Packing for a holiday is easy, usually you will only be away for a week so you don’t need many things. But what if you are going to be teaching abroad for the first time and most placements are usually 12 months or longer?
View our guide to essential things to pack.
Passport
Make sure you have a valid passport which has an expiry date for beyond the period you are planning to be away.
Documents
If you need a visa, make sure you have an online/paper copy. You might also want to take a copy of your contract as well as contact details for your recruiter including their phone number and address. If you have a TEFL certification, it is also important to keep a copy of this.
Electronics
Phone, tablet, laptop, headphones – all essentials if you want to keep connected to friends and family, do work, or just have time to relax and browse the web, watch films and tv.
Medicines
If you take any medication make you sure have enough for the duration of your placement, or know how to obtain more in your destination. If you are going to teach in the Middle East, make sure you have read the correct list of medicines which are and aren’t allowed. For example, some treatments like medicinal cannabis can be legal in your home country but if teaching in the UAE for example, arriving at the airport with this in your luggage can land you a long prison sentence.
Clothing
What is the average temperatures for where you will be living and what season will you be arriving in? If you are going to teach in Thailand or somewhere with a tropical climate you really won’t need that big winter coat and are best packing summer clothes. But for working in Europe for example, you will need year round warm clothing, even for summer in some locations.
International Adaptor
It highly likely that your destination will not have the same wall sockets or plugs and so it is important if you want to use you electronic devices in a different country to make sure you have the right adaptor to charge your devices.
Suitcase of Backpack
We would probably go for a suitcase as its easier to transport, although if you plan to travel a lot a good sturdy backpack might be best.
What you pack really depends on your destination and how long you are going to be away for. Be sure to thoroughly research your country before departing, and always ask your employer for advice. Remember if you do forget things, the chances are you will likely be able to buy it in your new location.