While teaching abroad is exciting, challenging and well just pretty awesome, moving to a new job, house and country all at once can be a bit overwhelming. So, if you’re feeling a little nervous about the whole thing, try doing some of these – they’ll help to put your mind at rest:
Do a TEFL course
While doing a TEFL course won’t prepare you for every classroom eventuality, it will prepare you for the realities of life in the classroom, including how to plan lessons and how to prevent all out rebellion against you! Do a TEFL course and, not only will your employment prospects rocket, but it will also help you to feel much more confident about stepping into the classroom for the very first time.
Do your research
There’s nothing more frightening than heading into the unknown, so it’s a great idea to do your research before you accept any job offers. Once you get that all important job offer don’t be tempted to accept in straight away without doing any research. It is a good idea to Google the name of the school you’re thinking of working at and ‘review’ – you may soon find out that there’s a reason why they’re offering such a ‘good’ salary. In addition to this get to know the area you’ll be working – read some guidebooks or simply get on Google Earth for a bird’s eye view. It’ll all help to put your mind at rest.
Have some resources tucked up your sleeve
Any experienced teacher will tell you that, no matter how well thought out your lesson plans, there will always be times when you have to resort to plan B, C or even D! So, before you step foot in the classroom for the first time, make sure you have some tried and tested activities to fall back on if and when things start getting a little hectic.
Network
If you’re feeling nervous about moving to a new country, the best people to talk to are those who are currently living and working there. And with the wonders of the internet it’s now easier than ever to do just that.
Learn a bit of the local language before you go
While you don’t need to know the local language in order to teach overseas, it’s handy to know a few words of the local language so you’re not totally overwhelmed when you touch down.
Keep an open mind
Most major TEFL destinations have cultures that can feel very alien to most westerners: you may be confronted with things that seem frustrating, strange or just plain wrong. The only remedy for this is keeping an open mind and remembering that you decided to go overseas to experience another culture, not make everyone behave in a way that’s acceptable to your own.
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Class sizes are limited, so don’t wait, make your reservation today!