A normal part of daily life In many places bargaining is a normal part of daily life but it can be hard for foreigners to get used to. It’s difficult to get over the feeling that you’re being rude or that you might insult someone, however, bargaining is the usual medium of exchange and people [...]
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Help! I Don’t Understand What People Are Saying!
Sometimes you will have trouble understanding the people around you. It might be your host family or the other teachers at the school or your students or the bus conductors or the people in the shop or just about anyone. There are things you can do to make it easier. Ask Them To Slow Down [...]
Help! People Don’t Understand What I’m Saying!
Sometimes the people you are talking to when you’re overseas will have trouble understanding you. It might be your host family or the other teachers at the school or your students or the bus conductors or the people in the shop or just about anyone. There are things you can do to make life easier. [...]
What To Wear While Teaching in India & Sri Lanka
It is important to be dressed appropriately while teaching. And what is considered appropriate is different in different countries. (These suggestions apply to Sri Lanka and India) For Male Volunteers First rule – Don’t wear shorts! It’s important to be seen as a respected member of the teaching faculty and, even if you don’t [...]
Sri Lankan Buses – The Pragmatics
Sri Lankan buses can be quite scary and unpleasant at times. At other times they can be a lot of fun. Whether you enjoy them or not, they are certainly useful and you’re bound to get on one at some point whilst volunteering in Sri Lanka. They go pretty much everywhere. They are usually frequent [...]
How To Eat With Your Hands
In some countries (like Sri Lanka and India) you might be expected to eat with your hands. Sometimes in these countries a knife and fork (or more usually, a fork and spoon) will be provided for you but often, it’s just you and your fingers… and don’t forget – your hosts (and those around you) [...]
Accessing Money While Volunteering Overseas
Getting to your cash is a very important thing when you are travelling. Having reliable access to funds whilst you’re teaching overseas is crucial… whether that’s as trivial as enabling you to travel at weekends or whether it lets you sleep soundly knowing you can get yourself into a safe position if something unexpected occurs. [...]
