When I began my journey of teaching English abroad, I had high hopes. I wanted to see the world and experience adventure, but I also wanted to make an impact in the classroom. Fortunately, I did get to achieve most of my goals and experience the rewards of interacting with my students. There are so many student stories to ...
"Am I cut out to teach ESL abroad?" This is the question I asked myself 5 years ago. I just wasn't sure. I did not know what made an effective teacher, and I had only a vague notion of the types of challenges a new culture would bring. Both inside and outside of the classroom, I now realize that ...
When you were a child, did you have a teacher that made a difference in your life? Most people have a particular teacher that they looked up to or who served as a valuable mentor. When I started teaching ESL abroad, I never really gave any thought on how I would impact my students’ lives outside of the classroom ...
How well do you know Korean food? It's amazing how you think you know something until you actually live it and breathe it. I found this to be very true during my time teaching English abroad in South Korea. Trying Korean Food for the First Time I knew before arriving ...
Brazil is the largest country in South America, accounting for nearly 50% of the continent's mass and holding over 2 million people. Boarding the Atlantic coast, Brazil touches nearly every other South American country. With such a storied past and rich heritage, it makes sense that Brazilians would have celebrations and festivals equally rich and steeped in traditions. And ...
Small town or big city? Many of my friends and family members who have taught abroad have longed for the bright lights of the world’s largest metropolises such as Shanghai, Seoul, Taipei, Tokyo, Mexico City, and Madrid. Based on my own experiences teaching abroad, however, I recommend relocating to a small city or town. Here's why. (more…)
When you live in foreign countries, you occasionally have these moments where it suddenly all hits you: I'm not in ________ anymore! For me, Canada is home, so traveling to another country can have it's share of adventures. The story I'm about to tell describes one of my own "WHERE IN THE WORLD AM I?" moments from my time teaching abroad ...
Are you thinking about teaching abroad in China? It's always difficult to decide where to go, but we've compiled a list that might help you think more seriously about China. From the travel opportunities to the food and financial savings, China just might be the right fit for you. Here are 5 reasons to teach English in China: (more…)
When I went to Thailand, I went with an open mind. Still, I didn't realize just how different the culture would be from what I was accustomed. From my living conditions to the concept of time and religious influences, my life has been forever changed in a positive way. I was fortunate to ...
It's easy to use regional dialects or commonly misused language mistakes when speaking everyday English. However, when teaching a second language to new students, it's important that you're giving them the proper foundation from which to build their habits. This includes your own speaking and writing habits in the classroom. The following are 20 common English grammar mistakes you ...