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Traveling Abroad

Teaching Abroad: A guide to the basics

Teaching English as foreign language (or second language) is an excellent option for visiting new parts of the world. Because English is commonly used for diplomacy, higher education, business and technology, English teachers and classes are in high demand around the worldwide.

Knowing how to teach English also provides you with an excellent skill to be used in volunteering. There are opportunities around the world where people would benefit from knowing English, yet they do not have the funds to enroll in classes, or perhaps they dont have access to any classes at all.

If teaching English isnt for you, international schools require native English speakers to teach other subjects as well, such as mathematics, science, history, and the arts.

What is TEFL, ESL, EFL, etc.?
There are lots of different abbreviations and acronyms to refer to teaching English. Here is a quick simplifier

ELT: English Language Teaching or English Language Training
EFL: English as a Foreign Language
ESL: English as a Second Language
ESOL: English for Speakers of Other Languages
EAL: English as an Additional Language
TEFL: Teaching English as a Foreign Language
TESL: Teaching English as a Second Language
TEAL: Teaching English as an Additional Language
TESOL: Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

All of the above abbreviations are used for essentially the same thing, however, you may notice that generally ESL is used for non-native speakers learning English in an English speaking country, and EFL is for non-native-speaks learning English in a non-English speaking environment, such as their own country. Moreover, Americans tend to use ESL more, and British teachers tend to use EFL. EAL is an attempt to bridge the gap between the two. Oftentimes people learn English not as their second language, but as their third, fourth or more. Also, EAL avoids using the word foreign, which is considered by the more politically correct to have an unpleasant inference.

Do I need a certificate to teach English?
There are many opportunities around the world to teach English without a certificate. However, certification does help, especially if there is an application process involved and positions are competitive.

Do I need to speak a foreign language to teach people English?
Theoretically, to teach English you should only need to speak one language. However, if you are teaching in a foreign country, there is no doubt that some knowledge of that countrys culture and language can make your job much easier, and probably allow you to make your lessons more relevant and interesting for your students. If your students are of mixed international backgrounds, then knowing one or two foreign languages may not be of assistance to the entirety of the group.

There is some benefit to your teaching if you do in fact know a foreign language or have learnt one. By having first hand experience of being a student, you are able to have a more complete perspective of the studentteacher relationship and the trials and tribulations of those you teach. Moreover, learning another language provides you with valuable insight about grammar, such as verb conjugations and tenses, which come naturally to a native speaker. Many other languages use similar grammatical formats as English, and by learning a foreign language you might be able to examine your native language more carefully.

Do I need to speak English as my native language to teach English?
You certainly dont have to speak English as your native tongue; however you must have excellent fluency and writing skills to start a training course for certification. Oftentimes non-native speakers make the best teachers, however. If youve been through it yourself then you are able to relate to what your students will be dealing with.

How long will it take to become certified?
Certification is a pretty quick process, usually taking four weeks or considerably less. You can take the course full time, part time, or through distance learning. There are options to suit whichever method or time frame you prefer.

Secure yourself before you make a next trip abroad

While traveling abroad, most of us incorporate the best advice about trip planning and take utmost care to travel safely. The most serious problem a traveler can face is the possibility of having a health problem. And if you are traveling oversees, then it becomes really important to secure your trip to deal with unforeseen medical issues in a foreign country. While other kinds of insurances secure you financially, medical insurance secures you physically. International travel insurance goes a long way in ensuring that you get the right medical facilities while you are away from home. Medical Insurance plans are designed to cover the cost of medical procedures but, these insurance plans may not provide you compensation for the major medical expenses. Therefore, you should carefully select a plan that caters to your travel needs.

There are different types of medical insurance plans in the market today. You can consider travel medical insurance that provides protection against all health related problems that might occur while you are traveling outside your own country. Another option would be to buy a plan depending on the type of traveler you are which includes student travel medical insurance, travel accident insurance and even backpackers travel insurance. Moreover, there are international medical insurance plans that offer coverage for short term and long term travelers.

Make sure that the health and accident cover plan that you choose also covers all doctor’s consultation fees, bill payments, and the hospitalization charges as well. When selecting an international travel Insurance plan pay attention to all the minute details in the insurance form. Keep a track of all important numbers and addresses to be contacted while you need to make a claim. In case you need an emergency medical treatment, make all the expenses listed in the itemized bill so you can make a claim back home. Many international travel insurance companies offer insurance plans at much lower prices, as the cost of health care is much lower in other countries as compared to US or Canada.

There are several options to find insurance at cheap rates. Some medical insurance do not cover the pre-existing illness. You can ask your insurance agent to exclude the cost of pre-existing illness, this will lower the insurance costs. Moreover, you can now compare insurance policies and shop online for the best deals for every budget. If you are traveling in a group, it is always easier to find cheap prices for group insurance. Some international medical plans do not provide coverage against dangerous activities and outdoor sports such as skiing, mountain climbing, and skydiving. Decide whether you need insurance for such activities before traveling and choose plan accordingly, as most companies will not allow you to add-on the adventure sport coverage to your policy once you reach your destination.

Buying international travel insurance prevents you from any unforeseen situation that you might face while traveling abroad. Make sure you get your health insurance as early as possible as many plans have a waiting period, after the premium has been paid.

Record Numbers Are Travelling To Egypt

Ever wondered what its like at the centre of an Egyptian pyramid? Those who have been on holiday to Egypt may have powerful memories of this, along with the hubbub of the Egyptian marketplace, inquisitive locals sucking on shisha pipes, chaotic mingling of people and traffic, hieroglyphics, the ethereal mask of Tutankhamun and tourist guides proffering camel rides and souvenirs at Giza. Steeped in ancient history, Egypt is an explosion of vibrant colour and mystical intrigue. Travel to Egypt and youll remember it for the rest of your life!

Tourism in Egypt

Where else could you sit on a camel and gaze up at the imposing Great Sphinx through a hazy desert sunset? Egypt is so crammed with drama and energy that its no wonder the number of holidays to Egypt has reached record levels. According to news agency Mena, 9.7 million went to Egypt on holiday in 2006-7, an increase of 13 per cent on the previous year. Hospitality for those travelling in Egypt is clearly thriving and there is a good choice of hotels in the tourist areas of Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and Alexandria, as well as the tourist resorts of Hurghada and Sharm-el Sheikh.

When to go

Due to its proximity to the equator, Egypts climate is hot and dry and winters are mild. In the summer, daytime temperatures often exceed 45C. Whilst many of the historic sites may be empty during mid-summer, the searing heat limits sightseeing for most to mornings and evenings. As a result of this, and the equally alarming prospect of being hounded by swarms of summer mosquitoes, the most popular time to travel to Egypt is mid-October to May, when it is not too uncomfortably hot to explore the countrys many visitor sites.

Holidays in Egypt

A holiday in Egypt has so much to offer and cheap Egyptian holidays can be found on certain websites. Visitors to Egypt can entertain themselves with such unique experiences as a cruise down the Nile, a Saharan wildlife safari or a tour of Egypts bustling capital, Cairo. Egypt is well connected by trains but many tourists discover finding their own way around such a large country a daunting prospect and, as a result, package tours of Egypt are increasingly popular.

Shopping in Egypt

Shopping in Egypt is an opportunity not to be missed. Locally made goods are abundant and, for the proficient haggler, can be obtained at very good prices. Egyptian cotton is renowned for its purity and luxuriant scarves, hand-made carpets, perfume concentrates, authentic papyrus and pharaonic objects can all be found at local bazaars. The Khan-al-Khalili bazaar in Cairo, a shopping area since 1382, is particularly popular among those on holiday in Egypt due to its extensive range of goods and central location.

The Pyramids

Any tour of Egypt would be incomplete without a visit to the iconic Pyramids of Giza, the Great Pyramid being one of the Seven Wonders of the World, as well as having been the worlds tallest structure for over 3,800 years. Ever since these massive funerary homes were constructed for Egypts great Pharaohs of 2700-2200 BC they have been a source of fascination for travellers. While the structures may look impressive today, at the time they were built the pyramids were capped with gold and covered with polished white limestone.

As for what its like at the centre, in case you were wondering, theres a tomb, its swelteringly hot, there are dozens of tourists exhausted from struggling, bent-double, through the tiny corridors, and there may just be a lurking opportunist gathering payment.

Quick Tips for Traveling Abroad

Here are some quick tips to make your travel easier and safer:

Register so the State Department can better assist you in an emergency: Register your travel plans with the State Department through a free online service. This will help them contact you if there is a family emergency in the U.S., or if there is a crisis where you are traveling. In accordance with the Privacy Act, information on your welfare and whereabouts will not be released to others without your express authorization.

Sign your passport, and fill in the emergency information: Make sure you have a signed, valid passport, and a visa, if required, and fill in the emergency information page of your passport.

Leave copies of itinerary and passport data page: Leave copies of your itinerary, passport data page and visas with family or friends, so you can be contacted in case of an emergency.

Check your overseas medical insurance coverage: Ask your medical insurance company if your policy applies overseas, and if it covers emergency expenses such as medical evacuation. If it does not, consider supplemental insurance.

Familiarize yourself with local conditions and laws: While in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws. The State Department web site has useful safety and other information about the countries you will visit.

Take precautions to avoid being a target of crime: To avoid being a target of crime, do not wear conspicuous clothing or jewelry and do not carry excessive amounts of money. Also, do not leave unattended luggage in public areas and do not accept packages from strangers.

Contact your embassy in the event of an emergency: Consular personnel at U.S. Embassies and Consulates abroad and in the U.S. are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to provide emergency assistance to U.S. citizens. Contact information for U.S. Embassies and Consulates appears on the Bureau of Consular Affairs. Also note that the Office of Overseas Citizen Services in the State Departments Bureau of Consular Affairs may be reached for assistance with emergencies at 1-888-407-4747, if calling from the U.S. or Canada, or 202-501-4444, if calling from overseas.

Make a few minor preparations before you travel overseas and it will make your trip a lot smoother and give you peace of mind. Remember, you cannot plan once the emergency happens; you need to do your planning ahead of time.

Purchasing Insurance For Travel Tours Abroad

To purchase or not to purchase travel insurance, that is the question. If you have done some research or talked to a travel agent, you might have been told that insurance is absolutely necessary. After all, you have put a lot of money into airfare and booking your hotel. But does that mean you need to spend more on insurance?

Travel insurance was created to make sure your money is refunded should something go wrong at the last second. This includes many circumstances that would prevent you from traveling, like illness or a flight being canceled due to inclimate weather. If your plans are put on hold, at least you will get your money back. But there are ways this insurance can help you while you are on vacation as well.

When taking travel tours abroad, check and see if your normal health insurance will cover you in a foreign country. Often, plans either do not cover you, or are just not accepted abroad. Should this be the case for you, then invest in travel insurance. This way, you are sure to be covered if you need medical attention while on vacation.

Unfortunately, travelers these days need to be aware of terrorism when they travel abroad. Should terrorist activity occur where you are about to vacation, your airline is not necessarily required to refund the cost of your ticket. However, if you have travel insurance, you will be covered.

Flight cancellation is another eventuality covered by travel insurance. Any number of things could prevent you from leaving the ground. You might have scheduled your vacation during the worst snow storm in twenty years, or maybe you airline just goes out of business. Travel insurance protects the money you have invested in your ticket. Perhaps circumstances in your life prevent you from taking advantage of vacation deals. Should somebody in your family die or become ill, you can cancel your plans without penalty. Whatever may happen to prevent you from leaving, you are covered.

If you loose your luggage, you will also be covered by travel insurance. Usually, the baggage is returned by the airline; though, sometimes, it is simply misplaced and never found. Or, your luggage might be returned with items missing. Travel insurance gives you the money to replace anything that cant be found so you can enjoy your trip as planned.

When deciding on a specific insurance company, it is a good idea to research your options before choosing. Different plans work best for specific vacations. Perhaps you are not buying a plane ticket, but taking a cruise. If you travel often for business or pleasure, you can even purchase a policy that covers you for extended periods of time. These plans save you the hassle of buying a policy for each individual trip. Ask questions before you make a final decision to be sure that you are getting all the coverage you need. You wouldnt want to insure yourself, only to find that your particular vacation disaster is not covered under your policy.

Planning Your Holidays: Travelling

Going on a summer vacation can be exciting but before you are able to enjoy your holiday, you need to fully prepare. Many people like to leave preparation until the last minute, but if you want to have a holiday as stress free as possible, then it is vital that you prepare everything including travel beforehand.

Travelling to Your Chosen Destination

When it comes to travelling to your vacation rental, there are a number of ways in which you can do it. Each different method of transportation has its own advantages and disadvantages so it is important to keep all of those in mind when you come to finally decide which type of transportation you are going to use.

For many people, travelling by car is the easiest and cheapest way to travel. Many families happily set off on their summer vacations in their car; however it can be fairly stressful. You need to ensure that you have a good idea of where it is you are going. That may sound quite obvious, but many people dont check where they are going, they just take it as it comes and that is when trouble can start. You should never just set off and hope for the best, especially if you have children with you. Children can be hard to travel with at the best of times and so you really do not want to end up getting lost with them in the car! Another thing you need to consider when you are travelling by car is the fact that the value of the car goes down the more miles that you do. So if you are planning to resell the car then you may want to rethink a road trip!

Air travel is quite popular and it is what most families prefer to use. You can choose from a large number of flights and it doesnt take as long as travelling by car. However, you will still need to consider a few tings before you book your flight. The first is if you have a baby then you will need to check whether the plane will have a changing room facility. Often the bathrooms in planes are too small to change a baby in and that is something that does need certain consideration. Also you will need to take some form of entertainment for your children so that they do not become bored on the flight. You may be able to get discounts on flights if you purchase your tickets online. Also you may be able to save money off accommodation and activities too as some airlines are in partnership with popular resorts.

Overall travelling by air and by car are the two main types of transportation that people like to use when going on holiday. There are advantages and disadvantages to both so it is worth looking at them both in detail to see which option would be better for you.

Plan the Perfect Vacation Getaway: Tips for Making Your Vacation

Plan the Perfect Vacation Getaway: Tips for Making Your Vacation Stressless

Vacations should be a time for relaxation and solitude. Everything should be easy and stressless. However, in some cases vacations can turn into stressful times away from home. In an effort to make your next vacation as stress free as possible, try following these simple steps to a stress free vacation.

First off, make sure you have planned your vacation well. Most stressful vacation scenarios arise because of reservations that have fallen through, flights that have been cancelled, or baggage that has been misplaced. To avoid situations such as these make sure to plan ahead as well as possible. Make sure you arrive at the airport with plenty of time to take care of checking in, getting through security and getting to your flights gate before your flight takes off. Most airports have lounges and restaurants where passengers can relax and wait for their flight if they are early, so do not stress if you have extra time. Take this time to sit back, have a drink and kick your vacation off early.

Be sure to relax and remember that you are on vacation. If you are a person easily upset by small things try extra hard to let them go while on vacation. If it takes a little extra time at the airport check-in desk or your bag is the last to come out at the baggage claim area, do not get stressed out. Instead, take a deep breath and try to enjoy every minute of your vacation, even if it is currently being spent at the airport. You have probably planned the trip for months beforehand so try to relax and enjoy all the hard work you have put in.

Do not let your kids get to you. Children can be anxious when it comes to vacations especially on the way there. Choruses of are we there yet? can sometimes drive parents right over the edge before the fun-filled family vacation even begins. Make sure to pack plenty of activities to keep your kids occupied during the trip to your vacation destination and even during downtime. Some children may expect 24-hour entertainment while on vacation. But as many parents know, spending a few hours in the hotel room is not always a bad thing. Just make sure you always have something to fill the hands of a bored child.

Do not worry about things back home. For some people, leaving their homes can be a stressful move to make. However, planning to have someone stop by the house each day and check on things while you are gone might put your mind at ease. Just keep in mind that nothing bad will happen while you are gone and you have a reliable person who you trust, house sitting your home until you return. And be sure to get your job off your mind during your trip as well. Before leaving make sure you have designated someone to help take over your work while you are gone. By planning well you can avoid having to worry about piles of work waiting for you upon your return.

When you are planning your vacation make sure not to schedule too many activities into one day. Although it is tempting to see as much as possible while on vacation, you should keep in mind that you do not want to tire yourself out after one day. Chances are you will have plenty of time to see all the attractions you really want to see so why not narrow things down a bit. If you have too much on your plate try rating your activities in order of what you want to do most. Chances are the items at the bottom of the list can be scratched off or put off until a later trip. You never know, you might end up having time to squeeze a few extra attractions in to your vacation but do not get stressed out if you can not find time for everything.

Last but not least try not to overwork yourself right before your trip. Try to slow things down a day or two before your departure so you are not too tired to enjoy your trip. You do want to relax but you do not want to spend the entire vacation sleeping in your hotel room either.

Passport Please: Tips for International Travel

Traveling to a foreign country can be a new and exciting experience if you have never traveled abroad. There are plenty of new sights to see and things to try, but there are also dangers that nave travelers must be aware of. When traveling internationally there are a number of things to take into consideration that will make your vacation even more enjoyable.

When traveling internationally it might be a good idea to invest in travel insurance. Not only does travel insurance protect you from any fight cancellations, which can be important since flights abroad can be more costly than domestic rates, but travel insurance can come in handy in other ways as well. Before leaving check into your medical insurance plan to find out if you are covered in foreign countries. Some insurance plans do not cover medical expenses in foreign countries and in some cases insurance plans are not accepted by foreign hospitals. In case of medical emergency while you are away, travel insurance policies can be purchased to cover any unforeseen medical costs that may occur while you are traveling.

Make sure you get to the airport early. In today s world, there are a number of security precautions and safety measures that are taken before you are allowed to board the plane. This means that you will need plenty of time to check your bags and get through security before your flight leaves. Even if you end up having a little extra time most airports have lounges where travelers can wait for flights. It is better to have a little extra time than to miss your flight. Also, be sure to have your boarding pass and passport handy so you can get them checked quickly and easily rather than having to search through your bags for them.

If you are travelers abroad for the first time, beware of scams that many international travelers unfortunately fall prey to. There are a number of smalltime thieves that lurk in airports waiting to make unsuspecting passengers their next victims. Make sure to keep your bags in sight at all times, to avoid getting anything stolen. Also, be sure to only keep items you will really need in your wallet during your trip. Try not to carry a lot of unnecessary items with you. It is also a good idea to lock all baggage that you bring with you.

It is a smart idea to make copies of all important documents before your trip. You should make photocopies of your passport, credit cards, medical prescriptions, and your medical insurance information. Photocopying your credit cards will allow you to have images of them if they happen to be lost or stolen during your trip. You will have the numbers, expiration dates and the phone number to call if you do misplace them. By copying medical prescriptions you are able to have the information for any medications you might need during your trip. Medication bottles are small and can easily be misplaced. It is important to always have your medical insurance information with you in case of any medical emergencies. Of course, as previously mentioned, you should make sure that your medical insurance fully covers any medical expenses in other countries before departing on your trip. If it does not cover you, travel insurance might be a smart choice for you.

Make sure you know the currency conversions between American dollars and the currency of the country you are visiting. Make sure you are visiting places that will accept your credit cards or make sure that you have enough local currency on you for any expenses. You will also want to look into places to exchange your currency. Different places offer different rates of conversion. Banks are typically the best bet, as they usually offer the best rates. However, it is smart to look into this and do some research before your trip. Another option is traveler s checks, which can be purchased from your local bank prior to your trip, and can be used anywhere.

The most important tip for people planning to travel abroad is to have fun and enjoy the trip. For most people it is not everyday that they get to visit a foreign country, so try your best to take in as many sights as possible and don t forget your camera.

Milan travelling

Milan is a city with diversities it offers a delightful experience for tourists with varied taste. Everything from modern art to contemporary architecture is the pride of city. In 569 A.D. Lombards conquered Milan and by the end of eighth century the bishops managed to compel an alliance with emperors. During the earlier half of year 1000, the most powerful political figure in northern Italy was the Archbishop of Milan. By the year 1117, Milan managed to become a municipality and was at liberty from the clutches of Archbishop. Next it developed into a Seigneury from 1200, and gained increased importance as a major city in world. The city has been rising since then until lately by 1861 it claimed itself a place as the Kingdom of Italy.

Milan is well known for stupendous art and culture heritage. The most famous National Museum of Science and technology, Leonardo da Vinci in Milan is among worlds best scientific and technical museums. A water stretch, Navigli in Milan allows navigation from Ticino to center of Milan. Navigli Grande and Navigli Pavese join Milan to Pavia and form one of the most charismatic spots in Milan. There are numerous roadside shops and clubs on the banks of these rivers.

The place Brera in Milan gives almost the look and feel of Paris. It constitutes most fashionable spot of the city. The area is full of open-air shops that exhibit loads of apparels, all of which seem to be a sculpture on its own. The area includes Via Brera, Via Pontaccio, Corso Garibaldi and Corso Como, these places are also known as luxury Bohemian.

A perfect place to pass free time in the laps of nature is a large fascinating park having meadows, little bridges and lakes located behind Castello Sforzesco. Another place of interest is the Milan Lounge Galleria Vittorio Emanuele. Walking around the arms of this lounge provides a view of restaurants, boutiques, bookshops and old-coffee stops.

Milans platter has witnessed a lot of changes. It offers every kind of taste ranging from Chinese cooking to Indian, African, Japanese and Middle Eastern cooking styles. Recently there has been increased demand for Milans original traditional food. A trip to Milan is almost incomplete without trying typical native food of the place. A classical Negroni is one of the many aperitifs that can be served with some snacks. Some of all time favorite conventional dishes of the place are Risotto alla Milanese, Cassouella and a specific Milan cutlet that has a very pleasing flavor.

Milan is an ultimate for fashion freaks and a paradise for shoppers. The popular Fashion Quadrilatero form the magnificent shopping area. The place contains top showrooms and boutiques in world crammed with articles boosting of best designs. All eminent brands and labels on earth constituting of Chanel, Armani, Prada, D & G, Valentino, Cartier and many more have their magnificent outlets at this place. The streets Via SantAndrea, Via Della Spiga, Via Montenapoleone, Via Manzoni along with others boosts of having warehouses clustered in that area. Milan offers a never say enough attitude for every flavor of life and is a remains a hot favorite among tourists around the globe.

International Travel Tip: 7 Ways To Help You Stay Safe

International Travel Tip: 7 Ways To Help You Stay Safe While Traveling Abroad

Traveling to a foreign country can be filled with excitement as you take in the sites and sounds of another culture. However, there are some things you should be aware of to keep yourself safe from mishaps. Here is an international travel checklist of things you need to be aware of as a traveler to another country.

1) Learn the language as an adult, it is not possible for you to master another language overnight. However, you should make an attempt to learn enough to ask for simple directions or help if you need it. Its a good idea to invest in a language course there are several speed learning courses that can help you learn how to hold a basic conversation in another language.

2) Research the culture most places have very interesting cultures and stories. Take time to learn about the place youll be visiting and its people. If you know what to expect in advance, youll enjoy yourself more and have less misunderstandings.

3) Check to see if there is unrest if your trip is going to take you to a dangerous part of the world, then you will need to learn what areas are safe to walk around in and which areas should be avoided at all costs. This information is crucial and could mean the difference of you having a safe trip or a tragic incident. You might decide to cancel your trip if there is a chance that violence will break out.

4) Stay at a trusted tourist hotel while it may be tempting to reserve a room at that charming little out of the way hotel, its best to stick with the larger established hotels. Unless you know the area really well, you could be setting yourself up for trouble at a lesser known place. The large hotels have lots of experience with foreign tourists and professionals that work and travel abroad. They have reputations to uphold and will make sure you have a safe stay.

5) Try not to look too much like a tourist unfortunately, there are bad people out there who prey on tourist. Sometimes these encounters can be violent. If you are driving a rental car, keep an eye out for any suspicious cars or behavior around you as you leave the airport area. Thieves have been known to rob unsuspecting tourist in rental cars. Also, be aware there may be pickpockets hanging around at any world destination.

Dont choose that flashy rental car, even though you might be drooling to drive it. Flashy rental cars will make you a target for thieves.

Wear clothes that allow you to blend in with the locals.

If riding in a taxi, make sure you take written directions along with you and keep your eye on the meter. You dont want to get charged extra for a cab ride that takes the long way (or wrong way) to get to your destination.

6) Check your health insurance coverage if you get hurt overseas, thats not the time you want to find out that your insurance company wont cover your expenses for hospital care abroad. Check your policy to see if you have travel abroad health insurance. If not, then look into getting it.

7) Check the weather patterns weather delays can interrupt your plans, so be sure to check ahead of time to see if bad weather is lurking ahead for your trip.