Job Discussion Forums

chasinglory · Joined: 02 Nov 2011 Posts: 3

I am planning on teaching abroad next year (most likely in Asia or Eastern Europe) and was wondering what kinds of tools are being use by current teachers to meet other expats in the same location. It seems like these blogs are a pretty good places to start, but I was wondering if anyone was using Facebook or LinkedIn (or anything else for that matter).

Basically, I just want to know the best way (if there is one at all) to tap into a network of people before I leave home (just in case something goes wrong and I need help or something). I realize that it will likely be different from location to location, but any input or advice would be great.

Thanks!

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

If you decide on Eastern Europe, I suggest taking a certification course in-country (if you haven't already got a certification). One of the advantages is that a local training centre can give you significant help in local orientation (they usually arrange for your housing during the course, airport pickup, and will show you around the public transit system and get you started on food shopping and restaurants, etc). Further, your fellow trainees can form your first social network in the area.

It's not that common to make 'friends' in a region before you get there - people are typically pretty busy and won't usually have too much time or interest in spending much time online getting acquainted, though there may well be exceptions.

It's basically like any move - it takes a bit of time to build up social networks.

Isla Guapa · Posted: Fri Nov 04, 2011 4:38 pm Post subject:

Before I moved back to Mexico in 2007, I made friends with a poster on the Mexico Forum at Dave's. I got in touch with him when I arrived, and he introduced me to some of his friends in Mexico City and even helped me look for work. Now, four years later, we are still in touch and get together on a regular basis. So it can happen!

contented · Joined: 17 Oct 2011 Posts: 136 Location: اسطنبول

After you select a destination and arrive there, look up British Council for your area. If there happens to be one in your city attend some of the workshops they have (some are free and others aren't) and you'll be able to meet other teachers; both foreign and native.

A person could always do a 'Meet & Greet', where you post online (perhaps you can on Dave's ESL Csfe) a notice for all ESL/TEFL teachers in your area to meet at a coffeeshop on a particular day at a particular time and then see who shows up. You can share teaching ideas and techniques that works for you, etc.

I know some people have them in New York, but for a different interest.

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

The Cafe has been my number 1 tool to use to meet others. I regularly arrange teacher gatherings in Mexico City and post the details in the Mexico forum for new folks to meet veterans for job and housing tips. Lately, I've been posting at blogs, facebook, and twitter for the same gatherings.

Other than that, there are expat blogs and websites for many countries.

If you're in a capital or large city, embassies are another good place to check. When I first arrived in Mexico, I went to regular gatherings at the British and Canadian embassies - both have bars inside. Different crowd though, and few teachers.

Isla Guapa · Posted: Fri Nov 04, 2011 6:26 pm Post subject:

[quote="Guy Courchesne"

If you're in a capital or large city, embassies are another good place to check. When I first arrived in Mexico, I went to regular gatherings at the British and Canadian embassies - both have bars inside. Different crowd though, and few teachers.[/quote]

How did you get invited to gatherings at the British and Canadian embassies? I've never had an invitation to anything like that at the US Embassy, and it's right in my neighborhood! Wink

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

Before 9/11, you just walked in. Nowadays, Canadians can come and go easily but a foreigner needs to be invited in by a Canadian member of the club at the bar. Same thing at the British embassy. I haven't been to either in awhile now though, things may be stricter or looser. When the Iraq war started, security got tight.

Isla Guapa · Posted: Fri Nov 04, 2011 7:05 pm Post subject:

chasinglory · Joined: 02 Nov 2011 Posts: 3

That's a good point. Is there anywhere folks can look find information about gatherings/activities/etc. in their location? I assume that once you have a "network" of some kind you are "in the loop." But how do you go about getting into the loop. Is it is a simple as meeting people on the streets, at the bar, at work, etc.?

contented · Joined: 17 Oct 2011 Posts: 136 Location: اسطنبول

Ask coworkers if they know of anything and look for teacher/expat blogs about the country you are teaching in. I was able to meet someone living in my same city through a blog and came to find out that we are neighbors! Now we're friends. Also, I was able to meet some retired teachers through an expat poetry club.

Anyways, once you know where you are going do some research online and look for expat clubs, blogs and groups and you should come up with something.

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

Teacher in Rome · Joined: 09 Jul 2003 Posts: 1286

Use Twitter! Great for finding people, expanding your PLN (personal learning network) getting the low-down on local conditions etc. It's one of the best, informal networks I've ever been part of. One of the great things about it is that English teachers are just such nice people! Helpful, generous, patient... truly a network that makes the most of our natural qualities!

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Join a professional organization (like JALT or ETJ if you are in Japan) and attend the annual, regional, or SIG conferences. Those are also good for meeting the publisher reps. You actually don't have to join the organizations, but you will save money when you attend the functions.

uh huh · Joined: 14 Oct 2011 Posts: 110 Location: United States

See if you can tap into the Peace Corps and VSO networks where you'll be working. I don't know if it's possible before you go, but when I went to Rwanda, I found volunteers easy to find and often good company.

The Marines at the US Embassy in Kigali had socials every Friday, so clearly activities vary from embassy to embassy.

Duke International House in Durham NC has a very active international student board, which community members can also use. I found contacts (both locals and expats) in Senegal, Guatemala, and Rwanda before I went and got tons of information. I would think other universities have similar boards.

Feel free to PM me.

MotherF · Posted: Fri Nov 04, 2011 11:19 pm Post subject:

Previous replys have delt with big cities. If you are in a small town you will likely know all the foriegners, because they will be your coworkers. That's my case. When I see foriegner I don't know on the street I usually ask them what they are doing here!