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Verge Magazine's annual Go Abroad Directory is back for 2009 and it's bigger than ever! We checked in with 101 organizations and hundreds of opportunities to live, work, study, volunteer and travel overseas. Tear it out, tack it up and start planning your time abroad.

Plus:

• Destination: Laos – Southeast Asia's best kept secret is out.
  
• Work in Australia? It's never been easier. Susan Griffith tells you how.
  
• Teaching English: Reality Check. The first in a four-part series by veteran English teacher, Troy Nahumko.
  
• Grassroots travel in India. Slum tours serve up a slice of reality.
  
• Photographing people: Pro photographer Trevor Lush explains why taking a great portrait involves much more than just pointing and shooting!

See the Verge Magazine Travel With Purpose Photography Exhibition at the 2008 Go Abroad Fairs in Vancouver and Toronto.

The Go Abroad Fair is Canada's premier event for anyone planning time abroad and once again, Verge will be there as the event's media sponsor.

Swing by and check out the very best of more than 1,100 photographs submitted as part of this year's Travel With Purpose photo contest. Meet Verge staff, ask us tough questions, pick up a copy of the new issue, and vote for your favourite photos.

The Go Abroad Fair runs September 12 and 13 at the Vancouver Convention Centre and September 20 and 21 at Queen Elizabeth Hall, Exhibition Place, Toronto. Admission is free.

Special thanks to this year's photo exhibit sponsors:

Wondering how you can have a life-changing experience in another country? Come to the 2008 Go Abroad Fair and find out!

• Learn about a variety of overseas opportunities
• Meet representatives from organizations showcasing programs around the world
• Check out information seminars with in-depth information on specific programs
• Attend Discussions Panels with youth who have recently been abroad studying, working, volunteering and participating in cultural programs and adventure trips

For more information visit www.goabroadfair.ca

Also, the Go Abroad Fair needs volunteers!

The event is seeking enthusiastic volunteers interested in donating at least 10 hours of their time before and/or during the events. If you are interested in volunteering, please send an email to monica.aguirre@cecnetwork.ca.

Via Lingua provides TEFL certification courses in popular locations throughout the world.

Our 4-week courses offer expert instruction by experienced trainers and extensive teaching practice with real students. Our global employment network provides numerous career opportunities for our graduates.

This internationally recognized TEFL certificate also earns graduate credits towards a Masters in TESOL.

All courses are moderated by the prestigious ELT Institute at Hunter College, City University of New York. New courses offered monthly.

Please visit our website, www.vialingua.org for more details!

The goal of the Hamilton College Academic Year in Spain (HCAYS) is to offer academic standards that are commensurate with those of the best colleges and universities. This entails a strictly enforced Spanish-only rule and recruitment of students from US institutions of the highest caliber. The program includes orientations in Comillas (fall), Nerja (spring) and Spanish lodging in Madrid.

The Hamilton College Junior Year in France begins with an orientation in Biarritz, followed by a full academic year in Paris. Students choose the HCJYF because of its extensive course offerings at a variety of Parisian institutions, its small groups, and the individualized attention. Hamilton has offered the program for more than 50 years. Home-stay with French hosts.

For more information, visit the Academic Year in Spain website, or the or Junior Year in France site, or contact us directly.

Phone 315 859 4201; Email: ghasburgh@hamilton.edu

Are you ready to challenge yourself, make a commitment and a real contribution this summer?

Through the unparalleled AMIGOS experience, more than 20,000 high school and college-aged volunteers have completed extensive leadership and service training programs in preparation to become community development promoters in Latin America. Last year alone, AMIGOS volunteers made a positive difference in over 250 communities in nine Latin American countries.

Work on sustainable health, education and environmental service projects through collaborating with local partners. Immerse yourself in the lives of your host family and community while improving your Spanish. As you build your own leadership and language skills, you'll make a genuine difference and friendships that will last a lifetime.

Programs run from 5-8 weeks during the summer months; to learn more about all 2008 projects, call 1.800.231.7796 or visit www.amigoslink.org.

Imagine a job teaching cute kids and experiencing all that Taiwan has to offer: Fireworks, kung fu, red lanterns, karaoke, hot springs, pushcart vendors, Tai chi, fried rice, and students who want to learn.

Now imagine having enough income to take it all in! You can sample all this and more and still save money teaching in Taiwan.

Hess Educational Organization is the most recognized English school in Taiwan. In addition to our competitive salary, we guarantee your teaching hours, offer regular raises, and provide you with free TEFL training.

We're currently hiring for our Winter 2008 season. If you're looking for an adventure abroad, enjoy working with kids and are ready for something different, then we want to hear from you!

Visit www.hess.com.tw/en for more details!