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TEFL Myths Busted

Wed, 07 Apr 2010 11:30:22 -0400

Stray onto any travel-related forum online and you’ll find all kinds of crazy opinions about teaching abroad – which course to do, how to find work, how to teach your students hell, even how to tie your shoelaces while in xxxx! So, let’s clear up a little bit of confusion: Myth 1: You need to speak another language to teach abroad While you might want to learn how to say ‘hello’, ‘please’, ‘thank-you’ and ‘give me a beer pronto’, you don’t actually need to speak another language to teach abroad. It sounds crazy, but most schools want their teachers to create a totally English-speaking atmosphere in their classrooms – which can be a bit tricky if you’re tempted to slide into your students’ first language. Myth 2: You need teaching experience to find a TEFL job abroad While teaching experience can help you find a job abroad, it certainly isn’t necessary for entry-level positions – the fact you’re a fluent English speaker with a TEFL certificate should be enough to find work in most places. **End Summary** Topics: TEFL]]> teach English abroad]]> TEFL jobs]]> TEFL courses]]> teachin]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Teaching English abroad is the perfect opportunity for any English speaker to explore the world. As long as youâre a fluent English speaker, a TEFL course is your ticket to the journey of your life.

Top 7 Thai Experiences

Tue, 06 Apr 2010 11:54:00 -0400

To celebrate the launch of our fantastic new Teaching Internships in Thailand we've gone a bit Thailand-crazy! With its pristine white beaches, pulsating cities and fascinating culture, the Land of Smiles is a dream for travellers and TEFL teachers – check out these top 7 experiences to squeeze in while you’re over there: 1. Get wet during Songkran festival During Thai new year celebrations in April, the whole country descends into three days of water-fight mayhem. The streets (especially around tourist centres like the Khao San Road in Bangkok) fill up with water pistol and bucket toting revelers, as everyone gets thoroughly and happily drenched! 2. Hunt for bargains in Chatuchak market With almost 10,000 stalls and around 200,000 visitors each DAY, Chatuchak is not for the faint hearted! The atmosphere, however, in the warren-like maze of stalls, is unbeatable – wander through rows of stores selling everything from clothes and textiles to pets and furniture as pop music and chat wafts through the market. Arm yourself with some comfy shoes and a willingness to haggle and you’ll be sure to come away with some great bargains. 3. **End Summary** Topics: TEFL]]> Teaching English Abroad]]> Thailand]]> Teaching English as a Foreign Language]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Teaching English abroad is the perfect opportunity for any English speaker to explore the world. As long as youâre a fluent English speaker, a TEFL course is your ticket to the journey of your life.

Keeping Control of Your TEFL Class

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 07:44:31 -0400

There will be times in your TEFL career when you are really challenged in terms of student motivation and classroom management. Students, especially children, can be temperamental – but one of the things you’ll quickly learn is that how you behave as a teacher largely dictates how your students behave. Here are some key things to take into consideration in your classes: Don’t shout – Students see this as a sign that they have won. Instead try different tactics such as finding a place to stand that shows the students you are waiting, or refer back to the rules and carry out the consequence. Some good punishments include increasing word counts for homework, deducting break time, letters home to parents etc. Do a points system – (for children) In the first lesson put students into groups of around four and get them to decide on a team name. Ask them to draw four horizontal boxes in which they must write their name in large letters to one side. Students get a point for good behaviour and get a point deducted for bad behaviour (doing/not doing homework, using/not using English). **End Summary** Topics: TEFL]]> teaching options]]> opportunities]]> teaching courses]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Teaching English abroad is the perfect opportunity for any English speaker to explore the world. As long as youâre a fluent English speaker, a TEFL course is your ticket to the journey of your life.

7 Reasons to Teach Abroad Before You Die

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 08:10:33 -0400

Forget finding true love, climbing Everest and/or saving the world – here’s why teaching English abroad should be number one on your bucket list! You’ll get paid to travel We’ve all been there – nose pressed up against the window, dreaming of somewhere a little less grey and drizzly, but alas, that pesky bank balance says no. The good news is that TEFL is a great alternative to remortgaging your house, selling your body on the street and/or begging your parents (delete as applicable) to fund your adventures abroad – it might not be a free ride (you’ll still need to get a bit of change together for your TEFL course and flights), but because you’ll be earning while you’re teaching abroad, you’ll soon be able to make back that initial outlay – and still have some change left over to explore the country you’re living in. You’ll meet new people Let’s be honest now – you can never really have enough friends (unless you’re some kind of global superstar with an entourage that would put P Diddy to shame – then you’re probably sorted). **End Summary** Topics: Teaching contracts]]> TEFL career]]> TEFL contracts]]> TEFL region]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Teaching English abroad is the perfect opportunity for any English speaker to explore the world. As long as youâre a fluent English speaker, a TEFL course is your ticket to the journey of your life.

7 Top Tips For Teaching EFL to Kids

Fri, 26 Mar 2010 07:15:31 -0400

Without a doubt, teaching children is totally different to teaching adults. Many teachers are reticent to take the plunge and teach these height challenged students. However, have no fear – once you have a few tricks up your sleeve, you will be as illusive as a magician…with your students in the palm of your hands. What’s more…teaching children is rewarding and great fun! Having your students walking into your classroom in eager anticipation for your lesson is payment in itself. But how can you transform yourself into this magical teacher? Well…. 1) Hide the carrots Remember how your mother used to trick you by blitzing the carrots in the food blender and putting it into your spaghetti sauce? Well this clever idea can also be applied to teaching kids. How interesting is it to kids if you say ‘today we are going to do the present perfect’??!! Instead, imagine the response to ‘We’re going to play a cool game...are you ready?” (which funnily enough will give your students tons of practice with the present perfect! Not that they know that!). **End Summary** Topics: tefl]]> teach english abroad]]> tefl jobs]]> tefl courses]]> teachin]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Teaching English abroad is the perfect opportunity for any English speaker to explore the world. As long as youâre a fluent English speaker, a TEFL course is your ticket to the journey of your life.

Face Your TEFL Fears

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 12:42:11 -0400

On paper, teaching English abroad is a pretty sweet option – exploring new cultures, getting paid to travel, notching up awesome stories to tell your mates back home. But thinking you’re going to do it, and actually, properly getting on that plane are two very different things. So what holds people back? Fear that’s what! Teaching abroad may be great, but leaving everything you’ve ever known (including gravy, Radio 4 and Jaffa Cakes) behind can be a tad daunting. So, to help you turn feeling scared into feeling excited about the opportunities offered by TEFL, here are people’s most common TEFL fears and how to face them: Fear 1: My students will eat me alive Kids. A lot of the time they’re cute and well-behaved, but sometimes it feels like the spawn of Satan is sat at the desk in front of you. Lovely Astrid for instance recently had one kid sitting in class systematically breaking pencils in half. Not nice. Adults aren’t an easy option either – while they probably won’t smash up your stationery they can undermine your authority and start taking over your show. **End Summary** Topics: TEFL]]> TEFL jobs]]> teach english abroad]]> teaching abroad]]>]]> About the Author: ]]>

6 Things to Check Before Accepting Your TEFL Job

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 11:47:57 -0500

It’s tempting to get carried away with the excitement of going to a new country and being accepted for a job is a great feeling – but before you start packing your suitcase, make sure you check out the conditions – they’ll make or break your experience of teaching abroad! Here are 6 things to check: Hours of work: * How many contact hours will you have to teach? The average is 25 contact hours of teaching (when you are physically in the classroom with the students). * How many days will you be working over? 25 hours or less seems great…until you are expected to do them over 6/7 days! * What preparation will this involve? In order to determine this you will need to find out the size of your classes, the length of the lessons and how many different levels you should expect. Teaching 5 classes of which there are 3 different levels each for five hours a week is considerably less preparation time than teaching 5 different classes each day for an hour each! * How much marking will you have to do? **End Summary** Topics: TEFL]]>]]> About the Author: ]]>

I Don't Like Kids, Can I Still Teach Abroad?

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 11:33:02 -0500

Screaming, crying, hyperactive children not your cup of tea? If you fancy a more peaceful time teaching abroad then don't worry, a love of children isn't necessary to have a fun and rewarding TEFL experience... Working with kids could be better than you think I know, I know - you don't like kids, but what if you gave it a chance? Children are without a doubt the most rewarding people to teach. They're enthusiastic, quick to learn and really keen on games - which makes teaching that little bit more entertaining. And if you're teaching kids, you'll have a lot more jobs to choose from, which makes securing a TEFL job much easier. It might not be for you, but it's worth bearing in mind. You can always teach adults Children aren't the only people who need English language skills. So if you don't want to teach kids, you really don't have to. There are adult language schools all over the world and if you're looking for this type of work, they're the best place to start. Alternatively, you could apply to teach conversational English to university students. **End Summary** Topics: Teaching children]]> teaching kids]]> job prospects]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Teaching English abroad is the perfect opportunity for any English speaker to explore the world. As long as youâre a fluent English speaker, a TEFL course is your ticket to the journey of your life.

Do I Need a TEFL Certificate to Teach Abroad?

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 11:21:02 -0500

If you've been hanging around in online TEFL forums, you've probably wandered across a conversation about whether you really need a TEFL or TESOL qualification. It's a natural enough question: after all, you may well be planning a stint teaching abroad because you can't afford to travel without working. And the truth is, in most countries you can secure a teaching position without a TEFL qualification. The question is - do you really want to? It pays to be prepared You can always throw yourself in at the deep end. You know, just start teaching without any preparation and see how well you do. But that's a pretty scary thought isn't it? Without a TEFL course or TESOL training how will you know if what you're doing is right? And just imagine walking into a classroom full of students and having nothing to say - it'd be like that nightmare where you turn up at school naked! Some hopeful teachers just dismiss it as a really (REALLY) steep learning curve. But remember, you won't have anyone to shadow and it's difficult to learn from the other teachers if you can't watch them in action. **End Summary** Topics: TEFL course]]> online TEFL course]]> work abroad]]> TESOL]]> TEFL jo]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Bruce Haxton - From Online TEFL courses to Teaching English abroad is the perfect opportunity for any English speaker to explore the world. Whether youâre a trained teacher or a complete beginner, a TEFL qualification is your ticket for the journey of your life.

How are TEFL courses structured?

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 10:25:00 -0500

So you're interested in Teaching English as a Foreign Language [TEFL] but you don't know which course might be for you? Or maybe you'd just like to know more about what to expect on day one on a course you've already booked? Well, there are a variety of courses to choose from including online courses, 20-hour weekend courses, combined online and classroom TEFL courses, 4-week intensive certificates, and a 10-week diploma. The content of all of these courses is broadly similar, but the depth of training varies from course to course. Below are some descriptions to give you an idea of what you might expect on your TEFL Course. Learning through doing activities Probably the very best thing about a TEFL course is that the learning happens through actually doing activities, rather than long theoretical explanations. This is true even at diploma level, although discussion forms a greater part of the study on diploma courses, since by then you'll have plenty of teaching experience and your aim is to perfect the skills you have. **End Summary** Topics: Course structure]]> TEFL course]]> teaching qualifications]]> cour]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Bruce Haxton - Teaching English abroad is the perfect opportunity for any English speaker to explore the world. As long as youâre a fluent English speaker, a TEFL course is your ticket to the journey of your life.

Whatâs Life Like as a TEFL Teacher?

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 11:23:32 -0500

Comments from English Teachers Living and Working Overseas "Sometimes I pinch myself. I can't believe that I'm here in Malaysia teaching English." Tina, Durban "Life as a TEFL teacher is fantastic. I was terrified of what it was going to be like, what the kids would be like, the school, the food, everything. By the third day of my orientation, I felt ready to go!! "Before this, I was working in an office, bored, sitting still all day, going crazy! NOW, I can never imagine going back to that!" Jenny, High Wycombe, England "Teaching in Seoul was very daunting at first, but I remembered what I had learned in my TEFL course and after a few weeks it became so much fun that I hardly felt like I was working at all; I felt as though I was getting paid to have a great time." Daniel, Leicestershire "Abso-bloody-lutely (am I allowed to say that?) fantastic! I spent 4 months working in a school in South Africa. I'm home to finish my degree and then I'm going back. **End Summary** Topics: Teaching English]]> job conditions]]> work]]> pros and cons]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Teaching English abroad is the perfect opportunity for any English speaker to explore the world. As long as you're a fluent English speaker, a TEFL course is your ticket to the journey of your life.

Will an Online TEFL Course Help Me Find Jobs Abroad?

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 10:14:55 -0500

There's a lot of debate around online TEFL courses. Are they as good as classroom TEFL courses? Do language schools accept them? And will they prepare you for a life of teaching English abroad? The truth is; they have their pros and their cons – just like classroom TEFL courses. For some people, they'll be ideal and for others, they'll be wrong. You'll have to weigh up the pros and cons and decide if an online TEFL course is right for you. So do you want the good news or the bad news? Good, you say? Here we go then! The pros... Fit your course around your life Whether you're working your notice or running around planning your travels, you can fit an online TEFL course around you. Most can be spread over six months, which allows you to do a little every now and then until you've completed your course. Of course, if you've got a lot of time on your hands, you could complete the whole course in just over a week! **End Summary** Topics: TEFL]]> teach abroad]]> TEFL course]]> online TEFL course]]> classroom TEFL course]]> TEFL jobs]]> teach English abroad]]> ESL]]> TESOL]]> ]]> About the Author: ]]> Teaching English abroad is the perfect opportunity for any English speaker to explore the world. As long as youâre a fluent English speaker, a TEFL course is your ticket to the journey of your life.

Other Opportunities to Teach English Abroad

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 12:26:55 -0500

So you’re not sure you like the idea of teaching English as a foreign language? Perhaps you envisage it as being slightly boring, and quite frankly, a classroom teacher in a language school is not a job you consider yourself cut out for. If so, think again! There are many rewarding TEFL jobs, and not all of them are located in the seemingly sterile environment of the language school. Choose carefully, and you can bring your experience and personality to the role, and find a teaching job abroad that you are really suited to! So if you are thinking of teaching English abroad, or need to earn some money whilst travelling, there are a variety of opportunities to choose from. The Conversationalist Not the academic type? Do you just love to talk? If you dislike the idea of a formal school, then try a language school with an alternative approach to learning English. If grappling with grammar frightens you, and endless preparation of lessons is not your cup of tea, then language schools such as Greencafe in Japan may present an attractive solution. These English schools are simply tables in cafes, for conversation-based lessons on a one-to-one basis. **End Summary** Topics: TEFL]]> teaching options]]> opportunities]]> teaching courses]]> onl]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Teaching English abroad is the perfect opportunity for any English speaker to explore the world. As long as youâre a fluent English speaker, a TEFL course is your ticket to the journey of your life.

5 Simple Tips for TEFL Job Success

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 12:04:03 -0500

So, you’re thinking about doing a TEFL course, and it won’t be too long before you’ve got your crisp new TEFL certificate in hand – but what are you going to do with it?! Get a teaching job abroad and jet off into the sunset – that’s what! But how to get there? Never fear: here are my five simple tips for TEFL job success: Tailor your resume to TEFL We’re sorry to say it, but employers don’t want to know about that ska band you were in back in school. Keep it short and sharp – just cover what the job advertisement asks for in simple, direct language. Focus on skills that schools will value, like leadership, organisational and communication skills and how you’ve demonstrated you can use them. Do your course with a provider that has a job placement service Get your TEFL course provider to do the legwork for you! Many companies have TEFL job placement services which will match you with relevant suitable contracts on completion of your course. Just make sure you’re eligible to use it before you sign on the dotted line! **End Summary** Topics: TEFL]]> teach English abroad]]> TEFL jobs]]> TEFL courses]]> teachin]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Teaching English abroad is the perfect opportunity for any English speaker to explore the world. As long as youâre a fluent English speaker, a TEFL course is your ticket to the journey of your life.

How to Find a Good TEFL Employer/School

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 10:25:15 -0500

So you're thinking about getting TEFL certified (or maybe you already are!), but once you've completed your TEFL course, what are you going to do with that crisp new certificate? Get a job and sail off into the sunset, that's what! However, with thousands of teaching jobs abroad all over the world, choosing a good one can be tricky. So, to help you in your job hunt, here are just a few ways to snaffle that dream TEFL job. Planning ahead - going with a company You’ll often find that your TEFL course provider will offer a free TEFL job placement service on completion. This is usually hassle-free, but researching your employer is always a good idea. You can use the internet to research the local area and culture, while travel guides such as Lonely Planet also offer handy tips. The organization you opt for should be able to give you information about the school and may even offer contact details for their in-country coordinators. If you can get hold of a phone number, ask to speak to any TEFL teachers currently in the school to get a true idea of what it’s like to work there. **End Summary** Topics: Teaching contracts]]> TEFL career]]> TEFL contracts]]> TEFL region]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Teaching English abroad is the perfect opportunity for any English speaker to explore the world. As long as youâre a fluent English speaker, a TEFL course is your ticket to the journey of your life.

What is responsible travel?

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:10:01 -0500

Responsible travel is a bit like The Big Bang; most people believe in it but can’t always explain it! Well, while I don’t know much about the origins of the universe, I can certainly shed some light on what responsible travel’s all about and a few ways of being a responsible traveller, especially while on your **End Summary** Topics: gap year]]> sustainable]]> eco-friendly]]> adventure]]> travel]]> volu]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Volunteering abroad , a gap year , a career break ... whatever you're planning, odds on I'll have some advice for you! Visit my blog to learn more!

What not to wear while volunteering abroad

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:39:33 -0500

We’ve all been there – you’ve got your flights, visas and vaccinations all sorted, but there’s just one problem… your empty backpack/suitcase staring back up at you. What the hell are you going to wear?! Well, while every adventure is different, here are some dos and don’ts that might help you decide what to take and what to leave in your wardrobe… Do Wear a hat if you’re going somewhere hot – sunstroke is not especially chic Wear trousers and long sleeves in the evening if you’re staying in a area affected by malaria – getting ill is another thing that’s not especially chic, so cover up to avoid becoming dinner for mosquitoes Pack old clothes – fashion’s loss is practicality’s gain, and you won’t feel upset if your favourite t-shirt gets something unspeakable spilt down it! Try to keep tattoos covered up – in some cultures they’re synonymous with gangs Bring a sarong with you – it’s great for covering up when you’re at the beach or visiting temples Don’t Drench yourself in perfume or aftershave if you’re working with animals – it can end up bothering them! **End Summary** Topics: volunteer abroad]]> gap year]]> career break]]> year out]]> adventur]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Volunteering abroad , a gap year , a career break ... whatever you're planning, odds on I'll have some advice for you! Visit my blog to learn more!

Hop onto a mobile school to help slum children in Goa with i-to-i

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 07:59:13 -0400

While most kids’ faces here in the UK light up at the sound of an ice cream van approaching, kids living in the slum areas of Goa get more excited about the prospect of the mobile school bus rolling in! On i-to-i’s brand new trip in the stunning Indian state of Goa, volunteers help bring education to gorgeous kids who desperately need it, and still have time to lounge on some of the region’s amazing beaches and immerse themselves in the laid-back Goan pace of life. The mobile school was set up in 2006 and takes education to the doorsteps of underprivileged kids aged between 6 and 14 who might otherwise miss out. The bus acts as a mobile classroom that moves from place to place picking up kids, and then stops for three and a half hours for all kinds of lessons, games and activities. At the end of the year, kids who have been coming to classes are able to take exams on the bus, enabling them to get into mainstream schools in the area, revolutionising their future potential. **End Summary** Topics: Goa]]> India]]> gap year]]> beach]]> volunteer abroad]]> gap year]]> yea]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Those wanting more information about the trip, or the eight other adventures i-to-i offer in Goa, should ring i-to-iâs travel experts on 0800 093 1505 or visit http://www.i-to-i.com/volunteer-projects/work-with-school-helping-children-in-goa.html. For media enquiries, contact Honor Baldry at honor.baldry@i-to-i.com.

Why People TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language)

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 10:48:18 -0400

TEFL, on paper, is perfect: an exciting career, a chance to see the world, a life full of fresh faces, opportunities and experiences. But, in reality, life at home holds people back: jobs, cars, family, friends, house, age, personal circumstances… so what is it exactly that makes people put all that on hold, get TEFL certified and jet off into the sunset? We asked some of our TEFL graduates what made them take the plunge… 1. To fund travel It’s a happy coincidence that the countries with the highest demand for EFL teachers (China, Thailand, South Korea, Japan, Ecuador to name a few) are some of the best places in the world to visit. TEFL means you can travel without having to save up a small fortune before leaving, and you get the added bonus of experiencing more of a country than you would as a tourist. Alice McBrearty, 26, from Aberdeen, said: “I made the biggest decision of my life on a cold, dark February morning; **End Summary** Topics: TEFL]]> TESOL]]> EFL]]> teacher]]> teach English abroad]]> adventure]]> travel]]> China]]> gap year]]> ]]> About the Author: ]]> http://www.onlinetefl.com/

Cultural considerations in Latin America

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 11:52:21 -0400

Latin Americans are famously laid-back â€“ so much so that people often say you should reset your watch to a different pace of life when landing in the region. However, donâ€™t be seduced into thinking that just because people seem relaxed, they wonâ€™t get offended by anything! As with travelling anywhere, there are always a few sensitive areas you need to be aware of â€“ and Latin America is no different! Religion While Latin America seems to ooze sexuality when itâ€™s depicted in the Western media, many parts of the region are deeply religious. As a result modest dress and behaviour are highly recommended: there are plenty of beaches where you can strip off, so thereâ€™s no need to do it elsewhere! To avoid feeling the need to bare all, make sure you invest in some loose fitting, cotton clothes. As most Latin Americans are Catholic, Sundays are of real religious significance. On this day, double your efforts to seem modest (and donâ€™t expect too many shops to be open)! Plus, while churches are great places to visit, remember that they are places of worship too. **End Summary** Topics: Olympics]]> Rio De Janeiro]]> Latin America]]> Central America]]> So]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> I'm totally passionate about travel, It's been my life and work for a good few years! I would like to share my many experiences and offer a little advice if I can to fellow travellers or anyone who is just about to set off on a life-changing trip!

How to cope with culture shock on your gap year

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 06:38:31 -0400

A gap year is a fantastic opportunity to see the world and expand your horizons. But being away from home, living in a different culture and always being surrounded by the unfamiliar well that can take its toll. If you find yourself feeling uneasy, homesick and skulking back to McDonalds for Western-style comforts for the umpteenth time that week, you might well be suffering from culture shock. Donâ€™t let it ruin your gap year though! To make sure youâ€™re back out there soaking up new experiences, sights and sounds in no time at all, weâ€™ve put together a handy guide to help you get through the tough times. It starts with euphoria The first thing youâ€™ll feel when you get off the plane is euphoria. Youâ€™re in a new country, surrounded by new things and itâ€™s simply amazing. But this natural high has its drawbacks after all, what goes up, must come down. The full force of culture shock Everyoneâ€™s different and some lucky people wonâ€™t even suffer from culture shock. But those who do have reported feelings of unease, negativity and a strong desire to shy away from anything new. **End Summary** Topics: gap year]]> culture shock]]> volunteer abroad]]> adventure]]> travel]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Useful links: http://www.i-to-i.com/campfire/travel-guides/categories/1-Gap-Year http://www.i-to-i.com/projects/learn/language-courses.html

How to stay safe on your gap year

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 11:16:44 -0400

It goes without saying, but safety while youâ€™re off travelling doesnâ€™t start and end with the in-flight safety demonstration on the plane out. And while wrapping yourself in cotton wool isnâ€™t an option (itâ€™d make you look mighty silly for starters), there are several wise moves you can make to reduce the risk of coming unstuck on your adventures. Before you jet off Believe it or not, staying safe starts before you set off! As well as cramming more clothes than youâ€™ll ever wear into your near-to-bursting rucksack, here are a few essentials you should make sure are in there tooâ€¦ Important documents Take two photocopies of your passport, driving licence, insurance certificate and all other important documents. Keep a separate copy of each document in different bags and give a copy to a relative or friend, along with an itinerary of your trip and emergency contact number. Insurance Itâ€™s pretty much a no-brainer, but you should always travel with insurance that covers your possessions as well as safe-guarding you for any extreme sports and activities, lest you end up having more of an â€˜adventureâ€™ than you bargained for. **End Summary** Topics: gap year]]> volunteer abroad]]> adventure]]> travel]]> Australia]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> I'm totally passionate about travel, It's been my life and work for a good few years! I would like to share my many experiences and offer a little advice if I can to fellow travellers or anyone who is just about to set off on a life-changing trip!

How to plan your gap year

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 10:27:41 -0400

So, you've decided to ditch school/uni/work/daytime TV for a year and venture out to see the big wide world. Awesome - but how to get it all sorted? There's the question of where to go, how long to go for, what to do, how to get there, and that's not even starting on the money! Don't panic - just sit back and let a seasoned traveller walk you through the whole process: 1. Decide your budget "But I haven't even decided where to go yet!" I hear you cry. Well, that's because you won't be going anywhere unless you've got some cash stashed, or very generous parents/fairy godmothers. So, before you even open that guidebook, draw up a realistic plan of how long you've got to save for and how much money you can realistically earn, beg or borrow in that time. If you're thinking about earning money while you're away, either through TEFL or working holidays (for example in Australia), factor this in now. Once you've got you figure (be it Â£5,000 or (if you're v. lucky) Â£15,000) you'll be able to start planning in earnest. 2. How long do you want to go for? **End Summary** Topics: gap year]]> adventure]]> volunteer abroad]]> career break]]> travel]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> I'm totally passionate about travel, It's been my life and work for a good few years! I would like to share my many experiences and offer a little advice if I can to fellow travellers or anyone who is just about to set off on a life-changing trip! http://www.i-to-i.com/campfire/bruce

Thailand bucket list -- 8 things to experience before you snuff it!

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 09:46:16 -0400

1. Get wet during Songkran festival During Thai new year celebrations in April, the whole country descends into three days of water-fight mayhem. The streets (especially around tourist centres like the Khao San Road in Bangkok) fill up with water pistol and bucket toting revelers, as everyone gets thoroughly and happily drenched! 2. Hunt for bargains in Chatuchak market With almost 10,000 stalls and around 200,000 visitors each DAY, Chatuchak is not for the faint hearted! The atmosphere, however, in the warren-like maze of stalls, is unbeatable - wander through rows of stores selling everything from clothes and textiles to pets and furniture as pop music and chat wafts through the market. Arm yourself with some comfy shoes and a willingness to haggle and you'll be sure to come away with some great bargains. 3. Chow down on some street food Head on a journey of discovery through the street food stalls of Bangkok (or any other large Thai city), sampling everything from deep-fried flowers to pad Thai. Street food in Thailand is fresh, cheap and fabulously cooked - lots of vendors specialise in particular dishes, so ask them what they'd recommend and enjoy! **End Summary** Topics: ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> I'm totally passionate about travel, it's been my life and work for a good few years! I would like to share my many experiences and offer a little advice if I can to fellow travellers or anyone who is just about to set off on a life changing trip!