To learn more and/or apply for our teaching opportunity in Nanjing, China please visit, https://www.smartrecruiters.com/TeachBrave/72086019-elementary-esl-nanjing-china-

Here are the steps:

1. The teacher reads aloud the book: The Little Engine that Could

2. After reading the book, the teacher then asks the class what they thought the book was about. Allow students to take turns, raising their hands, while the teacher writes down the various themes the  students come up with.

3. Then have a short discussion with the students about what types of things the students struggle with in school. Write their answers down. After a few students have stated their challenges, then start asking the students what the solution could be. Write those answers next to their struggles.

3. Then pass around a simple worksheet about that says the following:

“Just like the little engine that could, I will work really hard to _______________ this school year, even when it gets tough.”

The teacher has the students fill in the blank part of the paper.

4. Teacher can them hang them up if she/he wishes to refer back to when the student is having a bad day.

* Please note, if your class has English language learners, then you will want to go over vocabulary words like challenge, struggle, achieve.

You applied, you interviewed (which you nailed), and now you’re getting ready to set out on a teaching adventure like no other.  Before you board the plane, here is a handy checklist to ensure that you have covered all of your logistical bases, so you can say goodbye with no looking back. In no particular order, be prepared to…

1.) Get your local bank account address, swift number, account number, and routing number  - You will need this information in order wire transfer any money from your international bank account into your local account. There are usually wire fees that range from $15 – $30 USDollars. Typically both banks will charge these fees, so be aware of this prior to your transactions. Since the fees are high, it may be best to wire transfer larger amounts less frequently, than small amounts more frequently.

2.) Check your destination country’s annual weather - It goes without saying that this will dictate what you are going to pack. It may be best to purchase essential items like bulky winter coats, jeans, and bathing suits before you leave because prices and sizes will vary in other places in the world.

3.) Get vaccinated - Vaccinations will vary by country. Here is a great website that gives up-to-date notices on which vaccines are recommended for the local region, http://www.travelersvaccines.com/. Pharmacies like CVS, Duane Reade, and Rediclinic often provide these vaccinations for cheap.

4.) Tell your bank you are traveling –  We can’t emphasize this enough. It takes 2 minutes to call and it can save you a whole heap of hassle when you travel. If your bank does not know you are going to be abroad, chances are likely that they will deactivate your card. Save yourself the headache and notify them of your destination country and duration of travel.

5.) Get traveler’s insurance - There are a lot of scams out there, especially if the insurance plan sounds too good to be true. One company that has been trusted by TeachBrave teachers is www.worldnomads.com. They are quite reasonable, averaging around $260 for a 6-month coverage plan and they have great ratings.

6.) Set up automatic withdrawal for any bills that need to be paid while you’re abroad -
whether it’s your car note, your home mortgage, or student loans, most loan companies offer the option to set up automatic monthly withdrawal from your bank account. Just make sure you have #1 on this list set up!

7.) Obtain a hard copy of your diploma - Your college diploma is usually needed upon arrival to your new country in order for your school to process your work visa. Most countries will only accept your official degree, not a scanned copy. If you don’t have your degree, most universities will expedite a copy to you for a fee, especially if you tell them you will be traveling outside of the country.

8.) Buy outlet converters - this can usually be done in your destination country in case you forget or don’t have time, but converters are typically cheapest when purchased online in the US. Just google your destination country + outlet converter and ample purchasing options should come up.

9.) Change your mailing address to a relative’s address (or a person you trust) - It will be so nice having all of your important mail in one nice place when you get back.  

10.) Pack your clothing according to weather and culture - If you are traveling to a wetter part of the world, it will be nice to have quality gear that will last. If you are traveling to places like the Middle East, be sure to have conservative blouses and a few pairs of nice slacks, as this will be your dress code at school for the next year.

If you want to add anything I may have forgotten, feel free to comment. Happy travels!

I love how people treat each other in this country. There is this unspoken level of innate honesty that has given me a new perspective and hope for humanity.

I was once chased down – by a woman wearing high heels and a short skirt. She was shouting: “sir, sir! You must pay!” I was a bit confused because I had paid. She handed me 5 RMB- less than one dollar. I had overpaid. Wherever you go, harmony is in the streets.

At first, the numbers are difficult; however, a store clerk will pluck the bills from your wallet and take nothing more than the price of the purchase. There is a sense of honor and integrity that hovers each small venue. Chinese natives want people to return, a symbiotic relationship that supports each family, and the local economy.

I learn a new cultural aspect through every adventure. My favorite thus far: When an elderly person enters the metro (subway), a young person will unconditionally stand and give their seat. That is the true meaning of respect. It is a beautiful sight every time I see it occur.

Life is so beautiful, when we are surrounded by beautiful people. China is red, as is the symbol of love.  We can, all just get along.

-Bryan VanLoo, Early childhood Teacher in Nanjing, China 

To learn more about teaching opportunities in China through TeachBrave, please visit http://www.teachbrave.com/teaching-opportunities/srjob/57339637.

Free Word Wall of tricky homophones!

This is a great resource for ESL educators. Thanks to our friends at teacherspayteachers for sharing!

Earn your traveler bragging rights! TeachBrave would love to know about the places you’ve been, the things you’ve seen, and the people you’ve taught in the world. We are excited to announce our first media contest. There will be three categories for submission: Best blog post, best photo, and best lesson plan. Each will be judged in their own category.

All submissions should be sent to mark@teachbrave.com, with the subject line “TB Contest.”

The winners in each category will get a featured spot on TeachBrave’s homepage, a Facebook/Twitter shout out, and a ton of international street cred!

All submissions are due March 15th, and the winners will be announced on March 21st.

In the wilderness of teaching, there doesn’t exist a survival manual that can completely prepare a person to deal with a raucous band of students or an emergency department meeting. If one were to place these challenges in a foreign country, such a wilderness can truly become a frightening jungle. Luckily, for Bryan Vanloo, his experience as an outdoor survival consultant has certainly lent a hand toward his success as an English instructor at American Eagle Institute in Nanjing, China.

a teacher’s exploration through the wild wild east

 “I’m almost 40 years old, so I’ve been-there-done-that in many countries,” Bryan said. “But here, it’s a little different.”

For about the past ten years, Bryan has served as a teacher in over nine countries. From the Middle East to Latin America to Southeast Asia, his passion for travel and learning have earned him recognition on multiple levels, and continue to do so in China.

“In China, there’s a challenge for you to be on track as an educator,” Bryan said. “Parents are relentless in the fact they want their children to learn quickly.”

Fortunately, Bryan has risen to the challenges his surroundings have tossed his way, and with several awards and new offers, his passion continues to grow and strengthen to new heights of understanding.

“Being a teacher in life is not about us,” Bryan said, “It’s about everything around us.”

Everyday when Bryan goes out into the streets of Nanjing, each city-block whacks his senses with its own variety of novel aromas, foreign flavors and unique noises.  However, amid the grand assortment of experiences, the people he meets and the relationships he develops tie the variety together into a single assertion.

“No matter where you go or who you see, it is different,” Bryan said, “but you still get a nǐ hǎo or hello.”

According to Bryan, the people he has met throughout his experience as an educator and a traveler make his efforts worthwhile. The connections he made with TeachBrave in his search for overseas work last December amplified the will to spread his passions by sharing his knowledge of the world and the English language.

“Because I’m doing good [for my students], TeachBrave did well.” Bryan said.

To learn more about similar job openings abroad, visit the Teaching Opportunities page at http://www.teachbrave.com/teaching-opportunities/.

I remember during training when I typed Vicuña Mackenna, Cordoba (the place I currently call home) into GOOGLE MAPS, all I saw was farm land and a plaza. My heart skipped a beat. I am now one month away from ending my teaching semester in Mackenna, and I can safely call this place my second home, and my homestay my second family. This experience has been one that will stay with me forever and has inspired my growth as a young professional. I have made wonderful friends. I have taught my students, not only the English language, but the culture and customs from my country. I have come to love Sundays in the plaza, drinking Mate. I have come to appreciate the strong family values in this “pueblo.” I strongly recommend this program to anyone looking for a unique, holistic, cultural exchange. Additionally,  I recommend this program to anyone who is wanting to become fluent in Spanish, anyone who loves grilled meat, and anyone who has a passion for opening up young minds to the world.

Truthfully,

Dylan Sydney

To learn more and/or apply for teaching opportunities in Argentina, please visit http://www.teachbrave.com/teaching-opportunities/srjob/56612976.  

I’m up by 6:30, shuffling around our apartment, lost in my morning routine.  I must make sure I get around on time because I have a 10 minute drive to work.  No, I don’t own or drive a car, I catch the school bus… yes, a school bus!  It comes every morning at 7:50 to the gate of our apartment complex, Yong Jing Wan.  I have three alarms on my cell phone that let me know when I should leave.  When the third bell rings, I lock the door, ride down the elevator, and make a brisk walk to the gate where I meet 3 mothers, waiting with their children at the bus stop.  There is a set of Taiwanese twins in middle school, a young girl from Malaysia in 5th grade, and a 2nd grade Chinese girl whose hair is always in pigtails.  On occasion, a bratty boy runs up with his IE (nanny) who trails behind him carrying his book bag.

Get this–I am the only international teacher that has chosen to live off campus; therefore, I am the only one who gets to experience this early morning thrill!  Everyone else lives at school in furnished, two-bedroom apartments.  (They don’t know what they are missing!)  But, if I had gotten this job before signing our lease at Yong Jing Wan, we most definitely would have done just that–it’s very convenient to live on campus.  Location-wise, we are 6 blocks from the nearest full-size grocery store and three blocks from the high speed train station.  It’s also very cheap.  Since we are international employees, our apartment is provided free of cost.  The school also supplies free internet, free gas and electric, oh, and did I mention?  The school also provides you with free meals three times a day!

We reach in 10 minutes.  It is at this time our horn peaks its highest usage.  Beeping at cars and mopeds congesting the parking lot, we finally reach the security post outside the school.  The guards have opened the collapsible gate, and we park the bus near the entryway.  I gather my bags and walk to my office.  Usually, Nini (a piano teacher and Kindergarten coordinator at our school) is sitting inside, with the heat already on.  The office is nice and toasty.

Yes, I have an office, along with all the other teachers at school.  All students, from grades K-12 stay in one classroom all day, and it is the teachers who move around each period.  There are no lockers (not in elementary, middle, or high school).  You also may have noticed that Nini is not only a teacher, but she manages certain activities at school.  This is the case with every teacher I know.  Teachers will give instruction typically 20-25 hours a week, and the other 15-20 hours are spent in their office grading papers, preparing lessons, and caring for other managerial tasks.  So teacher friends, you must be asking, do they ever take work home at night or on weekends?  HEAVENS NO!

Afterwards, I sit at my desk and prepare for my kindergarten classes.  I teach two kindergarten classes, which are an hour long each.  I pack a shoulder bag with flashcards of pictures and vocabulary, then saunter up to the third floor.

My kindergartners are always excited.  English is considered the “cool” subject here, much like PE when I was there age.  You must be wondering how I communicate with them, considering many are beginning to learn English with me… well, I don’t run into too many obstacles.  The kindergarteners are very eager to learn, and I am assigned a Chinese teacher who helps me with translate my instruction and deals with disciplining students.  But on occasion, the teachers will leave the room; it usually happens more frequently as holidays come up.  Then, I am left with 30 wide-eyed and extremely excited kindergartners jumping all over the place.  The problem is—I don’t know enough Chinese, and they don’t know any English.  It can be an intimidating language barrier!

My lessons are pretty intense.  If you watch me, I have about as much energy as a monkey on Red Bull.  I am bouncing around the classroom with over exaggerated gestures, songs, chants, and expressions.  The students sit in small wooden chairs organized in two long rows with their palms down on their thighs.  They giggle, watch, and practice along with me in English.  We usually have time for a game at the end, like Marco Polo, Duck Duck Goose, or relay races where students practice the words they have learned.

I do have students in class that would be considered for Special Education.  I have a student in kindergarten that is particularly a handful.  He can’t sit still, won’t listen to teachers, and is always being naughty to other kids. Teachers were concerned about the boy and told his parent’s they must take him to a doctor for a diagnosis (a lawsuit waiting to happen in the US).  They did.  The boy went for a full day of testing in Shanghai and was diagnosed with ADHD.  Labeling does exist in China, but there are definitely not as many here as you might find in the US.  There is no special education teacher in our school to carry out accommodations.  No IEPs.  No RTI.  The teachers inform parents that they must take care of it, and whether or not the parents follow through is their responsibility.

Next is lunch.  The school offers free meals to all teachers.  The first few weeks I ate at the cafeteria with fervor:  I didn’t have to be organized, and most importantly I didn’t have to cook!  I enjoyed getting to know all the teachers in school and listened as they spoke to each other in Chinese.  Now I bring meals from home and eat in my office where I catch up on my work.

Otherwise, you would have caught me eating at the teacher’s lounge eating Chinese food.  The teachers’ lunchroom is separate to that of the students.  It has its own queue where you retrieve your meal.  When you arrive, you stand in line, tell a cafeteria worker which food you wish to eat, and then you take your thin, tin tray to an open table.

The room is bare.  There are no TVs or microwaves; no carpeted floors.  It is a tiled room with long brown tables. You must fold down the chair if you wish to sit down.  Flavor pastes and large stacks of napkins are stacked in the middle of each table.  The food tastes good for the most part.  I liked the curries, but thought the vegetables were very bland.  Every meal has rice, a bowl of soup, a piece of fruit, two vegetable dishes, and two meats to choose from.

After indulging in my home cooked meal, I sit at my desk and check emails.  I do my planning and grading for my three-hour high school class.  This is also the time I write magazine articles for the Kunshan Expat magazine.

My afternoon class is three hours long.  It is mostly comprised of 17 year old Chinese students, but there is one Korean girl who is 18.  We focus mainly on discussion, but also do a lot of work in grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension.  At 4:00 class is over.  There is no dismissal bell, but I know it is time for me to leave them.  I gather my things, say goodbye and walk back down to my bus who is waiting for me and 5 other students for our voyage home.  (My high school students remain in their classroom and wait for their next teacher.  They finish school at 5:00.)

Some people are surprised I can teach kindergarten AND high school, but I think it is the perfect mix.  I get to be silly in the morning, and have a decent conversation with young adults in the afternoon.  The longer I am here, the more I enjoy it.  Maybe I will go back for my ESL License after all!

-Megan Banerjee, ESL Kindergarten Teacher

1.) Experiencing a new culture-This is the number one response we receive from applicants interested in teaching abroad…and TeachBrave strongly agrees that the experience is one that changes your entire view of the world and your place within it. Stories about “getting out of my comfort zone” or “experiencing daily challenges” or “learning about a culture that is completely different than mine” are all aspirations for personal growth and qualities that we look for in our teachers.

2.) Paying off student loans- These days, it’s nearly impossible to graduate from college without acquiring a side of debt to go along with your diploma. Many times the cost of living abroad is considerably lower, which allows teachers to pay off student loans, travel and even save.

3.) Budget cuts and lay offs- With major educational budget cuts on the rise, many teachers are looking to share their talents elsewhere in the world. TeachBrave understands that providing our teachers an alternative to unemployment and an opportunity to share their education and see the world, is a win-win for all.

4.) Not just traveling, but living- So often in travel, we come…then we go, leaving behind small footprints that will eventually fade with time. When teaching abroad the influence a teacher has on a student, or one student has on a teacher, inspires the cultures to learn from each other and leaves a footprint that lasts a lifetime.

5.) Refining your teaching skills- Teaching English in another country allows teachers to practice their teaching skills in a challenging, diverse environment that can hugely influence and promote successful student achievement. Teaching abroad will undoubtedly make you a more adaptable, creative and well-rounded person, giving you invaluable experience that will shine through in future job searches.

To view and/or apply to our international teaching positions, please visit the TeachBrave opportunities page, http://www.teachbrave.com/teaching-opportunities/

Culture is a vague topic. There is endless opportunity when we allow ourselves to use all five senses. What I know best about experiencing culture; is, “to go native.” Eat the food, dance the dance, speak the language, and watch what the locals are doing. Join them respectfully. Do not be afraid to make a mistake. Be aware, and open-minded.

Upon a summer morning walk, I noticed a broken down hole, or possibly a door, with a blanket covering the opening. It was broken out brick, within the side of a wall. There was an outdoor porch area, defined by rubble, a half-wall barrier. A smoldering fire swirled smoke onto the sidewalk. I noticed two chickens, freely inspecting and picking about the area. The smell was intense, but in a comfortable way, as though something very tasty had been prepared, and also eaten. As I passed, I witnessed a woman emerge from the door-like hole in the wall. She was amazing, wearing a beautiful white silk and lace dress. Her hair was black and shiny. She appeared to cleanse the entire area with her natural glow. She moved gracefully; as though she was in a hurry, but very carefully in order to maintain her well-dressed and groomed figure. Again, I was reminded that such a raw environment was very capable of producing the most natural form of elegance.

To learn more and/or apply for a teaching job in China, be sure to visit our teaching opportunities page here: http://www.teachbrave.com/teaching-opportunities/.

As a fifth grade teacher in San Antonio, Christen Beck was following in the footsteps of her grandmother and pursuing the career of her dreams. However, her desire for travel and adventure still remained to be satisfied.

She had always wanted to teach abroad and thought that Europe would be her best option, but with a shaky economy and limited job opportunities, Christen began to explore options in parts of the world she hadn’t previously entertained.

“There was this veil of mystery about Asia,” Christen said. “The more I read, the more I wanted to live there and embrace the culture and become immersed in it.”

Through her research, Christen discovered that it’s relatively easy to live in Asia on a budget. She also found that the continent is safe and fraught with job opportunities for English teachers.

“It was two years before I decided to go,” Christen said. “I went to a teaching job fair in Austin, and TeachBrave had a booth.”

From that point, TeachBrave connected Christen with a school in Shanghai, China where she currently teaches children aged three to nine.

“When you first arrive, it’s like being on another planet,” Christen said. “I see something new every day, and that’s exactly what I wanted when I left Texas.”

Although the setting is novel and exotic, the kids are Christen’s favorite part of the job. To ensure that each student is learning, she employs strategies of teaching with active movement and music.

“I strive to have each kid happy,” Christen said.

Even with her playful approach to classroom instruction, it’s not always easy to ensure that each student’s needs are being met.

“[Individualized instruction] is the most challenging part of teaching, but it’s also the most interesting, Christen said. “You can use your creativity and really think outside the box.”

Christen is coming up on her five-month “Chinaversary” and plans to spend at least ten more months in her role there as a teacher.

“TeachBrave has been a great organization,” Christen said. “I couldn’t have planned a better experience moving abroad.”

For more information about teaching opportunities in China through TeachBrave, click here.

TEFL is a course that certifies teachers to Teach English as a Foreign Language. It’s a great tool for international teachers. There are many levels of certification provided from entry level courses to master level courses. I especially recommend looking into TEFL options if you are a beginner teacher . Believe me you don’t want to be in a classroom full of fourth graders and have one of them ask you a basic question about your native language that you can’t explain.

Is TEFL required to teach English abroad?

Teaching requirements vary with every school and job opportunity. As an international teacher I recommend preparing for the classroom as much as possible before you depart on your journey. There are many different ways to prepare, and earning a TEFL certification is one of them. Becoming certified allows you to obtain a higher salary in many countries and may stregthen your hireability.

How do I choose a TEFL course?

Now the tricky part, all TEFL courses are not created equal. There is no standarization in the TEFL industry meaning that courses can vary greatly. One of the ways as a teacher you can be sure that your program has been reviewed and accedited is to check for the ACCET approval. The Accrediting Council for Contiuing Education and Training (ACCET) is an agency recognized by the US Department of Education as an authority in certifying the quality of instutions of higher education and training. We are happy to recommed BridgeTEFL as a TEFL program that is ACCET certified. Click on the link below to visit their site and begin your next step as a certified English teacher.

http://www.teflonline.com/teachbrave/

“The first place I applied, I didn’t get an offer, but both my buddies got hired on.” Kyle said.

As a college graduate, Kyle decided to move to Argentina with no place to live and no job. With a thin résumé, a degree in communications, and a decent grasp of the Spanish language, he figured that getting a job as an English teacher was his best bet.

“I didn’t have any contact with any programs,” Kyle said. “We just Googled different teaching institutes.”

Fortunately, Kyle’s luck turned around when he finally found a job teaching adults for a language school in the city. However, with little experience and no guidance, he had to rely on instincts and determination to rise to the arduous challenge of being an educator.

“Definitely the hardest part was learning how to design classes,” Kyle said, “I think that’s where organizations like TeachBrave can really help you get a leg up on the rest of the pool.”

Kyle’s new employer provided him with very little structure in terms of curriculum or content delivery.  Making up things as he went along, he quickly learned about the amount of work that goes into teaching.

“I wish I had a mentor that I could bring questions to,” Kyle said. “I was down there just winging it. I don’t recommend any body doing that.”

Kyle knew that his ability to forge relationships would be a major lever towards success in his new role. He became not only a mentor for his students, but a friend as well.

“You become a part of their lives.” Kyle said.

At one point, a student invited Kyle and his girlfriend to his home for a traditional Argentine asado. In spite of the huge learning curve he had to overcome as a new teacher, Kyle attributes such experiences as evidence of his success.

“Those experiences are some of the most precious I’ve had in my life,” Kyle said. “That all came through teaching.”

Click here to learn more about teaching opportunities in Argentina through TeachBrave.

Your suitcase is stowed, seat belt securely fastened, you even got that window seat you requested. There’s only one thing missing in this equation – your tunes. Music not only sets the tone of your mood, but it sets the tone of your trip. It can take you back home, or get you super stoked for the road ahead. Obviously music is a subjective topic, but here are some fun, indie recommendations from an experienced traveler who is perpetually on the hunt for thought-provoking travel tunes (preferably ones that can be enjoyed from a window seat view).

In no particular order, here are 50 of my top favorites….

• “Golden” by My Morning Jacket

• “Of the Mountains” by Dan Deacon

• “Welcome Home” by Radical Face

• “Someone Great” by LCD Soundsystem

• “Big Jet Plane” by Angus and Julia Stone

• “Take You Higher” by Goodwill Hook N Sling

• “Lazy Eye” by Silversun Pickups

• “World at Large” by Modest Mouse

• “I Will Wait” by Mumford and sons

• “Say My Name” by Florence and the Machine

• “Silver Coin” by Angus and Julia Stone

• “I Don’t Feel it Anymore” by WIlliam Fitzsimmons

• “Young Blood” by Young and Famous

• “Silvia” by Miike Snow

• “Reckoner” by Radiohead

• “In the Morning” by Junior Boys

• “Shooting Stars” by Bag Raiders

• “Breathe” byTelepopmusik

• “Lights and Music” by Cut Copy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeMC6_n6wcU

• “What You Know” by Two Door Cinema Club

• “Finally Moving” by Pretty Lights

• “Pictures of You” by The Cure

• “Sweetest Kill” by Broken Social Scene

• “The Golden Cage” by The Whitest Boy Alive

• “Midnight City” by M83

• “Sweet Disposition” by Temper Trap

• “Moth’s Wings” by Passion Pit

• “Heartbeats” (Live) by The Knife

• “Loro” by Pinback

• “Re: Stacks” by Bon Iver

• “Oh That I Had” by Mt. Eden

• “DLZ” by TV on the Radio

• “When I’m Small” by Phantogram

• “How I Feel” by Wax Tailor

• “Dog Days” by Florence and the Machine

• “Lost in my Mind” by The Head and the Heart

• “This Modern Love” by Bloc Party

• “5 Years Time” by Noah and the Whale

• “So Insane” by Discovery

• “Us” by Regina Spektor

• “Weird Fishes” by Radiohead

• “Banquet” by Bloc Party

• “The Warning” by Hot Chip

• “I Remember” by Yeasayer

Level: Low to low intermediate (6th grade to University-aged students)

Lesson preparation: Prior to the lesson, print out various pictures of celebrities (at least 10, if you want this lesson to last for 30-45 minutes). Additionally, be sure to review adjectives that describe people with your class. For example; tall, short, blonde, brunette, male, female, long/short hair, skinny, heavy, etc.

Lesson: Each student takes out one sheet of paper.  One student sits at the front of the room and randomly chooses a celebrity from the picture pile. He/she describes the celebrity, and the rest of the class draws the person being described.

Once the student has finished describing that person, then he/she reveals who it is and each student shows their drawing. This is a fun, engaging game that usually inspires some clever, hilarious drawings.  Plus, many students all over the world are familiar with US celebrities, so they find this part very entertaining.

*Note: It’s also a good idea to encourage students to ask the interviewee student questions about who they are describing (should they leave any info out).

Level: 1st – 12th grade

Lesson: Ask a volunteer to go out of the classroom. Before they leave, give them 1 minute to take note of what the other students are wearing. While the volunteer is out of the room, the other students exchange their sweaters, shoes, coats, etc. Bring the student who went out of the classroom back inside. He/she has to guess the differences (speaking in English, of course).

*Note: You can have students focus on the present progressive tense, by making them say sentences like, “John is wearing Jessica’s coat.”

The most important thing to remember is that your classroom is a safe place for all the children in your care. Raising your voice, ideally, should never be an issue. This creates an atmosphere that’s charged with tension, which will only make a difficult class, even more difficult.

One effective method I found for calming a charged classroom was to draw a smiling face on one side of the chalkboard. No matter what language the children in your care speak, they understand smiles.

Immediately begin praising the children who are behaving.

“Sophia is sitting nicely in her chair. Alex is sharing his crayons!”

As you point out the good behavior of the children, write their names underneath the smiling face, one letter at a time. If you begin each class this way, slowly pointing out good behavior, most classes will begin organizing and quieting themselves. Throughout the day you can continue to write names underneath the smiling face. At the end of the day you can reward the students with their names on the smiling list.

Occasionally teachers face young students who are incredibly disruptive in the classroom. Rewarding the challenging students requires you to be perceptive, really taking the time to recognize their efforts. We stress the importance of rewarding good behavior over pointing out negative behavior, whatever age group you are working with.

If you find yourself overwhelmed by a classroom of 6-year-olds, just remember, you’re the teacher!

To view and/or apply to our international teaching positions, please visit the TeachBrave opportunities page, http://www.teachbrave.com/teaching-opportunities/hfj

With that being said, there are still policies expats must follow in order to avoid getting slapped with a fine for overstaying your visitor’s visa. Upon arrival, foreigners will receive a visitor’s visa at the airport. This visa costs approximately $140 US Dollars, but is valid for multiple entries over a period of 10 years. Your visitor’s visa is good for 90 days. In order to renew your visa, you simply need to leave Argentina. You can either turn right back around, or a make it a weekend trip, you just need to make sure you have crossed the border and receive a new visa stamp upon return. The easiest/cheapest ways to leave Argentina, are either by way of buquebus (a ferry boat) to Colonia, Uruguay, or by bus into Chile. When you arrive back to Argentine, the border control will re-stamp your passport with a new visitor’s visa, which will be good for an additional 90 days.  It’s also possible to go to the Migraciones office and pay $100 pesos for a 90 day extension. This may only be done once before actually having to leave the country.

To view and/or apply for a teaching position in Argentina, visit our teaching opportunities page,  http://www.teachbrave.com/teaching-opportunities/srjob/56612976.

GoFundMe.com is a website that allows prospective teachers to raise money for their trips by accepting online donations from friends and family. We love that GoFundMe gives you the opportunity to easily share your international teaching plans via Facebook and Twitter; thus letting the people close to you learn more about your mission and support you in the form of financial donations. We understand it might seem awkward to ask for money online, but you will be surprised at how many people want to support you and help you meet your financial goal. It is quite an honorable thing you’re doing, after all.

To learn more about how it works, check out http://gofundme.com/online-fundraising/.

Additionally, be sure to review our suggested donation goals per country below:

Argentina: $1,500-2,000 – Your housing costs will be covered in Argentina, however your flight and living expenses are not. Your donated earnings could help to cover airfare, insurance, visa and program related fees.

The Republic of Georgia: $500 – Teachers receive a salary of $350 USD/month. Having an extra $500 could help with living and traveling expenses during your time in this developing country. Additionally, if you are a recent college graduate and have student loans to repay, your donated earnings could help to pay your monthly bill during your time volunteering abroad.
*Please note – Of all the countries, it is not entirely necessary to raise money for volunteering in Georgia. You will receive a monthly salary, and your flight, food, and housing costs are included in the benefit package. 

China: $500-$1500 – In many cases, your airfare will be covered in China. However, there are some cases where your flight is not. Additionally, the startup costs can vary by city. Having some startup funds will help ease your transition, but is not entirely necessary as China is one of the highest-paying countries to ESL teachers.

To view and/or apply to our international teaching positions, please visit the TeachBrave opportunities page, http://www.teachbrave.com/teaching-opportunities/

This game is a simplified version of the board game “Taboo”.

Before class, create several index cards. On each card write one word in a large font with a circle around it, and underneath write 2-4 related words in a smaller font. The goal is for students to get their teammates to guess the circled word. They can say anything they like to try to make them guess, except for the words written on the card.

Divide the class into groups of two, and write each group on the board to keep track of points. Place a desk in the front of the room facing the class, so that someone sitting it has their back to the board and can’t read it. Place another desk in front of it, so the teammates are facing eachother.

Pick a team to go first, and have them choose a card. Have the teammates decide who will guess and who will talk. The guesser sits with their back to the board. On the board, making sure the guesser can’t see, write the circled word as well as the other taboo words. The talker then has to try to make their partner guess the circled word without saying it, or any of the other words. After they guess it have another group come up. When all the groups have gone, do it again and have the teammates switch roles.

My students really enjoy this game, so much so that they often give the guesser clues even when it is not their team! It’s a great way for students to practice forming sentences, and it forces them to use words and structures they might otherwise not.

To view and/or apply to our international teaching positions, please visit the TeachBrave opportunities page, http://www.teachbrave.com/teaching-opportunities/

• Skills: Students will practice their rate of speaking skills, develop pronunciation skills, and build on their vocabulary terms.

• Lesson:   The teacher chooses a letter from the alphabet. Then each student must say a word that begins with that letter. If a student repeats a word that has already been said, then he/she is out of the game. The game ends when only one student remains. That student is the winner. 

* For more advanced students *

-Students can lose if they say a past form of the verb. Example: run/ran.

-You can also increase the difficulty by adding a timer. Only allow each student 5 seconds to think of a word. 

To view and/or apply to our international teaching positions, please visit the TeachBrave opportunities page, http://www.teachbrave.com/teaching-opportunities/

To read about the perks, full job description, and view full cost of the program, please visit our teaching opportunities page at http://www.teachbrave.com/teaching-opportunities/srjob/56612976. You may apply directly from there.

To learn more about raising money to fund this trip, be sure to check out our blog on GoFundMe, http://www.teachbrave.com/how-to-raise-money-to-teach-abroad/

We have thought long and hard about these questions.  Two TeachBrave founders are second generation English language teachers.   The first generation taught for religious purposes, but we teach for something else.  We teach for representation, to give cultures the voice to explain themselves, to enter into the global debate, or to bring their ancestral knowledge and traditions to the world.

What is important to remember, that if you venture into another culture to give language skills, you are not teaching these students how to be American or how to be British or how to worship any religion.  You are teaching them how to be themselves, and how to represent their own culture and religion in a language that other cultures can understand.

The value of the work your doing is tremendous, and though while you are simply naming colors and numbers and playing with words, at times it doesn’t feel particularly impactful.  However, there are important strides being made.  These students will all be talking to each other in the next generation, whether about organic farming, health-care, solar power, technology, aviation, or engineering — the possibilities are endless.  The internet allows for instantaneous transmission of information, but currently language still creates a barrier.  Imagine how tremendous the next generation will be, if the knowledge on this planet can be pooled and utilized for the advantage of people all over the world?

This is the motivation behind our work, and we hope it is the motivation in ESL classrooms around the world.

To view and/or apply to our international teaching positions, please visit the TeachBrave opportunities page, http://www.teachbrave.com/teaching-opportunities/

We will be posting more details regarding the position in the coming week. Please check back with TeachBrave to learn more about this exciting opportunity! ¡Vamos!

The training really is an arduous process that will leave you feeling exhausted.    Not to mention dealing with some severe jet lag if you’re coming from the United States.  I’ve never had such terrible jet lag.  Luckily, I am just about over it and getting settled in to the time difference.  The good thing about TLG training is that it gets you on a set schedule immediately and it’ll also ease you through the “culture shock” as they say.

The training consists of one week of intercultural, language, and teaching classes, safety procedures, credit cards, health care, and I am sure that I am forgetting a few others.  Training runs from 8 a.m. until about 6:30 p.m. everyday and includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner along with scheduled coffee breaks dispersed throughout.

I can confidently say that the coffee breaks are a welcomed relief from all the sitting.  I can also confidently say that I am incredibly happy that TLG provides such training.  It gives you a chance to become more comfortable in a completely foreign culture and meet a lot of truly interesting and jovial people.  There were eighty-two volunteers in our group altogether and I think I made just about as many friends.

It is fortunate that calls between TLGers are free of charge because after you’re placed, spending a day speaking broken English and extremely limited Georgian, it is a must to have a proper chat with a friend.  Furthermore, every TLG teacher living in Georgia has a completely new story each day about some random event that occurred.  TLGers are placed all over the country, which is also nice, because you will always have someone to visit.

At the end of the training week, you will receive your placements. I guess I should mention the process of meeting our host families in Tbilisi.  Basically, everyone stood in the main hall of the hotel with Georgians on one side and all of the English teachers on the other.  Then the coordinators proceeded to call off names from both sides and whoever was called met in the open space in the middle.  My name was called first, but the man who was there to meet me was not actually my host father.  He is a friend of the family and I did not actually meet my family until 9 hours later when we finally arrived in the village.

I am currently placed in a village named Mukhaestate in the Adjara region of Georgia.  The Black Sea is about seven kilometers from here and there are some smaller mountains surrounding the village.

Getting here from Tbilisi was quite the ordeal.  The entire trip took nearly nine hours and I think that I have properly experienced Georgian Maybe Time (GMT).  The transit of choice was a marshutkha (mini-bus).  At first, things seemed to be going normally and we were 5 kilometers outside of Tbilisi before I knew it.  The normality was not to last however, and the next thing I knew we were constantly turning around and ended up pulling in to an empty dirt lot where two men were waiting with laundry and a large box of conventional ovens.  Their plan was to fit it all into the marshutkha along with us and the other passengers.  Eventually, they came to the inevitable issue of the amount of available space.  After about forty-five minutes of cigarette induced deliberation, they chose to leave the ovens behind and we were back underway, toward the coast.  Only I was wrong again!  The buildings and bridges we began to pass looked strangely familiar and, in fact, they were.  To our dismay, we suddenly found ourselves back in Tbilisi.  We ended up at the train station.  I still have no idea why, but at least it gave us a chance to grab a bite to eat.  Maybe we should have seized the opportunity to take a more reliable mode of transportation?

After an hour and a half stop, we were again back on the road heading west.  This time we actually did continue forward picking up a few other passengers along the way and only stopping once for an impromptu dinner.  Needless to say, we finally made it.  I am glad there were a couple other TLGers there to share the experience!

To view and/or apply to our international teaching positions, please visit the TeachBrave opportunities page, http://www.teachbrave.com/teaching-opportunities/

First off, I think it is worth mentioning that the name for Georgia in the Georgian language is “Sakh-art-velo”, which has some kind of romantic aroma and is much more pleasant to the ears than “Georgia” (no offense intended to anyone whose name may be Georgia).

Secondly, the cultural combination of both Asia and Europe gives the country a very unique vibe. Georgia is also in time of significant change after becoming independent following the fall of the Soviet Union only two decades ago. The reminiscent Soviet style architecture will make you feel like you’re slipping into James Bond film, although it is important not forget the extreme hardships of the country’s past. Black is a favorite color and the serious facial expressions of the people and bleakness of the buildings often reflect this empty feeling. And, although vibrancy and vivaciousness may not always be immediately obvious here, you will quickly find both attributes when you get to talking to the people and are welcomed with wide smiles and open arms (even if you have a severe language barrier handicap).
Oh, and the seemingly endless supply of food and wine helps, too!

Finally, I’ll discuss my impressions of the Georgian people. If the Georgians have not seen the movie Grease, they should. There are enough black leather jackets and cigarettes being smoked here to impress any die hard fan of the American 1950s. Oh, and the Georgians love to dance, too. From what I have gathered in my limited experience, the dance incorporates a bit of swaying in the arms and some loose hip movements along with walking in a rhythmic like motion occasionally lowering oneself closer to the ground. The lowering move is a lot like the “a little bit lower now” and “a little bit higher now” parts of the song “Twist and Shout.”

Last night, my host father provided me with a crash course in some of the basics. I must have done extremely well judging by the boisterous laughter coming from the family and friends in the audience.

The family that is hosting me consists of a father, mother, grandmother, brother, and sister. All of which are amazing people. Throughout my village the delicious mandarin trees are plentiful. I haven’t seen a house without them, or grape vines. My family makes their own pear juice, wine, tea, and cheese. Also, it is notable that the mother is a class A chef. That is another thing that Georgians love, food! Wine as well, but I think that goes without saying.

Really, it is impressive how much food is at every meal. Meals are when I pick up a lot of Georgian language, mostly the word “chama,” which means “eat.” “Chama, chama,” they constantly say to me even when I am stuffed. The food is HEAVY too, so it’s hard not to fill up fast.

To conclude, if I do not become an avid cigarette smoker or wine drinker while at the same time gaining a significant amount of weight, I am pretty sure that I never will. I guess you could think of it as the ultimate test of willpower. “Sakh-art-velo” versus Chris. Let the challenge begin.

1.) Be sure to write your name and relevant contact information at the top of your resume (i.e, email address, skype name, phone number). We recommend putting this information in bold and centering it, so that we and hiring directors can easily file and access your resume.

2.) Include your level of education directly underneath your contact information. Whether you graduated with a teaching degree or a history degree, the first thing employers will look for is your highest level of education achieved. From there, they will  look at your experience.  Also, be sure to write the specific month and year you graduated from high school or college. We will eventually need this information to process your work visa, so including it in your resume will save a few steps in the long run. Additionally, be sure to include any certifications and awards that you have obtained, directly underneath your level of education.

3.) Include any and all teaching experience–whether you were a nanny to your nephews, a Boy Scout leader in high school, or a part-time swim coach. We recommend including anything that highlights your teaching capabilities. All will undoubtedly shine through as a form of teaching experience to potential hiring directors.

4.) Write the specific dates you were employed at each position. Try to be as detailed as possible, including the month and year of your time of employment. Many schools want to see that you are able to hold a job for at least one year, due to this being the typical contract duration for most teaching positions.

5.) Last but not least, be sure to include bulleted lists of specific tasks and duties performed at each job, underneath the job title. These lists are so important because they show the employer your capabilities, prior responsibilities, and present-day skills that you are able to apply the potential, upcoming position!

Taipei is known for its hustle and bustle. You feel it from the moment you arrive. The bicycles, the crowded markets, the booming tech industry, the flashing neon lights-it’s quite the metropolitan hub! While Taiwan may seem as distant as it gets on the globe, I think most Westerners would be amazed to discover how accommodating this city is. If you decide to hop on over, here are a few perks you can expect from the capital city…

First, the highly-advanced subway system. The subways are still expanding, with a few lines under construction. However, the current operating lines are extremely efficient. There are 9 different routes, a few running north to south and east to west, making it very convenient to get anywhere central in the urban and suburban districts of Taipei. They also run every 2-4 minutes, so risking your life by darting through the closing doors is completely unnecessary (I apologize to all that I freaked out when first attempting this move). And they’re spotless. The strictly enforced “no food or drinks” law helps to keep these trains in top-notch condition. I find this concept fascinating, being an avid passenger of the NYC subways.

The Kingdom of Jordan, better known as Jordan, lies in the epicenter of the Middle East. Its angelic shape is a symbolic reflection of the peaceful people and political stance they have taken in the past few decades while surrounded by politically active neighbors. When I reflect on my time in Jordan, I’m reminded of the overwhelming sense of calmness and peace that emanated through the people, the rolling hills, and, of course, the wondrous Petra.  We are excited to provide educators the opportunity to teach in, and explore this beautiful and ancient country.  From experience, our top 6 reasons to live in the stunning country of Jordan are not limited to the following:

1.) The people: Before visiting Jordan, I had read countless blogs about how kind Jordanians were. Little did I know at the time, how many simple humanitarian acts I would witness throughout my journey–a truck driver picking up a construction worker in the rain, a stranger helping a mother carry her stroller off of a bus, a store clerk giving a little boy a free piece of candy…Jordanians take care of one another, as we all should.

3.) Petra: I feel that my words won’t be adequate enough to describe this magnificent, ancient wonder. It’s a place that deserves the utmost respect from its visitors. I recommend getting there as early as possible, and staying as late as they allow. They provide a candlelit view of The Treasury at night, with classical Bedouin music playing in the background. It’s a humbling experience to see what the human hands are capable of creating, or in this case, carving. If it’s not yet on your bucket list, add it. The pictures tell the rest of the story.

6.) The Dead Sea: Don’t let the name fool you. While there is nothing actually alive in the Dead Sea, this natural wonder is known for its healing waters and rejuvenating minerals. It’s quite an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon. Leave your raft behind and bring a book or newspaper, floating freely is the way to go!

So, lastly, teach in Jordan. Give a year to the kids there, and experience this effortlessly beautiful country.

The TeachBrave positions in Jordan have currently been filled. To learn more/apply for our other international opportunities, please visit http://www.teachbrave.com/teaching-opportunities/.

To view and/or apply to our international teaching positions, please visit the TeachBrave opportunities page, http://www.teachbrave.com/teaching-opportunities/

Suggested activities:

T-Shirt Worksheet- Create a basic T-shirt outline on a worksheet. Have students get into small groups. On the t-shirt worksheet have students write a word that describes them, 2 things they do well,  a favorite free time activity, and their name.  Post the t-shirts in the classroom so that students can get to know each other.

o Circle Time- Pass around an object like an apple and talk about your weekend (for example).

o Freeze Game- Make sure you have access to music. Have one student lead in a dance with music on. You will turn down the music after a few moments, and everyone must “freeze!” The student leading the dance will now pick another student to lead. This continues until everyone has had a chance to lead the classroom in a dance.

To view and/or apply to our international teaching positions, please visit the TeachBrave opportunities page, http://www.teachbrave.com/teaching-opportunities/

To view and/or apply to our international teaching positions, please visit the TeachBrave opportunities page, http://www.teachbrave.com/teaching-opportunities/

Tic Tac Toe Game- Divide the class up into two groups (X and O). On the board draw a tic tac toe diagram. In each space the teachers writes a verb (for example). One student from the side (X) will choose one of the verbs and say it’s past tense. If it is correct, the X is placed in that square. Now it is O’s turn and so on. The first group to get Tic Tac Toe wins that round, and get’s to go first in the second round. Again, you can have the students act out the verbs as an additional activity.

What am I?- Students sit in circle. Give each student a post-it note and ask
them to write any noun on it (ex: cat, table, chair). Make sure they do not show their neighbor. The students place the post-it note on the forehead of the person to the left/right of him/her. In turns the student asks closed questions (yes/no) about who or what they are: Am I in this classroom? Do you use me to write? Each child asks 3 questions and the game continues until they guess what they are.

To view and/or apply to our international teaching positions, please visit the TeachBrave opportunities page, http://www.teachbrave.com/teaching-opportunities/

It’s actually Day 4, but between the exploring, eating, translating, and scooting!, I have put blogging on hold for the first (amazing) few days of this vacation.

Anytime I travel, I relish in the first few days where I find the most mundane things fascinating. For example, I spent a good five minutes in the bathroom stall with a singing toilet. I’m actually regretting not taking a picture. I haven’t seen another gem since!

Toilets aside, Taiwan has many incredible things to offer a Western gal like myself. First off, the Taiwanese people are amazing and so genuinely kind. They are immediately curious to know why I chose to visit Taiwan. And 9 times out of 10, they will conclude the conversation with a sincere desire to help with any future needs or problems I may come across. Being a foreign visitor seems significantly less daunting when the locals wholeheartedly welcome you to their country.

Second, and perhaps most important, is the food. From the dan bing to the dumplings, it’s ALL good. I have no doubts that I will go back to China with a few added pounds, and happily so.

Third, and a close runner up to #2, are the scooters! I am lucky enough to have already in
the masses in Taipei.experienced my first ride here (don’t worry Mom! I wasn’t driving). Being a former scooterist back home, where I was one of a few, it’s pretty intense to see them congregated in the masses. 

The weather has been pretty hot and humid, comparable to Houston, TX or the Middle East, depending on which day you ask me. The locals will ride their bicycles with a sun umbrella in one hand, and their bike handle in the other–quite the daring feat given the scenarios described above, but a necessary one. I went to a water park yesterday, with my traveling crew, to get some relief from the heat. It was awesome (other than the fact that I confirmed cellulite to clearly be a Western phenomenon). 

The Taiwanese are very conservative with energy, so it will be an adjustment not having the AC blasting everywhere. However, it is an adjustment I am happy to take on. They are also very conservative with trash, and have become very strict about recycling. Taiwan has revamped its entire recycling law to require fees on all kinds of packaging and plastics disposables, including a controversial ban on plastic bags. Taiwan is an island, the size of Maryland with 23 million people, so it’s important to continue preserving the limited space they have.

Well that’s a wrap on things thus far. It’s been a great weekend getting to know Taipei. I’m looking forward to seeing what this little island has in store for me this week!

To view and/or apply to our international teaching positions, please visit the TeachBrave opportunities page, http://www.teachbrave.com/teaching-opportunities.

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