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What's It Like Living in Japan as an ESL Teacher?

What’s It Like Living in Japan as an ESL Teacher?

“If there is an ideal time to visit Kyoto, it’s early April. With the cherry blossoms in full bloom, the city takes on an otherworldly persona. Despite the throngs of visitors, which provide continuous people-watching opportunities, there is a sense of calm, stillness, and peace as you pause to marvel at the exquisiteness of the cherry blossom, a shape ...

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Do I need to know a foreign language to teach ESL overseas?

Do I Need to Know a Foreign Language to Teach ESL Overseas?

Many prospective teachers ask whether they need to know the language spoken in the country they hope to teach in. "Do I have to speak fluent Korean to teach in South Korea, or fluent Japanese to teach in Japan?" The short answer is no, you do not have to speak the language, but the more of the language you do know, the easier ...

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What is it like living in Taiwan?

What is it like living in Taiwan Teaching English?

Discover why Taiwan is known as Ilha Formosa meaning ‘beautiful island’. From the hustle and bustle of Taipei to the beaches and tropical mountainous regions, Taiwan is a small country worth exploring. The cultural and religious hybrid of the island makes this a unique destination. Taiwan's economy consists of both smaller businesses and international manufacturing companies, making it a stable economic environment ...

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What is it like living in Thailand?

What is it Like Living in Thailand as an ESL Teacher?

Thailand, the “Land of Smiles,” is a great destination for ESL teachers who want to teach abroad and experience a country that’s rich in history, famous for its culinary arts, and replete with vacation destinations. Most ESL teaching positions here are in Bangkok, a beautiful and busy metropolis famous for its floating markets, spectacular sights, and delicious food. On ...

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What is it like living in Spain?

What is it Like Living in Spain as an ESL Teacher?

“In Spain I’d visited Tarragona with its Roman amphitheater and Merida, with its preserved theater…Of course, Barcelona had much to offer with its location near mountains and on the sea.  Sitges, a gorgeous beach town, was half an hour away, and I hiked many of the mountains in the Pyrenees…I will always be grateful for the opportunities I had ...

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What if I feel homesick while teaching English abroad?

What If I Feel Homesick While Teaching English Abroad?

Teaching abroad is one of the most rewarding experiences one can involve themselves in. It is the perfect way to experience a new culture, meet new people, and learn a new language all while having a support system of co-workers that become something of a family away from home. At some point, however, everyone gets a bit homesick. Even the ...

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Friends riding elephant abroad

Time Off While Teaching Abroad? Volunteer With Elephants!

Volunteer With Elephants in Sri Lanka! About five years ago when I was teaching English at a college in Oman, I spent part of my summer vacation in Sri Lanka. The Millennium Elephant Orphanage there advertised for volunteers to work with their seven elephants in Kegalle, a town about an hour from the capital city of Colombo. I didn’t ...

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