the high school guidance counselor said. Greg made no mistakes; worked hard; excelled; had a set of goals. He was a lean, mean, job-candidacy machine. Unfortunately, the job market was nothing but a hole. The job hunt was like walking through the desert, and swiping your hand in a futile attempt to catch the delusion-induced mirage in front of you. By winter, most motivation was gone. It was like all the jobs were in a little box and no matter how long you clawed at the lid there was no way to break it open. For the thousands of recent graduates in the same circumstance, there may be no other alternative to insanity than to hide from the economy.

Though the first instinct that may kick in after that sentence is to sit on your couch with a carton of New York Super Fudge Chunk Ben & Jerry's, and flip the channels between Maury and World's Strongest Man, it won't give you anything to look back on. In fact, you will probably be much worse off than before (jobless with 15 extra pounds). There is, however, an option that can release you from the burdens of unemployment and reveal a brand new world of experience and learning. A homestay abroad might be your answer. Tons of hosts around the world are ready to accept students into their homes to provide free housing in exchange for a few work hours a week. Cultural immersion will allow you to learn more than you ever would on an ordinary vacation. An extended hotel stay will cost thousands of dollars, and what you get is nothing more than that - a tiny hotel room. It leaves you isolated from the cultural, social, and financial opportunities outside.

A trip like this doesn't allow you to grow as a person because you are not really living in the culture. On a free homestay you save all the money you would otherwise be spending on housing, commuting, utilities, and groceries. You can be free to search for a rewarding job abroad (in most place native English speakers are in high demand) without dealing with the headaches or the financial burden that comes with the logistics of living abroad by yourself. While you may be teaching English lessons to your host family as part of the payment, you will be naturally getting a free education in their language, as it is all you will hear during your stay.

Every interaction you have will force you to learn, and learn quickly. Of course, whenever you are in a new country, there will be the period of awkwardness, discomfort and culture shock; but with a host family by your side, you have a home base to fall back on and support you - much better than a hotel bed. So under all the stress and pressure that comes with an economic meltdown, and with all the frustrations that come with hopeless unemployment, don't you wish you could just press fast-forward Traveling with a host family can be the escape that you're looking for, and you will find opportunities that never would have come about otherwise.

Lidia Nash, CPA, CITP is the Founder of Host & Care - a global community that connects students, singles, unemployed and travelers looking for free accommodations with families and seniors looking for care. Young people provide few hours of free child care, tutoring, elderly or home care in exchange for free accommodations.

The classroom is but one of many places to obtain an education and real life skills. Students can opt for a broader experience by participating in college internship programs. Internships for college graduates and undergraduates alike provide valuable work skills vital in today's competitive job market. Students can even earn college credit for participation in some programs.

When evaluating the available opportunities, students seeking an experience above and beyond the norm can chose to participate in an internship abroad. Of particular note are New Zealand and Australia internship programs. These offer distinct benefits beyond work and educational experience.

The Benefits of Australia and New Zealand Internship Programs

There are several compelling reasons why college internships in the South Pacific are a great choice for students seeking a college experience of distinction.

o Cultural Immersion-An internship abroad in Australia or New Zealand provides more than work experience. It allows student to live and work side by side with locals, providing a unique glimpse into the culture and society. The experience leaves a lasting impression and affects the students' perspective on the world and their place in it. Participants in New Zealand and Australia internship programs find the experience better equips them to communicate and relate to people of different cultures with ease. It also imbibes a greater appreciation for cultural differences and similarities.

o Professional Development--College internships are an excellent option for recent graduates as well as undergraduates. They provide the training needed to succeed in a career, as well as practical experience critical in qualifying for gainful employment. While an internship in general provides the opportunity for real-world experience, an internship abroad in the Australia or New Zealand includes experience in a global setting; truly a distinctive addition to any resume.

o Appreciation of Natural Splendor--A summer internship in Australia or New Zealand is a fantastic way to experience the beauty of the country in a much deeper way than you might if you were to visit for a short vacation. Being able to take the time to explore all of the wonderful scenery and sites available, such as the deserts, rain forests, mountains, and beaches, is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity that is possible through summer internships in these countries.

oAffordability--It is expensive to attend college and most certainly to study abroad during your college career, but if you would like to experience a foreign country, then a summer internship in Australia or New Zealand can be a cost-effective way to spend time in a new area of the world and experience it for yourself.

Susan Slobac advises college students on study abroad opportunities in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.