English Toolbox Tips

A sneak preview of a work-in-progress. Sample paragraph:

You have a very strong attachment to family and friends.  Let’s face it: working overseas means you are going to be away from the people you love the most for extended periods of time.  You can telephone, exchange e-mails, and even use webcams and microphones on your computer to keep in touch; still, you won’t be sharing meals, movies or hugs with the people who are most important to you for a long, long time.  You will be surrounded by strangers, only a few of whom you can even speak with in English.  You are going to be homesick after the initial euphoria of the move wears off, and that condition will only increase as the months go by.  You need to think long and hard before accepting a job overseas and decide whether or not you can cope with such a prolonged separation.  If you can’t, you’re only going to be miserable every single day you’re there; moreover, you’ll probably quit the job and return home, leaving your students and employer in the lurch.  Those with elderly or sick parents should also consider whether they might need suddenly to return home due to a medical emergency or death, and even whether they would arrive in time.

Labels: EFL, teaching English, TEFL