Recently a friend of mine told me about how difficult life has been lately and how she wished she could just stop feeling. I didn't know how to respond to her. Yes everyone has a difficult life, but some people have more challenges than others, and some people have more resources than others to deal with those challenges. So because life doesn't hand out challenges and resources equally to everyone, life can seem so unfair. And yet hope and inspiration can find us anywhere we are, regardless of how much or how little resources we have and how hard life gets.
I thought I would share here a few resources that inspire me when my life gets difficult.
o Be – Neil Diamond in Jonathon Livingstone Seagull (see video below)
When I was going through a very difficult transition 25 years ago, I rented this video and played it over and over and over again. When the people you love don't understand that you need to follow your heart and try to block that, it can take a great deal of courage to keep going on. This video helped me do that.
o Ho’oponopono (see video below)
Ho’oponopono is the Hawaiian practice of cleaning ones energy system. For every difficulty I find myself in, I ask myself, "What in me has created this experience?" Then, I do the four graces, speaking to the energy blocks within me that are blocking my connection with God: 1. I'm sorry; 2. Please forgive me; 3. Thank you; 4. I love you.
Interview with Dr. Hew Len who teaches Ho’oponopono
o Listen to Inspiring Music
Everyone has their favourites, here is one of mine.
Josh Groban - You Are Loved
I’ve made a selection of inspiring videos on YouTube, music on PlayList, as well as downloaded videos and music to my computer.
o Play “What If ... Up”
Abraham teaches a game called What if ... Up. Usually when someone starts getting down on life something happens that they don't like and they keep thinking "What if ... down (something worse will happen). Abraham suggests that instead, try to think "What if something better will happen?" It's a good habit to get into.
These are just a few ideas to get you started looking for what inspires you. You have something in your heart that you need to follow. The rest of the world needs to hear your song - don't ever give up!
Jan Anderson © 2010 The Travel Coach
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Letter To The Universe Revisited
I have found the Letter To The Universe to be so effective in getting the work situations that I want that I use it to program for each new school year as well. Each year I seem to get more and more of the criteria I list in the Letter. I'm including the latest Letter here as a sample.
_ _ _ _ _
Third Year of Teaching at Clifford
Dear (Insert name of subconscious),
I am writing to you to set this request in motion. My intent is to have wonderful experiences teaching the 2009-2010 school year. I easily experience great rapport with my students and colleagues.
Please help me manifest these travel conditions: I easily pack all the things I need and want for school, my projects, and personal well-being into my luggage for the return trip to (place of work). The trip back will be easy to do and enjoyable. My flights are on time and making the connecting flights are easy and convenient. My travel and visa expenses are completely paid for by my employer. I am well rested and feeling fine throughout the trip and upon my arrival. All my materials and luggage arrive on time and in great shape. I always have help loading and transferring my stuff throughout the trip at low or no cost. I plan and connect with my transportation to Clifford Estates easily and quickly. The trip to (my apartment) is safe and convenient.
Please help me manifest these work conditions: My lessons are easily organized and interesting. My discipline strategy is easily effective in keeping order in the class and during transitions at all times. My students easily pay attention to my lessons at a level of at least a 9 where 10 is the level of involvement Y has with her students. X continues to be my assistant. The course material change is less than 5% over last year. I accomplish my lesson planning, course work and prep easily within the time I have at school. My class ratio is great!!!!
X and I easily work together to create a positive, successful learning environment for the children. We easily adapt the methods that will help the students achieve incredible results. I easily learn the methods that suit me best that will have a positive impact on my students’ achievement. My class will easily achieve 90% in Math and LA in June 2010.
The students come to my class easily motivated to learn and pay attention. I am able to reach all my students. All my students’ discipline, learning and development are easily supported appropriately by their families. The parents of my students are friendly. All my students are easy to get along with and to motivate.
Please help me manifest these experiences: I’m having the time of my life; I’m relaxed; I experience wonderful adventures; I see beautiful sights; I recognize all the good coming to me; I feel incredibly ecstatic to be here; I make the financial decisions that easily generate for me (insert desired amount) US or more each month; I have fast 24 hr. Internet access – 50kb/sec or more.
I appreciate all the help you give me. Please help me by easily and consistently guiding the people, ideas, resources, strategies and techniques I need to manifest these goals into my life.
This is what I think I want. Please manifest this or something better in my life for the highest good of all.
Sincerely,
(your name)
_ _ _ _ _
The main change in the Letter is highlighted - using a scale along with a known example works very well. So if there's someone you know who is achieving something you want, set them as a 10, and set your desire for achieving similar results as at least an 8 or 9. This really helps the subconscious understand what you're aiming for and thus you're more likely to achieve it.
Happy hunting!
Jan Anderson ©2010 The Travel Coach
_ _ _ _ _
Third Year of Teaching at Clifford
Dear (Insert name of subconscious),
I am writing to you to set this request in motion. My intent is to have wonderful experiences teaching the 2009-2010 school year. I easily experience great rapport with my students and colleagues.
Please help me manifest these travel conditions: I easily pack all the things I need and want for school, my projects, and personal well-being into my luggage for the return trip to (place of work). The trip back will be easy to do and enjoyable. My flights are on time and making the connecting flights are easy and convenient. My travel and visa expenses are completely paid for by my employer. I am well rested and feeling fine throughout the trip and upon my arrival. All my materials and luggage arrive on time and in great shape. I always have help loading and transferring my stuff throughout the trip at low or no cost. I plan and connect with my transportation to Clifford Estates easily and quickly. The trip to (my apartment) is safe and convenient.
Please help me manifest these work conditions: My lessons are easily organized and interesting. My discipline strategy is easily effective in keeping order in the class and during transitions at all times. My students easily pay attention to my lessons at a level of at least a 9 where 10 is the level of involvement Y has with her students. X continues to be my assistant. The course material change is less than 5% over last year. I accomplish my lesson planning, course work and prep easily within the time I have at school. My class ratio is great!!!!
X and I easily work together to create a positive, successful learning environment for the children. We easily adapt the methods that will help the students achieve incredible results. I easily learn the methods that suit me best that will have a positive impact on my students’ achievement. My class will easily achieve 90% in Math and LA in June 2010.
The students come to my class easily motivated to learn and pay attention. I am able to reach all my students. All my students’ discipline, learning and development are easily supported appropriately by their families. The parents of my students are friendly. All my students are easy to get along with and to motivate.
Please help me manifest these experiences: I’m having the time of my life; I’m relaxed; I experience wonderful adventures; I see beautiful sights; I recognize all the good coming to me; I feel incredibly ecstatic to be here; I make the financial decisions that easily generate for me (insert desired amount) US or more each month; I have fast 24 hr. Internet access – 50kb/sec or more.
I appreciate all the help you give me. Please help me by easily and consistently guiding the people, ideas, resources, strategies and techniques I need to manifest these goals into my life.
This is what I think I want. Please manifest this or something better in my life for the highest good of all.
Sincerely,
(your name)
_ _ _ _ _
The main change in the Letter is highlighted - using a scale along with a known example works very well. So if there's someone you know who is achieving something you want, set them as a 10, and set your desire for achieving similar results as at least an 8 or 9. This really helps the subconscious understand what you're aiming for and thus you're more likely to achieve it.
Happy hunting!
Jan Anderson ©2010 The Travel Coach
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
The Essay That Started It All
This is the last entry in the Dream Wizards series. Please scroll down to the January 2007 entry to start at the beginning of the series.
The following is a summary of the work I did with Dr. Boniface Etuk in the early 1990's. Boniface asked me to summarize a case study he had done on a training program developed by the Manitoba Institute of Management (MIM no longer is in operation).
Project Development Training as a Mechanism for Intercultural Technology Transfer
A Definition of Intercultural Technology Transfer
The broad definition of Intercultural Technology Transfer (ITT) is the exchange of anything man-made (language, symbols, frameworks, ideas, skills, expertise, processes, knowledge, equipment) between two cultures (organizations, cultural and socio-economic groups, countries).
Technology is created by individuals, groups/organizations, and nations to provide solutions within their contexts (needs, problems, aspirations, culture, and history). Technology transfer occurs when one or both cultures see this as a benefit. To successfully1 transfer technology to another context, the technology must be translated to fit the new context for mutual benefit between partners. Both the context that existed in the development of the technology, as well as the context of where that technology will be transferred to must be considered when translating it.
1 Success is defined as achieving the goals of the project, creating desired mutual benefits for the partners, and without creating cultural conflict.
The Three Phases of Project Development for Intercultural Technology Transfer
Project development has been successfully used as a mechanism for ITT (PD for ITT). PD for ITT is structured into three phases. The main activities for each phase are:
A) conducting needs and strengths assessments, developing project plan outlines (for students this would also include creating a learning plan), connecting with local and foreign partners; and making personal preparations for living in a new culture;
B) adapting to a new culture, acquiring and/or adapting technology that fits the intended context, refining the project plan, maintaining regular communication with partners, and preparing to return to your home culture or move on to the next project; and
C) finalizing the project plan through a collaborative process with stakeholders, implementing the project, readapting to your home culture or moving on to the next project.
The Two forms of Project Development for Intercultural Technology Transfer Training
Training people in PD for ITT can take two forms: 1) training personnel who wish to export their own technology to new cultures (PD for ITT Export); and 2) training personnel who desire to import relevant technology to their home culture (PD for ITT Import).
PD for ITT Export training provides expertise in: facilitating individuals and groups/organizations through the needs assessment process, creating partnerships, collaboration training, cultural sensitivity/orientation, preparing for culture shock, adapting technology to new contexts, project development and management for mutual benefit, training others in PD for ITT.
People who would benefit from this training: trainers, experts, development workers, change agents who want to help individuals, groups, and/or societies, entrepreneurs.
PD for ITT Import training provides individuals with training in project development and management, then specific training on needs assessment, searching for and using relevant technology from foreign culture(s), creating partnerships, collaboration training, cultural sensitivity/orientation, preparing for culture shock, and finally adapting the technology and using it to complete a project within their own context.
People who would benefit from this training: students, change agents within a society or organization, entrepreneurs.
Needs of Individuals and Small Organizations Involved in PD for ITT
Several needs have been identified that would enhance PD for ITT training and project development for individual and small organizational change agents. These needs include: sources of information, sources of support, and personal development.
Some suggested solutions to these needs are:
1) Sources of Information: a database of all (both successful and unsuccessful) online PD for ITT projects, PD for ITT training centres around the world or online, funding proposal expertise, fund raising expertise;
2) Sources of Support: a forum for new trainees, a forum of alumni, a pool of partners/mentors, a database of local community gatekeepers;
3) Personal Development: creating an effective mindset, eliminating subconscious resistance to success; identifying personal passions, inner genius development; increasing awareness of personal strengths and connections, tapping into Universal Mind.
Jan Anderson ©2008 The Travel Coach
The following is a summary of the work I did with Dr. Boniface Etuk in the early 1990's. Boniface asked me to summarize a case study he had done on a training program developed by the Manitoba Institute of Management (MIM no longer is in operation).
Project Development Training as a Mechanism for Intercultural Technology Transfer
A Definition of Intercultural Technology Transfer
The broad definition of Intercultural Technology Transfer (ITT) is the exchange of anything man-made (language, symbols, frameworks, ideas, skills, expertise, processes, knowledge, equipment) between two cultures (organizations, cultural and socio-economic groups, countries).
Technology is created by individuals, groups/organizations, and nations to provide solutions within their contexts (needs, problems, aspirations, culture, and history). Technology transfer occurs when one or both cultures see this as a benefit. To successfully1 transfer technology to another context, the technology must be translated to fit the new context for mutual benefit between partners. Both the context that existed in the development of the technology, as well as the context of where that technology will be transferred to must be considered when translating it.
1 Success is defined as achieving the goals of the project, creating desired mutual benefits for the partners, and without creating cultural conflict.
The Three Phases of Project Development for Intercultural Technology Transfer
Project development has been successfully used as a mechanism for ITT (PD for ITT). PD for ITT is structured into three phases. The main activities for each phase are:
A) conducting needs and strengths assessments, developing project plan outlines (for students this would also include creating a learning plan), connecting with local and foreign partners; and making personal preparations for living in a new culture;
B) adapting to a new culture, acquiring and/or adapting technology that fits the intended context, refining the project plan, maintaining regular communication with partners, and preparing to return to your home culture or move on to the next project; and
C) finalizing the project plan through a collaborative process with stakeholders, implementing the project, readapting to your home culture or moving on to the next project.
The Two forms of Project Development for Intercultural Technology Transfer Training
Training people in PD for ITT can take two forms: 1) training personnel who wish to export their own technology to new cultures (PD for ITT Export); and 2) training personnel who desire to import relevant technology to their home culture (PD for ITT Import).
PD for ITT Export training provides expertise in: facilitating individuals and groups/organizations through the needs assessment process, creating partnerships, collaboration training, cultural sensitivity/orientation, preparing for culture shock, adapting technology to new contexts, project development and management for mutual benefit, training others in PD for ITT.
People who would benefit from this training: trainers, experts, development workers, change agents who want to help individuals, groups, and/or societies, entrepreneurs.
PD for ITT Import training provides individuals with training in project development and management, then specific training on needs assessment, searching for and using relevant technology from foreign culture(s), creating partnerships, collaboration training, cultural sensitivity/orientation, preparing for culture shock, and finally adapting the technology and using it to complete a project within their own context.
People who would benefit from this training: students, change agents within a society or organization, entrepreneurs.
Needs of Individuals and Small Organizations Involved in PD for ITT
Several needs have been identified that would enhance PD for ITT training and project development for individual and small organizational change agents. These needs include: sources of information, sources of support, and personal development.
Some suggested solutions to these needs are:
1) Sources of Information: a database of all (both successful and unsuccessful) online PD for ITT projects, PD for ITT training centres around the world or online, funding proposal expertise, fund raising expertise;
2) Sources of Support: a forum for new trainees, a forum of alumni, a pool of partners/mentors, a database of local community gatekeepers;
3) Personal Development: creating an effective mindset, eliminating subconscious resistance to success; identifying personal passions, inner genius development; increasing awareness of personal strengths and connections, tapping into Universal Mind.
Jan Anderson ©2008 The Travel Coach
My Latest Adventure - China!!
In my Feb. 26, 2007 entry I mentioned how to tap into the Law of Attraction regarding achieving your goals. I find this practice essential when I'm going into the unknown - like switching jobs. This year (2007) my US visa required me to leave the country for a year, so again I was looking for another overseas position. I wrote a letter to my subconscious detailing exactly what I was looking for. I’m including my Letter To The Universe here to give you some ideas.
The job I finally took is in Guangzhou, China and it meets the majority of my criteria. I'll put a * where the item wasn't completely manifested.
_ _ _ _ _
My Next Teaching Contract (I give each letter a title)
Dear (insert the name you’ve given your subconscious mind),
I need your help to manifest my next teaching contract and placement for the 2007-08 school year. I need your help so that this next job will be in a community that I will fall in love with, and where I will easily find a property to buy where I can settle down in a place that satisfies my Lifestyle Package. (I have outlined this package in another letter).
Please help me manifest these contract and country criteria: My salary is (insert your desired amount and currency) USD or more per year. The country I live in has low taxes and expenses so that I have a disposable income of (insert your desired amount) USD or more per month. I'm able to send money to my (ex. investment plans, savings account) easily and quickly. The transfer fees are low. The school contract is for *2 years and can easily be renewed if I so desire. The school does all the work for setting up my work visa and immigration papers. The school contract also includes lots of holidays including 8 weeks of summer holidays in July and August. I easily travel to the cottage and relax for the summer. *The job search is easy, fast and successful. The job application and interview process is easy, convenient, fast, and successful.
Please help me manifest these work conditions: The work situation is wonderful. 80%or more of the lesson materials and preparation are already completed and ready for me to use immediately upon arrival. I have all the class furniture, equipment, supplies, curriculum and other information already set up in my classroom when I arrive. All the materials are easy to use and I can adapt to the curriculum and school policy easily. My classroom is *clean, air-conditioned, spacious and cheerful. A generous (compared to my current supply) amount of school supplies are provided. All management systems are efficient and friendly, notices are given to us in a timely manner, requests to us are reasonable, and our wages and benefits are provided as per our agreements. The school work hours are from *8:00 am to 3:00 pm with two days off together. All administrators are honourable, reliable, and reasonable.
I work with the age group I want: K or grade 1. My class size is a maximum of *20. All my students are motivated to learn. All my students’ learning and development are supported appropriately by their families. The parents of my students are friendly. All my students are easy to get along with and to motivate. I have an assistant that I work great with. We are able to communicate well and get along with each other. My assistant has a great work ethic, works well with the students, and helps me in all areas of classroom setup, management, preparation, instruction, and personal needs (helping me get around my new locale).
I am able to organize small groups, centers, and content instruction in the way that suits me. I easily schedule in all the course material I need to cover. The school provides *2 hours of prep a day for preparing lessons and materials. The school staff and administration keep interruptions to a minimum so that I can use prep time effectively. I complete lesson planning, course work and prep within the time I have at school. I hardly ever go to school to prep after school hours.
My class(es) will easily achieve 90% or more in Math and LA at the end of the school term in 2008.
I have an abundance of class space and appropriate classroom furniture that easily accommodates storage of materials and supplies, furniture placement, work areas for the teacher, assistant(s), and students, as well as activity areas.
Please help me to manifest these travel and accommodation arrangements: My travel arrangements and the actual travel will be easy to do and enjoyable. My flights are on time and making my connecting flights are easy and convenient. My moving and shipping expenses are completely paid for. I am well rested and feeling fine throughout the trip and upon my arrival. All my materials and luggage arrive on time and in great shape. I always have help loading and transferring my stuff throughout the trip at low or no cost. I connect with my transportation to my accommodation easily and quickly. The trip to my accommodation is safe, convenient, and close to the airport - within an hour’s drive. The area I live in has wonderful air quality and is a wonderful place to be.
My accommodation is spacious, fully furnished and clean. It’s available to me when I arrive from the airport. I am taken directly to my accommodation and helped with taking my luggage into the house/apartment. My bed is comfortable and is setup for me before I arrive. My accommodations and living environment meet and exceed my Lifestyle Package criteria for accommodations. Transportation between my housing and school is always reliable at anytime of the day or week, is easy to arrange and pay for, and is convenient for me to use anytime. My setup costs are easily paid for.
Please help me to manifest these experiences: I'm having fun; I'm having the time of my life; I'm relaxed; I experience new and wonderful cultures; I experience wonderful adventures; I see beautiful sights; I recognize all the good coming to me; I feel incredibly ecstatic to be here. I make friends easily.
(Insert name of your unconscious mind), I appreciate all the help you give me. I love how easily and consistently you guide the people, ideas, resources, strategies and techniques I need to manifest these goals, situations and resources into my life. This job and living situation is looking for me as much as I am looking for it, and the Law of Attraction brings us together easily and effortlessly.
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.
This is what I think I want. Please manifest this, or something better, in my life for the greatest good of all.
_ _ _ _ _
As you can see I received almost everything I asked for and what didn't match my criteria turned out to be pretty good anyway.
Why do I "prepave" like this? Because many of these situations can't be determined before you leave home, especially when travelling far from home.
I hope this inspires you to go on your own adventures! Bon Voyage!
Jan Anderson ©2008 The Travel Coach
The job I finally took is in Guangzhou, China and it meets the majority of my criteria. I'll put a * where the item wasn't completely manifested.
_ _ _ _ _
My Next Teaching Contract (I give each letter a title)
Dear (insert the name you’ve given your subconscious mind),
I need your help to manifest my next teaching contract and placement for the 2007-08 school year. I need your help so that this next job will be in a community that I will fall in love with, and where I will easily find a property to buy where I can settle down in a place that satisfies my Lifestyle Package. (I have outlined this package in another letter).
Please help me manifest these contract and country criteria: My salary is (insert your desired amount and currency) USD or more per year. The country I live in has low taxes and expenses so that I have a disposable income of (insert your desired amount) USD or more per month. I'm able to send money to my (ex. investment plans, savings account) easily and quickly. The transfer fees are low. The school contract is for *2 years and can easily be renewed if I so desire. The school does all the work for setting up my work visa and immigration papers. The school contract also includes lots of holidays including 8 weeks of summer holidays in July and August. I easily travel to the cottage and relax for the summer. *The job search is easy, fast and successful. The job application and interview process is easy, convenient, fast, and successful.
Please help me manifest these work conditions: The work situation is wonderful. 80%or more of the lesson materials and preparation are already completed and ready for me to use immediately upon arrival. I have all the class furniture, equipment, supplies, curriculum and other information already set up in my classroom when I arrive. All the materials are easy to use and I can adapt to the curriculum and school policy easily. My classroom is *clean, air-conditioned, spacious and cheerful. A generous (compared to my current supply) amount of school supplies are provided. All management systems are efficient and friendly, notices are given to us in a timely manner, requests to us are reasonable, and our wages and benefits are provided as per our agreements. The school work hours are from *8:00 am to 3:00 pm with two days off together. All administrators are honourable, reliable, and reasonable.
I work with the age group I want: K or grade 1. My class size is a maximum of *20. All my students are motivated to learn. All my students’ learning and development are supported appropriately by their families. The parents of my students are friendly. All my students are easy to get along with and to motivate. I have an assistant that I work great with. We are able to communicate well and get along with each other. My assistant has a great work ethic, works well with the students, and helps me in all areas of classroom setup, management, preparation, instruction, and personal needs (helping me get around my new locale).
I am able to organize small groups, centers, and content instruction in the way that suits me. I easily schedule in all the course material I need to cover. The school provides *2 hours of prep a day for preparing lessons and materials. The school staff and administration keep interruptions to a minimum so that I can use prep time effectively. I complete lesson planning, course work and prep within the time I have at school. I hardly ever go to school to prep after school hours.
My class(es) will easily achieve 90% or more in Math and LA at the end of the school term in 2008.
I have an abundance of class space and appropriate classroom furniture that easily accommodates storage of materials and supplies, furniture placement, work areas for the teacher, assistant(s), and students, as well as activity areas.
Please help me to manifest these travel and accommodation arrangements: My travel arrangements and the actual travel will be easy to do and enjoyable. My flights are on time and making my connecting flights are easy and convenient. My moving and shipping expenses are completely paid for. I am well rested and feeling fine throughout the trip and upon my arrival. All my materials and luggage arrive on time and in great shape. I always have help loading and transferring my stuff throughout the trip at low or no cost. I connect with my transportation to my accommodation easily and quickly. The trip to my accommodation is safe, convenient, and close to the airport - within an hour’s drive. The area I live in has wonderful air quality and is a wonderful place to be.
My accommodation is spacious, fully furnished and clean. It’s available to me when I arrive from the airport. I am taken directly to my accommodation and helped with taking my luggage into the house/apartment. My bed is comfortable and is setup for me before I arrive. My accommodations and living environment meet and exceed my Lifestyle Package criteria for accommodations. Transportation between my housing and school is always reliable at anytime of the day or week, is easy to arrange and pay for, and is convenient for me to use anytime. My setup costs are easily paid for.
Please help me to manifest these experiences: I'm having fun; I'm having the time of my life; I'm relaxed; I experience new and wonderful cultures; I experience wonderful adventures; I see beautiful sights; I recognize all the good coming to me; I feel incredibly ecstatic to be here. I make friends easily.
(Insert name of your unconscious mind), I appreciate all the help you give me. I love how easily and consistently you guide the people, ideas, resources, strategies and techniques I need to manifest these goals, situations and resources into my life. This job and living situation is looking for me as much as I am looking for it, and the Law of Attraction brings us together easily and effortlessly.
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.
This is what I think I want. Please manifest this, or something better, in my life for the greatest good of all.
_ _ _ _ _
As you can see I received almost everything I asked for and what didn't match my criteria turned out to be pretty good anyway.
Why do I "prepave" like this? Because many of these situations can't be determined before you leave home, especially when travelling far from home.
I hope this inspires you to go on your own adventures! Bon Voyage!
Jan Anderson ©2008 The Travel Coach
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Preparing For Your Overseas Experience
1) My First Overseas Job - How I Got the Job
I found my first overseas job by attending a social event and heard about a friend that was working in a language school in Seoul, South Korea. I became very interested in working in South Korea too, so I started getting ready. I updated my CV, researched job openings and Korean culture, and sent out my resume to numerous schools in Seoul.
My friend came home for a visit about a month later and agreed to show my CV around Seoul. Soon after, we both received job offers from a middle school. So I gave my notice to my employer, bought my ticket, and had a farewell party. It took about five months from beginning my job search to arriving in Seoul.
This article has 2 sections. In section 1, I’ll give you a few tips on performing your overseas job search and in section 2 I’ll give you some tips on preparing for your overseas experience.
A) Resume
This is your top priority if you don’t already have a resume. There’s just so much free information on the Internet on resume writing. Just do a search on the keyword “resume” - I got 229 million results Monster.com and Monster.ca are very popular sites, as well as Workopolis.com (Canadian job search website).
B) Search Engine Keywords
How you structure your keyword search can greatly effect the number and quality of results you receive, e.g.
“overseas + accounting + recruit” no results
"overseas" + "accounting" + "recruit" 250,000 results
Another example:
“overseas” + “teaching” 6.9 million results top website - joyjobs.com
“teach” + “overseas” 3.9 million results top website - teachoverseas.org
I recommend trying various ways to structure your keywords until you get the best results.
C) Universities, Associations, Classifieds
Recruiters for overseas companies usually contact universities and their respective professional associations to find candidates for their companies. Make an appointment to talk to your university employment opportunity office, and professional association office. Universities also conduct job or employment fairs. A job fair is a great way to meet with recruiters directly.
Your local newspaper classifieds will have overseas recruiting classifieds if there’s a local recruiter working in your city, or if a recruiter is planning a trip to your city.
Online classifieds are useful if you’re interested in connecting with an employer in a certain location, e.g. Thailand - The Bangkok Post frequently has classifieds for teaching English in that city. These classifieds are intended for local hires, but it gives you the contact information of companies that are actively seeking new hires.
I landed the job in Thailand through my local newspaper. I saw an ad for a local recruiter and applied for the job through him. Be careful, though - check their credentials. Unfortunately, scam artists are alive and well on planet Earth I’ve been lucky but I’ve had friends who parted with their money and received no return for it.
D) Networking
Networking is a very effective way to land your next job. The people in your network include other people with your qualifications - friends in your field of work, coworkers, and previous employers - as well as family and friends. Forming a support group or buddy system is also an effective method of brainstorming and planning how to connect with employers. Again, I recommend Barbara’s book for how to plan a networking party (like a Tupperware party).
I landed the jobs in South Korea and North Carolina through connections I made through my teacher friends.
2) Arriving in Seoul - The Blessings of Being Prepared
My flight to Seoul included a one hour layover where I switched planes. This was good because I arrived in Seoul at a reasonable hour for my friend to meet me at the airport. But this was not so good because my luggage didn’t make it onto the second plane. But this was a good thing because the airline refunded me about $100.00 and gave me a very nice travel kit for my trouble. It was also fortunate that I had packed a change of clothing and toiletries in my carry-on luggage. My luggage finally caught up with me two days later in good shape.
Three days before my departure for Seoul, my friend called to tell me that she had changed her mind and wasn’t accepting the middle school position, but rather a position at another school. She told me that there was also an opening for me at this other school and was I interested? I decided to try this other school on her recommendation, but it meant that I was going to Seoul without a firm job offer, and no apartment waiting for me. This meant that for my first week in Seoul I camped out in someone’s living room, and then slept in an unheated classroom for the rest of January (the school did provide a space heater though).
Does this experience sound like a nightmare to you? Well I just loved it! I was soooo mentally ready to experience a completely different culture and to be on such a wonderful adventure. It helped immensely that my friend had given me some tips on what to bring with me - especially an air mattress.
Here I’ll discuss some tips on how to prepare for arriving in your host country.
A) Documents
This is NOT an exhaustive list of the documents you will need. Your recruiter/employer should be able to give you more specific information. These are the items you will definitely need:
i) Passport - you can get information about applying for your passport online through your government website.
ii) Passport size photos - at least 10 - must be within the last 6 months. You need these for visas. It amazes me how many times I needed photos but was never told by my employer. Assume every government office wants several photos.
iii) Visa - some recruiters do all the work for you in obtaining a visa and others don’t. It seems to depend on which country and field you’re interested in. Get a list of the specific documents you need from your recruiter/employer, and if you have to do the leg work yourself it wouldn’t hurt to double check the requirements with the embassy of the country you’re going to.
iv) Criminal checks - Your recruiter/employer will tell you whether you need a criminal record check. This has become a common requirement for obtaining overseas employment.
v) Health report and HIV tests - most companies want a letter from your doctor stating that you are in good health. Some countries, however, require that you also have a recent HIV test that’s negative in order to get a visa.
vi) Regular and original/official copies of transcripts, degrees, birth certificate, driver’s license, and references. Don’t give your original/official copies to anyone until you’re hired. They’ll need your original documents to begin work on your visa and work permit. You do need to keep track of this process, however. Some issues that have happened to me include my passport being mislaid in my employer’s office. Also my visa renewal deadline was close to my holidays and my employer didn’t start the paperwork in time.
B) Health
Vaccinations - each country has its own health issues and your travel health clinic can tell you what medical concerns are current for the country you are going to. Just google: travel health to find online information sources.
C) Finances
I recommend bringing the equivalent of 1 month of wages, 2 months if possible. (For developed countries travelers cheques (checks) are great, but if you're going to a developing country, they're a nightmare. (I’ve found that even Hong Kong doesn’t cash traveler’s cheques easily.) I would bring cash (euros or USD) for developing countries, or check with your travel agent for the best currency to take.)
When getting quotes on how much money it takes to live on in your host country for one month, get a quote from more than one person. I’ve seen people quoted amounts that made budgeting extremely tight until they received their first paycheque.
D) Housing
When you are researching a potential employer’s benefit package, determine whether your employer/recruiter will help you: locate/provide housing, secure the lease, help with the deposit/rent? Many overseas employers make these types of benefits available to their overseas candidates. Sometimes taking a lesser wage with better housing benefits makes your benefit package a better deal.
E) Travel
i) Once you’ve landed a job discuss who arranges for your travel, will you be reimbursed for travel costs, and who will meet you at the airport.
ii) You’ll need a contact number that is a personal phone number - home or cell - since your flight will probably land after work hours. If the people that were to meet you at the airport don’t show up, you need a contact number that will reach someone at say 11:00 at night.
iii) calculateme.com/ is a great resource for converting between metric and imperial measurements.
F) Learning about the Host Country
Before I went to South Korea I connected with several people who were Korean living in Canada. I learned about their food, some words, customs and attitudes, and the types of weather I could expect. If you don’t have any connections to immigrants from your country of interest, you can get great information from travel guidebooks. If these are not available at your local library or bookstore, you can purchase them through an online bookstore. At Amazon.com I did the following searches:
- On their home page I clicked on Books and then Browse Subjects. Each of these clicks brought up a new menu - I clicked on Travel, then Reference & Tips, then Guidebooks.
- In the search field I typed in “” + “guidebooks” (ex. “Thailand” + “guidebooks”)
Guidebooks are a great source of information on the country, language, what to bring, and places to visit.
No one can foresee the unique circumstances you’ll encounter, but getting as much information as you can helps a lot. I personally plan for a new situation as much as I can and then I leave a 15% margin of flexibility in time and money. Thus I have been able to go with the flow and enjoy traveling despite the challenges I encountered. Bon Voyage!
Jan Anderson © 2007 The Travel Coach
I found my first overseas job by attending a social event and heard about a friend that was working in a language school in Seoul, South Korea. I became very interested in working in South Korea too, so I started getting ready. I updated my CV, researched job openings and Korean culture, and sent out my resume to numerous schools in Seoul.
My friend came home for a visit about a month later and agreed to show my CV around Seoul. Soon after, we both received job offers from a middle school. So I gave my notice to my employer, bought my ticket, and had a farewell party. It took about five months from beginning my job search to arriving in Seoul.
This article has 2 sections. In section 1, I’ll give you a few tips on performing your overseas job search and in section 2 I’ll give you some tips on preparing for your overseas experience.
A) Resume
This is your top priority if you don’t already have a resume. There’s just so much free information on the Internet on resume writing. Just do a search on the keyword “resume” - I got 229 million results Monster.com and Monster.ca are very popular sites, as well as Workopolis.com (Canadian job search website).
B) Search Engine Keywords
How you structure your keyword search can greatly effect the number and quality of results you receive, e.g.
“overseas + accounting + recruit” no results
"overseas" + "accounting" + "recruit" 250,000 results
Another example:
“overseas” + “teaching” 6.9 million results top website - joyjobs.com
“teach” + “overseas” 3.9 million results top website - teachoverseas.org
I recommend trying various ways to structure your keywords until you get the best results.
C) Universities, Associations, Classifieds
Recruiters for overseas companies usually contact universities and their respective professional associations to find candidates for their companies. Make an appointment to talk to your university employment opportunity office, and professional association office. Universities also conduct job or employment fairs. A job fair is a great way to meet with recruiters directly.
Your local newspaper classifieds will have overseas recruiting classifieds if there’s a local recruiter working in your city, or if a recruiter is planning a trip to your city.
Online classifieds are useful if you’re interested in connecting with an employer in a certain location, e.g. Thailand - The Bangkok Post frequently has classifieds for teaching English in that city. These classifieds are intended for local hires, but it gives you the contact information of companies that are actively seeking new hires.
I landed the job in Thailand through my local newspaper. I saw an ad for a local recruiter and applied for the job through him. Be careful, though - check their credentials. Unfortunately, scam artists are alive and well on planet Earth I’ve been lucky but I’ve had friends who parted with their money and received no return for it.
D) Networking
Networking is a very effective way to land your next job. The people in your network include other people with your qualifications - friends in your field of work, coworkers, and previous employers - as well as family and friends. Forming a support group or buddy system is also an effective method of brainstorming and planning how to connect with employers. Again, I recommend Barbara’s book for how to plan a networking party (like a Tupperware party).
I landed the jobs in South Korea and North Carolina through connections I made through my teacher friends.
2) Arriving in Seoul - The Blessings of Being Prepared
My flight to Seoul included a one hour layover where I switched planes. This was good because I arrived in Seoul at a reasonable hour for my friend to meet me at the airport. But this was not so good because my luggage didn’t make it onto the second plane. But this was a good thing because the airline refunded me about $100.00 and gave me a very nice travel kit for my trouble. It was also fortunate that I had packed a change of clothing and toiletries in my carry-on luggage. My luggage finally caught up with me two days later in good shape.
Three days before my departure for Seoul, my friend called to tell me that she had changed her mind and wasn’t accepting the middle school position, but rather a position at another school. She told me that there was also an opening for me at this other school and was I interested? I decided to try this other school on her recommendation, but it meant that I was going to Seoul without a firm job offer, and no apartment waiting for me. This meant that for my first week in Seoul I camped out in someone’s living room, and then slept in an unheated classroom for the rest of January (the school did provide a space heater though).
Does this experience sound like a nightmare to you? Well I just loved it! I was soooo mentally ready to experience a completely different culture and to be on such a wonderful adventure. It helped immensely that my friend had given me some tips on what to bring with me - especially an air mattress.
Here I’ll discuss some tips on how to prepare for arriving in your host country.
A) Documents
This is NOT an exhaustive list of the documents you will need. Your recruiter/employer should be able to give you more specific information. These are the items you will definitely need:
i) Passport - you can get information about applying for your passport online through your government website.
ii) Passport size photos - at least 10 - must be within the last 6 months. You need these for visas. It amazes me how many times I needed photos but was never told by my employer. Assume every government office wants several photos.
iii) Visa - some recruiters do all the work for you in obtaining a visa and others don’t. It seems to depend on which country and field you’re interested in. Get a list of the specific documents you need from your recruiter/employer, and if you have to do the leg work yourself it wouldn’t hurt to double check the requirements with the embassy of the country you’re going to.
iv) Criminal checks - Your recruiter/employer will tell you whether you need a criminal record check. This has become a common requirement for obtaining overseas employment.
v) Health report and HIV tests - most companies want a letter from your doctor stating that you are in good health. Some countries, however, require that you also have a recent HIV test that’s negative in order to get a visa.
vi) Regular and original/official copies of transcripts, degrees, birth certificate, driver’s license, and references. Don’t give your original/official copies to anyone until you’re hired. They’ll need your original documents to begin work on your visa and work permit. You do need to keep track of this process, however. Some issues that have happened to me include my passport being mislaid in my employer’s office. Also my visa renewal deadline was close to my holidays and my employer didn’t start the paperwork in time.
B) Health
Vaccinations - each country has its own health issues and your travel health clinic can tell you what medical concerns are current for the country you are going to. Just google: travel health to find online information sources.
C) Finances
I recommend bringing the equivalent of 1 month of wages, 2 months if possible. (For developed countries travelers cheques (checks) are great, but if you're going to a developing country, they're a nightmare. (I’ve found that even Hong Kong doesn’t cash traveler’s cheques easily.) I would bring cash (euros or USD) for developing countries, or check with your travel agent for the best currency to take.)
When getting quotes on how much money it takes to live on in your host country for one month, get a quote from more than one person. I’ve seen people quoted amounts that made budgeting extremely tight until they received their first paycheque.
D) Housing
When you are researching a potential employer’s benefit package, determine whether your employer/recruiter will help you: locate/provide housing, secure the lease, help with the deposit/rent? Many overseas employers make these types of benefits available to their overseas candidates. Sometimes taking a lesser wage with better housing benefits makes your benefit package a better deal.
E) Travel
i) Once you’ve landed a job discuss who arranges for your travel, will you be reimbursed for travel costs, and who will meet you at the airport.
ii) You’ll need a contact number that is a personal phone number - home or cell - since your flight will probably land after work hours. If the people that were to meet you at the airport don’t show up, you need a contact number that will reach someone at say 11:00 at night.
iii) calculateme.com/ is a great resource for converting between metric and imperial measurements.
F) Learning about the Host Country
Before I went to South Korea I connected with several people who were Korean living in Canada. I learned about their food, some words, customs and attitudes, and the types of weather I could expect. If you don’t have any connections to immigrants from your country of interest, you can get great information from travel guidebooks. If these are not available at your local library or bookstore, you can purchase them through an online bookstore. At Amazon.com I did the following searches:
- On their home page I clicked on Books and then Browse Subjects. Each of these clicks brought up a new menu - I clicked on Travel, then Reference & Tips, then Guidebooks.
- In the search field I typed in “
Guidebooks are a great source of information on the country, language, what to bring, and places to visit.
No one can foresee the unique circumstances you’ll encounter, but getting as much information as you can helps a lot. I personally plan for a new situation as much as I can and then I leave a 15% margin of flexibility in time and money. Thus I have been able to go with the flow and enjoy traveling despite the challenges I encountered. Bon Voyage!
Jan Anderson © 2007 The Travel Coach
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