Support TEFL Tips

This is going to be my 8th year of blogging and over the years I've been able to help people and give them advice through blog posts, comments, and emails. If you'd like to give back, there are a couple of ways you could help support the TEFL Tips.

From motivenutrition.com

1. Tell a friend.
2. Like TEFL Tips on Facebook.
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4. Subscribe to the RSS.
5. Check out the ebooks and services that I recommend.
6. Advertise with guest posts or text link ads.
7. Donate through Paypal (naturegirl321@yahoo.com)

Thanks so much for reading TEFL Tips!
Sharon

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It's the Little Things in Life

Things are always stressful at this time of year. There are holiday parties, end of the semester grades, and for some of us it's the end of the school year. It's always a frantic couple of weeks for me. Here are a couple things to help you relax that I got from a past co-worker as well as from Self-Care Goals.

• Getting a good night’s sleep
• Crying with laughter
• Sleeping in
• Sleeping in freshly washed sheets
• Making someone smile
• Catching up with a friend
• Morning coffee
• Popping bubble wrap
• Curling up on the sofa with a good book
• Listening to a baby laugh
• Watching a sleeping baby
• Getting a massage, manicure, or pedicure. Or all three!
• Getting into bed after a long, hard day
• Taking an afternoon nap
• Getting a nice compliment from someone
• Breakfast in bed
• Looking at old photos
• Eating takeout
• Enjoying the first snowfall of the winter
• Having dinner or drinks with friends
• A cold beer after work
• Browsing in a bookstore
• Going to the movies or a show
• Getting tipsy
• Getting a haircut or a new hairstyle
• Getting dressed up for a night out 
• Taking yourself out on a date and enjoying your favorite activities
• Making your favorite meal or trying out a new recipe
• Stretching 
• Eating fruit daily
• Going on a weekend getaway
• Seeing a museum exhibit
• Organising your office, room , kitchen, or closet
• Drinking tea
• Journaling
• Making holiday cards

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F Visa Info on Will Wiggle's Blog

A couple weeks ago I wrote about a new blog for teachers in Korea and linked to the Private School Act (in Korean and English) on Will Wiggle's blog. Will Wiggle contacted me and asked if I knew anything new about the F visas (F2-S /F2-7, F2-99, and F5-A) in Korea.

I had previously been asked by Chris in South Korea (now writing for Travel Wire Asia) to write about F visas for those not married to Koreans, so I updated the info and sent it over to Will Wiggle. You can read more about them at wouldn't you like an F visa?

Once you get your F visa you could check out AFEK (started by Mike Yates aka Scouse Mouse on Dave's ESL Cafe and highly supported by T-J. Though AFEK has gotten a bad rap since they started due to a fight with ATEK. The owner has banned most of the users, threatened several prominent community members, and generally just killed the site.) or Geoju (started by crossmr on Dave's ESL Cafe and seems to be a much better group) or ExpatHell (which has an invitation-only forum).

Your Opinion 
What do you think about TEFLing in Korea?

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TEFL Tips Was Voted Best Education Blog

TEFL Tips has been voted the "Best Education Blog" in the World Media Awards. What are the WMA's about? Their goal is to recognize the year’s most successful bloggers and publishers. People from around the world submitted their favorites and our team of judges evaluated all of the finalists.

The World Media Awards recognizes successful bloggers and publishers from across the globe. To see all of the 2012 winners, visit the World Media Awards website.

"I am thrilled to help shine a spotlight on some of the best blogs from around the world. I think it's important to hold up examples of bloggers and publishers doing great things." -- Murray Newlands, Founder

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Can You Ever Go Back Home?

This article has been published in HLT Magazine in February 2012. You can read the article here.

You also might want to take a look at Checklist for Returning Back Home and ISR's Going Home to Stay.

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Guest Posts

Guest posts allow website owners to expand their readership base and promote their site. For more information please contact Crystal Stemberger, Marketing Director at Budgeting in the Fun Stuff (tefltipsblog@gmail.com) and put "Advertising on TEFL Tips" in the subject line. 

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Advertise on TEFL Tips

Years of writing free blogs for English teachers has helped me to develop an solid readership base. TEFL Tips is a PR3 and gets visitors from all over the world. If you have products, services or courses geared towards TEFL and TESL teachers, then please read on and find out how we could work together.

For more information, please contact Crystal Stemberger, Marketing Director at Budgeting in the Fun Stuff (tefltipsblog@gmail.com) and put "Advertising on TEFL Tips" in the subject line. 

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Raising Bilingual Children

This article has been published in HLT Magazine in June 2011. You can read the article here.

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World Media Awards

The following is a guest post by Murray Newlands

Blogging Awards: Why you Should Participate

There are a lot of very good bloggers and publishers doing excellent work, and those who stand out deserve to have their hard work recognized, relate with each other, and see their readerships grow. That’s why the World Media Awards exist- to recognize and reward great contributions to media from bloggers and publishers.

In my own career, I’ve learned and benefited so much from others that I wanted to help establish some way to give back to an industry I love show appreciation to the up-and-coming leaders. The World Media Awards will culminate in a 1 day event in San Francisco that will celebrate the best in blogging, forums, publishing and media from around the world.

So if you are a world-class blogger, why should you enter?

1. Get Recognized- You Deserve It!
You put a lot of work into making your blog incredible. You know it and your readers know it. The World Media Awards is a way for you to get authoritative recognition from other bloggers and industry experts. That recognition will help you grow your readership, make new collaborative connections, and hopefully have great moments that make all the late nights even more rewarding.

2. Meet Other Bloggers Who Care
Blogging, forums and most other on-line media is about conversation and interaction, but sometimes it’s easy to end up pecking away behind a monitor in your office or home all alone. Meeting other bloggers and publishers keeps the fire lit and the conversation going. When you enter the World Media Awards, you’ll be listed alongside other bloggers and publishers who put the same level of pleasure, care and work into making their blog top notch.

3. Expose Yourself to New Partners
If your blog or forum is part of your business, being part of the World Media Awards will increase your exposure by putting your name in front of numerous visitors to our site and the award ceremony. That means you can find out who else is doing very good work, strut your own stuff, and expand your network of contacts and collaborators. You can learn how to become a blogging success.

4. Make Yourself Irresistible to Clients
What helps your chances at winning that next pitch more than extending your network? Telling that network that you are the winner of a World Media Award. Winning an award shines a light on your achievements, and it serves as an example of the commitment, engagement and exacting standards you apply to your work.

5. Be Part of the Beginning of Something Big
Because 2012 is the first year for these awards, you have the one-time benefit to be the inaugural winner and set the standard for the World Media Awards in your category. Getting in on the ground floor of these awards will open doors for you as a blogger and a publisher.

The bottom line is, the World Media Awards will shine a spotlight on the year’s most prosperous bloggers and publishers, and on the companies and businesses that serve and interact with them.

Now is your chance to be one of them.
The sponsors include Growmap, Pace Lattin, VigLink and Trancos. World Media Award judges include Steve Hall, Sarah Austin, Chang Kim, Julie Wohlberg, Pierre Zarokian, Ivka Adam, Cheryl Contee, Krystyl Baldwin, Adrian Harris, Jeremy Wright, Rob Bloggeries, Dave Duarte, Tanya Alvarez, Dana Oshiro, Tom Foremski, and Judith Lewis. hashtag #wmads on Twitter.

Media partners include Adrants, Bloggeries, MediaVision, The Affiliate Marketing Awards, Read Write Web, My Blog Guest, Web Traffic Control and FeedBlitz.

Murray Newlands is author of How to Make a Blog Book and Online Marketing; a User Guide. He is also founder of the Affiliate Marketing Awards. Born in the UK, he now spends his time in San Francisco and New York. Murray works for Audience Mindshare and consults for Trancos Ins as well as being an advisor for VigLink. Currently he is working on his new book: The Email Marketing Book.

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Teaching the Teachers

Updated 26 September 2014

This article has been published in Voices by IATEFL in the November / December 2011 issue and the March / April 2012 issue. You might also be interested in becoming a teacher trainer.

nomad soul from Dave's ESL Cafe has some good advice for teachers wanting to get into training. 

If you're looking for online courses, check out How to Train the Trainers offered by International House.

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On vacation

I'm off to Romania in an attempt to get my paperwork done.You can read more about it at my blog: Romanian Citizenship.

I'll be back on the 20th of August. However, I'll be leaving again on the 23rd to go to the Philippines for a babymoon. I will get back to Korea on the 28th of August just in time for classes to start.

I won't be posting anything else until I get back, but you can check out my other blogs. After I get back, I'll post the Poll Results and ESL Carnival retroactively on the 7th and the 21st. I'll start the hot topics, cool links, and quick tips again in September.

Hope you have a good rest of the summer!
Sharon

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Korean F2-S (F2-7), F2-99, and F5A Visas

Updated 6 April 2016

I highly suggest you join F Visa Help on Facebook. Many members there have gone through the process of getting their own F visas.

Here is a document with all the F2-7, F2-99, and F5-A options. Here is the F2-7 English version and the F2-7 Korean version. 

F2 and F5 visas are fantastic because they aren't tied to your employer. However, your employer may still prohibit you from working elsewhere even if you have an F visa. Traditionally these visas were only available to those married to Koreans. However, now there are 3 ways to get an F2 and an F5 even if you're not married to a Korean.

Hi Korea has a sojourn guide for foreigners. It's over 300 pages long. If you go to Hi Korea and then click on the visa/sojourn guide on the top right you can see it.


F2-S aka F2-7 
This is the points visa which they keep making harder and harder to get. Supposedly in December 2015 they will be easing the requirements. But for now, in order to apply you have to have had your E1, E2, E3, E4, E5, or E7 Visa for at least one year and to get 80 points out of 120. Here is the F2-S English version and the F2-S Korean version. Here is a guide with part 1, part 2, and part 3.

Your dependents will get an F2-3 visa. See this thread for more info. You should also check immigration's website, which says 본 인, 배우자 및 그 미성년 자녀에게 거주자격(F-2)을 부여하여 기존의 체류자격에 관계없이 자유로운 취업활동이 보장되며, 1회 부여 체류기간의 상한이 3년으로 확대됩니다. It states that you, your spouse, and your dependent children will all get F-2s.  

The KIIP (Korean Immigration and Immigration Programme) has two parts: Korean Language and Korean Culture. In order to go directly into the Culture Programme you need to have about TOPIK level 4 or get 90 out of 100 points on the pre-test. There are 6 levels: level 0 to level 5. Level 0-4 is the language part and level 5 is the culture part. Level 0 is 15 hours. Levels 1-4 are 100 hours each and last 10 weeks. Level 5 is 50 hours and lasts 5 weeks. This means that the whole KIIP programme takes 1.5 years. You might be able to attend the online course if you qualify.

If you've done volunteer work in Korea, you’ll need a 봉사활동인증서 /a 봉사활동확인서 in order to prove it.

Old info, no longer valid: You can find a chart at Korea 4 Expats and info at Dave's ESL Cafe. It seems to be getting harder and harder, look at what pacificman (a D-8 visa holder) went through.

F2-99 or F5-A
The former (F2-99) is a long-term sojourner (Visit Hi Korea, this post and this post on Dave's.) Welshguy got this visa in January 2011. If you get the F2-99 your dependents should be able to get an F2 as well. You should apply for their visa at the same time that you apply for yours. If you apply afterwards they may not be able to get the F2. 

The latter (F5-A) is permanent residency. Also check Hi Korea and Dave's ESL Cafe. Supposedly you need fewer documents if you apply for the F5-A, but it is harder to get. Most people try to get the F2-99 first. If you have an E1 it's easier to go straight to the F5-A than if you have an E2. Some immigration officers ask for all of these documents, others only ask for some. If you have an F5, your dependents can definitely get the F2.

• You'll need to be on the same visa for 5 years (i.e. no visa runs) as an E1-E5, E7 visa. You can change visa types, ie changing from an E2 to an E1 as long as you don't have a visa run. If you spend more than 3 months at a time out of Korea it won't count towards the 5 years.
• You need to write a 4 page essay (it should be 4 pages when translated into Korean) on how you contributed to Korea in the past, how you'll contribute to Korea in the future, and why you want the visa. Get it translated into Korean. 
• Proof of residency. You can show your lease or get a document from your gu office. You might also have to have your lease verified by the gu office. 
• Tax forms to prove you pay taxes in Korea. Supposedly, you can only get the tax forms that you need in May from the tax office.
• Criminal background check from your home country. If you've recently submitted one, you might not need one. ie, get one anyways just in case.  
• Criminal background check from Korea.
• Korean: you must have at least TOPIK level 2. Good news is that they're dumbing down the TOPIK. If you've been here on the same visa for 10+ years they usually waive this requirement. If you complete the entire KIIP program you don't have to take the TOPIK. I also know of people who have been given the F2-99 with TOPIK level 1. It's certainly worth a shot to apply, especially if you have been here longer than 5 years and have more than the minimum monetary requirement.
• Income: you must have at least 30 million in the bank / down on an apartment OR make at least 26 million a year legally. This amount changes annually as it's the GNI of Korea. You must have documents to prove this. The bank will issue you a special document called 예금/신탁잔액증명서. It costs 2,000 won and you can't make any transactions for the day. The gu will give you a document if your money is down on your apartment. Your school will give you an income certificate if you're showing your salary, 원천징수영수증.
• Proof of employment, 재직 증명서, for past and present jobs. 
• Copy of your contract.
• If you have an E1 visa, supposedly there is no income requirement, but they do require you to get a reference letter from your university president. Allegedly. If you can't get one, try for the visa anyways. Most admin offices have a stamp with his signature on it, so it's not as hard as you'd think it would be to get.
• Any diplomas, certificates, or degrees that you have you should bring.  Master’s degrees, TEFL certificates, Korean language certificates, etc would work. People have said this helps.
• Application form and fee.  
• Passport, ARC, and photo.
• No longer required as of July 2012: A Korean has to sponsor you by filling out 신원보증서.  The higher up they are (ex. doctor, lawyer, government official, CEO, professor, administrator, etc) the better is it. Some immigration officers may still require you to have this!

F5-A due to Korean Degree
Kimmi is actually easing visa requirements. Here's the article about getting permanent residency if you have graduated from a Korean university.

• Application form #34 and fee.  
• Passport, ARC, and photo
• Letter of Guarantee from a Korean national stating they will be responsible for you if you get into legal trouble and cannot pay (downloadable on immigration's website)
• Housing contract 
• Last year's tax statement from the NTS as proof of salary (you need to make around 25 million to qualify)
• Business registration certificate from current employer 
• Korean university degree
• Proof of employment, 재직 증명서
• You need to have lived in Korea for at least 3 consecutive years 

Changing from an F2-S or F2-99 to an F5-A
It takes about 4-6 months to get an F5-A visa and you can't leave the country while your application is in process. You will also need a new criminal background check from your home country.

Option 1: Wait 2-3 years and apply. I've been told that some places will accept you after 2 years. I know of one person who applied after 18 months.

Option 2: You can apply for the F5 immediately after you get the F2-99 (but not the F2-7) if you fulfill two requirements.

• Prove that you legally earn double what an average Korean does (i.e., the Gross National Income (GNI). Some people say you only need to earn what the GNI is. In 2014 it became 26 million won. Kimmi cannot refuse your application, which costs about 230,000 won. (You used to need three times the GNI.) You'll need an income certificate from your employer,
  원천징수영수증.
• Pass TOPIK level 2. (You used to need TOPIK level 5.) Good news is that they're dumbing down the TOPIK.

On immigration's English website it has the old information. However, the Korean version has the new information. You can see the Korean version through Welshguy’s post.



Lawyers
You might also want to consider getting a lawyer. A friend of mine also recommended this one: Union TNC, Seoul, Jongro-gu, kyong eun dong, SK Building, 1st floor, Office 113. (Its by Anguk Station).Tel: 02-318-5274; Email:uniontnc@gmail.com

Your Opinion 
What do you think about TEFLing in Korea?


Also published at Chris in South Korea.

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Getting Published

This article has been published in Voices by IATEFL in the May / June 2011 issue. You might also be interested in reading tips for getting published.

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How to Teach Private Classes

This article has been published in HLT Magazine in June 2011. You can read the article here. You might also be interested in reading getting private students and these tutoring guides.

If you're looking for online courses, check out How to Teach 1-to-1 classes offered by International House and Oxford TEFL.

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Teaching Business English

This article has been published in HLT Magazine in October 2011. You can read the article here. You might also be interested in more tips for teaching Business English.

If you're looking for online courses, check out How to Teach Business English offered by International House, Oxford TEFL, St. George International, The Consulatants-E.

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Getting Your Dream Job

This article has been published in Voices by IATEFL in the May / June 2011 issue. Or read more about how to get your dream job.

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Reader Reviews

Here are some of the reviews I've gotten from readers. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, send them to me at naturegirl321@yahoo.com
Thanks
Sharon

2014
"Your site is proving to be very useful, especially for Korean unis." Nick, November 2014


2012
"Thank you for sharing, Sharon. Your a shining star--don't ever let your light go out or let anyone blow it out. Your gonna make it." Holly, October 2012.

"Best to you, Sharon, I know you have always extended yourself to help people on this site. I have always held you in high regard." fortunatekooky from Dave's ESL Cafe, July 2012.

 "It seems like you are the guru!" roman510 from Dave's ESL Cafe, July 2012.

 "Thanks a million, Sharon! That's a great resource you got there - very helpful! Cheers!!" Dee Gnarls, February 2012.

"I can't even begin to describe how helpful your website has been...and I just discovered it today!" Katie, 17 January 2012.

2011
 "Thank you very much! You wrote a very well researched and detailed article. All the best :)"
sohniye from Dave's ESL Cafe, August 2011.

"You're my knight in shining armor. As you've probably noticed, I'm undecided about where to go. These leads your giving me are very helpful. I really appreciate it." madhatter109 from Dave's ESL Cafe, August 2011.

"I read thoroughly both of the articles you posted; they have a dizzying amount of information, complete with sub-links to resources, websites, and aid. I'm very grateful for this. I believe I'll be spending the day poring over these articles and the many others found on TEFL Tips.

Thanks for your help in the threads, too, btw. If things work out for me wherever I go, I'll be sure to send a personal thank you. If you have any more information you feel like sending my way, don't let me stop you, either." Jonikiro from Dave's ESL Cafe, August 2011

"Thanks, Sharon! This is exactly the type of info that i was looking for! I especially like the EU page." Castanett from Dave's ESL Cafe, July 2011.

"Love the new look of your blog!! maria1001 from Dave's ESL Cafe, July 2011.

"Many, many thanks. Your input is extremely valuable, and I truly appreciate the time and information. Best of luck to you, and thank you again" Russell, July 2011

"You write some REALLY in-depth, informative blogs! Way to go. Best of luck on getting your Romanian Citizenship." luv2travel from Dave's ESL Cafe, June 2011

"I went over the links you gave me. They were SO helpful, thank you again for providing them to me!" liquidhazel from Dave's ESL Cafe, June 2011

"I think you are remarkable for responding to so many questions from strangers. :-)" Sandra D., June 2011.

"Well damn! Thank you!" think_balance from Dave's ESL Cafe, June 2011.

"Really good info again. The new info is under the Spain section, correct? I see you've added the CIEE program, among others. Would you mind if I posted these in this forum, NatureGirl? I don't want to steal your thunder, but I'd like to get as much relevant info in the thread as possible." elameire from Dave's ESL Cafe, June 2011.

"I will be graduating this summer. I am still looking for a program for my certification. Do you think Language Corps or TEFL International is a good choice, are they reputable? Also I am thinking of either getting in Japan, Korea or Europe. Your advice means a lot to me. Thanks." lamhung_502 from Dave's ESL Cafe, June 2011.

"Thank you! What an informative site! Thanks also for your many contributions at Dave's too." DLat from Dave's ESL Cafe, June 2011.

"Thanks very much, a wealth of information!" nz_taniwha from Dave's ESL Cafe, May 2011.

"You sent me a lot of Peru links a while back. It was very helpful." jooooooey from Dave's ESL Cafe, May 2011.

"Cheers for the info. You sound like a really nice person. Wish I knew someone like you during my brief time in Korea. Knew a few decent people but they were out numbered by weird ones :) Take care and we'll speak again." demitrescou from Dave's ESL Cafe, May 2011.

"Thanks, naturegirl - this is extremely helpful!" rotemmay from Dave's ESL Cafe, May 2011.

"I just wanted to say I've found your posts and Latin America Forum very informative." maria1001 from Dave's ESL Cafe, May 2011.

"A lot of work has gone into it! Good job, Nature Girl!" dmocha from Dave's ESL Cafe, April 2011.

"Ha! You're the one?! I came upon your site several months back during my research. You were the FIRST person that gave me hope regarding Europe. I will definitely be looking more into what you mentioned. This is incredibly encouraging. You have no idea how appreciative I am for this info. Anyway, I want to wish you and your husband many blessings on the soon to be new addition to your family. Congratulations! And once again, thank you so much for all of your insight! You are helping and encouraging many people." AndUrPointIs from Dave's ESL Cafe, April 2011.

"Hey, thanks that's a very useful site." CherieAT from Dave's ESL Cafe, April 2011.

"Thank you so much for the link! Your blog has all the information I've been trying to find on Dave's recently! It is bookmarked. Also, thank you for your time and input on the boards. I appreciate your posts and your advice to others has helped me out before. :)" Warda from Dave's ESL Cafe, March 2011.

"Just want to say thank you for your posts! You offer very usable, accurate information about options for teaching English in Spain. Your posts are
informed, accurate, and extensive." Angie929 from Dave's ESL Cafe, March 2011.

"naturegirl321, I can't thank you enough! Thanks for the PM and link to your Web site. Are there any tips/advice you have (I'm sure tons!)? Thank you thank you! You can't imagine how helpful and comforting your posts and PM's have been!! Thank you again!!!" tjc2120 from Dave's ESL Cafe, February 2011.

"You have helped me many times on my search for a job. I saw one of your other posts where you listed a bunch of sites for teaching in Europe. You are a bundle of knowledge. Thanks so much. I will keep up the search on International Schools and see where that leads me." deniserita from Dave's ESL Cafe. February 2011.


"Thanks so much for your informative response, its interesting to hear what its like on the ground:) Nice, your blog gives a really good overview of LA. " jimmy86 from Dave's ESL Cafe, February 2011.

"Thank you for the great information and kind words!" Cmozes from Dave's ESL Cafe, February 2011.

"I barely perused your site there, and I can already tell it will be immensely helpful. I will be spending some good time sifting through the different links this evening. I am truly grateful." Seamus from Dave's ESL Cafe, February 2011.

"I am once again in your debt, if you ever make it to Mexico City, I owe you a beer and a dinner of the best tacos in Mexico City. Your website is a wealth of information." TeresaLopez, Dave's ESL Cafe, February 2011.

"I discovered your blog just tonight and love it! It's just the thing I've been looking for to help guide me in my desire to continue my TEFL career. My next big step is getting my MA somewhere in the world... and it's a little daunting. Any input is greatly appreciated!" Jason M., February 2011.

"The articles were very helpful and I think your site is an amazing resource overall. I appreciate the time you took to do this!" smooches, Dave's ESL Cafe, February 2011.

"Your articles are awesome. Your site is extensive. I think you have researched and written about almost every topic that could conceivably come up for an ESL teacher. You should be making lots of money for your knowledge and work, kind of like Dave himself. I think it's all there, you just need to find a way to capitalize on it. I wish I could figure out how to be prolific the way you are." Zero from Dave's ESL Cafe, February 2011.

"I really respect your viewpoint as you have done so much in the industry and given so much back. Any advice or words of wisdom that you have would be greatly appreciated." Kate S., January 2011.

2010
"Just wanted to check with an expert. Nothing wrong with acknowledging that you are an expert on the ESL process. You took a great amount of time compiling the information for your blogs. And I consider myself a reasonably smart person. Since I found you during my research I think it is evidence that you are an authority figure on the subject." Jonathan L., December 2010.

"I wish there were more people like you, and you seem really dedicated to helping people in TEFL." Sara the Slytherin from Dave's ESL Cafe, December 2010.

"Perfect, wow, you really are a life saver :) Thank you so much for the help!" BtBedway from Dave's ESL Cafe, November 2010.

"As far as your blog is concerned, I spent a lot of time doing keyword/phrase searches and never came across it. There were a few great sites I came across using search engines, Dave's ESL being one of the best, but I never managed to find yours. And while Dave's ESL appears to have the best forum, your blog is by far the most informative and most helpful of any site that I have seen.Once again, I'm grateful for all your help and I'll be sure to let you know if any ideas for your site come to mind." leibowlips from Dave's ESL Cafe, October 2010.

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Teaching Speaking to ESL and EFL Students

This article has been published in HLT Magazine in April 2011. You can read the article here. You might also be interested in teaching speaking to ESL and EFL students. Take a look at the topics below as well.

• Grammar
• Listening
• Pronunciation
• Reading
• Vocabulary
• Writing

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How to be a Respectful Traveller

Updated 20 February 2012

General Tips for Tourists
Dressing like a tourist can be disrespectful to the local culture, cause you to pay more, and it can also make you a target for pickpockets. Here are some tips for traveling abroad. You should also check out reddit and journey women's what to wear where.

How to Blend in Physically

• Clothing. Cargo pants, shorts, halter tops, and sleeveless shirts aren't the norm in many parts of the world. Women who show their legs might get whistles, stares and air kisses. When in doubt cover up.
• Shoes. Ditch the flip flops and Birkenstocks; they’re beachwear. Opt for comfortable dress shoes.
• Nix the guidebook and a camera. Copy the necessary pages of your guidebook and put your camera in a backpack or purse. As for money and ID just take what you need and leave the rest in a safe place. Your passport, valuables, plane tickets, the bulk of your credit cards, and money should be left in the hotel safe. Make a copy of your passport and carry that around with you.

How to Blend in Socially

• Personal space. The personal space bubble is often smaller.
• Greetings. Air kisses, shaking hands, and bowing are common ways to greet people. Learn which ones you should use.
• Time. It may be more flexible than what you're used to.
• History and culture. Make an effort to learn a bit about the country’s history and culture before you go.
• Language. Try to learn a few simple phrases before you go abroad. Most people have a decent grasp of English so there’s no need to shout. If all else fails, try writing things down. People are often very helpful to foreigners.
• Local delicacies. Snake, dog, and wiggly things all might find their way onto your plate. Try it. Don't make comments about how gross or weird it is since many people think eating beef is gross.
• Use public transport. It tends to be cheaper and safer than taxis.
• Cheap prices. Although things might be considerably cheaper than in your home country, keep in mind that salaries might be lower. Don’t say how cheap things are because for those earning money in the local currency they’re not really that cheap.
• Remember the Thumper Rule. Remember you’re a guest. There are going to be some good things and some bad things. No one wants to hear how horrible their country is. If you don't like it, go home.
• More tips. Here are some more tips for travelling abroad. 

Also published in . . .
This article was originally published in Boots N All and has been modified to create this version.

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