Job Discussion Forums

droptheworld · Joined: 06 Aug 2004 Posts: 21

Hey guys, I'm moving to Spain in a few weeks to take a TEFL Course. AFter that's completed I'll stay in Spain or move to Italy. I don't want to overlook what I should pack. Are there items that you regret not bringing? I'll bring my BA and a suit and probably an mp3 player. I'm sure i'll bring some books, but overall, i have this feeling that i'll be missing something. So please chime in on this topic. thanks!

-scott

amewupp · Joined: 06 Aug 2004 Posts: 17 Location: Suzhou, PRC

I would definately bring a few books-some for you, and a couple on an easier reading level for your students. Pictures are great, especially when you're missing "back home." Also, anything that you are very particuliar about-shampoo, medications, etc-cause you never know if you'll be able to easily find it elsewhere, though in Spain/Italy, you shouldn't have too hard of a time finding most things. You'll have a great time-good luck! Smile

High Plains Drifter · Joined: 27 Jul 2004 Posts: 127 Location: Way Out There

I like to bring several picture postcards of my hometown, which has a rather spectacular skyline, to show my students. They're cheap, don't take up much room in your luggage, and are nice to show students, friends and colleagues. Tape them to the wall of your office in case you aren't homesick enough.

You may also want to bring a book or some brochures, etc. with big (so you can hold them up in front of the class) color pictures of you country's national parks, scenic wonders, historical sites, etc. The students will be interested in learning more about your country and they will see that it isn't all [insert stereotype here] as some people think.

Bring a year's supply of whatever nonperishable goodies you're fond of that you can't get where you're going. Of course without having been there before, how would you know?

If you're going to use electrical gizmos from home, you will likely find whatever adapter or convertor necessary to do so, but you may not find extension cords. Bring a couple.

Also, extra socks and underwear. They may not sell what you're used to (or anything remotely like it), and you will want to have enough to last you at least a couple of weeks because there's no telling how big a pain it will be to do laundry.

A Sprint Global One or AT & T calling card. I hate both of them because it infuriates me when I can't call 800 numbers from abroad, but it doesn't cost anything to sign up and they really come in handy sometimes when you absolutely, positively need to call home and you can't use the local phone system because you don't have access to it or because it's horrible.

If you're not taking a computer, but expect to buy one or have access to one at work, export your favorites to a floppy so you can install them on your new computer.

High Plains Drifter · Joined: 27 Jul 2004 Posts: 127 Location: Way Out There

My comments were for people going abroad in general, not Spain specifically. If you�re from the US or Canada, and you are planning to take any electrical stuff, you may run into the old 110/220 problem. To learn far more than you ever wanted to know on this subject, see �Electrical items� in the Saudi Arabia forum.

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

This article in the Job Information Journals is specific to Indonesia - but it has some useful suggestions... Smile

http://www.eslcafe.com/jobinfo/asia/sefer.cgi?display:1079577832-5478.txt

droptheworld · Joined: 06 Aug 2004 Posts: 21

thanks for the link. Are laptops cheap in europe or spain? i don't have one, so i don't know if it'd be cheaper to buy here in the states since the dollar is weak. what about office supplies, like markers, glue, scissors, or anything to make flash cards. i imagine the schools supplying that.

How many suits should i bring? do i need to have my letters of recommendation? i guess i see a problem with those not having dates. I'll have my original BA but i wasn't planning on bringing an assortment of resumes and letters of recs.

are there any other odd things anyone can think of?

High Plains Drifter · Joined: 27 Jul 2004 Posts: 127 Location: Way Out There

Capital letters. English teachers in Europe use them.

nolefan · Joined: 14 Jan 2004 Posts: 1458 Location: on the run

Electronics are cheaper in the USA (VAT). You're better off buying a laptop home. With most good brands, you won't have to worry about differences in voltage, just get your hands on a plug adaptor.

Larry Parnell · Joined: 06 Jun 2004 Posts: 172

Not wanting to piss on your parade but.....
if your coming from the States and intending to work in Europe you'll probably want to pack a European passport (which you may well have).
If you haven't a legit job may be more difficult.
Good luck

Kent F. Kruhoeffer · Joined: 22 Jan 2003 Posts: 2129 Location: 中国

Hi Scott:

I started teaching 15 years ago. The only thing that I brought with me when I left the USA in 1989 that has survived the past 15 years ... is a good Swiss Army knife.

If I had a penny for every time I've used it, or needed it for something, I could probably afford to retire in a small Banana Republic. Hey --- I'm already in a small Banana Republic!

Anyway ...

The plastic toothpick is a little worn, but I still use the darn thing. Mr. Green

Joachim · Joined: 01 Oct 2003 Posts: 311 Location: Brighton, UK

A recently updated address book with all your friends and families email addresses.

The hours I spent trying to find certain people's email and/or postal addresses after I left will not be forgotten!!

Also, a simple diary - just so can keep track of appointments and deadlines and make notes on how you've spent your year - very useful for remebering things in the correct order if you decide to ever write your memoirs![/i]

Eeva · Joined: 05 Sep 2004 Posts: 4 Location: Guangdong

A Scrabble Game, The Scruples Game and good quality ear plugs have proven to be extremely useful here.

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

Eeva--your post just reminded me how happy I have been to have my very own set of dice to use with classroom games.

d

JosephP · Joined: 13 May 2003 Posts: 445

Kent wrote, "I started teaching 15 years ago. The only thing that I brought with me when I left the USA in 1989 that has survived the past 15 years ... is a good Swiss Army knife."

Have you had to use it to, er, uh, take care of a soi dog problem?

droptheworld · Joined: 06 Aug 2004 Posts: 21

Well I�ve been in Spain for little more than a week and it�s amazing here. There isn�t anything I left a home that I wish I had brought. Well, I miss my guitar, but that would�ve been too hard to bring with me. But I�m so glad I invested in an mp3 player! I have a 20gig player that has all my cds loaded onto it. It took me about a week to do but it was well worth it. On the metro and can listen to some good american punk. And when I go to sleep I listen to Alan Watts lectures.

I have a journal, thanks for the suggestion. I�ve written a few entries but I don�t really ever have time to write in it. I�d much rather go to the beaches and clubs then stay home and do that.

Well, thanks for all the suggestions. I think we should keep this thread running for other people who are about to embark on a new adventure.