Choosing your destination

Choosing your destination By Thiago SilvaSo you decided to step out of your comfort zone and explore other cultures while teaching English - now where should you start? While there is no right or wrong answer to this question, there are a few steps you can take to make your search more effective.One of the first things you should do is assess your qualifications. Do you have a university degree? Have you taken a TESL certification course? Have you ever taught English? Maybe you have volunteer experience at a summer camp, for example, and that experience can strengthen your application if you are applying to teach kids. Once you have listed all your qualifications, it’s time to look for positions that match them.“I got in contact with a couple of teachers who'd done the Teach Away program and they gave me some advice on accommodation and cost of living”, Tom said.Tom Eminson, a Teach Away teacher in Vietnam, said that his research started after hearing good things about teaching in Vietnam from other tea chers.This exchange of information- and expectations- is the best way to evaluate whether you will like the way of life in a given destination. Take a look at the Teach Away Community page to learn more about your chosen country by chatting with the teachers who are already there.Mackenzie Soper, a Teach Away teacher Abu Dhabi, writes a blog about her experience living and teaching in the Middle East, and is a great resource for teachers who are considering applying for a job in the UAE.Whatever exotic location you choose, the invaluable international teaching experience will not only boost your resumé, but also your personal growth. Pack your bags and embrace the world!Thiago Silva is the  Teach Away  blogger.