Under Pressure Living Abroad

So you've arrived to your country of choice and you've completed a TEFL Course..."now what?" you might be asking yourself. Its stressful to show up to a new country and just start looking for work as well as housing. While there is no way to avoid this, there are strategies to minimize stress.

First, before leaving home, develop a plan as to how long you will allow yourself to look for work and also have a back-up plan. Be flexible in your planning.

Second, again before leaving home, plan to allow yourself enough time to actually find work. While some people may find work immediately it could take others much longer. One or two weeks really isnt enough time these days outside of China. Allow about 4 to 6 weeks to find work and accordingly have enough money saved to do this.

Third, set a weekly schedule of things that you can do to advance towards your goal of finding a job abroad. This is key because 1, you will be more likely to see results (obviously) but 2, your stress level will diminish because you will feel that you are working towards your goal and you will feel in control of the process.

Fourth, network and befriend as many people as possible. Don't speak only to certain people because of what you think they can do for you. Befriend people with an open heart and a sincere desire to connect with others. When you do this you will find that new doors open up to you as well as opportunities that you never knew existed will now become available.


Lastly, remember don't give up and don't take the answer "NO" as defeat.

G.G.