This advice is for males and females alike, however, females will naturally end up with more in their pack.

Here is a quick list of what to bring:

1) Deodorant: a lot of countries tend not to use this as much as we do in western society and it is therefore sometimes scarce and usually very expensive
2) Shaving cream and razors: if you are going anywhere in Asia, you will have a hard time coming across these items, as Asians are generally not very hairy people
3) Your own towel: towels are generally smaller in Asia for example
4) Your own pillow: for those who are picky about having their own pillow that is. Don’t pack it in your bag, but bring it as carry on – it will be handy when you are on the plane trying to sleep
5) Work clothes: for men: A few pairs of casual/dressy pants and a couple of shirts that you can rotate. For women: skirts, dress pants, and blouses.
6) Clothes for each season: depending on where you go, you might need to pack some warm clothes for the winter, including a jacket, gloves and a tuk (a winter hat for all non- Canadians)
7) Medication: if you need medication, ask your doctor for a year’s supply or make sure that the country you are going to has what you need
8) A little taste of home: be it Kraft Dinner or your favorite cereal, comfort food from home will make you feel a little less homesick
9) A gift for your new boss: goes a long way – great first impressions are always a good way to start a new job

*Remember that if you do forget something, it can most likely be found wherever you are and if not, mailed to you. Also remember that bringing too much stuff is not always a bad thing, as it is usually cheaper (and faster), to send home rather than to send them to wherever you are.

Here is an example of what Korean Air will allow you to bring on the plane:

• Dimensions of 55*40*20 (cm)
• Total dimension 115cm or less.
• Economy Class Total of two pieces per Pax.
• Each piece must be under 23kg(50lbs)

(The sum of the dimensions of the two bags should not exceed 273cm)

There are two main types of activities:

• Message-orientated: for advanced learners
• Language-orientated (skill based): for beginners and intermediate students

A) Language-orientated activities are useful for some of the following reasons:

• Allows students to exchange information: students can learn from one another by exchanging information
• Reinforces grammar: grammar should be practiced as much as possible for better retention
• Creates a relaxed environment: students usually like to take a break from their books every once in a while. They see activities more as fun rather than a way to learn (which they will be doing)
• Practices skills: activities put to use what has been taught in class
• Stimulates curiosity: activities give students a chance to speak freely and ask any questions that come to mind during these activities

Some examples of activities with a language orientation are:

• Word searches
• Guessing games
• Problem-solving real life situations
• Jigsaw puzzles
• Information gap
• Muddled information

B) Message-orientated activities:

Information Gap activities are those where one student must converse with another to complete the exercise

Opinion Gap is an advanced form of information gap, and becomes message orientated, in order to argue, debate or persuade an issue of some sort.
*It should be noted that if you are going to pick something to debate, make sure that it is not insulting to the student’s sex or culture

Information gap activities are usually executed in pairs, however, opinion gap activities can be separated into small discussion groups.

We feature lots of classroom videos on Joey’s, but most deal with the mundane aspects of teacher life: Tips, lesson plans, and the like. While assembling our collection of videos, though, we often find classroom clips that are lighter in nature, and some are too good not to share.

With that in mind, here are 5 great classroom prank videos!

#5 - German Student Goes Crazy in Classroom
This attention-seeking student certainly got what he wanted. And while non-Germans might have no clue what he’s saying, the desk roll at the end of this clip is comedy in any language.

#4 - Ninja Invasion
These guys get an A+ for rousing the class, but a C- for choreography.

#3 - Superman’s Other Secret Identity
He’s clearly not at all concerned for his reputation, or his cell phone… But isn’t Superman supposed to change in a phone booth?

#2 - Student Relieves Teacher of Pants
This prankster has some serious gonads. And his teacher seems just a little bit upset that the class has now seen his “tighty whities.”

#1 - The Lecture Musical
This prank is a classic. (All of Prangstgrup’s work is in a league of its own.) But it’s still our favorite classroom gag. “Hey Teach!”

If you know of any other great teacher pranks, leave a comment or send us a message.

While it is true that you are not required to have teaching experience to teach ESL in most countries, schools are still on the lookout for the best candidates. Here are a few helpful tips to spice up your resume ‘ESL style’:

•Your education is of the utmost importance, as the school will want to see that you are an actual university graduate (many people apply for these positions with only high school or community college degrees), so put it at the top of your resume for them to see. If you have studied a major that has anything to do with teaching English, i.e., an English major, or Childhood Education, this will prove to be very impressive to the school

•Schools do not care that you worked for KFC or McDonalds, so leave it out of your resume altogether

•Anything-anything that has to do with kids or teaching is what you want to focus on. If you babysat for 4 years in your teens, this is something that you would want to include. Coaching, volunteering, or tutoring are also great indicators to the school that you are able to work well with children

•Simplify the language that you use. Keep in mind that your detailed explanation of your duties at a particular job on your resume will be virtually overlooked by the school director. While most directors have a strong grip on the English language, they will not necessarily know the ‘fancy’ words that you used to try to impress them; keep it simple so that you are certain they will understand easily

•Too much information will get you nowhere. Too many people try to include all of the work that they have done since their very first job in hopes that it will impress. It won’t. This will only confuse the schools, so keep it short (not too short!), concise and clean – it will prove to help your chances in getting that job that you are looking for

Best of luck in your search!

Although it is not one of the areas that is especially focused on when learning English, studying new words for ESL students can sometimes be quite difficult and ineffective if not done properly. Spelling mistakes are quite common and result in mispronunciation which leads to misunderstanding and therefore miscommunication. The seven steps outlined don’t take too long to complete when learning a word, but the end result will be an increased vocabulary which is the basic building block of any language

Step 1:
Say the word. Make sure that you are pronouncing it correctly so that you can imagine how it will look when it is written out

Step 2:
Look at each part of the word to break it up into parts or to see it as a combination of two or more parts (or words) (i.e. together: to-get-her)

Step 3:
Say the letters of the word out loud

Step 4:
Close your eyes and spell the word

Step 5:
Check to see if you have spelled the word correctly. If you haven’t repeat steps 1-5

Step 6:
Write the word out

Step 7:
Check to see if you have written it correctly. If you have, move on to the next word; if you haven’t, see where you made the mistake and repeat steps 1-7

Costa Rica is not usually affiliated with a place that people go to teach English, but it is certainly a place to consider, especially if pay is not your number one concern. Below are the general terms that schools offer to their instructors (this may vary with locations and schools):

Hiring and Interview Procedure:

You do not need a degree to work in every school in Costa Rica, however some schools may require you to have one and/or TEFL certification. Schools will require you to send your resume in order to apply. An interview is usually arranged if the school is interested; in person if you are already in Costa Rica or over the phone if you are not.

Teaching Contracts:

Full medical coverage
Two-week vacation
Christmas bonus
Additional bonus based on performance

Standard Contracts:

The average contract is for approximately 30 hours a week, at around $6 US or less per hour. Taxes are around 10% and a government sponsored pension plan is the norm.

Housing:

Housing is not provided, but schools will assist with finding you a location close to the school. Since housing is paid by the teacher, some start up money will be needed - $1500 for living expenses and accommodation is a good amount to get you started.

Compared to many other teaching opportunities around the world, Costa Rica doesn’t rank too high on what it offers you financially, but if money isn’t as important to you as where you will be working (i.e. by the beach), it might be the place for you.

Notice the helmets and who’s wearing them…