[smileysteve]

- Go on a long term international trip to find out how things work in the rest of the world. Particularly Europe, Asia.

- Blog several times a week about your new experiences.

- Volunteer for stuff to meet people, concerts, events, conferences, sporting events.

- Start a side project so that you will be ready to kick butt when you do start CS.

[tigershen23]

- Any recommendations for specific places? Spain (I speak Spanish) and Japan are my top two destinations as of now

- Definitely.

- Sweet - would you recommend any organizations that organize this kind of stuff, or am I better off just googling around for things in my area?

- No question.

Thanks!

[smileysteve]

I'd google for organizations you can help, but some ideas - Habitat for Humanity (Global Venture could be good for travel too), a local ReStore, or a local house. - A Meetup Near You - A Startup Weekend Near You - Ask a coworking space if you can be a coffee and copies intern - Craigslist Gigs - Your local church might know something.

[rfergie]

If you speak Spanish then South America is also a good option.