HelpGoAbroad - Blog

So you want to study Mandarin, and you want to be immersed - the best way to truly learn a new language.  Wise choice! You’re well on your way to learning one of the most useful and widely-spoken languages in the world. The next question becomes, where should you choose to study? Mainland China, or Taiwan?     Basic Stats:     Mainland China Taiwan Population 1.35 billion 32 million Land Mass 9,596,960 square kilometers (...

One of the best parts about traveling overseas is being able to sample the local dishes of each place that you visit. While some opt to go to fancy restaurants and fine dining in order to taste the best of the best, many others choose to hit the streets for cheap and delicious meals. Street food is fast, fresh (hopefully), and a great way to see how locals eat. You can find street stalls everywhere, such as at markets with rows of compe...

Thailand is the not only the land of smiles, but of warm weather, a tropical climate, and delicious food, not to mention beautiful beaches, vibrant cities, and lush green jungles. No wonder Thailand with its affordable lifestyle attracts so many expats, many of whom are digital nomads, teachers, and students.  Are you considering a move to Thailand? The following is a practical guide to help you on your way:   Thailand at a Glance ...

Korea has become a haven for bicyclists. As part of a major water restoration project, the South Korean government created bike paths following four of the nation’s largest rivers. Now with thousands of kilometers of riverside trails, more people are encouraged to discover the Republic of Korea by bike.     HAN AND NAKDONG RIVER BIKE PATHS: Seoul to Busan The trip from Seoul to Busan takes about five days. Doing the trail in t...

Guyana, South America, where the Caribbean meets Amazonia in a fascinating blending of cultures. Steeped in British and Dutch influence, a place largely unexplored invites you to experience its diverse environment through savannah, jungle, and coastal excursions.    CULTURAL TIPS AND TRAVEL ADVICE English is the official language of the Co-operate Republic of Guyana, but most locals speak with a creole twist. The majority of Guyanese ar...

There are a wealth of good reasons to teach abroad in Vietnam. It’s a great place to gain experience, given the teaching experience and education requirements are not as stringent as say, Taiwan or South Korea, it’s very affordable, and it’s a great introduction to a new culture. Both Saigon and Hanoi are full of expats and teachers, and both are vibrant cities full of delicious foods, quaint buildings with a French influence, and lovel...

Perhaps you’re teaching or studying abroad in Vietnam, happen to be a digital nomad in Thailand, work at a hostel in Thailand or lead SCUBA dives in Indonesia. Whatever you may do and wherever you may be, Southeast Asia is your new home. The following are things that only people who live (or have spent a lot of time in) Southeast Asia can understand:    1) Shoes DO NOT Go Indoors You don’t wear nice shoes out, because you...

When people ask me why I love Thailand, it’s hard to think of reasons why not to love Thailand. I mean, what’s not to love about a tropical paradise with some of the friendliest people in the world? What’s not to love about hot pink taxicabs and colorful tuk tuks? About delicious cuisine and a relaxed lifestyle?  After living in Thailand for nearly one year, I still yearn to return again and again. It’s as if I want to crawl every corner, just to...

Deciding to volunteer overseas with the United States Peace Corps is a life-altering choice. Peace Corps Volunteers (PCVs) live and work within a community for up to 27 months. The decision to serve for over two years volunteering overseas is not a small one to make. Ready to apply?   HOW PEACE CORPS’ APPLICATION PROCESS WORKS From the time an application is submitted to when a successful candidate is invited to serve usually takes about one year...

I’m perhaps one of the biggest proponents of traveling to Thailand you’ll ever meet, and the author of Top 10 Reasons To Love Thailand, but sometimes traveling to a country allows for a different perspective than living and working there. My time as a teacher in Thailand was special, and I will forever hold it dear in my heart. But teaching abroad requires an open mind, for one is working under the rules of an entirely different system. This mean...