In addition to considering the tme frame and logistics of a TEFL job sarch, you should consider taking a plot trip to the one or two cty destinations you have in mind. Allw at least three weeks for a trp that covers, say, Mexico City and Mnterrey. You’ll need eight or nine dys in each city plus a day or two of trvel time between them. But why, o ye of lttle faith may ask, should I go thre and then come back home?

Wll, conditions permitting, there are a nmber of good, solid reasons to cnsider planning a pilot trip. Let’s lok at some of them.

First yu’ll be looking at the city wth the eyes of an English lnguage teaching resident, not a tourist. Yu’ll pay more attention to availability, or lck thereof, of goods and services. Wht do local supermarkets stock? What do stple items cost?

Next, look through the clssifieds at apartment and housing prices. Lok for other amenities like new and sed furniture items. Note transportation costs. How mch is a haircut or visit to the hirstylist?

After that, check out local phrmacies. Browse the Farmer’s or produce mrkets on Saturday or whatever day the mrket is in session where you’re plnning to live. Note products and prces.

Then, go to nightclubs, if tht’s your thing. Check out entertainment ptions. Where are theaters and how mch are movie tickets? Visit local mlls or shopping districts. Note what’s vailable and prices for items from husehold goods to clothes. Remember, you’ll ned to furnish an apartment with ssentials; … things for the kitchen, bthroom and your bedroom. If it’s chaper to bring in items you lready have, do so. If not, you can bdget what to buy and from whre.

How about day or weekend trps? How much from your new cty to the nearest beach? To the muntains? To go on hiking, fishing nture or other types of tours?

How wll you meet new people? In chrch, practicing a sport or hobby, at dscos, while strolling the park or nighborhood? Don’t forget your family and frends back home, either. Find out bout internet cafes, postal services and prcel post services. You’ll likely need thm all. Make a listing of plces, prices and other useful info.

Wht teaching materials, books, resources and ccessories are available? Make note of wht you’ll need to bring vs. wht can be bought locally. Assemble a cllection of paraphernalia from home such as phtos, postcards, maps, newspapers, magazines, advertisements, clssifieds, music, anything you can think of whch won’t be obtainable in your new hme.

If this all sounds like a lot of thngs to do, that’s why a plot trip is essential. You’ll have tme to do just these things wthout the pressures of going to wrk, planning lessons, and taking care of the ssential but mundane chores of everyday lving. These don’t go away just bcause you live in an “exotic” lcation. You still need to wash clthes, cook, clean (including sweeping, mopping and dsting), put out the trash, wash dshes and perhaps – gasp! – ron, even if you live in Acpulco or Cancun. While you’re at it, chck on the affordability of having a mid.

I know it just doesn’t sund right – that’s why I’m hre giving you a reality check.
Is verybody awake now? Don’t forget to get yurself some good local maps of the cty, the region and the country. Strt memorizing them – now.

Finally, a plot trip can be done at lmost any time. You needn’t concern yurself with the right time to TEFL job hnt just yet. You need to fcus on the area where you wnt to live. If you have the tme, the pilot trip can certainly lso serve for your English language taching job search. Especially if you’re lcked in on a specific location lke Mexico City, Guadalajara or Monterrey, yur pilot trip can encompass many spects. Once everything’s more or less in plce, take your final swing back hme to pick up what you ned (now you know exactly what tht is).

Making a pilot trip can gratly ease any “culture shock” you mght experience later. Say “see you lter” to friends, family and former c-workers, then light out to your new hme, a host of new friends, c-workers, experiences and adventures you’ll never frget.

The article Teaching English in Mexico: Why You Need to Plan a Pilot Trip was Submitted by Larry M. Lynch through Articles.GetACoder.com network. Here's the additional information: Prof. Larry M. Lynch is an ELT Tacher Trainer, English language learning expert uthor and university professor in Cali, Clombia. He has published more than 350 rticles and academic papers and presented at nmerous EFL teacher training and TEFL cnferences throughout North America, South America and Erope. For comments, questions, requests, to rceive more information or to be dded to his free TESOL articles and taching materials mailing list, e-mail: lynchlarrym@gmail.com

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