The Teach English Overseas Checklist

So, you’re headed off on the Big Adventure of teaching overseas. How do you even start to think about all the things you’ll need for the next year or longer?

What you need is the Teach English Overseas Checklist. This list is compiled by a panel of shockingly unprepared English teachers who came overseas to teach and found that they forgot something important. It’s always best to play it safe, as many of us have learned the hard way. Here are some things you shouldn’t leave home without!

- Money - I know, this is obvious. But, it has to be said: Bring plenty of money! Sure, you can get money wired to you and in many places you can access your bank account from home, but it may not always be convenient. If you’re living in a village or small town somewhere, it may require a long trip to the capital to get that cash.

We would all recommend changing your money at home to the local currency before you come. It’s easier this way, and you’ll have the currency you need when you touch down.

- Toiletries - This is also a no-brainer, but you would be surprised to find what everyday hygiene products may not exist where you’re going. Standards of hygiene are different everywhere, and you may find that something you need on a daily basis is not sold anywhere.

- Contact Lenses and Medical Needs - If you wear contacts, bring an extra supply with you. It may be dodgy trying to get contacts in a foreign country, and you’d be playing it safe to just stick to your own optometrist.

Also, you should things like Aspirin and other over-the-counter drugs that you can’t live without. They may not have them where you’re going. Just check first to make sure that you aren’t breaking any laws by bringing them into the country!

And, it goes without saying that you should bring any prescription drugs you need.

- Lots And Lots Of Pictures - There are two good reasons to do this. One, you will probably get homesick and lonely. It always helps to have some things from home.

But more importantly, you can use your pictures to teach about your country. Those old family pictures of the farm in Ohio may not seem very interesting to you, but they may be fascinating for your students. Snapshots are one of the best teaching tools you can have, and the more you bring, the better.

- Language Learning Materials - You may not intend to become fluent in the local language, but a simple traveler’s dictionary may come in handy. If you do plan to study the language, you may find a scarcity of textbooks and learning materials wherever you go. In most countries, nobody considers that foreigners might want to learn the local language. You may go to the local bookstore and find racks and racks of English books, but not one textbook for the local language!

- CDs, Books And Videos - Whatever media you enjoy, whether it be a good book or a good movie, you might want to bring some along. It may be impossible to find books in English, and DVDs and videos might all be dubbed in a language you can’t understand. Even if you’re headed to a modern country like Japan, if you live away from one of the big cities, you may not be able to find your favorite movies or music.

It’s also a good idea to bring travel books in English. When you have your first vacation from teaching, you’ll want to tour around, and you may have trouble finding travel guides that you can read.

- Finally, there are 2 things you should never leave home without: Your sense of adventure, and your sense of humor. It’s going to be a crazy adventure full of new experiences, so be ready to roll with it!