Volunteer Tutoring In Belgium

Volunteer Tutoring In BelgiumVolunteer tutoring in Belgium is a good way to provide tuition for English speaking children who are not familiar with the language. Teachers and tutors from various parts of the country volunteer their time to teach local English speaking students the skills necessary to be successful in life. This gives them a realistic view of the future, which can prove helpful when they are approaching the world as an adult.Volunteer tutoring in Belgium allows teachers and tutors to expose their teaching skills to the students in the form of one-on-one classroom coaching. They come prepared to answer student questions and ask for clarification, especially when they are confronted with a difficult word or concept. Teachers and tutors not only gain a higher level of confidence in themselves, but they also learn what works and what doesn't work with students. This translates into improved test scores for students, as well as an increased opportunity to reach higher acad emic levels.In Belgium, there are also opportunities for parents and other caretakers to help out with the tutoring process. Their services are invaluable in many ways. Some families offer short term tutoring on an emergency basis, while others are willing to pay for long term assistance.While English is a common language across the world, many native English speakers struggle to communicate their views and ideas in a language that they do not know very well. This is especially true in Belgium, where the population is predominantly French-speaking. Volunteers from the United States and other English speaking countries travel to Belgium to gain an understanding of the different dialects, as well as the diverse history and culture of the country.There are also agencies in Belgium that welcome volunteer tutors and teach English speaking students how to speak the language well. Volunteer tutors have the advantage of working side by side with experienced teachers to maximize their teachi ng and learning experience.With the right amount of exposure to the different aspects of foreign language education, English speaking students can learn more about the world around them. The knowledge that they gain not only serves as a stepping stone towards success in later life, but also in the areas of social interactions, confidence, and communication. Many volunteer tutors are fluent in three or four languages, which makes them a valuable resource for many other students who need tutoring.Volunteering in Belgium is a great way to provide tuition for English speaking students who do not feel comfortable in their native language. Volunteering tutors in Belgium will give students a chance to understand and interact with adults who are native English speakers.

Becoming a Professional Boxer

Becoming a Professional Boxer What Can You Do To Become a Professional Boxer? ChaptersThe Advantages and Disadvantages of Becoming a BoxerHow to Become a Professional BoxerHow to Train and Become a Professional BoxerHow To Start a Career as a Professional Boxer“Boxing isn’t just a sport, it’s a way of life.” - Maëlle PariezMaëlle Pariez is a French boxer and martial artists with a rather good track record. She was the French K-1 champion in 2013, French Thai Boxing Championship runner-up the same year, and the Thai Boxing World Championship runner up in 2015 and 2016.Combat sports like boxing, kick-boxing, savate, and martial arts are known for being violent and popular amongst mafiosos. However, there are a lot of benefits to them.In recent years, boxing and wrestling have driven growth in UK sports clubs. An estimated 6,587 sports clubs are operating in the UK.Are you looking to start a career as a boxer?Here’s our mini guide. AndreyBoxing Teacher 5.00 (1) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors KostiaBoxing Teacher 5.00 (1) £17/h1st les son free!Discover all our tutors LeeBoxing Teacher £17/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SajBoxing Teacher 5.00 (1) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors KaranBoxing Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ThomasBoxing Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HaileyBoxing Teacher 4.50 (2) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DavidBoxing Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsThe Advantages and Disadvantages of Becoming a BoxerBoxing is a sport that can help you climb the social ladder by earning money through the Noble Art. Boxing is great for your physique. (Source: SFReader)There are many benefits to being a boxer: becoming a multimillionaire if you’re unbeatable in the ring, being in peak physical condition, and being able to take a punch without even flinching.The Disadvantages of BoxingUnfortunately, very few boxers will become millionaires even if they compete at a high level and there are several disadvantages to boxing:Struggling to become professionalRegular injuryA long amount of time trainingHigh levels of competitionA sport that’s subject to financial logicProfessional boxers tend to have less protection than amateur boxers.Boxers also have to train for incredibly long periods to improve their cardio performance, endurance, precision, power, technique, footwork, and breathing.  This means they may have to train 4 to 5 hours per day for several years.A professional boxer also has to run their career like a business.  They need to be associated with a boxing organisation to find matches an d challenge stronger opponents to increase their earnings.  Most of the time, they’ll work with a promoter whose job is to organise fights with other boxers in exchange for a cut of the earnings.There are still a lot of advantages, though.The Advantages of BoxingBoxing is great for your mental and physical health. Boxing is also great for your self-confidence and you’ll start to feel better after just a few sessions.So what about professionals?Boxing can help you build an athletic body.If you search for boxers on Google, you’ll see just how athletic many of them are.  Of course, a world champion will also earn a whole heap of cash.Regularly going to a boxing club comes with many benefits:Improving your agility and endurance.Improving your cardiovascular system.Reducing stress levels.Building self-confidence.Toning your body.So what do you need to do to become a professional boxer or world titleholder?How to Become a Professional BoxerAs you know, you won’t become a champion boxer overnight.  There are a lot of things, including work, that you’ll have to do to become a professional boxer.  You need to get into shape to become a professional boxer.Exceptional Physical FitnessNo matter which weight class you are (flyweight, featherweight, bantamweight, lightweight, middleweight, welterweight, heavyweight, etc.), you’ll need to train a lot. This is even true for amateur boxers. If you want to be the best, there are a few things that you won't be able to do. (Source: PublicDomainPictures)Firstly, you’ll need to go to a boxing club and start training.Bit by bit, a coach or instructor will work out whether or not you’re ready for a fight.  Training will include intense warm-ups (squats, push-ups, burpees, running, etc), technical training (learning how to throw a jab, hook, uppercut, etc), and weight training. You need to be able to survive several rounds with your sparring partner and work out what your strengths and weaknesses are when it comes to boxing.Doing Your ResearchYou need to climb the up the ladder in the world of amateur boxing before you can go pro.  After that, you’ll need to apply to be a boxer with the British Boxing Board of Control. This is so that “boxers are fully prepared, fit, and properly matched to enjoy a rewarding career with some financial benefit.”. They suggest that most boxers should realise that very few make it to the top and most boxers will need another job alongside boxing.There are many options for those wanting to train as a boxer.  You can get a licence from international federations such as the WBA, WBO, IBA, EBY, IBF, etc.  A boxer who wins a prestigious boxing event or defeats the title holder in a particular weight category will have even more opportunities to fight for more money.How to Train and Become a Professional BoxerBefore you move onto training, you need to choose your discipline.  After all, there are several types of boxing including savate, Thai boxing, and kick-boxing that may be of interest to you. Most competitors train for between 3 and 5 hours a day five times a week. If you want to be the very best, you're going to have to train. (Source: 12019)Here’s an example of the type of training they may do:Jogging and squats: 30 to 60 minutesWarm-ups: 30 minutesPunching bag exercises: 30 to 60 minutesTechnical exercises: 30 minutesSparring: 30 minutesStrength training: 60 minutesStretches and cool down: 30 minutesYou’ll also become pretty good at using a skipping rope.Coaches will advise that you listen to your body, especially if the exercises are too difficult or your muscles begin to fill with lactic acid due to overexertion during your training.  That said, you do need to push yourself if you want to improve your endurance or become stronger. They often need to build muscle to ensure that they can handle themselves in the ring.A boxer complete with boxing gloves, a cup, and a gum shield will learn to control their fear of being hit.  It’s a natural reaction to be scared of being hit and avoid being hurt.  This is what your guard and dodges are f or.  This is why professional boxers work in a team with their sparring partner so that they’re ready for combat with any type of boxer.So what types of exercises do they do?If you’ve seen a boxer, you won’t be surprised to learn that they do a lot of sit-ups, push-ups, and burpees.How To Start a Career as a Professional BoxerBefore you start your career as a boxer, you’ll need to meet a coach and join a boxing club. No matter what type of boxing you do, you need to be good at it if you want to go pro. (Source: PranongCreative)After a few weeks of intensive training, you’ll probably want to ask them about your ability and level and the best type of training for you.  You’ll need at least between 75 and 90 minutes of training per day five times a week.  The intensity of this training will increase over time.  You need to be able to go for 12 rounds in a boxing match, after all.A career in boxing is very demanding and there'll be no alcohol or smoking and you'll also need to eat healthily.After you’ve trained in your boxing club, you’ll want to start competing in boxing competitions. Firstly at a local level before moving on to regional, national, continental, and global competitions.  There are several different competitions such as:The England Boxing National Amateur ChampionshipGB Three NationsWomen’s Winter Box CupBoxers will look to affiliate with more lucrative federations as they p rogress and find a promoter who’ll find better opponents.  This promoter will take a percentage of the boxer’s earnings just like an agent would. The bigger the fight, the more interest, spectators, sponsors, and money there’ll be. A lot of professional boxing makes its money from pay per view. The fight between Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor on 26 August 2017 generated over 600 million dollars! Of course, only the top fighters earn anywhere near this kind of money.If you're interested in boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts, or any other combat sport, consider enlisting the help of a private tutor or coach on Superprof. Compare the many different tutors available and find the best one pound for pound.Before you pick your private tutor, there are several things that you'll need to carefully think about. Firstly, no two tutors are alike and you need to pick the one that'll help you to get the most out of your training and set on you on the path to glory. Secondly, there are three main types of tutorial available from the tutors on Superprof, face-to-face tutorials, online tutorials, and group tutorials, and you need to pick the one that's right for you.

Increase SAT Score Online SAT Prep Online Tutoring Tutorpace

Increase SAT Score Online SAT Prep Online Tutoring Tutorpace SAT, also known as Scholastic Assessment test is the test taken by high school students planning to studying in colleges and universities in the United States. SAT test examines students in 3 important sections: Critical Reading, Mathematics and Writing. The main purpose of SAT test is to analyze the logical and interpretation skills of a student. Students are tested in reading, writing and in math so that the students are ready to handle college level courses which include new topics related to their respective field of interest. Therefore, students must improve their learning skills and should practice basic concepts from every chapter so that they score well on the test. To get a good score in the Critical reading section, students should work on their vocabulary skills and rhetoric skills. The usage of verbs, pronouns, adjectives in a sentence have to understood and should know the literary terms commonly used in a passage. Reading section analyzes the students ability to read and comprehend the given questions and hence students must first understand the main idea of the given passage. In the Mathematics section, there are sub-sections which include majorly multiple choice questions and few grid-in questions. To get good scores in this section, students must have good logical and conceptual knowledge of math topics and hence should regularly practice math questions. To score well in the Writing section, students should have good knowledge of grammar and therefore must use proper words and phrases to be able to write a good essay.

Private English Tutor Session via Webcam

Private English Tutor Session via Webcam 0SHARESShare You can now easily access to personalized, private English Tutor Sessions via webcam. Getting a qualified English tutor at your desktop is now just a click away! You can schedule a session with a professionally trained expert for all your English help anytime as per your convenience. You only need to register; browse a teacher of your choice and start the session. Live tutors are available for all students from k-12. These online English tutors assure one-on-one attention to every student. English Live Tutor Sessions are entirely flexible and with no restriction. These Live Tutoring Sessions are accessible anywhere and at any time: from your home or even from your vacation destination! All you require is access to the internet. Online tutoring is a technology that enables you to virtually invite your English instructor to your home any time you want via your computer, without hampering your daily routine or disturbing the other members of the family. The process fits best with your busy lifestyle. In case you can’t attend a scheduled class; you can always cancel and reschedule it. Live online English tutors are available 24/7. Sessions may easily be rescheduled with up to 24 hours notice. The tutors guide you in online assignment help, preparation for English test; in a nutshell with all your problems related to the subject. Choosing the right English instructor for you helps you in achieving your expected grade. [starbox id=admin]

Top Five Benefits of Using Statistics Everyday

Top Five Benefits of Using Statistics Everyday The Power of Statistical Data Analysis ChaptersInference and Probability in Daily LifeLearn About Your Economy In-DepthHow to Use Statistics to Improve Everyday LifeHave Fun Learning StatisticsLearning and using statistics can be challenging, especially as the amount of data we have only continues to skyrocket. In the last two years alone, 90% of the world's data has been created, and this pace is showing no signs of slowing down. Quite the opposite: looking at the rate of data created each minute in the world, we find that 46,740 pictures are posted on Instagram and 16 million texts are sent. It’s no wonder that fields like big data analytics and data science have seen an unstoppable growth in the job market. This is why it is important to not only understand the different skill sets needed in data analysis but how we these skills in statistical analysis everyday to enrich our lives.Reporting on daily life, such as stocks and the weather, involve statisticsonline statistics course. If you’re really curious about the theoretical and computational aspect of Bayesian probability, you’ll just need a little bit of mathematics. However, the most important thing to take away from this theorem is what it emphasizes about the goal of statistics as a discipline: to find patterns and using these patterns to predict. These predictions are told by statistical data you hear in everyday life, predictions that are used to ameliorate daily life. Some examples are:Weather reportsFinancial marketsPharmaceuticalsYou don’t have to be a statistician or a researcher to analyze the weather reporting you hear every day. The framework of these kinds of reports are formed by hypothesis testing, statistical software, and of course many datasets. Statistical inference is used in this particular way in order to find patterns on weather data from the previous years, analyze this data, and use statistical methods to inform decision making.Whether you know it or not, deciding your outfit choices every day mimic statisticia ns and their methodology in creating weather reports. Individuals, without looking at these reports, still use the power of prediction to estimate what the weather will be like today based on the weather yesterday.Statistics and mathematical analytics is also used to analyze the financial markets around the world. In order to decide whether to invest in certain stocks, individuals utilize business statistics and accounting in order to analyze and make use of financial data.This is used by large organizations and governments as well, using the power of estimation in statistics to make decisions on how to invest. Many branches of the economy same method is also applied to understanding unemployment statistics, census statistics across all demographics, and government statistics.Next time you purchase over-the-counter medicine or receive prescribed medicine, remember that pharmaceuticals also benefit from quantitative data analysis. There are a variety of statistical methods that are a pplied towards trials for new drugs, including conducting surveys, sampling populations, and forming hypotheses.This makes up an important branch of statistics, bio-statistics, which analyze the data from these trials to be able to investigate their effects. Decision making is especially powerful in terms of deciding whether or not new medicine should be brought to the public.If you're interested in knowing more about the importance of studying data science course, pay attention to how much data you take in everyday - from newspapers to your favorite apps!Learn About Your Economy In-DepthIf you listen to or watch the news daily, or have a favourite journal you turn to to get your information, chances are you read about statistics daily. This is because of one of the most important cross-disciplinary subjects involving statistics: econometrics. This mix of economics and statistics strives to use economic data in modelling future economic policy decisions in governments and banks.At t he core of econometrics is economic data, which is used daily in the news and can range from agricultural and census data to a country’s budget information. These measurements of growth include variables such as income statements, dietary consumption, tax information, graduation rates â€" all utilized as a sort of statistical consulting that predicts what the economic future will look like.The importance in understanding the basics in econometrics is that it has deep social ramifications. In the UK, for example, people use econometrics when making decisions on this years budget for government spending.Forecasting political and economic trends is importantAnother way you can see econometrics at work is looking at how certain government associations decide the policies on health, using data such as weight, income and diet in order to help make decisions regarding food products made or entering the UK. What this means is that statistical, economic analysis heavily effects political a nd fiscal decisions within the government and individuals.Understanding how economics and statistics inform governments can, most importantly, help you understand your economic situation during financial crises. In the recent economic crisis, for example, it was critical for those affected to understand the policies issued by the government in response could either ameliorate or threaten your household.How to Use Statistics to Improve Everyday LifeIf you’ve ever used an app or device to help you manage your life, it is most likely that you are using statistics. The physical and financial benefits of using statistics can be found in the helpful analysis of your own personal data which, using apps like Runkeeper and Mint, make this analysis simple.For example, many people will often want to make a lifestyle change and become more healthy, which becomes most apparent around New Years. However, studies have shown that having an application on your device that is geared towards an acti ve lifestyle can help you keep resolutions related to your health. This means that, using your own data, you can track your progression on helpful apps like running, yoga, and walking apps that will help you attain your goals.This also applies to people striving for a healthier lifestyle. Healthy eating apps, like apps that provide you with a plethora of wholesome recipes, have exploded. These apps don’t just include meal plans and healthy recipe guides, but also apps that keep track of dietary information in order to help you loose, gain or maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle. Utilizing statistics in this way shows how decision making based on own personal data can ameliorate physical and mental health.Analytical apps can help you achieve your goalsBudgeting apps have also proved extremely useful when trying to make an important change. These apps utilize individuals’ financial and bank information, keep track of your expenses, and can help you analyze the patterns in your spending. This can be particularly handy when making decisions on what to spend during the month or year.However, these kinds of analyses can be even more impactful when trying to identify unhealthy spending behaviour. For example, if your budgeting app lets you see that each month you are spending 20% of your income on shopping, and know that at the end of the month you never have money for food, you can make a decision based on this information in order to create healthier spending habits.Have Fun Learning StatisticsUsing statistics isn’t limited to being used for improving and individual’s own personal life â€" it can also help simply because it lets you understand the world around you. Statistics is being used more and more to inform business decisions, politics, and the people around you - understand the ways in which it does so can help you come to more informed decisions about society. It’s also incredibly fun to learn, especially when it comes to wacky statistics like the fact that the amount of alcohol consumed in the US in 2006 was enough to fill Wembley Stadium five times!Statistics can also be wielded to shed new light on ideas you’ve already formed about other people, countries and societies. For example, many people are under the impression that people who don’t graduate and end up in destitute positions should carry the blame of their decisions.However, after looking up why exactly people from poorer areas don’t graduate at the same rates as wealthier socio-economic regions, you will be able to challenge the ways in which you have formed your opinions. The statistics learnt from a good data science course, in other words, can give you a peek at the bigger picture in situations you'd like to learn more about.This captures the most important aspect of statistics, which is that learning about it and how it affects our lives leads to questioning the world around you in positive ways. Questioning the world around us will always lead to ne w knowledge gained and expand the ways in which we traditionally think.It is important to remember that data mostly always goes through an interpreter - which can be anything from a data scientist, a data visualization, a report, a memo. Interpreters are always biased, whether that be for the company they work for, government, or their own personal biases. No matter how hard they interpreters try not to be, it is imperative to always take statistics with a grain of salt. After all, how many times have you made a decision based on the weather only to be caught, unprepared, in a rain that wasn’t predicted.If you're interested in learning more between the differences within statistics and data science, check out this guide!

A Resource for Researching MBA Programs

A Resource for Researching MBA Programs GMAT MBA Admissions Blog Culture is an important concept when considering business school. This is true in a variety of ways. First, when choosing a school, it’s really important to pay attention to the culture of each individual school. Some schools are more introspective and academic, others are community-oriented and highly social. Some focus intensely on entrepreneurship, while others provide a clear focus on marketing or finance. However, there’s also an overarching culture surrounding people who consider or actually attend business school in the first place. The choice to get an MBA involves hundreds of thousands of dollars in lost salary and direct costs paid to whatever school you attend. It involves a shared belief in the importance of a broad business background, building a network, and learning how to work collaboratively in teams and manage people through project work. Many people increasingly don’t find getting an MBA valuable, but of course many still do. Understanding the arguments for and against business school in general is as important as learning about specific schools. MyGuru partners with a web-site called Business Because which is essentially a LinkedIn-esque network for people interested in business school. BusinessBecause.com helps you make connections before, during and after your MBA. It's free to join as a basic member. Because we are an official admissions expert on BusinessBecause, they’ve offered our students free access to the new premium membership section on BusinessBecause. Usually becoming a premium member on the website costs $9.99, but our students can use this special code that will allow them to have an upgraded profile for 1 month (with no obligations afterwards) To see what's included in the premium sectionclick here Code:FAE12FD0 â€" 1 month of free access The premium section has a whole host of career resources that will give a prospective MBA/MSc an insight into the current MBA job market post study. Plus there's some interesting survey data recruiter profiles - even before you go to b-school you can start researching jobs, connecting with recruiters building your MBA network.

English Class Homework Week Two

English Class Homework Week Two English Course HomeworkEvery week I will be posting homework for all of my students. My students are encouraged to do their homework when they have time and email me the results.This week the homework is for your online English course is adjectives followed by prepositions. You can download the PDF version here.Online English Course Homework InstructionsFirst look at the worksheet in the PDF format. Read through the two columns and match them with the correct choices. Next make your own sentences out of each of the pairings. Finally send me all of your homework by email and I will correct it and send it back to you.

9 tips for an awesome profile picture

9 tips for an awesome profile picture When completing your Teach Away profile, remember that first impressions count. The first thing that any school will see from you is your Teach Away profile picture. While it's true they will also see your resume and application details, your application will ultimatelybe linked to that picture. At Teach Away, we see thousands of profile pictures, and while many are great, some are definitely not what you want your future employer to see. Below are some suggestions that will help you pick an appropriate photo, and give your prospectiveschool the best first impression possible. 1. Use a photo.This seems simple, but some applicants forget to upload a photo in the first place. This is a mistake, as it is the easiest way to make your profile recognizable and unique. 2. Look professional.Again, back to first impressions â€" you do not need to wear a suit, but you want to present the image of a professional teacher. Dress appropriately and avoid using a picture that shows you drinking alcohol, for example. 3. Be culturally sensitive.When applying forteaching jobs through Teach Away, you need to take intoaccount the fact thatmany of our schools are in more conservative parts of the world. Be aware of the taboos in some of the countries you are applying to. 4. Oneprofile, oneperson.Candidates often submit pictures with their friends, family or a group of their students. It is great to see that you are well liked. However, in these pictures it is often very hard to see who the candidate is which essentially defeats the purpose. 5. A picture of you â€" not the things you like.The purpose of your profile picture is identification. 6. Lighting.Make sure you are clearly visible! 7. Location.A staggering number of candidates submit photos where they are sitting in a car with their seatbelt on. Truly, a remarkable amount of teachers choose this location. I assure you, it is not a particularly flattering environment â€" not to mention the risk to public safety. 8. Do not edit the background or use Photoshop.Simplicity is a virtue. 9. Smile.Professionalism is key, but you also want to show some warmth. A profile picture is mainly used for identification, however, it is also an opportunity to manage your first impression. Give it some thought, follow these simple tips and make a positive, professional and lasting impression. Good luck with your application! Upload your profile picture complete your profile now

Teach Away Telegram - February 2010

Teach Away Telegram - February 2010 We hope you're enjoying the month of LOVE, and sneaking in some guilt-free chocolate before the big day on Sunday! Don't forget you have less than two days left to pick up those flowers or chocolates for your sweetheart (or that special someone you've been eyeing on the bus)! No plans for the big day? Hard core romantics and Valentine Day cynics alike can cozy up to some good reading with the February issue of the Teach Away Telegram.Job-seekers will be happy to know we've got some must-read information about new job opportunities in the tropical location of Brunei, so wipe off those chocolatey fingers and keep those resumes coming!Happy Valentine's Day!-The Teach Away TeamIn this issue:Teach Away Tells AllDon’t Let ‘Culture Shock’ Shock You!Teacher Story: Talking about the Educational Reform in Abu DhabiNew Opportunities in BruneiTeach Away Tells AllRead about Valentine’s Day in Japan from the male and female perspectives of Teach Away representatives Adrian and Kathleen.And They Say Women Love Chocolate...Adrian's Story: February 14th in many countries around the world is celebrated as Valentine’s Day. For three consecutive years, I experienced what Valentine’s Day meant in Japan. Being a Canadian, I expected to see couples exchanging gifts and romantic gestures. Lucky for me, I had a Japanese girlfriend, and could be considered as part of a couple during my first year in Japan.Leading up to Valentine’s Day, store shelves overflowed with red and pink heart-shaped boxes of chocolates. Thinking I’d see throngs of men crowding the aisles for last minute gifts on February 13th, the sight of only women scouring the shelves that night presented a surprise.Shocked but focused, I plucked a fancy box of chocolates from one of the unreachable shelves (well, unreachable for many Japanese women) and sauntered to the check-out before going home.On the day of despise for many singles around the world, my girlfriend and I met. Basked in the quivering glow of candlelight, she went into my kitchen and reappeared shortly after. In her hands rested a plate of delicate handmade fudge morsels dusted in a light chocolate powder. Surprised by the time and skill she had devoted to my gift, I felt ashamed to give her the off-the-shelf selection of chocolates I had bought for her. But, I stood up, grabbed the chocolates from their hiding place, and presented them to her anyway.Her lips, unsure at first, began to form a frown. Her head and eyes both lost the excitement that should have been there on Valentine’s Day.She looked at me and said, “Why?“Because I care,” I replied.“Who is she?” she barked back.This is how I learned that Valentine’s Day in Japan is a day during which only women give chocolates to men.Apparently, my girlfriend thought the chocolates I had given her were from another woman.I am single now.Thinking Outside the BoxKathleen's Story: My first February in Japan, I was shocked by the male responses to a romantically -themed conversation I had initiated with my adult English class. As a conversation starter, I had written on the board: “What are you going to get your significant other for Valentine’s Day?” While the women generously answered “box of chocolates,” “homemade chocolate,” and ... “box of chocolates” â€" again â€" the men continued to respond with one simple word: “Nothing.” I had heard that Japanese guys were a little less romantic than their Western counterparts, but was it really this bad My heart, a sucker for all things romantic, was breaking with sympathy pains.I soon learned that it wasn’t as bad as I had initially thought. The custom in Japan is that women give chocolates to the men in their lives on February 14th. One month later, on White Day, Japanese men give cookies to the women who are important to them.After a couple of years of living in Japan, I had found myself in a serious relationship with a Japanese man. As the big day for all things romant ic neared, I mentally (and emotionally) prepared myself for a day of no flowers, no chocolate, and no jewellery. *sigh*Even though I knew it was custom to buy (or make) chocolate for your man on Valentine’s Day, I decided to break tradition and get my boyfriend something he’d actually like: some beer, a beer mug that got all cool and frosty in the freezer, and a couple of heart-shaped coasters, which I thought, nicely complimented the dual theme of beer mugs and romance.On Valentine’s Day, I walked into our apartment expecting very little, so I was surprised to be greeted by the lovely aroma of cooking steak. My boyfriend had surprised me with a delicious dinner and my favourite red wine. I was impressed. I presented him with his gift so that he could get the mug-frosting underway, and we dove into our delicious meal. By the time dinner was over, his gift was nicely frosted and he was very happy to savour his nice, cold beer in his new mug while we watched one of the several r omantic classics I had rented for us that evening.During a movie break, my very sly guy asked me to get up and get something out of the closet for him. I was about to protest until I saw a mischievous twinkle in his eye, so I did as I was told. In the closet was a gift bag with some beautiful boots and a matching hat I’d been eyeing earlier that month.Not only did I get to experience the romantic Valentine’s Day I was used to from home, but I was lucky enough to have a boyfriend who thought outside of the box ... of chocolates.Don’t Let ‘Culture Shock’ Shock You!Culture Shock, the infamous syndrome that hits unsuspecting expats trying to make a life for themselves abroad, happens to be a very fitting topic for our romantically themed February issue. A little sceptical that culture shock is in any way related to romance and relationships? Well, unbeknownst to most, the stages of Culture Shock are very similar to those of a marriage. Still unable to see the connection? Learn about the five stages of the love struck/culture shocked here.• First, you have the Honeymoon Stage, where â€" you guessed it â€" everything is new and different and wonderful in your new country of residence. Just as you might wake up to your beautiful wife with a smile on your face each morning, the gorgeous view from your window will definitely be a sight for tired eyes during the first few months in your host country. During the Honeymoon Stage, you’ll notice that your feelings are heightened and that you love anything and everything about your surroundings. You will feel excited, delighted, curious, and eager to do and see more and more and more....“After first arriving in Japan, the neon and noodle overload kept me wide-eyed and wanting more. Within the first few months, I had tried to take in as much of the culture, the people, and the land as possible. I was constantly being invited to dinners and events, and had explored many of the famous areas in the country, inclu ding a trek up Mt. Fuji. I may not be known as a romantic, but this was one honeymoon I didn’t want to end.” (Adrian, Teach Away Staff)• The Rejection Phase can be nicely paralleled with that stage in your relationship where your ‘newlywed’ status is just starting to wear off. You no longer find it endearing that your husband leaves his smelly socks on the living room floor, and you aren’t finding the cultural quirks of your host country any more appealing. Similar to the pedestal on which you’ve placed friends still living the single life, you will definitely start idealizing your home country and culture to an emotionally unhealthy degree. What you once looked upon with wide-eyed curiosity and intrigue, you now find yourself rolling your eyes and questioning if it’s ever going to end. You begin to make unfair comparisons between your home and host country, and suddenly the list of things you miss from home far outweighs the perks of your new country. What happened to those feelings of adoration that were so prominent during the Honeymoon Phase? They are long gone â€" only to be replaced by feelings of anger, disappointment, frustration, close-mindedness, and even depression.“After a few months in Japan my feelings towards my new surroundings changed ….I didn’t belong here â€" I belonged in Canada! I no longer felt an attraction to the neon lights, traditional foods, and even began despising the sight of eggs. (I couldn’t believe eggs were found on most foods â€" even on pizza and burgers!) I was annoyed that every day I had to put effort into reading and trying to speak in a foreign language. I missed home and longed for a place where I could easily order a meal or read a sign.” (Selena, Teach Away Staff)• The Adjustment Phase couldn’t have come soon enough. Now you’re used to the fact that your wife has replaced your beloved lunchtime chocolate bar with a healthy apple. And, at this stage, you are familiar enough with the cus toms of your host country to not spend every waking hour worrying that you might be doing or saying the wrong thing. You may still question some of the cultural differences, but you no longer feel frustrated or depressed. You’ve fallen into a daily routine that is beginning to nicely suit you. You aren’t 100% adjusted, but you are no longer itching to pack your bags and hop on the next flight home. You feel less stressed, more contented, and have achieved a peace of mind that was definitely missing during the Rejection Stage.“Once I started to establish a routine and became accustomed to the Korean culture, I became a lot more comfortable and relaxed. My sense of humour (which I was beginning to think I’d forgotten in Canada) materialized and any feelings of frustration I’d experienced, subsided. Sure, I wasn’t wearing those rose-coloured glasses that I’d donned during the Honeymoon Phase but I had begun to develop an appreciation and fondness for kimchee, K-pop, and k araoke.” (Valen, Teach Away Staff)• The coming of the Acceptance Phase means that life in your host country has normalized and you finally feel like you belong. Just as comfortably married couples might begin naturally identifying themselves as “we” (as opposed to “me”), you will now find that your identity is intrinsically linked with that of your new home away from home. Cultural faux-pas will have become a thing of the past, and you’ll be able to explain the country’s (once weird and wonderful) traditions to newbies as though these customs were your own. You might even find yourself beginning sentences with “The way we do it here is...”. Your feelings of belonging will bring with them a sense of security, true contentment, and a much more relaxed lifestyle.“An elderly Korean lady sat across from me on the subway scolding her grandson for not being neater with his English homework. He was practicing his ABC’s, his notebook precariously balanced on his lap. I had come to understand the importance of education in this country, and no longer judged it from my own ‘foreign’ point of view. It was important, and I accepted it as such. The grandmother looked up and caught me nodding in agreement with her. I gave her my best seated bow and told the boy to study hard. She may not have understood my words, but she knew their intent and smiled.” (Ash, Teach Away Staff)• Reverse Culture Shock is shocking, to say the least. You might be surprised to feel the heartache and loneliness that might accompany the broken heart of a broken relationship. After having finally truly adjusted to your new life, you are suddenly thrust back into a lifestyle that hasn’t seemed to change much since you were an active part of it. The problem is you’ve changed a whole lot. The first few weeks of being back “home” can be more difficult than when you first left for the unknown. What was once second nature no longer comes naturally, and you may suddenl y feel like a stranger in your own country. Friends and family will be unable to share in your memories and will likely lose interest in your tales from abroad after the first long slideshow of pictures. A lack of understanding (and sometimes even interest) may lead to short-lived feelings of loneliness, isolation, and even depression. And... beware of that travel bug â€" it may now be with you for life!“Back at home, it was nice to see the faces and places I had been longing to see, but these feelings of excitement wore off quickly, and were even replaced by feelings of loneliness â€" once I realized that life had gone on without me. I quickly found myself missing the adventure and anonymity that I had experienced abroad. Giving it some time though, it didn’t take too long to get back into the routine of things and as the saying goes: There’s no place like home.” (Jessa, Teach Away Staff)“I always caught myself too late when I would graciously bow in thanks at my local su permarket or department store. For me, it took more than a few months and a lot of strange looks to shake what had been the norm for thanking people in Japan.” (Kathleen, Teach Away Staff)Test your knowledge and take the Culture Shock Quiz in the March issue of the Teach Away Telegram!Teacher Story: Talking about the Educational Reform in Abu Dhabi - By L. McCainLast year, I had the opportunity to participate in the birth of one of the greatest school reform efforts that has ever been undertaken. In 2009, Abu Dhabi schools began the implementation of a well-developed, extensive, 10-year strategic plan. As the school reform takes place, its efforts will further the educational success of the Emirate by developing skills in students that will infiltrate into the local and global workforce. During this first year, the effort has been to reform the daily curriculum by focusing on strategies to improve the English language skills of all Abu Dhabi students. When students are able to spe ak and write English well, this transfers positively into all subject areas in the curriculum.Upon my arrival as a teacher in the UAE, I was certain about one thing: Many of the challenges and successes that I had experienced as an educator in the US, with both students and their parents, were going to be similar here. I knew that how I handled the situations would make the difference between a positive and a negative experience for me and my students. I embrace this reform with the same personal philosophy I had always held towards teaching any student, a philosophy which simply says it is my job, as the teacher, to find the key to unlock the desire for education and quench the thirst for knowledge each student holds. I must seek for those keys and provide vast experiences inside the classroom each day to ensure that the right key is found for each student.I see my position as first grade teacher as being vital to each student’s future success. A strong, early childhood education is the foundation for all future learning. The activities provided must be challenging, stimulating, fun, and exciting. I have found my students to be intelligent, inquisitive, and hardworking. They strive to be attentive in their English, Math, and Science classes as they are still learning how to read and speak the language. The students are also learning how to read and write in Arabic from local teachers. My fellow teachers are professionals who welcome opportunities to dialogue and communicate about student achievement as well as how classroom instruction can promote the highest level of learning for each student.One of the major challenges I have found is not having a paraprofessional available for the first grade students, who are second-language learners, and also young and energetic. Sometimes these factors can be a speed bump in the road to academic achievement. Therefore, classroom management and routines are even more important than commonly thought.Each day, I can see the great impact that the reform is having on the schools in Abu Dhabi. The education reform in Abu Dhabi is bringing teachers and administration together to ask the hard questions about what is working and what is not working in our classrooms. I find myself researching ways to enhance each student’s academic successes and starve their failures. In my opinion, the reform is working well, and in time the returns that are being seen today will only multiply and strengthen.Another Day, Another OpportunityTeach Away is proud to announce opportunities for licensed teachers to teach in the tropical country of Brunei.Licensed Commonwealth teachers with a minimum of 3 years of teaching experience are needed to fill public school English teaching jobs in Brunei. Only teachers with long term experience and no gaps in their employment history will be considered for these positions. English teachers or teachers with TESL/TEFL certification will generally be looked upon more favourably than t eachers who have specialized in other subjects.Teaching in BruneiFor the most part, teachers at primary schools can truly immerse themselves and dive into the Brunei culture due to the fact that they will most likely be the only foreign teacher working at the school. Primary teachers in Brunei can expect a schedule of 15 contact hours per week, with an additional 6 hours of weekly attendance at after-school clubs and activities. Currently 30 primary teaching positions are available.Secondary teachers in Brunei, on the other hand, may be placed with as many as 10-11 other foreign teachers, and will have more opportunities to socialize with other ex-patriots at the work place. Typical contact hours for secondary teachers range from 12 to 16 hours a week with an additional 4.5 hours devoted to extra-curricular clubs and activities. Currently there are 20 openings for secondary school teachers.Due to a dense student population at some schools in Brunei, school days can be organized into split shifts and many teachers will find themselves teaching only in the mornings or in the afternoons. This leaves most teachers with a freer schedule than they may have enjoyed in their home countries. As Saturday is a work day in Brunei, Fridays and Sundays are a teacher’s days off. From time to time, teachers will be expected to attend special school functions such as sports days, teacher-parent interviews, or school events on a day off.Teachers’ salaries are assessed based on previous teaching experience and educational background, but even teachers who find themselves on the lower end of the pay scale can enjoy a lucrative salary and the benefits of tax free pay, a heavily subsidized spacious living space, partially subsidized medical insurance, an interest-free car loan, and a relatively low cost of living.Living in BruneiBrunei is home to hot weather, sandy beaches, and lush forests, all in a safe and wealthy environment. Located on the northwest coast of the island of Borneo, Brunei shares the island with parts of Malaysia and Indonesia. Because of its location, the population is made up of a mix of Southeast Asian ethnic groups, of which, two-thirds are Malay. Also, two-thirds of the population practice Islam, although the government is tolerant of other religions, as is evidenced by the heavy influence of Hinduism along with Islam on the country’s people.From a foreigner’s standpoint, the country is considered clean, safe, and a hub from which travel to other nearby countries is easy. Hence, it’s not rare to see foreigners from many nations living throughout the country, especially around the capital of Bandar Seri Begawan. In many cases, expatriates often find the lifestyle in Brunei to be more accommodating than what they experienced in their native country; the official language is Malay, but English is widely spoken and understood; international schools are available for expatriate children; a range of international cuisine exists; an d the cost of living is relatively low, especially considering that there is no income tax.Please click here to read more about teaching jobs in Brunei.