Thursday, March 26, 2020

Superscript and Subscript Chemistry Symbols

Superscript and Subscript Chemistry SymbolsIn the world of chemistry, it is very difficult to avoid the use of superscript and subscript chemistry symbols. For example, a molecule or atom is marked with a superscript, while another atom can be marked with a subscript. An atom of the hydroxyl is superscript and one of hydrogen, carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide is subscript. Some people even say that the symbol 'x' is shorthand for the superscript and subscript.The reason why superscript and subscript are used in chemistry is that it gives you easier access to the names of atoms and molecules, and even abbreviations of scientific terms. It is common to see this kind of chemistry in many textbooks, and online there are many sites where you can find pictures, reviews, and information about chemistry symbols. Using the correct symbol can help you understand what you are reading and writing, and it will be easier to read information in print and online, and even on online chat rooms and email.However, the use of superscript and subscript chemistry symbols is not universal. If you are an American, then you may find this use of symbols less common in your textbooks and online. But if you live in Canada, UK, or Australia, you can find superscript and subscript chemistry symbols to be very common. The reason for this is that both the U.S. and Canada use a different set of symbols for these kinds of chemistry symbols.U.S. uses a combination of symbols for letters, numbers, and alpha and beta. They often use the symbol 'A' for all, or 'V' for beta. They also use both an 'x' symbol for superscript and an 'X' symbol for subscript. In Canada, the symbols 'Q'V' are used for their alphabetic characters.If you are not familiar with Canadian abbreviations, you can also look at a web site where you can find symbols like 'V' for certain nutrients, and a link to the United States Department of Agriculture website. Other symbols used by scientists in Canada include 'Z' fo r zinc, 'S' for sulphur, and 'O' for oxygen. Canada is also a member of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), which helps standardize chemical symbols across most countries.Science is a science of objects, substances, and phenomena. Every phenomenon, substance, and object in the world have a name. This information is called symbols, which help scientists and other researchers keep track of their data.Using symbols is just the proper use of them. A good way to learn more about chemistry is to watch movies like The Secret which explains how symbols are used in chemistry. You will enjoy this kind of movie, because it will make you feel like you are part of the story and won't bore you.

Friday, March 6, 2020

10 Ways to Finish an Email in English ?? - Learn English with Harry

10 Ways to Finish an Email in English ?? - Learn English with Harry Welcome back to my English grammar lessons. This is Harry. So what have I got for you today? Well, Ive got some ways to finish an email in English.I have to admit, this is not the most exciting thing Ive ever done, but these are really practical suggestions for you. Its amazing how many times people ask me: How do I start and how do I end an email in English?So were going to focus today on the end of the email.Its not the same as a letter because in most cases, letters are quite formal. But when were using email, even if were using them to the boss or somebody a little bit more important than ourselves then its always informal.   10 Ways to Finish an Email in English Some of it is the same as we use them letters, but sometimes its different and sometimes people dont sign off on their emails at all.So the first one is just the word REGARDS.So youve finished whatever youre saying and then you just put regards, Harry. So its just a very, very simple way.Usually that means that you know the person reasonably well.Number two is a little bit similar to number one. Here were using the expression BEST REGARDS or KIND REGARDS.Now, this is very similar to the letter format, but again, its about people that you know, and it might be somebody on a personal level rather than on a business email.Best regards, HarryKind regards, DadBest regards, MumWere just giving the person our best wishes for whatever we have happened to tell them. So I say its very, very informal but you dont like to sign off too formally. So you want to give something less formal but not too informal. So best regards or kind regards.Number three on my list is ALL THE BEST.So here, its real ly for somebody who is not so close to you, but youd like to be kind. You like to be polite, okay? So youd use this sort of expression all the best. So it means all the best for the future. All the best for your business. All the best in your adventure, whatever it might be. Just all the best. Meaning your best wishes, youre giving it all to the person that youre writing to.So all the best Harry and sign off and press that button and off the email goes, okay.And here we are with number four and number four is BEST WISHES. Now here again, this is impersonal in some ways. You dont know the person so well that definitely not a close friend, that definitely not a member of your family, but theres somebody that you, you wish again to be polite so best wishes Harry.So it could be to members of your team in the office. It could be something, somebody thats is supplying you with some particular service.  Or indeed, it could be somebody that you are dealing with in a business and theyre no l onger going to be your account manager or theyre no longer going to be the main contact in that business.  So you write them a nice note to say:Oh, its been great working for you over the last few years. I really wish you the very best for your future career. Best wishes. 10 Ways to Finish an Email in English Don't keep this to yourself, tell the world Okay, were halfway there. So this is number five and number five is THANKS or indeed MANY THANKS.So this is usually a signature you would use over a series of a number of emails that youve been writing back and forth to somebody playing a little bit of ping pong.So youve asked them a question, theyve given you some information, youve asked them for something else, theyve given you some

12 Phrasal Verbs with TAKE with Meanings and Examples

12 Phrasal Verbs with TAKE with Meanings and Examples Some of our students think learning about the phrasal verbs is one of the hardest concepts in the English language. However, it is quite an important concept, as native speakers use phrasal verbs quite a lot in their everyday conversations. So what is a Phrasal Verb? A Phrasal Verb is a verb that consists of two words. The first word is a verb itself. And the second part is a particle. A preposition, or an adverb. Together as a phrase or a Phrasal Verb they have a completely different meaning.Today we are going to look at phrasal verbs with TAKE. Here is our list of ten phrasal verbs with TAKE.  Scroll down to watch a video lesson on English Expressions with TAKE. Phrasal Verbs with Take - Infographic Enjoyed this infographic? Here’s what you can do next: List of 13 Phrasal Verbs with TAKE Take off. Take out. Take away. Take in. Take down. Take apart. Take after. Take up. Take over. Take on. Take to. Take for. Take back. TAKE OFFLike many other phrasal verbs ‘take off’ has more than one meaning.1. to leave the ground.Ex. Our flight took off on time.2. to remove somethingEx. If it is hot outside, you take off your shirt.3. to take someone off means to imitate someone.Ex. He loves taking popular singers off.4. to take time as a holidayEx. Chris took 3 weeks in the middle of July.TAKE OUT1. to remove something from a fixed position.Ex. She took out her purse.2. to invite someone to dinner, or to any place of entertainment.Ex. Paul took me out to dinner yesterday night.3. to clean (stain, mark, dirt)Ex. Use this powder to take out the coffee stain.TAKE AWAYto removeEx. May I take away the dirty dishes now?TAKE IN1. to make clothes narrower, to alter, to adjust clothesFor example, you lost wait and now your jeans are too loose in the waist. So you go to the tailor and ask him to take them in the waist.Ex. Can you please take jeans in the waist? 2. to understand something fullyEx. Phrasal verbs are difficult to take in.3. Take someone in means to trick someone.Ex. I was completely taken in by him.TAKE DOWNto take notes, to write something down.Ex. Hold on, I’ll write down your mobile number.TAKE APARTto divide something into smaller parts, to disassemble, to break it upEx. His mobile wasn’t working properly, and he decided to take it apart.TAKE AFTERto resemble in appearance or characterEx. Jamie is very ambitious, he took it after his dad.TAKE UP1. to occupy space or timeEx. Boxes took up a lot of space in my room.Studies take up all of my time.2. to become interested in something. To take up a hobby.Ex. They decided to take up chess. Popular English Expressions with TAKE - Video Lesson TAKE BACKto apologiseEx. He took his remarks about her new dress because she was very upset.TAKE OVERto control or to possess something.Ex. I am going to take over the world.We pulled off the motorway, and Mary took over driving.TAKE ON1. to employ someone.Ex. Will he take me on?2. to accept something, to undertake to do something.Ex. I don’t think I can take this work on at the moment as I am very busy.TAKE TOto like immediately, to be really comfortable with something. To be natural.Ex. He took to tennis as soon as he picked up a racket.TAKE FORto consider or to identify mistakenlyEx. Sorry, I took you for your sister, Im always confused.Dont take his silence for approval.That’s it for today! Remember, there is only one tip to help you improve your English keep practising! There is no easy way to remember phrasal verbs. But using them frequently in your conversation will help. Make sure you practise and use some of the phrasal verbs with TAKE next time.

Thursday, March 5, 2020

How Students Can Apply for and Land a Great Part-Time Job

How Students Can Apply for and Land a Great Part-Time Job Pixabay.com The first step in beginning your job hunt is to have a resume prepped and ready to go. In order to get started on the process of making your resume a wonderful one, you can go on your schools website or call and see if your school offers resume workshops and critiques at their career center. If so, bring in a printed copy of your resume and ask for help in making it as great as it can be. Make sure your resume contains all of the required elements, such as your current address, a working phone number that you’d like potential employers to call you on, a list of any previous employers, education, and any skills and accomplishments that will set you apart from the other applicants. For more tips on how to build a standout resume, Monster.com offers a helpful list on their website. After you’ve prepared your resume, it’s time to start doing the fun part: searching for the job! You might find that you prefer the old-school way of finding a job: going into the business and inquiring if they’re in need of help. This is a good way to go about finding a job. The employers will have a chance to pair a name with your face and it gives you time to leave a great first impression. Dont be downhearted if the employees there simply hand you their business card and tell you to apply online. Its often easier for employers to sort through electronic applications versus paper applications. There are those few rare stores, however, that will hand you a paper application and allow you to start filling it out right then and there. So, if you think it’s a waste of time going into the business, don’t be too quick to discard the idea. There’s also the online path of finding a job. Here is a list of free online job boards where you can search through dozens of jobs in your area: • Monster.com • Indeed.com • Snagajob.com • SimplyHired.com All of these websites offer an easy way to search through job listings that companies post. You can narrow your search by selecting that you only wish to browse through part-time postings. You can also type in a search term after that to specify what kind of job you’re looking for (ex: waiter, hotel, tech, etc.). Once you’ve found a job that you’re interested in, click on the “apply” link and then follow the instructions that the company posted on how to fill out their applications. Most times, you’ll be linked directly to the company’s website where you can apply online. Don’t forget to attach that shiny resume to your application! The last step is the interview process. If you receive a phone call or an email back from an employer that says theyre interested in hiring you, the next step will be to work out a day where you can meet with them for an interview. Choose a day where you’re not going to have to rush either before or after the scheduled time of meeting. Arrive 15 minutes early, dressed in your best business attire and with printed resume in hand. To avoid wrinkling, a manila file can be used to carry your resume in. Pexels.com During your interview, make sure to relax and be yourself. Smile, be honest, and maintain eye contact. You’ll be asked questions that allow the employer to find out more about you. Some examples of these questions are: • What do you consider to be your greatest strength? • What do you consider your biggest weaknesses? • What’s your dream job? • What would you do if you had an angry customer? • Do you consider yourself a leader? • Why do you want this job? • Why should we hire you? Answer questions like these to the best of your ability. Remember: remain humble and honest but avoid putting yourself in a bad light. Avoid saying your “greatest weakness” is anything that will make employers second-guess if you’re the right choice for the position you are wanting. It usually takes a few days to hear back from the business after the interview. Don’t be nervous; wait patiently and you’ll get that phone call you’re waiting for. If a week or more has passed, it’s alright to call and check on where they’re at in the hiring process. Most employers will appreciate your excitement about the position. After you land a job, pat yourself on the back! You did a lot of work to secure your new job! Happy job-hunting, everyone!

How to choose between teaching in a public or private school

How to choose between teaching in a public or private school There are teaching fundamentals that are relevant in every classroom (lesson planning ? knowledge sharing ? homework marking ?) but the kind of school you teach in can make quite a difference to your working life. There are many types of schools out there but all of them fall into one of two categories: public or private. Choosing which one you work in can affect everything from who, what, and where you teach to how much you get paid. So what are the main differences between public and private schools? And how do you know which might suit you better? Read on to find out. What you need to know about teaching in public schools What are public schools? Public schools are normally run by the government, paid for with taxes, and students are legally required to attend them until the age of about 16 (depending on the country they’re in). As such, students in public schools are children and teens, separated into classes by age or ability, who study a range of key subjects like math, language, science, and humanities. What qualifications do I need to work in a public school? National or local governments will normally require teachers to have specific qualifications in order to work in public schools, whether that’s a Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree or teaching certificate. The required qualifications will vary from place to place so make sure you double check that any qualification you sign up for will be accepted in the school district you want to teach in. Making sure you get the right qualification will open job opportunities in a whole network of schools that could stretch throughout your state, country, and even overseas. ?? How’s the job security for teachers in public schools? Public school teaching jobs are normally very secure because they are funded by taxpayers. Instead of working for a private employer, you’ll be working for the government and for your local community with all the job protections that come with that. On top of this, public school teachers often have strong unions that can offer advice and support if ever you do run into difficulties at work. As such, you can be pretty confident that as a public school teacher you are part of a standardized system in which workers' rights are well-protected. What’s the salary like for teachers in public schools? In the same vein, you can normally rely on being paid on time and getting a fair salary (relevant to what other teachers in the system earn) in the public school system. There should also be clear pathways for career progression, salary increases, and so on. It’s hard to say whether your salary would be lower or higher in the public or private system because public schools in some areas are better funded than others and there are so many different types of private schools (more details on this below). What are the teaching conditions like in public schools? As students are normally required to attend public school by law, classes are often filled to their maximum capacity and have a diverse social mix of students from different backgrounds. There can be benefits and drawbacks to this, and maximizing the benefits often comes down to good classroom management. For example, in a well-managed classroom, different social backgrounds provide a learning opportunity for all (teachers included!) and large classes provide a lively, social atmosphere. As students (or their families) don’t really have a choice regarding attending public school in some cases you might also need you to put your classroom management skills to use to curb behavior problems and motivate students. Can I teach what I want in public school? In a public school, you will probably have to teach according to a government-approved curriculum. At some levels, this will also involve the responsibility of preparing your students to take exams that could help to define their futures. Overall this will mean that you might not have much freedom in terms of what you teach. Having said that, most public school teachers will still be encouraged to let their natural passion for their topic shine through and personalize their lessons to suit their students’ learning needs. Sign up to Teach Away today for access to the latest teaching jobs around the world. What you need to know about teaching in private schools What are private schools? The main difference between public and private schools is that private schools are run independently of the government so they are in charge of their own curriculum, ethos, and funding. This means that they are often funded by private sources such as parents, students, alumni and donors. Students may be children, teens or adults and study a range of subjects. Beyond that, private schools also cover a variety of functions and there are many different types of private schools, such as: Private schools that follow something equivalent to the public curriculum. Students probably attend these everyday, in place of going to public school, for example, boarding schools. International schools that follow the same (or similar) curriculum as public schools in the “home” country of families that live abroad but want their children to be educated in their native language or education style. Schools for skills that only teach one or a few disciplines such as language or music schools. Schools for communities that tailor their lessons to suit the community needs such as religious schools or military schools. Schools for teaching methods that prioritize types of learning not practised in public schools such as Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf (or Steiner) education. Special needs schools that cater to students with disabilities. What do they teach in private schools? After looking at all the different types of schools above you might notice they can get pretty specific, so it follows that the teaching can get pretty specific too. If you’re a teacher with a niche (or looking to develop one) private school teaching might be the way to become an expert in your specialty, whether that is working with kids with special needs, teaching the flute or working with bilingual students. Some private schools stick closely to the standard curriculum, and your job might entail preparing students for the same standardized tests they would take in public school. However, most private schools will offer their teachers more freedom to decide what they teach and how they teach it than public schools do. What are the teaching conditions like in private schools? Private schools often have smaller classes than public schools, making it easier as a teacher to monitor and support students’ learning on an individual level. As the student, or their family, has made a choice to be there you might find they are more motivated to learn than in public school making for a very productive learning environment. (Disclaimer: kids will be kids so this isn’t always the case!) How are private schools run? One of the difficult things about working at a private school is that, ultimately, the school is a business and your students are also the school's clients. You might find that different students (or their families) have a different idea of value for money when it comes to education. Some will prioritize enjoyment, of course, others will be very results focused. On the other hand, your school might prioritize keeping students happy over educational rigor, which can be tough when as a teacher you know that studying is a rewarding, but not always enjoyable, process. As a teacher in a private school, you’ll have to walk the line between pushing your students to achieve and keeping them coming back to class. A good place to start is by working out what your school’s ethos is, and then communicating clearly with your students about what you want to achieve together in the classroom. What qualifications do I need to teach in a private school? As the type of teaching you do in private schools can vary, there are also all kinds of qualifications that might help you work in one. To work in an international school or a boarding school, for example, you may need a teaching license. To work in a language school as an English teacher you might need a TEFL certification. In some cases, private schools also have the authority to hire teachers based on experience alone, so you may not need qualifications at all! A good place to start is by researching the kind of teaching you want to get into and taking a look at what schools in that sector ask from their teachers. What are the working hours like in private schools? If you’re working in a private school your working hours might fall outside the standard 9â€"5. If you teach extracurricular subjects that might mean that your classes happen at lunchtime, evenings, and weekends. There might also be periods of the year, such as school holidays or before exam season, where there is increased demand for your classes. Even if you work in a private school, it might be written into your contract that you need to work the occasional weekend to take kids on trips or supervise out-of-hours activities. What’s the pay like for teachers in private schools? Pay for teachers in private schools really depends on how well-funded that private school is. In some cases, you’ll find that the pay is significantly higher and the school is much better resourced than in a public school. In other cases, they might only have part-time positions for teachers and your pay could fluctuate according to demand for your lessons. Remember, private schools are businesses and there are good and bad business managers out there. This could affect your salary and working conditions. Make sure you do your research before you sign up to work with any private school. Look up online reviews and try to talk to as many teachers who work there as you can to get a realistic idea of what the working conditions and pay are truly like. I’m still not sure whether I’d be better suited to teaching in public or private schools! Well, the good news is there’s nothing to say you can’t do both! There are plenty of TEFL teachers who work abroad in private schools and then return home to get qualified to work in public schools. There are also plenty of public school teachers who get itchy feet and decide to take their career overseas by teaching in private TEFL academies or international schools. You might also find that hopping between public and private school systems helps you advance your career by allowing you to pick up new skills and apply for new positions and promotions. So, keep an open mind. You might find that the perfect choice for you is a blend of both public and private school teaching.

What Can You Do with Your Major

What Can You Do with Your Major Photo by Jason Bache via Flickr.com The 9th most common major is Psychology. This is an interesting major and is very tough when trying to be anything other than a therapist. You can be a school counselor, clinical counselor, go into advertising, and also go into social services. The 8th major on the list is Nursing. This is known as the largest force in health care. This is obvious the career path you would go into with this major. Go into being a registered nurse because that’s where you’ll make more money salary wise. The 7th most common major is Marketing. The most careers that follow this major are public relations, sales, and advertising. Other jobs that could come from marketing are general management and fashion even. Marketing is a very versatile degree to major in. The 6th major on my list is Elementary Education. This is always a great major due to the lack of people willing to be teachers in today’s economic hardships. I also find this to be the most rewarding job not monetarily but in the fact that you get to teach the generations to come; you help shape America. The 5th most shared major is Criminal Justice. You can do so much with this degree other than becoming a police officer. You can be a lawyer, work for the FBI, a counselor, legal assistant, and even a teacher if you would like. This is a very versatile degree. The 4th major that most students are in is Computer Science. This major may seem like you are only proficient in one category but you can be surprised at all the tasks you can do after completing this degree. The careers you can go into are game development, technical consultant, and even a computer engineer. There are plenty of careers that go along with this major. The 3rd major on the list is Communications. This seems to be a very popular major amongst my friends. This degree would help land a job in a news station as a reporter or even as an anchor. You can also practice law, public relations, advertising, marketing, journalism, become an editor’s assistant, and even human resources. This is another major where you aren’t just stuck doing one thing for the rest of your life if you do not like it. The 2nd most common major on the list is Business Administration. This is definitely the most common amongst my friends. I believe this is the ultimate major for being the number one most versatile. You can get a job almost doing anything with a business degree. You can be a manager, an accountant, public relations, marketing, entrepreneur, and even a fashion merchandising technician. This is a highly recommended major for any exploratory students out there. Now for the first most shared major in the nation, Biology. This is the typical degree for all those doctors out there, but surprisingly, you can do more with it. You can go into healthcare, research, education, and you can go into government work. So if you ever decide you do not want to be in your major and it’s too late to switch out, without becoming a fifth year senior, think of all the other career opportunities you can have with your degree. It can sometimes even be surprising when you have a degree and go into a completely different field. It’s possible so never give up!

How to handle stress while teaching abroad

How to handle stress while teaching abroad Teaching abroad is probably one of the most intense things you’ll ever do. It involves moving countries, moving houses, and starting a new job, any of which is already stressful but now, you’re doing it all at once. And all while having to communicate in a foreign language you might not speak a word of. There will be moments when you feel like you’re living out your dream, and your Instagram feed may look better than ever! But other times, especially in the beginning, you could feel lost, lonely, and stressed out. It happens to everyone. And without your normal support network around you, dealing with the bad days can be tough. The outcome of these challenges isn’t always negativeâ€"â€"many people feel a huge sense of achievement and pride in themselves after teaching abroad. But it’s still worth being aware of what lies ahead and having some coping strategies up your sleeve. Here are some stressors you may experience while teaching abroad and methods of coping with them. Manage your finances Few things are more stressful than dipping into your bank account and coming up empty. Anyone who is moving to teach abroad is advised to have some reserve cash on hand, even if their school is going to cover accommodations and other expenses. You never know when you might need to use your savings and moving is always more expensive than you can predict, and so are the potential costs in another country. It’s also hard to judge how far your teaching salary will stretch before you’re there in person and, at very least, it’s reassuring to have enough in your savings to buy a flight home if you need to. If you don’t end up using your savings too much for daily expenses, you can spend them on cool experiences in your new home instead! Take a weekend trip to a new city or check out the local museums and eateries. Sign up to Teach Away today for access to the latest teaching jobs around the world. Stay safe It can take time to get to know a new place; particularly the space and people around you. While you’re still finding your feet, you’re more vulnerable than you would normally be and (without being too dramatic!) you could put your personal safety at risk if you don’t take some precautions. When you first arrive to your teach abroad destination, research the area you live and work in to find out how to be safe there. Maybe there are some streets you’d be best to avoid, or maybe you have to be especially careful when using pedestrian crosswalks. A great place to find this information is by researching online, asking any locals you work with, and visiting your nearest tourist center for advice. On a practical level, when you go to any new area, make sure your phone is fully charged, you have your identification with you, and you have a plan for how to get home. See how the people around you act and follow their lead. You may attract some attention if you don’t look quite like the rest of the country’s population and that’s normal, but there’s no reason to bring any extra attention to yourself by acting up. Basically, be smart and observant and avoid putting yourself in unsafe situations. Prioritize self-care As you settle into your life abroad, make sure you work some self-care into your new routine. You might feel like you should be spending every minute out having exciting experiences, but the best thing about living abroad is you have time. You don’t have to take a vacation; you’re living in one! So, get some sleep. Eat some vegetables. Spend an evening watching trashy reality TV or whatever else you do to switch your brain off and relax. The same cultural experiences will still be there tomorrow. And don’t be surprised if you need more downtime than usual. You’re processing a lot of new information and that can take a lot out of a person. One thing that can be hard when you have a big lifestyle change is finding a new exercise routine. If there’s a type of exercise that’s popular in the place you’ve moved to, this could be a great opportunity to try something new. Or you’re really stumped, just go for a walk; it’s free, easy, and a great way to explore your new home. Get your classroom under control On top of everything we’ve just discussed, don’t forget that your new job is going to throw you for a loop too! Teaching can be pretty stressful, and even more so if you’re still a new teacher and not used to being in a classroom every day. In fact, even when you are an experienced pro, it’s not always easy. Here are two ways to get your classrooms into shape ASAP: Be organized. Plan your lessons, get your photocopying done, and turn up on time. You will look and feel more confident. Your students and colleagues will see you are taking your job seriously. Win-win. Ask other teachers for advice and be specific about what you’re struggling with. They are sure to have all kinds of tried and tested tricks to make their classes run smoothly. You could even ask to observe another teacher’s class to see how they handle situations you find difficult. Bonus tip: Look into doing a TEFL certificate before you get in the classroom as it is designed to prepare you to teach English abroad. Find a community One of the scariest and most stressful parts of moving abroad for many people is going it alone. Meeting like-minded people and making true friends can be difficult, even for the most social of us, and starting from zero is an intimidating prospect. Luckily there are plenty of ways to go about meeting people abroad. Making friends at work is a given for many expat teachers, but to extend your circle further consider looking into meetup groups, language exchanges, volunteering, and attending local events. These are all great ways to get together with people with similar interests. If you’re living somewhere with an expat community you will likely find plenty of others in the same situation as you so don’t hesitate to reach out. Of course, not everyone you meet will become one of your best buds, but be patient and keep putting yourself out there. Your life abroad will get a whole lot less stressful if you have friends to share it with. Build a support system Your support system are people who look out for your welfare or, in other words, the people you call when you need help. This might overlap with your community in many ways but can also include: health professionals, your landlord (or whoever looks after your accommodation), your workplace’s HR department, your neighbors, and many more. Again, arriving in a new place means you’ll have to build this all up from zero, but doing this is as important as making new friends. Knowing who to call when you need help is a kind of a mental safety net that’s all too easy to take for grantedâ€"â€"until you don’t have it! The great thing is, finding these contacts is much less intense than finding friends. Say hi to your neighbors when you see them, be friendly to the HR team at your workplace, ask around to find English speaking doctors, dentists, and hairdressers. Some countries even have English-language emergency services for expats. And, if you can, try to do this research in advance so that when you do need help it’s only a phone call away. Keep a diary There are so many benefits to keeping a diary while you’re teaching abroad. It can combat loneliness. It can give you a place to vent. It can be a way to track your mental health. It can show you how much you’ve achieved. It can help you keep track of all the new things you’re experiencing. It can be something you look back on when you’re old and want to remember that time you went to live in that amazing place for a year. You can get creative and use it as a way to de-stress by turning it into a drawing, photography, or video diary. Or you can use it as a way to keep in touch with your loved ones at home by sending email updates about your life abroad. However you do it and whoever it’s for, keeping a diary can be a great way to process what you’re experiencing in the moment and a keepsake of your time teaching abroad. Give yourself a break (and a pat on the back!) Adapting to life in a new country isn’t easy. Every day you’ll face new challenges, big and small, from culture shocks that challenge your whole worldview to being stuck on a niggling admin task because you don’t have the language skills to get it done quickly. There might be some things you love about your new home straight away, and others you’ll never adapt to. You might be fluent in a new language in a year or it might take you a decade. You might find you’re a natural in the classroom, or that the classroom takes more of a toll on you than your students. Everyone’s experience of teaching abroad will be a bit different. So for everything you achieve, no matter how small, give yourself a pat on the back. And for everything you haven’t got on top of yet, give yourself a break. Teaching abroad is intense. And difficult. And you should be proud of yourself for giving it a go.