Moving Your Teaching Career Overseas - Learn from someone who's been there...

You've got a contract, you've packed up all your stuff and you're boarding the plane. Congratulations! You're on your way to an exciting new life. So, what do you know about your new home??

9. A guide book, culture shock book

Get a guide book! And perhaps even more importantly, get the Culture Shock book for your destination. Find out why people are bowing to you, or why no one blows their nose in public or why people have to cover their bodies from elbow to knee. It's really, really important that you know these things... so you don't screw up!


Don’t leave home without a guide book! Take some time looking at different brands of travel guide. Different brands have different styles. I prefer a different brand for traveling than staying long term because of the depth of information provided.

The Culture Shock series is superb. Get the one for the country or region you’re moving to and read it from cover to cover. You’ll get an insight into the cultural norms for the society you are moving into, and can prevent you from making any disastrous faux pas that could ruin your first few months abroad. First impressions count, make sure your first impression is a good one by doing some research.

Moving Your Teaching Career Abroad - guide book