Should TEFL Teachers get their Boss a Christmas Gift?

TEFL teachers have the chance to be immersed in the country and culture. Giving gifts are an important part of many cultures. There are a few things to remember before giving Christmas gifts.

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1. Is Christmas celebrated?
In some countries, Christmas may not be celebrated, such as in Muslim countries. Or if it is, it's not that big a deal, like in Korea, where gifts are usually given during Chuseok and not during Christmas. When in doubt, ask what the local customs dictate; you don't want to end up committing a major faux pas.

2. Don't expect something in return 
Gifts are all about giving; not receiving. Just because you give a gift, doesn't mean that your boss has to get you something in return. Expecting something in return brings us to the next point: bribery.

3. Don't use gifts as bribery
This should be a given, but some people still expect preferential treatment because they gave their boss a Christmas gift. Don't expect to be treated special or that giving a gift will get you that promotion that you've been wanting. This is probably the main reason people don't give their bosses Christmas presents; they don't want people to think they're bribing their boss.

4. Stick to the budget 
If you are going to give your boss a Christmas gift, ask your co-workers how much they usually spend. Spending too much or too little is not good. You don't want to stick out. Remember the nail that sticks out gets hammered down. You want to blend in. Maybe everyone can pitch in and buy your boss an amazing gourmet gift basket.

5. Is it appropriate?
As an adult, you should know whether a certain gift is appropriate or not; however, the company culture also comes into play. Some offices give gag gifts or white elephant gifts. Others do secret Santas. Find out what the norm is for your office and follow it.

6. Get something for the office 
Speaking of the office, perhaps the safest thing to do is get a gift for the entire office. Homemade cookies are always appreciated. If you can't bake, no worries, there are plenty of delicious store-bought items that you can buy and everyone can enjoy. Food like mixed nuts, dried fruit, coffee cake, and cookies are always a safe bet. Drinks such as a variety box of coffee, tea sets, and assorted hot chocolate are sure to be enjoyed during break times.

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Packing Tips for TEFL Teachers Going Home on Vacation

From Independent Traveler

It's taken me a while, but I've finally got packing down to an art. I don't have to ship items, re-pack my luggage at the airport, or worry about weight. Here are some of the best packing tips I've learned over the years. Howdini and Heathrow Airport also have some good packing tip videos that tell you how to pack a suitcase.

Take only what you need
I'd always over-pack when I went home for the summer. I'd bring way more than what I needed. Figure out how to coordinate your clothes. Leave all the little extras; chances are you won't use them anyways.

Bring old clothes
Going home for me means relaxing. I don't really need to dress to impress. I'm on vacation. I bring old clothes. Things that I don't mind donating to charity when I leave.

Buy less
Nowadays you can find most things that you need where you live or online. Natural beauty products and food can be found on iherb (up to $10 off your first order (Code: LNQ216)). Ebay is also good for buying things, though shipping from places such as Hong Kong may take a while. ASOS is good for clothing and they have free shipping. There might be local groups where you can buy things. Korea is a very transient community and there are a number of FaceBook groups where people sell new or used items. Craigslist is also popular here for buying things.

I buy most of my clothes from Europe so shipping is international anyways (US vs Korea). I prefer to have things shipped to Korea since the Korean post office has much cheaper shipping than the USA. This way if I want to return something I'd spend far less than if I'd ship it from the USA.

There are also mail forwarding services, such as Mall Tail or Ship2Korea that can help keep shipping costs down and save on suitcase space.

Use vacuum bags carefully
I find that weight, not space is often what people have to worry about. Vacuum bags don't help with this. They create more space, but allow you to put more weight than you normally would into your suitcases.

Forget travel sized toiletries
I bring full sized items, but make sure there isn't a lot of product left. This way it takes up space going there and I can leave it behind when I come back.

Bring gifts
It's a nice touch and they take up space in your suitcase on the way there.

Go during the summer
You'll have to bring less clothes and it's less bulky than winter things.

Bring an empty suitcase
My goal is to be able to fit all my clothes and my daughter's clothes into a backpack. One suitcase has gifts and things that I'm going to leave in the USA, such as crafts my daughter made or important documents. The other suitcase is empty. You can also bring an empty carry-on bag which will allow you to take more back with you. Be careful though, some airlines weight carry-ons.

Leave things behind
I only go home once a year, but I still leave clothes behind. I have a couple days' worth of clothing at my parents house that I wear when I go back.

Plan ahead
I start making my shopping list the day I get back to Korea. Over the course of the year I can see what I really want to buy when I'm back in the USA. Somethings I'm able to get online, other things people buy for me when they go home, and other things I decide I don't really want. By doing this I'm sure I'll only get things that I really want.

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Teaching Abroad and Saving Money

Money's always an issue. Some countries pay more than others. Many people will say that TEFL teachers are grossly underpaid, but others say that money's not that important.

Where to Teach and Retire
You can find some info about the highest paying countries in What's the Best Country To Teach English In? As a teacher you probably won't get rich, but here's a list of countries where you can afford to retire in style. There are also a number of good books about retiring abroad out there.

Budgeting and Earning More
No matter where you are you should learn how to budget and start saving now. If you've good qualifications and experience you should consider asking for a higher salary, more perks, or more benefits. ISR has an article about negotiating a higher salary and people who decide to change careers and get into education.

If you're looking at doing some extra work you could take on more education jobs or try working online.

The exchange rate is also something to take into consideration if you're being paid in the local currency. Check out Can You Afford to Take This Job? for more info. 

International Schools
If you'd like to teach at an international school look at Best and Worst School Benefit Packages, as well as Schools With High Savings Potential, and finally For-Profit vs Non-Profit $chools.

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Can You Apply to Jobs You've Previously Turned Down?

As with most things it depends. It can be awkward to apply for a job that you had been offered but for some reason decided not to accept it. There are a couple reasons why I think it's ok to applied for a job when you were previously offered it but decided not to accept it.

Things change and even though you didn't accept the job, there's still a chance that you might be offered it again. Below are some situations that might cause you to re-apply to the job that you turned down.

1. Your situation has changed

• Maybe you turned down a job in order to study.
• Or possibly because your partner was unwilling to move.

2. The job you actually accepted isn't as good as you thought

• You might not have accepted the job because it was your second choice and your first choice offered you your dream job. All that glitters isn't gold though; the job you accepted might not have turned out the way you thought it would.

3. The job itself changed

• Maybe the pay they offered you was too low but now they're offering more.
• The benefits package might have changed: less hours, a bigger bonus, housing or an allowance, or the vacations are longer.

4. The Director Of Studies or Hiring Director has changed

• In the TEFL world DOSes come and go. If there's a new DOS you've got a better chance of being asked for an interview even though you turned them down before.
• If you turned the job down because the previous DOS wasn't good, then you might want to accept the job with a new DOS.

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Teachers Have Few Rights If They're Independent Contractors

From carolinaaccounting.com

There's a famous hagwon here in Korea which likes to hire teachers as independent contracts. CDI, or Chungdam Institute, one of the top hagwons in Korea regularly does this.

While some people like this since there are less deductions, no health insurance or pension is taken out, other people dislike it for this exact reason. Here's the low down on ICs (independent contractors).

• No housing
• No pension (you have to pay the employer and employee contribution)
• No health insurance (you have to pay the employer and employee contribution)
• No severance
• No maternity leave
• No guarantee that they will allow you to add jobs to your visa
• No paid vacation
• Paid per hour so could make decent money

Here are some more articles about ICs in Korea.

• ESLCafe: Independent Contractor - making it work for you.
• ESLCafe: Please clear up this independent contractor busin
• Hi Expat: Chungdam, Native English teachers in dispute

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Top 7 Places to Learn English

The following post is from a guest blogger.

From chubblywubbly.com

English is the language of International business and tourism and therefore in the 21st century is an important, if not an essential, skill. You can tirelessly flick through the text books and cram the grammar all you like, but the best way to master a language, at least conversationally, is by spending time in an English speaking country. Immerse yourself in your learning and allow it to become part of everyday life. If you wonder where, here are some suggestions.

London, England 
It may seem like an obvious choice but living in the English capital to hone your language skills could be the perfect choice. Firstly, London is often described as the world’s culture capital. This means that locals are very open minded and with 100 different languages spoken and cuisine from every corner of the world available on its streets, you´ll never feel like an outsider. London also attracts international students from all over the world, so you will have the opportunity to create a global network of friends. London is a thriving and exciting city known for fashion, entertainment and music. You´ll never be short of things to do due to the many tourist attractions, nightlife, theatres and shopping...

Torbay, England 
If the big city isn’t for you, how about the seaside? Torbay is a coastal town in Devon in the south of England. Nicknamed the English Riviera, Torbay is part of a cluster of towns stretching along the coastline, each with their own individual character. The nicest climate in the UK can be found here so you can enjoy the charming harbors and sandy beaches in the sun. The typical English town benefits primarily from tourism but next in line is the amount of English learners, meaning again you can make friends from all over the world.

Gozo, Malta 
You probably won´t have considered Malta´s sister island, Gozo. Sat in the Mediterranean Sea to the south of Italy, people often think the island may lack interest. However, although Gozo is smaller than Malta, it is also greener and more rural and life moves at a much more leisurely pace. This could be right up your street! Malta is often known as a tranquil heaven with pristine waters, beautiful coastline and has some of the best diving sites in the world. Also Malta is only half an hour away by ferry for day trips. Many people go to Gozo to learn English, meaning a strong student scene has emerged.

Silema, Malta 
But if you prefer the mainland, the beautiful seaside town of Silema is a popular tourist spot. The locals are known for their friendliness and hospitality and you will be able to relax in the warm, relaxed atmosphere. This makes Malta one of the safest places to live, which is perfect for English courses for children. Silema is full of shops, bars and restaurants and whilst you’re there you will be able to visit the many historical sites that Malta has to offer. Learn English in the former British colony whilst enjoying the Mediterranean beaches and yacht filled harbors.

Cape Town, South Africa 
Cape Town is one of the most iconic cities in the world and for good reason. Sitting on the seafront, it is the second largest city in South Africa and its legislative capital. It is full of color, excitement and natural beauty. By learning English in Cape Town you will actually live next to one of the 7 wonders of the nature, the Table Mountain. There are many things to see and do, such as the V & A waterfront. It is the place for dining, shopping and boat trips.

Fort Lauderdale, USA 
Want to experience life in the “sun shine state”? Fort Lauderdale lies on the east coast of Florida and has all you could ask for including coffee shops, restaurants, the famous Fort Lauderdale beach and the trendy Las Olas Boulevard. Whilst in Fort Lauderdale, you can enjoy great weather, a holiday atmosphere, travel to the Florida Keys or Port Everglade and enjoy miles of quality beaches.

Goa, India 
Goa is a former Portuguese colony which has created an intriguing culture, home to both Roman Catholics and Hindus. The architecture is a mixture of traditional Roman Catholic style buildings and authentic Indian temples. You can enjoy the best of Indian in terms of spicy foods, great weather, natural beauty and glorious beaches away from the craziness of some of India´s cities such as Bangalore or Delhi.

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TEFL Teachers: Is the Grass Always Greener?

More often than not it’s not greener. I remember teaching at a university and thought that it would be great to teach at an international school. When I got a job offer from an international school, I jumped at it.

A couple months later I realised even though it was an IBO school, it wasn’t that good. Lots of office politics and hoops to jump through to do the simplest things, like getting copies had to be approved by two different people and took at least a day to get. Not to mention the pressure from the parents and admin.

Moving country can often have its issues as well. You might think another country will be great. And often it is, for a bit. Then you start to run into the same problems you had before.

No job or country is perfect. Although I’m a pessimisstic person by nature, I try to see the positive side of the job and country that I’m in at the moment.

There’s often a trade-off involved. Maybe you don’t make heaps of money, but you have great a great teaching schedule, light load and great vacation. Or maybe you’re making hand over fist but working a ton of hours.

Remember that the while the grass may be greener on the other side of the fence all you have to do is water your lawn! Look for the positive rather than the negative and you’ll realise that the grass is often greener where you already are.

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6 Items that Make a Job Ideal

I checked out Cool Careers for Dummies from my local library when I was home this summer. I found out that while people talk about making tons of money, it’s not at the top of the list when it comes to what people are looking for in an ideal job. The book stated 6 items that people list when they think about their ideal job.I definitely recommend this book. It makes for an interesting read. You can buy it from Amazon or Book Depository.

1. Great boss and great co-workers. It helps to work with good people. Having a boss that’s not breathing down your neck all the time is also worth its weight in gold. 
2. Moderate workload. No one wants to burn the midnight oil, take work home with them, or work on the weekends. 
3. Interesting work. Doing something that’s not mind-numbingly boring has a lot going for it. 
4. Moderate stress level. Tons of responsibilities and stress lead to a horrible work environment. 
5. Able to win at office politics. We all know that we can’t get rid of office politics, so the next best thing is being able to win at them. 
6. Fair compensation. You don’t have to be a millionaire, but everyone wants to be paid what they’re worth.

It also discusses 6 things that a boss should do to ensure they hire the best people.

1. Do simulations at interviews.
2. Ask for 10 references. Call all of them at night after they've gone home, this way the onus is on them to call you and it's an easy out for them if the person wasn't a good employee. Ask them only to call you back if that person is outstanding. Only hire that person if at least 7 people call back.
3. Inspire, don't micromanage.
4. Communicate well.
5. Be good at chairing meetings.
6. Be ethical.

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Cool Link: ABC Teach

If you teach K-8 or at an international school, then take a look at ABC Teach. They've got lots of free materials, like subjects, reading comprehension, holidays, ABCs, interactive, as well as sections divided by levels, and even a special needs section. It's easy to navigate, bright, and colourful.

There is also a tools section which allows you to generate all types of worksheets such as games like bingo and sudoku, or activity sheets, spelling, and ABCs.

They also have a paid membership section which costs about $40 a year. They also have discounts for groups, schools, and districts.

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Cool Link: ESL-Kids

Simple, well organised, yet chocked full of good stuff, ESL-Kids has flashcards, worksheets, in-class activities, songs, and games that you can use with young learners and children.

Their flashcards have topics such as actions, the ABCs, animals, holidays, family, 123s, and jobs. Their worksheet section is great because you have two choices: you can choose pre-set ones or make your own. There are writing practice worksheets, text, tracing, matching, multiple choice, drawing, spelling, and games that you can make with their worksheet generator. The songs and games section is definitely worth a visit since kids love singing and always beg for games. Check out ESL-Kids if you teach children, your students will love you for it.

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Cool Link: Child Fun

If you teach young learners or children, take a look at Child Fun. It's not aimed specifically at ESL or EFL, but they still have lots of material that you can use in your classroom.

They've got holidays, themes, recipes, games, crafts, colouring pages, tips for teaching children, and life in general as well as information for parents and providers.  They've got an active forum available too. Check out their site and see if you can use anything in your classes this week.

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Cool Link: ESL Kid Stuff

If the colours don't grab your attention, the content will. ESL Kid Stuff is made for children learning English. They've got tons of material, such as flashcards, worksheets, lesson plans, games, songs, holiday, class tips, articles, and links to help you out.

The downside? You've got to pay to get access to all of this. The good news is that it's only $25, so you could spring for it, or ask your boss to pay. You can see some of their flashcards, worksheets, and classroom management tips for free.

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Cool Link: Super Teacher Worksheets

Super Teacher Worksheets is dedicated to providing teachers with great worksheets for a variety of subjects. They have ELA - Language Arts, which is useful if you teach ESL or EFL.

They also have core subjects, such as math, reading and writing, phonics (for teaching English to young learners), grammar (which also might be of interest to ESL and EFL teachers), spelling, science and social studies as well as holiday worksheets. Their puzzles and brain teasers are worth checking out no matter what subject you teach.

There's also a teacher helpers section which has teaching tools, award certificates, and sticker charts. Super Teacher Worksheets is incredibly well organised and everything is easy to find, so take a look and see if there's anything you can use in your classroom.


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Hot Topic: Unpaid Vacations

One of the great perks about being a teacher is the vacation time.  Many ESL and EFL teachers get between 2 weeks and 2 months off. The lucky ones get even more time off, like those in Korea who get 5 months.

However, the problem is that some schools are making these breaks unpaid vacations by creating contracts that only last 10 months. This way the school only pays the teacher for the time they're at school and not on holiday.

Some people like this since it guarantees them time off and gives them the chance to teach at a camp or two. Other people don't like this since they'd prefer to stay with one school and earn money. 

What do you think?
Is money more important to you than free time?  Do you prefer 10 or 12 month contracts? 

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Cool Link: First School

If you teach young learners, you're going to want to check out First School.  They have preschool activities and crafts, such as themes and activities.  From the alphabet to holidays to colouring pages to crafts, they have a lot of ideas that will help you out in the classroom. First School is a simple very well organised site with lots of useful info.


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Cool Link: Unique Teaching Resources

Unique Teaching Resources is geared towards reading and writing, but they have other material to help teachers in the classroom as well.

Their section on positive reinforcement is great for students of all ages and particularly in early childhood education as it can help with classroom management and discipline.

If you're working with young learners, you might want to check out their teaching resources for months and holidays.  They have a lot of neat ideas there. Teenagers, adult beginners, and intermediate students would also benefit. 

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Cool Link: ESL PDF

ESL PDF has free worksheets for teachers. They have a lot of the basics, such as vocab, grammar, and phrasal verbs.They even have holiday worksheets.

The grammar section is pretty extensive and you can get worksheets for free. They're definitely worth checking out!

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Teaching English to Young Learners

Updated 24 February 2012

• You can find lots of material for lesson plans online.
• Check out the ebook: Teaching English to young learners
• If you teach primary students you might try looking at primary teacher training.
• Want to be an au pair / nanny? Look at working holiday visas and short-term jobs.

Change Activities Often

• Young children simply can’t pay attention for a longer period of time and will start fidgeting.

Move Around

• TPR (Total Physical Response) is great for children."Simon Says", "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes", and "Do What I Say Not What I Do" are some examples.
• Children love to be active and move around.
• Try giving rambunctious children leadership roles. Have them hand out papers, collect game pieces, etc. It will keep them busy, quiet and make them feel important.

Games and Holidays

• Forget boring fill in the blank activities. Put those questions on a game board instead.
• Card games work well as well.
• Try MES English for game ideas and templates.
• Holidays are a great way to teach children English and culture so try to integrate them into your lessons.

Group Children Differently

• Children learn just as much from their peers as they do their teacher.
• They can learn to work together in addition to language skills.
• When you pair students up they can sit side-by-side, face-to-face, back-to-back, or even on opposite sides of the room.
• Small groups work well around a table or sitting on the floor.

 
Rewards

• Rather than punishing students for bad behaviour, try rewarding them for good behaviour.
• Praise, stickers, stamps, and little gifts are wonderful ways to reward students that behave well.
• Watch what happens when you compliment one student on sitting properly in his chair, all the others will quickly sit up straight because they want to be praised as well.

 
Discipline is Key

• Try Star Lotto. At the beginning of class draw six stars on the board. When you want them to be quiet start counting down from ten and if you reach zero erase a star. At the end of class have a student draw a number. Numbers need to be from one to six. If a student gets a number that is equal to or less than the stars on the board, then the class gets a sticker on their Star Lotto chart. Once they get a certain number of stickers the class gets a prize.
• Use signals for silence. Have a signal, such as putting your hands on your head, then clapping three times and then sitting up straight. Students will be able to see you and know that you want them to be quiet even if they can’t hear you. TEFL dot net has some ideas for calming down a pre-school class.
• Make sure students understand the rules.You might need them to be translated into their native language.
• Demonstrate how to do something with a couple of students in front of the class. That way if they don’t understand English they can see what they have to do.
• Realise that boys and girls act very differently. Try reading how boys and girls learn differently for more info.

Learn More
If you're looking for online courses, check out How to Teach Young Learners offered by International House and Oxford TEFL.

This article has been published in the ELT Times.

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