Oxford Seminars Blog 
It was with luck that I found myself in Kyoto, Japan for some professional development during cherry blossom season. After spending ten energy-sapping hours in a conference room, most of the participants scurried back to the hotel to rest up for the following day. Faced with a free evening and a small group of new friends, the opportunity to ...
When I packed my bags and moved across the ocean to accept a job teaching English in South Korea, I knew I would be facing a lot of experiences I hadn’t yet dreamed of. I expected the culture shock; I expected the language shock; I even expected to take some time getting used to the food. What I didn’t ...
Imagine strange shapes glowing neon on billboards, bizarre sounds emanating from the hustle and bustle of the crowds surrounding you and the odd smells of foods you've never even heard of, let alone tasted, wafting through the air. This is the sensory overload I experienced upon my landing at Incheon Airport. I was about to embark on a year ...
Known for its tropical jungles, exotic beaches and humid weather, Thailand exudes life and friendliness to its visitors. Whether you're in the busy, packed and ultramodern city of Bangkok or the historic Chiang Mai, there is so much to see and do in this country known as "The Land of Smiles." (Don't miss our blog post on how teaching ...
Sawasdee kah! Or should I say, "hello" from Thailand, the "land of smiles". I’ve been living here for awhile now and each day is a totally eye-opening experience. I’m located in Kabinburi which is a rough, 3 hour cramped mini-van ride to Bangkok and about two hours west of the Cambodian border. It’s a small town where everyone knows ...
The Japanese have come to be known for sharing both a fascinating cultural heritage that spans thousands of years as well as a modern love for technology, gadgets, anime and pop culture. For individuals embarking on a career teaching English abroad in Japan, this dichotomy often shows up in weekend outings and days off spent exploring all that this ...
From chopsticks and sushi in Japan to kimchi and rice in South Korea, I was able to travel around the world while teaching English. My journey started as a volunteer English tutor for a Vietnamese woman who wanted to pass the U.S. citizenship test. She insisted on cooking dinner for me twice a week for the year that I ...
China, the world's most populous country with over 1 billion people, is an intriguing mix of ancient and new cultures that commands respect and awareness for their way of life. Whether you're thinking of just visiting or are headed over to be an ESL teacher in China, here are some culture tips and guidelines to smooth your way: [caption ...
From the moment I first arrived in Busan, South Korea on a June day in 1996, I knew I was in for a unique experience. The sights, sounds, bustling streets and heat of an early summer all reminded me I was truly a long way from home. But it was a positive sense of culture shock I experienced as ...
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