1.  Prepare  Read about the culture of the people where you will be living. (Lonely Planet)  Talk to other people who have lived and taught where you will teaching.  Get teaching experience. (Volunteer, Observe)  Collect teaching materials and ideas.  Language teaching book  Grammar resource book  Writing textbook  Speaking/listening activities  Culture information about the United States  Photos of your hometown, home, family

2. (Each stage can last from 3 to 6 months)  Stage 1 – Excitement: Honeymoon Period. Feelings are very positive about the culture. Are overwhelmed with impressions. Find the new culture exotic and are fascinated. Are passive, meaning with little experience of the culture  Stage 2 – Withdrawal: Frustration Period. Begin to dislike the culture and react negatively to the behavior. Feel anxious. Start to withdraw. Begin to criticize, mock or show animosity to the people  Stage 3 – Adjustment: More settled and more confident  Understand and accept the behavior of the people  Feel less isolated  Regain a sense of humor  Stage 4 –Enthusiasm: The individual now feels 'at home’ Enjoys being in the culture Functions well in the culture Prefers certain cultural traits of the new culture rather than their own Adopts certain behaviors from the new culture

3. 1. Conditions that are not like home 2. Loneliness 3. Frustration 4. Different levels of efficiency 5. Different levels of organization 6. Different salary levels 7. Different respect for teachers 8. Different standard of living 9. Different relationships with the people 10. Different living conditions 11. Different food 12. Emotional drain

4. 1. Complain 2. Call home every minute 3. Seclude yourself 4. Act as though you know more than the people where you are living 5. Be late, be unprepared, be temperamental 6. Overwork 7. Be ungrateful or impolite 8. Make your country seem more important than theirs

5. 1. Be polite and accepting 2. Be grateful 3. Be punctual and prepared 4. Accept advice from the people of the culture you are living in 5. Tour and appreciate the new environment 6. Rest, refresh and exercise 7. Read about the culture 8. Learn the language where you are living 9. Get involved in a recreation or hobby of that culture

6.  Start the job search and application process early  Make use of online resources to review teaching opportunities and start contacting each of them  Select at least two or three countries where you want to pursue your international teaching career.  Write directly to job opportunities to inform them about your interest  Send job application materials including your resume, cover letter, transcripts, and several letters of recommendation  Evaluate opportunities by reviewing ads in online resources or other publications  Send your cover letter along with your comprehensive resume, a couple of letters of recommendation, your university transcripts, and TEFL certificate  Go to a recruitment fair for international teaching jobs  Follow up on your applications  Never be discouraged