subject: 7 Things You Didn't Think To Pack, But Will Keep You Sane When Teaching Overseas: [print this page] 7 Things You Didn't Think To Pack, But Will Keep You Sane When Teaching Overseas:
1. Chocolate
It may sound a little bizarre, but spending 12 months in a foreign country with no home comforts can take it's toll, which is why you should make sure that you've got a stash of decent chocolate.You'll want to make sure you take initial supplies in your case and then get an emergency supplier (usually your Mum) lined up to see you through those tough times. It's the little home comforts which really make the difference!
2. Laptop/Netbook
You'll embark on your journey with plans of taking your laptop to make lesson plans and help you with preparing classroom activitiesbut in reality, you'll end up spending hours on Facebook, chatting to your friends on Skype or watching videos of cats on Youtubeand blogging on Chalkboard of course
3. TESOL Certificate
As well as using it to decorate your new home (obviously it will have pride of place on the mantelpiece); it's worth putting in your case, as you'll inevitably need your TESOL certificate for some bizarre bureaucratic nonsense. And if you haven't found a job yet, waving that magic piece of paper under employers' noses will open a lot of doors for you.
4. Magazines
Reading your favourite magazine from cover to cover probably won't last you an entire teaching contract. However a good stash of magazines (no, not that kind) are fantastic bargaining chips, which can also be used in the classroom, as lesson resources/inspiration.
5. Pictures from home
If you're not interested in using your TESOL certificate to decorate your walls with, then a good idea for an alternative is to bring a few pictures with you. Whether it's a picture of your folks or some of you friends; it's sometimes nice to have a little reminder of what you've left behind and the people who are waiting for you, back home. Not only are these pictures good for a little pick-me-up when you're feeling the strain, but they're also ideal to use in your classes when teaching family, pets, appearances etc.
6. Make-up
If you're female (or even if you just like a bit of cross-dressing) and you're planning to teach somewhere outside of Europe; you may want to take a bit of spare make-up when you head overseas. This is especially true for foundation and concealer, which may be hard to get hold of, in your particular skin tone.
7. Moisturiser
It's a good idea to pack some Moisturiser even for the guys. You never know when it will come in handy. But overseas, quite a lot of moisturisers, especially throughout Asia, contain bleaching agents which, for some people, is a huge no-no! Other, non-bleaching, moisturisers are available, although they will cost you an arm and a legso if you can, take plenty with you.
To be honest though, as long as you take some ideas, enthusiasm and a LOT of patience, you'll be able to survive with whatever's thrown at youalthough the chocolates do help!
