Learning Chinese at School

Learning Chinese at School Everything You Need to Know Before Learning Chinese at School ChaptersWhy Learn Chinese at School?Learning to Speak Chinese at SchoolStudying Chinese at A Level or Key Stage 5International ClassesLearning Chinese Outside of School“Failure is the foundation of success, and the means by which it is achieved.” - Lao TzuBefore you can speak Chinese, you’re going to have to spend several hours learning to read Chinese characters. However, despite how difficult Chinese can be to learn, more and more students are opting to study it because it's one of the world's most common languages and it belongs to one of the world's biggest economies! There are over 4.5 million people in Secondary and Higher Education.So how can you learn Chinese at school?Here are a few of your options. NingChinese Teacher 5.00 (10) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LorraineChinese Teacher £10/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YuweiChinese Teacher 4.33 (6) £19/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JoyceChinese Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discove r all our tutors NicoleChinese Teacher £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors KatyChinese Teacher £16/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YangChinese Teacher £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ChengChinese Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWhy Learn Chinese at School?You won’t hear too many British students speaking Chinese during their lunch break. However, more and more students are choosing to learn Chinese at school as a foreign language. Be it at GCSE, A Level, or degree, you can learn a lot of Chinese.Learning a language will also allow you to go out and see the world. (Source: jplenio)So why are some students choosing this language over languages such as French, Spanish, German, and Italian?The rarity of this language is its greatest strength. In fact, very few people in the UK speak Chinese as a second language. This means that speaking Mandarin will look great on your CV and make finding a job easier.  This is especially true in commerce as China is the world’s second-largest economy.If you learn Chinese, you could end up passionate about Chinese culture. A lot of people want to learn Chinese in order to travel to China and make the most of their time in China by learning about the culture and speaking with the natives.Languages lessons are a great way to learn more about a specific culture. However, you don’t have to head all the way to China to enjoy Chinese food. Sometimes you can get Chinese lessons that also come with cultural lessons on topics such as Chinese cinema or Chinese cuisine.  It’s a great way to motivate you to learn a language.Learning to Speak Chinese at SchoolAt secondary school, many students will have to choose which foreign language they want to learn.Studying Chinese at Key Stage 3Key Stage 3 is when a child is in year 7, 8, and 9, or aged between 11 and 14. This tends to be the age where students will learn basic concepts of Mandarin Chinese. Don't expect them to be conversing in Chinese just yet as learning Mandarin is one of the most difficult things for an English native speaker to do.Kids will learn anything quickly if they're engaged in their lessons. (Source: kian2018)Most schools where a child can learn Mandarin London will introduce students to some basic Chinese grammar and phrases, show them Chinese characters, use the Hanyu Pinyin system for romanising Standard Chinese, and familiarise students with the four tones employed in Chinese speaking.Since Key Stage 3 leads on to Key Stage 4 (obviously) and GCSEs, most of the topics covered at this level will form the foundation for the vocabulary, grammar, and phrases they'll need to know to pass the GCSE.Did you know you could sharpen the Mandarin skills you learn at school with a private tutor?Studying Chinese at Key Stage 4 and GCSEKey Stage 4 includes the two years where children study their GCSEs. At this level, schools will have less freedom in what they teach students as they'll have to ensure they're all learning everything they need to know for their exams.Learning to write in Chinese is pretty difficult! (Source: SpencerWing)Like most language exams, the Chinese GCSE includes reading, writing, speaking, and listening parts.The AQA GCSE in Mandarin Chinese, for example, places more emphasis on language production with the speaking and writing parts counting for 30% each whereas the listening and reading parts are weighted at 20% each. This means that students should be focusing on actively producing the language rather than having a passive understanding of it.The listening part of the exam includes pre-recorded listening excerpts spoken by native speakers. The exam lasts between 35 and 40 minutes depending on whether they're entered in the Foundation or Higher tier.The reading exam lasts either 30 minutes (Foundation Tier) or 50 minutes (Higher Tier). Students' reading comprehension will be tested (without the use of a dictionary) by reading extracts from brochures, g uides, letters, newspapers, magazines, books, faxes, emails, and websites. Students are expected to be able to identify key points and, at the higher tier, recognise points of view, attitudes, and emotions in texts.Their speaking test includes two tasks and, unlike the other two parts we've seen, are not divided into foundation and higher tier. Students need to produce their own answers and will be tested on their communication, range and accuracy, pronunciation and intonation, and interaction and fluency.The fourth and final part of their exam is writing. This, like the speaking exam, is marked using a range of criteria. They complete two tasks and each will be marked in terms of content, the range of language, and accuracy.Like other languages at GCSE, a lot of schools give students the option to start learning Mandarin Chinese when they start their GCSEs, which means they don't have to have studied it prior to year 10 in order to study it.Enhance your Mandarin learning experience with lessons at a language school or a Chinese speaking group! NingChinese Teacher 5.00 (10) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LorraineChinese Teacher £10/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YuweiChinese Teacher 4.33 (6) £19/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JoyceChinese Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NicoleChinese Teacher £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors KatyChinese Teacher £16/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YangChinese Teacher £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ChengChinese Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsStudying Chinese at A Level or Key Stage 5Studying Chinese at A Level is a great idea for students who've already passed their GCSE or those who are interested in learning Chinese at university either on a language course or international business course.Even seemingly simple reading is much more difficult in Mandarin. (Source: hitesh0141)Similarly to the GCSE, you don't ha ve to have studied Chinese before in order to do an A Level in it. Of course, this does mean you'll have to put more work in than a student who's already passed their GCSE.More and more students are opting to take Chinese at A Level, too. In fact, in 2018, the number of students studying Chinese at A Level surpassed German for the first time ever!AS Level and A2 Level ChineseAt A Level, students are expected to improve their abilities in understanding Mandarin Chinese (or develop them if they've never studied it before). By this point, they should be able to confidently communicate in Mandarin and also start learning about Chinese-speaking society, history, and culture.Choosing to Study Chinese at Sixth Form or CollegeSince Chinese isn't the most common subject at A Level, it mightn't be offered at your school's sixth form and you may have to attend a college instead. Depending on your circumstances and your other A Level choices, you'll have to decide in some cases whether or not i t's worthwhile attending a sixth form or college that's worse than your first choice just because it offers Chinese at A Level.Of course, if you're absolutely set on studying Mandarin Chinese at university or working with the language, then this choice won't matter. However, if you're not sure, you should think very carefully about your A Level choices before choosing not to attend a good sixth form or college just because they don't offer Chinese. As you'll see, you don't necessarily need to study a language at A Level in order to learn it!International ClassesWhen it comes to language learning and the Chinese language, spending time in China is arguably the best way to learn Mandarin Chinese.By attending a class with a Chinese teacher in China, you'll soon be conversational in the language. Using your new language every day will ensure that you regularly practise your comprehension and production of the language. Additionally, these give you an opportunity to travel to places like Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Guangzhou, for example. However, keep in mind that in a lot of these places, other Chinese languages, such as Cantonese (in Hong Kong and Guangzhou) and the Hu dialect of Wu Chinese (in Shanghai) are also spoken.Learning Chinese Outside of SchoolWhile a lot of Chinese learning takes place in schools, there's nothing stopping you from learning a language outside of compulsory education or a university. In fact, you can learn Chinese online thanks to great resources like YouTube channels, blogs, and websites.Additionally, you can attend Chinese conversation classes, practise with another beginner, or do an online Chinese language exchange where you chat in Chinese with a native speaker for half of the time and then help them with their English for the other half.If those options aren't for you, you can also enlist the help of a private Chinese tutor to help you. They can help you learn to speak, read, write, and understand Chinese while focusing on e xactly what you want to learn. After all, there isn't a syllabus for you to follow!

Study Strategies for HSPT Success

Study Strategies for HSPT Success The High School Placement Test or the HSPT is an exam administered to 8th grade students who are applying to certain Catholic high schools. The HSPThelps to determine admissions decisions, class placement, and scholarship awards. If you are If you are unsure how the HSPT is scored,these points may help you. Here are seven study strategies for HSPT success: Break it down Because the HSPT consists of nearly 300 questions in five separate sections, one of the best study strategies is to break the test into its respective parts. For example, if you begin your prep with the Math section, finish reviewing these concepts before you move on to Verbal. Studying for each section individually can help you reinforce and build your HSPT content knowledge. At the beginning of each study session, review the areas you have previously addressed. Begin prepping early, rather than late. Practice, practice, practice While it may be tiresome to take practice test after practice test, doing so is a phenomenal way to prepare for the HSPT. Completing practice exams can help you in a number of ways. First, you are able to master your timing. Each section on the test must be completed within a certain time frame, so the more you practice finishing the HSPT within this window, the faster you will become. Practice exams can also help you identify your problem areas. You will quickly see where the gaps in your knowledge are perhaps you need additional help in Math, or perhaps a particular kind of Reading question gives you trouble. Write it down Once you have determined where you are struggling, start writing down what you learn. This might mean typing up an outline for later review, or creating flashcards that you can reference during your prep. When we write information down, our brains are more likely to remember it. Find a specific method that works for you, and use it across all sections of the HSPT. Avoid procrastination It can be tempting to wait until the week before the HSPT to begin studying. However, this rarely if ever pays off. Start reviewing as soon as you learn your test date. This way, you can spend adequate time on each section. To help prevent procrastination, create a prep plan early on, and then adhere to it. Be sure to include study goals, as well as to measure your progress toward them. If you are not meeting these goals, it may be time to reassess your prep plan. You may want to consider seeking an HSPT tutorto help you prepare. Designate a study space Try to create a space that fosters effective study habits. This may involve moving your desk to a quieter room, or locating a library with hours that suit your schedule. Your ultimate goal should be to find a space that will allow you to effectively learn and to maximize your prep time. Read a book Another great strategyis to read. The simple act of reading can familiarize you with vocabulary words, foster your comprehension skills, and enhance your understanding of grammar and syntax. Prepare for your test session On your test day, you may feel nervous. This is completely normal. To ensure you do your best on the HSPT, get plenty of sleep the evening before and eat a balanced breakfast. These points may help you succeed on the HSPT! Remember, too, that you have prepared for this day you are more ready than you may believe, so be confident and show the HSPT just how much you know. Success is only a few hours away!

LOI English Teachers Mark Zuniga

LOI English Teachers Mark Zuniga The ones who choose to explore the world, travelling and living in different places, are often passionate about new cultures and experiences. Some of the LOI English teachers are like that, like Mark Zuniga the LOI English teacher with whom I spoke this week.Mark is from Southern California, but is currently living in Buenos Aires, Argentina, after living in Chile and Mexico. He told me that, while he was living in L.A., he often sought out multicultural experiences and activities.  While living in California,  Mark worked for  STAR Education, a non-profit organization  which provides grant-funded Art, Science and Ecology education to children in low income public schools.In 2007 Mark began working for a firm located in Santiago, Chile, which enabled him to gain professional experience in other Latin American cities, such as Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Montevideo and Buenos Aires. These experiences, in addition to living in Santiago, Chile, further immersed him in the region and soli dified his decision to reside in Argentina. He is currently completing a Master’s Degree in Urban Planning at the University of Buenos Aires.Mark is used to having students from many different countries, like Brazil, Russia, Japan, Italy and China. He also has the same opinion as others LOI English teachers when it comes to common issues to those who are learning English:  pronunciation difficulties, which depend on one’s native language, do present common patterns and mistakes.   However, he mentioned it would be unfair to approach English learners from the same culture as a homogeneous group, instead of unique individuals.He also mentioned that he has an interactive teaching approach.   He stressed that he believes that a key component to learning any language is being able to feel comfortable and at ease.  That is why  he told me that he sees his sessions as conversation classes with an easygoing environment where he works with the students the way that best suits them, taki ng in consideration their interests, learning style, and strengths/weaknesses.  He added that he knows “first hand” how challenging it is to learn a new language, based on his experience learning Spanish.He recommends listening to news podcasts, talk programs, and music to reinforce the classes, but he did not feel comfortable giving more general advice to anyone who is learning English, because of his vision that every student must be seen as an individual. According to him, each person has different challenges and/or goals and presents a unique situation that he enjoys helping with.

Tutorfair Foundation praised by Sutton Trust

Tutorfair Foundation praised by Sutton Trust The Tutorfair Foundation is delighted to have been mentioned as an ‘innovative model’ by The Sutton Trust. In a press release introducing their new polling of young people and teachers, The Sutton Trust has called for more private tuition companies to provide tuition to disadvantaged pupils for free as well as for greater investment in non-profit programmes that connect tutors with schools. The Tutorfair Foundation (alongside MyTutor and Tutor Trust) was listed as innovative model already operational in this area. The survey of 1,678 teachers, conducted by the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER), found that a quarter (24%) of secondary school teachers have delivered private tuition outside school in the past two years, with two-thirds of them having done so after a direct approached from parents. This reflects the growing prevalence of private tutoring in the UK, with 27% of 11-16-year olds in England and Wales now saying they have had tuition (up from 18% in 2005). The Sutton Trust recognises that students who receive private tuition disproportionately come from better-off backgrounds, finding that 34% of high-affluence households will engage a tutor compared to only 20% of low-affluence households. They recommend that schools seek out one-to-one and small-group tuition for their pupil premium eligible students, and that the government should invest in projects that can provide tuition to disadvantaged students sustainably. Tutorfair On- Demand Tutorfair’s latest innovation is Tutorfair On-Demand. We’ve built an instant messaging (text and image) platform available completely free on any connected mobile or desktop device. During homework hours, students who post a question or topic that they’re struggling with will instantly be connected to a trained Tutorfair tutor who is qualified to help them. Later, sessions are assessed by our Quality Assurance team to ensure that the standard of teaching always remains high. This is a revolutionary approach to scaling free tutoring â€" taking tuition into hundreds of homes for the first time and providing a uniquely flexible voluntary programme for talented tutors who want to give back. To date, the platform has been piloted with 600 students in 34 schools and we are now seeking funding to help us scale up and gather more robust evidence of impact. If you would like to know more about the programme, please visit  here.

Lindsaydoeslanguages Portuguese stuff giveaway!

Lindsaydoeslanguages Portuguese stuff giveaway! Lindsaydoeslanguages is blogging about her World Cup Language Challenge and we’re reposting here to share with the entire italki Community. This blog post  originally was posted  on  Lindsaydoeslanguages.com  website. It only seems appropriate, what with my italki Language Challenge in Portuguese coming to a close ‘n all, to give away some lovely Portuguese stuff! The lucky winner will get a Teach Yourself Portuguese kit complete with 2 CDs and a book, a Collins Portuguese dictionary, and a Chambers Portuguese vocabulary book. I used these myself last summer to get to grips with enough Portuguese to take me on holiday and they are great! Fancy it? All you have to do is leave a comment with a reason to learn Portuguese and if you win, I’ll post the goodies out to you free of charge. Who knows? Your reason may even feature in my inevitable upcoming video 9 Reasons to Learn Portuguese! Leave a quick comment below for your chance to win! I’ll pick the winner at random on the 5th August. Good luck! Entry closes on August 4th at 23.59GMT. One winner will be picked at random and contacted via the e-mail linked to your Disqus profile. If you wish to be contacted via a different e-mail, please state this in your comment. I will post the goods to you from the UK so if you’re international, please be patient. I will contact the winner when I have dispatched the prize and announce the winner on the blog and/or YouTube if you give consent for me to do so. Thank you.

Baraem Rowad AlKhaleej International Kindergarten

Baraem Rowad AlKhaleej International Kindergarten Baraem Rowad AlKhaleej International Kindergarten Our Early Elementary school follows the Comprehensive Common Core Curriculum from the US. We use our own Pingus Kindergarten Program in our Nursery, Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten classes. Starting in Grade 1 we use Pearsons Reading Street, Envision Math and Interactive Science programs to provide scripted direct, whole group, small group and individual level instruction to our students. Our school is comprised of mostly Saudi students who are eager to learn and have extremely supportive parents. We strive to adhere to our schools mission of creative thinking, valuing diversity, instilling a passion for education and respecting diversity while respecting Saudi Culture and the Islamic Values of the community in which we serve. We combine the American Curriculum in English, Math and Science with the Ministry of Educations Arabic and Islamic curriculum. We also employ Saudi teachers to provide ancillary subjects such as Social Studies, Art, Library, P.E. and Computer classes. Our school ranges from Nursery to Grade 3. Our KG classes are assisted by a Saudi Assistant and our Grade 1 teachers share an assistant between two classes. We are looking for enthusiastic individuals who are excited about teaching, willing to differentiate instruction and activities based on students needs, as well as have flexible and cooperative personalities. We hope our recruits are looking to join our team are willing to work together to meet the needs of our students as well as their colleagues. Our teachers will be responsible for groups of up to 20 students between the ages of 3 (Nursery) to 9 years old (Grade 3). The students are assessed before entry, however, each class may have a range of English proficiency. We value the use of technology and project-based learning. We want staff with strong classroom management skills but are also nurturing. The most important characteristic for any recruit is her willingness to take responsibility for her students education, by demonstrating a high competency for problem solving and independent thinking.

Teaching English abroad A step-by-step plan

Teaching English abroad A step-by-step plan Hey you. I know you. I was you. At long last, you’ve finished your college degree. Your hard-earned diploma is sitting in a leather folder or framed in a place of honor on your parents’ wall. But now what? Let’s face facts. This generation of recent graduates is experiencing a tough job market, where even a degree in mechanical engineering might not guarantee you a job. It’s all you’ve been reading about in the news. What they don’t tell you is how to fix it. How do you find a job without job experience? Where can you gain some valuable work experience that pays well right out of college? And what if you are not ready for the 9-5 corporate life in a cubicle? How many side hustles are you currently planning? How many roommates are too many? How long are you going to live in your parents’ basement? Calm down! It’s ok! Breathe! Ever thought about combining travel and a job instead? Just kidding. I know you have, and I’m here to give you guidance, tips and basically be your personal cheerleader to help you on your way. If you’re looking to meet amazing, like-minded people, travel to foreign lands and teach a language you already know then follow me to your new life adventure teaching English abroad. The best part is, you’re already halfway there with your degree in hand. And the second part is very simple. With a TEFL certificate, all the world (and the awesome paying English teaching jobs it has to offer) will open to you. You in? OK, let’s cover the basics. HOLD UP! What is this TEFL thing I hear you harping on about? The acronym stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. When it comes to requirements for teaching English abroad, TEFL certification invariably tops the list. In a nutshell, a TEFL certificate shows employers that you’re qualified (and able) to teach English abroad. Think of it as your passport to get your real passport filled with stamps. Recommended reading: What is TEFL? Should I get TEFL certified? Comparing different ESL certifications: TEFL vs. TESL vs. TESOL 1. Get TEFL certified. Bet you saw that one coming! When I first made my decision to teach English in South Korea, I had no idea what to expect. But by getting TEFL certified, I was able to propel myself one critical step closer to living out my globe-trotting dreams. And helped me a pretty kickass teacher when I arrived, if I do say so myself. I know, I know, you just finished school. Maybe you vowed never to take a test again. If this sums up your feelings on the matter, then online TEFL courses can take as little as three weeks to finish and are relatively painless to move through the course materials in your own time. Aside from a TEFL being a prerequisite for any decent English teaching job abroad, it also gives you the foundational skills and knowledge you need to get the job done. Strolling into a room of students who speak another language and can easily use that language to make fun of your woeful teaching skills behind your back should make you perspire a little. Take it from someone who’s been there! Caveat: There’s no one-size-fits-all profile of the perfect candidate for English teaching jobs abroad. If you’re not sure whether you fit the bill, here are some more common FAQs on the topic: Will I face age restrictions teaching English abroad? Where can I teach English abroad without a degree? Can I teach English abroad without experience? Can I teach English abroad if I’m a non-native speaker? 1.5. Start saving for your TEFL course. This depends on where and how you decide to get TEFL certified (online or in person) but look to spend $,1000 and up for a reputable online course. The old saying you get what you pay for rings true in this case as well. A TEFL course suddenly becomes well worth the investment when it helps you get hired for a better-paying teaching job overseas with a reputable school. Related: How to spot common ESL job scams Aside from your TEFL, you need to set a realistic budget for teaching abroad, including housing, food, travel and health insurance, airfare and transport, excursions, and miscellaneous expenses. Your job benefits may help offset the cost of these, depending t=on the program or hiring school you’re working with. 2. Identify your ideal teaching destination. With the right qualifications and experience, the world is your oyster. Now that you have your TEFL certificate, you are the pearl. So where do you want to go? While there are plenty of fun resources to guide you on where to teach abroad, don’t forget to follow your own instincts. Asia is quickly becoming the most popular region to teach abroad because it has a wealth of travel and job opportunities for graduates who are fluent in English. But don’t forget about South America and Europe, where countries like Spain and Argentina are eager to hire TEFL-certified English teachers with a degree. Central America is also often overlooked but they are hiring a ton of new graduates in places like Mexico, too. I may be a little biased, but if you’re looking to immerse yourself in a completely new culture, then South Korea tops the list. Seoul is an amazing city full of excitement and culture. It’s busy and crowded but it’s fun and has plenty of English teaching jobs. Be prepared for moments of culture shock. You may not recognize the pizza and dried squid is definitely an acquired taste. Is it your priority to make the most money possible teaching abroad? If you have a degree in education and building up a healthy bank account is your focus, then consider the Middle East. If you’re not a licensed teacher but you still want to make bank, teaching English in China could be a good move for you. China’s relatively low cost of living, combined with great employee perks like free housing, make it a really attractive option for travel-motivated teach abroad hopefuls. Sign up to Teach Away today for access to the latest teaching jobs around the world. 3. Understand visa conditions. Red tape is never fun to navigate but getting a visa to teach abroad is an important step. If you’re like me, you probably just want to get going and maybe forget to do some quick research visa requirements for teachers in your top destination. It is, however, super duper important to investigate visa requirements for anywhere you want to teach, as these really do vary from country to country. The visa process in countries in Asia, for example, are generally pretty straightforward. As long as you meet some basic requirements, you shouldn’t have much trouble obtaining a work permit to teach there. If you’re a non-EU resident, however, you might not have such an easy time getting a visa to teach in Europe. Latin America is an easy region for North American graduates when it comes to applying for visas. We hate to break it to you, but if it turns out that you don’t fit the requirements to teach abroad in a certain country, then it’s back to the drawing board (see step 2 above). Some countries impose very specific (and seemingly arbitrary) rules and timelines when granting work permits for overseas teachers, while others may be less strict, so don’t despair. Often, employers will take responsibility for obtaining a work visa due to the complicated processes involved (or guide you, at the very least). That said, you’ll still have to fill out plenty of paperwork, so have your pen ready. Either way - hold off on booking that flight until your visa is sorted. 4. Search and apply for jobs. If you’re feeling particularly impulsive and happen to be flush with cash, you might opt to conduct your teach abroad job search in person. Of course, you’ll need to be 100% sure that somewhere is the destination for you and that you meet all the requirements. Many countries also frown on people entering the country on the tourist visa and kicking off a job search, so beware. But the fact is, there’s no need to take this drastic step. It’s never been easier to find a job abroad. The internet is responsible for the world’s greatest invention: cat videos. But next to that is its ability to make finding your dream job so much easier. Nowadays, you can apply for jobs with hiring schools anywhere in the world with a simple search on the Teach Away job board. With some quick clicking, you can apply to scores of jobs in one evening. Need a nudge in the right direction? Here are the five best teach abroad programs hiring right now! As you’re researching opportunities, note what expenses might be paid for. For example, whether a housing stipend is offered, and what you’ll be expected to contribute. (Believe me - you don't want any surprises on the ground!) 5. It’s time to set the wheels in motion! Dream job in the bag? First, make sure you understand your teaching contract thoroughly. After that, it’s time to plan your move. Are you going for a year, or maybe longer? Do you need a local bank account? Do you have a pet? What about your current apartment? Will you sublet or give up your lease? Remember, this is a big move if you decide to go for a year and a lot can happen. You may extend your stay, you may find a new job or perhaps you will fall in love! Who knows what can happen in a year. You may also struggle and find out teaching isn’t for you. It’s best to create a checklist and consider a fallback plan if you decide to come home early. This is also the time to start figuring our housing and determining what might be provided by your school or program, and what you will need to take care of independently. I’m too excited, can I just go and teach English abroad without a certificate? Since you just spent four years alongside thousands of other smart, eager job-ready colleagues, it only makes sense to give yourself all the advantages you possibly can. By all means, you can certainly try to get a teaching job abroad without a TEFL certificate but competition is fierce and most ESL jobs require you to have one. Plus, you will qualify for higher-paying teaching jobs if you are TEFL certified. Is teaching abroad after graduation the right move for me? If you’re excited at the prospect of teaching abroad but still have a strange little worry in the pit of your stomach, don’t worry! That just means you’re giving the process of teaching abroad the serious consideration it deserves. After all, if teaching abroad is really as amazing an experience as people say, why isn’t everyone doing it? Well for starters, it takes a certain type of adventurous personality to leave their native country to do a job they’ve never done before. Not only that, are you a good teacher? Do you like kids? Are you comfortable in front of a class? Are you imaginative? What about disciplining kids in a foreign language? If you’re nodding your head to the above then, chances are, you probably have what it takes to teach English abroad. But then there is living in a totally unfamiliar place. Trying to figure out where to eat, how to meet other people and generally navigating life in a brand-new country is not for everyone! My advice: get TEFL certified and the rest will fall into place. I had the best experience in South Korea. Not only did it boost my self-esteem, I learned about myself and how to face a variety of exciting challenges. Since my time abroad, I’ve been able to face any job interview or life obstacle with a certain level of confidence and diplomacy I would never have if I hadn’t taught abroad.