In addition to considering the time frame and logistics of a TEFL job search, you should consider taking a pilot trip to the one or two city destinations you have in mind. Allow at least three weeks for a trip that covers, say, Mexico City and Monterrey. Youll need eight or nine days in each city plus a day or two of travel time between them. But why, o ye of little faith may ask, should I go there and then come back home?

Well, conditions permitting, there are a number of good, solid reasons to consider planning a pilot trip. Lets look at some of them.

First youll be looking at the city with the eyes of an English language teaching resident, not a tourist. Youll pay more attention to availability, or lack thereof, of goods and services. What do local supermarkets stock? What do staple items cost?

Next, look through the classifieds at apartment and housing prices. Look for other amenities like new and used furniture items. Note transportation costs. How much is a haircut or visit to the hairstylist?

After that, check out local pharmacies. Browse the Farmers or produce markets on Saturday or whatever day the market is in session where youre planning to live. Note products and prices.

Then, go to nightclubs, if thats your thing. Check out entertainment options. Where are theaters and how much are movie tickets? Visit local malls or shopping districts. Note whats available and prices for items from household goods to clothes. Remember, youll need to furnish an apartment with essentials; things for the kitchen, bathroom and your bedroom. If its cheaper to bring in items you already have, do so. If not, you can budget what to buy and from where.

How about day or weekend trips? How much from your new city to the nearest beach? To the mountains? To go on hiking, fishing nature or other types of tours?

How will you meet new people? In church, practicing a sport or hobby, at discos, while strolling the park or neighborhood? Dont forget your family and friends back home, either. Find out about internet cafes, postal services and parcel post services. Youll likely need them all. Make a listing of places, prices and other useful info.

What teaching materials, books, resources and accessories are available? Make note of what youll need to bring vs. what can be bought locally. Assemble a collection of paraphernalia from home such as photos, postcards, maps, newspapers, magazines, advertisements, classifieds, music, anything you can think of which wont be obtainable in your new home.

If this all sounds like a lot of things to do, thats why a pilot trip is essential. Youll have time to do just these things without the pressures of going to work, planning lessons, and taking care of the essential but mundane chores of everyday living. These dont go away just because you live in an exotic location. You still need to wash clothes, cook, clean (including sweeping, mopping and dusting), put out the trash, wash dishes and perhaps gasp! iron, even if you live in Acapulco or Cancun. While youre at it, check on the affordability of having a maid.

I know it just doesnt sound right thats why Im here giving you a reality check.
Is everybody awake now? Dont forget to get yourself some good local maps of the city, the region and the country. Start memorizing them now.

Finally, a pilot trip can be done at almost any time. You neednt concern yourself with the right time to TEFL job hunt just yet. You need to focus on the area where you want to live. If you have the time, the pilot trip can certainly also serve for your English language teaching job search. Especially if youre locked in on a specific location like Mexico City, Guadalajara or Monterrey, your pilot trip can encompass many aspects. Once everythings more or less in place, take your final swing back home to pick up what you need (now you know exactly what that is).

Making a pilot trip can greatly ease any culture shock you might experience later. Say see you later to friends, family and former co-workers, then light out to your new home, a host of new friends, co-workers, experiences and adventures youll never forget.

Prof. Larry M. Lynch is an English language teaching and learning expert author and university professor in Cali, Colombia. Now YOU too can live your dreams in paradise, find romance, high adventure and get paid while travelling for free.

For more information on entering or advancing in the fascinating field of teaching English as a Foreign or Second Language send for his no-cost PDF Ebook, “If You Want to Teach English Abroad, Here’s What You Need to Know”, immediate delivery details and no-obligation information are available online now at: http://bettereflteacher.blogspot.com/

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