Backpack & Budget : Great Exchange: Working Abroad

If you are interested in working abroad but concerned about fighting your way through the red tape, the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE), a nonprofit educational organization that has sponsored reciprocal work exchange programs for more than 25 years, can help through its Student Work Abroad Program.

Last year, the CIEE assisted almost 5,000 students with arrangements for working in foreign countries.

Although they won’t actually find you a job, for a $160 fee they will arrange for formal permission from foreign governments for you and other full-time U.S. college students and recent graduates to work legally.

They also provide program handbooks and in-depth orientations upon arrival to assist with job and accommodation searches. While in the foreign country the participants have access to partner agencies for information and assistance.

This year programs are available in Britain, Ireland, France, Germany, Canada, Costa Rica, New Zealand and Jamaica. The only countries where speaking a foreign language is a requirement are Germany (German), France (French) and Costa Rica (Spanish).

For further information, contact the CIEE travel division, Council Travel, 1093 Broxton Ave., Suite 220, Los Angeles, Calif. 90024; telephone (310) 208-3551, or call your campus study abroad or career office.

The Council Travel office also has fall/winter editions of its free Student Travels magazine available.

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Here are a few suggestions from KLM Airlines for young travelers seeking economical accommodations in Amsterdam. Rates this winter range from $20 to $50 per night.

* Jeugdhotel Adam en Eva at Sarphatistraat 105, 1018 GA Amsterdam, tel. 011-31-20-624-6206. * Bob’s Youth Hotel at N.Z. Voorburgwal 92, 1012 SG Amsterdam, tel. 011-31-20-623-0063.

* Jeugdhotel Eben Haezer at Bloemstraat 179, 1016 LA Amsterdam, tel. 011-31-20-624-4717. * Brinker Youth Budget at Kerkstraat 136, 1017 GR Amsterdam, tel. 011-31-20-622-0687.

* International Student Center at Keizersgracht 15-17, 1015 Amsterdam, tel. 011-31-20-625-1364.

* Hotel Kabul at Warmoesstraat 38-42, 1012 JE Amsterdam, tel. 011-31-20-623-7158.

* NJHC-Herberg De Stadsdoelen at Kloveniersburgwal 92, 1011 KB Amsterdam, tel. 011-31-20-624-6832. (Hostel closed until March 1.)

* NJHC-Herberg Vondelpark at Zandpad 5, 1054 GA Amsterdam, tel. 011-31-20-683-1744.