Culture Archives - Oxford Seminars Blog
Top10IntlSports

Top 10 Amazing International Sports

I admit, I’m not usually what you’d call a sports fan, or at least not in the way that anyone in North America might think of it. I don’t follow any specific teams, nor do I follow any major professional sports. I’ve never attended a single professional game of baseball, basketball, or hockey (I know, I’m a terrible Canadian). ...

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PyeongChang 2018: An Unforgettable Experience

During my time teaching in South Korea, I tried to make it to as many sporting events as possible. Mostly, this consisted of watching Jeonbuk Hyundai dominating the K-League or trying to comprehend what was happening while watching Kia Tigers play baseball. Over the years, there were also some bigger occasions: I managed to see Korea take on Brazil ...

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COVID and the Forecast for Teaching Abroad in 2022

It's pretty fair to say that COVID has been like a very big, very wet blanket, thrown over so many of our plans since it emerged in 2019. Many of us have had to adjust our career goals, our travel plans, and our lifestyles to accommodate this almost surreal situation. Now however, after more than two years of frenzied ...

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Two Places Retro Gamers MUST See in Japan!

There are many paths to developing a lifelong interest in Japanese culture. When I moved to Japan in 2014 to teach English, I got to know how many of my fellow ESL teachers came to be there. Some practiced Japanese martial arts like judo or karate, while others were there for the food, the trains, or anime. For me, ...

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Teaching Online – An Experienced Teacher Embraces a New Challenge

My ESL teaching journey began when I ‘retired’ from my career as an early childhood educator and decided it was time to do some traveling. I’ve always been a language nerd and thought it would be fun to do some English teaching abroad. So, I signed up for the Oxford Seminars certificate course, with a plan to complete the ...

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Thailand Weekend Market

Shop Till You Drop at a Thai Weekend Market

   When I got the chance to teach English in Japan through the JET Programme, I knew I wanted to take the opportunity to travel and explore the country as much as possible. One of the biggest draws of teaching abroad for me was the idea of seeing as much of Japan – its castles, shrines, and mountainous landscapes – ...

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Culture Shock! How to Plan for it and Make the Most of Your New Adventure

If you’ve been considering a career abroad, you’ve probably run into the term “Culture Shock” more than a few times. This expression gets bandied about in expat teaching circles quite a bit, but if you’re planning to move overseas for the first time, it’s important to make sure you have an in-depth understanding of this issue. That’s what I’d like ...

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Love Is in the Air – The Teaching Abroad Pod (Episode 1)

Love Is in the Air - The Teaching Abroad Pod (Episode 1) James reminisces with co-host Rowan about falling in love in Korea, while an interview with guests Becky and Mike uncovers how they found love in China. They also discuss some uncommon but amazing Korean and Chinese dishes, and incredible off-the-beaten-path travel destinations.  

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Fall in love with travel - Celebrate Valentine's Day around the world

Fall in Love with Travel – Valentine’s Day Around the World

With Valentine’s Day almost here, it’s time to make those last minute dinner reservations, or buy those chocolates you were supposed pick up. Or, maybe it’s time to get comfortable on the couch and get caught up on Netflix. But what if you want to try something new this Valentine's Day and celebrate in a whole new way? You’re in luck because ...

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