This article is about the things you have to consider before moving abroad for TEFL-ing.
Whether you are moving abroad to study for a TEFL or already have your TEFL certificate, you'll find that your check list of "must haves" is very similar.
I moved to Madrid, Spain in August 2009 and was really grateful of the advice I received before heading out but I learnt so much along the way.
Here is a comprehensive list of items that you must make sure you have before heading out to pastures unknown.
Having these items reduces stress, trust me! Get it and go! First of all, take about 4 photocopies of your passport.
You'll need copies to obtain documentation like your social security number and your NIE number.
You also need photocopies of your passport so you can rent our flats, hire cars, set up bank accounts and that type of thing.
Carry them with you on the plane, don't put them in your suitcase...
Also bring photocopies of your driving license of another form of ID if you have it.
Sun cream.
Sounds cliche, but when I landed in Madrid in the heat of August I was so grateful for already packing sun cream and not having to go out and find a pharmacy/supermarket.
Small item, massively useful Pens and a notepad.
In my experience, stationery in Madrid is quite pricey so you're better off bringing these items with you.
That way, you have them already.
I started my TEFL course after 2 days of being in Spain.
The 2 days I was there, I didn't even consider stationery or anything practical.
Get it before you go and that way you are prepared for your first day of TEFL.
When you're teaching, the amount of pens you'll go through is crazy! A diary.
A good teacher is an organised teacher.
Have your diary with you at all times when you reach your destination.
You never know who you'll meet, what you'll need to write down or dates to mark.
Plus, the more organised you look, the more organised you'll feel.
And organisation exudes confidence! A strong rucksack.
Whilst I was studying for my TEFL course I found that the amount of paper and often random items (for example, sticky back plastic) I had to carry around with me was enormous and it grows daily.
When you start teaching you'll want to carry around games and speakers and that type of thing for your students.
Sorry, but handbags do not suffice.
Heavy handbags kill your shoulders.
Rucksacks all the way! Going abroad isn't taxing...
Some foreign currency.
Sounds really obvious, but the amount of people I met who didn't change their currency before they arrived in Spain was unbelievable.
Don't arrive without some useful money, you'll regret it and have to pay withdrawing fines at cash machines if you use your native bank cards.
Plus, you might want to buy something as simple as a bottle of water whilst you're lugging suitcases around.
You'll need some change.
Make sure your phone works in the zone you're travelling to.
There's nothing worse than moving abroad, trying to tell loved ones back home that you've arrived safe and sound and realising that your phone doesn't like the new location.
...
just have the right things A phrase book.
If you don't know the new lingo, learn some key phrases on the plane over.
Even in capital cities like Madrid not everyone speaks a bit of English.
Granted, lots do in the touristy areas but if you're here long term and are here to work and intergrate, make a bit of effort with the language.
A bit of effort goes a long way and people really appreciate it! A good sense of humour.
Moving abroad is really exciting and its the best thing I ever did.
But having a few key items with you is so imperative to make the leap more manageable.
The above items, although seemingly obvious in some cases, are often so obvious that they get rejected.
Also, sorting yourself out abroad like with bank accounts and such like, is stressful.
But it all works out as long as you've got yourself organised, but do embrace everything with a good spirit and good sense of humour!
Whether you are moving abroad to study for a TEFL or already have your TEFL certificate, you'll find that your check list of "must haves" is very similar.
I moved to Madrid, Spain in August 2009 and was really grateful of the advice I received before heading out but I learnt so much along the way.
Here is a comprehensive list of items that you must make sure you have before heading out to pastures unknown.
Having these items reduces stress, trust me! Get it and go! First of all, take about 4 photocopies of your passport.
You'll need copies to obtain documentation like your social security number and your NIE number.
You also need photocopies of your passport so you can rent our flats, hire cars, set up bank accounts and that type of thing.
Carry them with you on the plane, don't put them in your suitcase...
Also bring photocopies of your driving license of another form of ID if you have it.
Sun cream.
Sounds cliche, but when I landed in Madrid in the heat of August I was so grateful for already packing sun cream and not having to go out and find a pharmacy/supermarket.
Small item, massively useful Pens and a notepad.
In my experience, stationery in Madrid is quite pricey so you're better off bringing these items with you.
That way, you have them already.
I started my TEFL course after 2 days of being in Spain.
The 2 days I was there, I didn't even consider stationery or anything practical.
Get it before you go and that way you are prepared for your first day of TEFL.
When you're teaching, the amount of pens you'll go through is crazy! A diary.
A good teacher is an organised teacher.
Have your diary with you at all times when you reach your destination.
You never know who you'll meet, what you'll need to write down or dates to mark.
Plus, the more organised you look, the more organised you'll feel.
And organisation exudes confidence! A strong rucksack.
Whilst I was studying for my TEFL course I found that the amount of paper and often random items (for example, sticky back plastic) I had to carry around with me was enormous and it grows daily.
When you start teaching you'll want to carry around games and speakers and that type of thing for your students.
Sorry, but handbags do not suffice.
Heavy handbags kill your shoulders.
Rucksacks all the way! Going abroad isn't taxing...
Some foreign currency.
Sounds really obvious, but the amount of people I met who didn't change their currency before they arrived in Spain was unbelievable.
Don't arrive without some useful money, you'll regret it and have to pay withdrawing fines at cash machines if you use your native bank cards.
Plus, you might want to buy something as simple as a bottle of water whilst you're lugging suitcases around.
You'll need some change.
Make sure your phone works in the zone you're travelling to.
There's nothing worse than moving abroad, trying to tell loved ones back home that you've arrived safe and sound and realising that your phone doesn't like the new location.
...
just have the right things A phrase book.
If you don't know the new lingo, learn some key phrases on the plane over.
Even in capital cities like Madrid not everyone speaks a bit of English.
Granted, lots do in the touristy areas but if you're here long term and are here to work and intergrate, make a bit of effort with the language.
A bit of effort goes a long way and people really appreciate it! A good sense of humour.
Moving abroad is really exciting and its the best thing I ever did.
But having a few key items with you is so imperative to make the leap more manageable.
The above items, although seemingly obvious in some cases, are often so obvious that they get rejected.
Also, sorting yourself out abroad like with bank accounts and such like, is stressful.
But it all works out as long as you've got yourself organised, but do embrace everything with a good spirit and good sense of humour!