How to Have a Successful Working Vacation

1. How to Have a Successful Working Vacation Presented by Sharon Lee Winfield, CI CT NAOBI National Conference June 25, 2004

2. You Are In Great Demand! 

3. You have the opportunity to travel and work anywhere you choose.

4. Simulation Exercise

5. Imagine you are interpreting a lecture in Hawaii. Work with a partner and sign the brief lecture presented. When the speaker pauses, your partner will interpret. Ice breaker – topic is substance abuse treatment Text 1: Aloha. There is an ice epidemic in Honolulu. This insidious drug usage is causing a breakdown in the ohana, especially in Waikiki, Moililili and Waianae. It is our kuliana to address the influx of ice into our community, provide rehabilitation to our brothers and sisters who are addicted and to support funding for programs that provide substance abuse treatment. When we are akamai about this problem and its causes, then we can put into action a meaningful solution. Mahalo. Now Sherwyn Dread from the Virgin Islands will share his experiences. Text 2: Lessons learned: challenge of new dialect, language. Need to prepare in advance as much as possible. Do your homework!Ice breaker – topic is substance abuse treatment Text 1: Aloha. There is an ice epidemic in Honolulu. This insidious drug usage is causing a breakdown in the ohana, especially in Waikiki, Moililili and Waianae. It is our kuliana to address the influx of ice into our community, provide rehabilitation to our brothers and sisters who are addicted and to support funding for programs that provide substance abuse treatment. When we are akamai about this problem and its causes, then we can put into action a meaningful solution. Mahalo. Now Sherwyn Dread from the Virgin Islands will share his experiences. Text 2: Lessons learned: challenge of new dialect, language. Need to prepare in advance as much as possible. Do your homework!

7. Why take a working vacation? Traveling is an enriching, educational experience Get an insider’s perspective on your destination Earn money Have an adventure What are other reasons? Sharon’s experience Not a new idea: Gallaudet Visiting Interpreters Traveling Nurses, ESL Instructors, Interns and Volunteers Travel Gentlemen hosts on cruises There are many benefits Be a role model.Sharon’s experience Not a new idea: Gallaudet Visiting Interpreters Traveling Nurses, ESL Instructors, Interns and Volunteers Travel Gentlemen hosts on cruises There are many benefits Be a role model.

8. Feasibility Do I have enough vacation time? Do I have advanced skills & credentials? Do I have enough confidence? Do I have sufficient funds? Minimum vacation 2 weeks. Can you take a sabbatical? Assess your finances – amount of savings needed; values - adventure, recognition, high income, relationships; interests – religious gathering, black history, physical activities; skills – medical, health, mental health, legal, community, educational or platform. Identify ways to increase your skills & credentials. Get a mentor, attend workshops, have a study/practice partner for certification exams. Define success – income, rich experience, accomplishment, contacts, recreationMinimum vacation 2 weeks. Can you take a sabbatical? Assess your finances – amount of savings needed; values - adventure, recognition, high income, relationships; interests – religious gathering, black history, physical activities; skills – medical, health, mental health, legal, community, educational or platform. Identify ways to increase your skills & credentials. Get a mentor, attend workshops, have a study/practice partner for certification exams. Define success – income, rich experience, accomplishment, contacts, recreation

9. Potential Barriers Fear of failure Racial discrimination Child care Financial

10. Racial Considerations

11. Preparation Selecting a destination Budgeting Networking Lodging Driving vs. Flying Initial contact with interpreter referral agency Define the interpreting “climate”. What are the characteristics? – friendly, harsh, intense, competitive? Determine how many hours you need to work to meet your financial needs Determine the number of hours and times of day and week you want for recreation and entertainment. What does a successful working vacation look like to you? Identify goals. Are your personality traits conducive to this experience? Are you open minded, flexible, amenable to change, composed, easy to get along with, cheerful and professional? How would your friends rate you on these traits? Ask IRS: Projected demand for interpreter services. Best time to arrive. Appropriate attire. Payment terms (hourly rate. when will I get paid? To whom do I submit invoices? Does it include mileage, portal to portal, 2 hour minimum?) Travel tips (subway, bus, highway maps) State licensure requirementsDefine the interpreting “climate”. What are the characteristics? – friendly, harsh, intense, competitive? Determine how many hours you need to work to meet your financial needs Determine the number of hours and times of day and week you want for recreation and entertainment. What does a successful working vacation look like to you? Identify goals. Are your personality traits conducive to this experience? Are you open minded, flexible, amenable to change, composed, easy to get along with, cheerful and professional? How would your friends rate you on these traits? Ask IRS: Projected demand for interpreter services. Best time to arrive. Appropriate attire. Payment terms (hourly rate. when will I get paid? To whom do I submit invoices? Does it include mileage, portal to portal, 2 hour minimum?) Travel tips (subway, bus, highway maps) State licensure requirements

12. Sharon’s keys to success: Maintain a positive attitude, Always Be flexible

13. When You Arrive Become acclimated by reading maps, riding the bus or driving around Contact the local Interpreter Referral Service Agencies and arrange interviews Keep detailed records Maintain daily journal regarding: Level of satisfaction Challenges Performance, new signs, local customs Attitude

14. Your Personal Assessment:Taking a Working Vacation List your personal pros and cons Complete the self assessment Discuss with your neighbor Cost/benefit formula: Self assessment: Readiness, what do you crave professionally? (rewards, personal satisfaction) Note handouts in packet: Lists of Interpreter Referral Agencies BDA chapters NAOBI chapters RID Regional Representatives Black travel web sites Destinations rich in ethnic or cultural history Cost/benefit formula: Self assessment: Readiness, what do you crave professionally? (rewards, personal satisfaction) Note handouts in packet: Lists of Interpreter Referral Agencies BDA chapters NAOBI chapters RID Regional Representatives Black travel web sites Destinations rich in ethnic or cultural history

15. Any Questions? Email Sharon Lee Winfield Winfield@hawaii.edu

16. Many Thanks

17. Thank you very much for attending!Bon voyage!