HelpGoAbroad - Blog

Hong Kong is one of the most fabulous cities in the world. It has one of the lowest crime rates, has some of the best shopping centers, and some terrific food. It is a busy metropolis with an excellent transportation system and it even boasts a few bar districts. The thriving banking sector and plenty of multinational businesses ensure a continuous flow of expats, wealthy locals, and high-powered people from all countries. The only drawback ...

The Kingdom of Thailand, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, has many English teaching positions available. If you are interested in experiencing a lively culture in a tropical climate with tasty cuisine and stunning scenery, teaching abroad in Thailand is right for you. Imagine instructing a classroom full of eager, energetic students during the week, and then off to experience the incredible nightlife in Bangkok over the ...

Perhaps you’ve decided that you’re going to study or teach abroad in China, but you have no idea what to expect culturally. Like most countries, China’s culture is often most evident at meal times, which you will most likely find is much different than what you’re used to back home. The following tips will help you acclimate better and impress your hosts and friends during dinners in China:    1) Family Style Meals are eaten in a c...

China is the type of place where it seems like just about anything could happen. One day you’re walking down the street, a Ferrari passing your right while a man gets an open-blade shave on the sidewalk to your left. People are fishing in the river that runs through the big, polluted city and the pineapple vendors carve the fruit and sell it for 50 cents from little push-carts all day long. It’s a confusing place that throws just about every...

Istanbul, formerly Constantinople, is one of the most incredible cities in the world. Sitting astride two continents, Istanbul is a city of gorgeous and iconic mosques. This city is filled with all sorts of exciting activities to do, delicious food to devour, and historical sights to absorb. However, while Istanbul is not as expensive as many cities in Western Europe, it can still be a pretty pricey place to have a good time. While off-seaso...

Taiwan, officially the Republic of China, is a lovely little island off the coast of China that very few people seem to have ever heard of. I remember telling my friends that I was going to study abroad in Taiwan only to hear, “Oh Thailand? Cool!” in response more often than not. In reality, Taiwan offers a unique, vibrant, rich culture with friendly people, a great language learning environment, and great food.  Taiwan operates us...

Global nomads are an elusive bunch that never seem to sit still. Always on the move to seek out new places, spaces, and experiences, they can be tricky to pin down. If you want to be a part of this lifestyle, prepare yourself. If you are already living the dream, enjoy and hopefully you will find some familiarity.  1. You are always confused about what time it is because of constant jet lag.   2. You have no idea who to root for during ...

Teaching abroad is one of the best options available to native (or in many countries, such as China, even non-native) English speakers who are looking for some international experience, or perhaps don’t have the best job options back home. I had so many friends in the United States who searched high and low for jobs at home without realizing that there are plenty of opportunities to teach abroad if only they could take the leap of faith into...

Part of the adventure of volunteering abroad, especially with the United States Peace Corps, is accepting it comes with certain risks and lack of conveniences that will change how you live your life forever. What I learned as a Peace Corps Volunteer (PCV) has shaped how I have approached everything since. I served as an Education/Information and Communication Technology (ED/ICT) volunteer in Guyana, South America (2008-2010), with only basic nece...

This is not a post about why you should not teach at a private institute, called a hagwon in South Korea. This is an article about why you should consider teaching through the English Program in Korea (EPIK), the leading, government-sponsored organization in charge of placing Guest English Teachers (GETs) in public elementary, middle, and high schools throughout Korea.     Orientation and Training  EPIK’s orientation is organi...