{"id":2962,"date":"2016-10-11T15:32:56","date_gmt":"2016-10-11T19:32:56","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.oxfordseminars.com\/blog\/?p=2962"},"modified":"2017-02-15T09:38:23","modified_gmt":"2017-02-15T14:38:23","slug":"7-must-have-travel-items-teaching-english-overseas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.oxfordseminars.com\/blog\/7-must-have-travel-items-teaching-english-overseas\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Must-Have Travel Items for Teaching English Overseas"},"content":{"rendered":"

So, you’re thinking about starting\u00a0your adventure teaching English overseas, but what do you take with you and what do you leave behind? How do you pack your whole life into a few suitcases and move to another country?<\/p>\n

The simple answer is you don’t pack everything. Don’t fall into the trap in which so many travelers and ESL teachers find themselves: Packing too much stuff.\u00a0If you\u2019re only going overseas for a short while (say, six months or less), your task is simple: Bring as little as possible.<\/p>\n

But for longer stints abroad, deciding which worldly belongings to take with you can seem like an impossible task. It is important to\u00a0prioritize. So here is a list of 7 must-have travel items for any\u00a0soon-to-be traveler or ESL teacher:<\/p>\n

What to Take When Moving Overseas<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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  1. Medical necessities<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Stock up on the medications you take regularly; gather as much as you can.\u00a0 If you\u2019re going to a vastly different environment, consider obtaining a prescription for medicine to help you respond to travel-related illnesses such as altitude sickness or dehydration.\u00a0 You also may want to bring over-the-counter pills for minor ailments and seasonal allergies.<\/p>\n

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    1. Hygienic products<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      In some countries, the products you normally use for personal grooming may be not be available in a form you recognize:<\/p>\n

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      1. Feminine products might be of lower quality.<\/li>\n
      2. Deodorant might be hard to come by.<\/li>\n
      3. Local hair care products aren\u2019t designed for you.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        Research this to the best of your ability to know exactly what you\u2019ll need to bring with you to be comfortable and clean.\u00a0You might be surprised by what you can\u2014and can\u2019t\u2014find overseas!<\/p>\n

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        1. Official documents<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          You may need a copy of your diploma, transcript, or birth certificate to work legally in your new home.\u00a0 Sometimes electronic versions suffice, but check with an embassy or consulate to find out exactly what is required.\u00a0 Even if you already have a visa, you may need these documents to renew your contract, should you decide to do so\u2014many people do! Learn more about the educational and visa requirements for specific countries on our\u00a0Where You Can Teach<\/a>\u00a0page.<\/p>\n

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          1. Adapters<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            Charger adapters will almost certainly be on your list to ensure that you can charge your electronic devices effectively and safely. You should keep gadgets to a minimum, though.\u00a0 If you use a smartphone, tablet, and laptop in your daily life, perhaps bring two-out-of-three with you.<\/p>\n

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            1. Hobby items<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

              If you want to be able to keep up with a hobby or two while you\u2019re overseas, don\u2019t hesitate to bring whatever specialized items you need.\u00a0 Whether that means specialty spices for your favorite recipes, a musical instrument to \u201cwow\u201d your students, or a fishing rod to enliven your weekends, these items should take priority over that third pair of jeans you were thinking about bringing.<\/p>\n

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              1. Keepsakes and memorabilia<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                A distinctive trinket or two from home can be the magic touch in making your new home or office feel more\u2026 homey!\u00a0 Decorating your classroom with photos of your family or postcards from your hometown can brighten an otherwise empty space.\u00a0 Such items are not only a comfort to you, but they will also allow your students to get to know you more quickly.<\/p>\n

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                1. Small gifts<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                  Pack small gifts for your employer and\/or co-workers. Of course, it is difficult to shop for someone you have never met, but a friendly gesture can go a long way, especially if you\u2019ve brought something that is hard to obtain locally.\u00a0 Keep it small, though, both in physical size and price tag.<\/p>\n

                  What Not to Bring Overseas!<\/strong><\/h2>\n

                  Now that we\u2019ve covered what you should<\/em> bring when traveling overseas, here is a quick list of what not<\/em> to bring:<\/p>\n