Job Discussion Forums

[C76]

I have a B.A., B.Ed. and TESL certification. I was thinking of going abroad within the year.

Realistically speaking, how much time does a person need prior to leaving North America (Canada) to teach? I'm thinking in terms of packing essential items, settling financial matters (organizing bills and student loan payments), etc.

I have my eye on a position that starts this May. (I called this post "short notice" because I wondered if 1 month was sufficient time.) Others start in the fall...

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[Cdaniels]

I'd say go now! Drive south of the border and ask for an interview at the first school you see! Seriously, this is a very individual question for you and your personality type. I don't see what couldn't be fixed with a little money however. Pay some late fees, get someone to ship any stuff you forgot or can't get locally. What more do you need?
Do you rent or own a house? Are you a landlord or a subletter? How much of your wardrobe do you intend to take- How much can you buy for yourself when you're settled? Do you have family to take care of your stuff? Do you have a car, do you intend to keep it? There's an infinite amount of questions to be answered and even then there will be different opinions about how much time to take.
I decided to come back "home" after going for my certificate, but I've ended up just wasting a tremendous amount of time accomplishing very little. Good Luck!

[acwilliams]

Another thing to think about is whether you need to apply for a work permit in the country of your choice before you go, or whether this can be sorted out after you arrive. Bureacratic procedures can take weeks! Which country are you keen to go to?

[mlomker]

[spiral78]

I am in Moscow at this moment teaching a ten-week intensive course. I had seven days' notice before leaving Canada. Big business greased the visa wheels, of course....but the packing was a nightmare!