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It's nearly December, and many expat teachers are thinking about Christmas. Some of us have been thinking about it since September, shopping for the best flights. Others of us know we can't afford a 53-hour flight with 4 changes to get from here to "Home." And a few of us are in places where Christmas Day is barely a blip on the calendar and not recognized as a holiday. So, for those of us who will stay local -- what can be done? First, for those who don't have a school calendar that acknowledges Christmas, if at all possible: take two days off. Fuss about being an expat, but have your lesson plans and your classes ready for awkward subs. Christmas Day plus Christmas Eve or Boxing Day Take some time to catch up and stay connected Skype family write a few emails to teachers and friends in other places. if accessible or VPN-able, make a small comment on lots and lots of fB pages. Take some time to get into the Christmas spirit put on holiday music. You like those barking dogs barking Jingle Bells? Go for it. You hate those dogs? Don't choose them! put up some Christmas decor -- make a tree shaped thing on your wall/ the back of a door at home. One year, family was coming to visit in June, so we left our "tree" up and aded local trinkets to it for 6 months! make what you can -- hot coco? cold coco? Everywhere I've lived, sweet potatoes* or yams* and marshmallows have been available. If you can get butter, even better. Make a mock sweet potato pie. Make a real one, if you want to venture into pie crust territory. (*often roasted by a street vendor) On the first day off, stay out late -- go somewhere with friends, other expats, people from the American missionary church -- find people who will celebrate Christmas On the second day -- sleep in. You're not at work! On the third day -- back to work! share your joy. share what Christmas means to you. Even in an upper grade, higher level Math class, you can work in some story telling. reconnect with your students give that grouchy, jaded expat teacher a smile, and maybe a cookie? [note --> this person might be YOU!] Count your blessings. You have a job, of whatever variety or quality -- appreciate that. you have a job overseas/ away from home -- this is an adventure! Live it! Finally, if you are a Christian celebrating Christmas away from friends, family, and your home church, think. Think of Mary, the pregnant one who had to leave home. Think of Jospeh, who had to flee with his small family to Egypt and work there. Think of Christ, who left His home -- Heaven-- to teach us.

With the New Year, many international educators are going to start thinking about new places to teach. Other teachers who have never taught internationally before will start thinking about teaching internationally, and wondering where to do so. Location is so important – because your quality of life has a direct bearing on how your overall teaching experience will be. The truth is though that there can never be a definitive guide to international education spots. Where to teach to have the best experience is very fluid, and varies from year to year. That's why we were happy to see that the International TEFL Academy recently published their guide to the best places for international educators in 2017. We want to share the list with you, along with some brief explanations. 1. China. Free housing and high salaries plus low costs mean that it's possible for teachers to save as much as $1,000 a month while teaching there. Plus, having China on your CV is a huge positive for future employment. 2. Spain. The country with the largest demand for English-speaking teachers in all of Europe. Because their economy is sluggish, a priority is put on learning English so students can compete internationally. This means English teachers are paid OK and are shown a great deal of respect. However, it is not a place to earn a great income as the tax rates are high. 3. South Korea. A beautiful country where teachers are well paid and treated with respect. While not quite as exotic as China, teachers here can save a similar amount per month while having a great time. All in all, more international teachers say they can save more money per month in Korea than in any other Asian country. 4. Brazil. Beautiful beaches, friendly people and a government that has put a high priority on learning English means great opportunities. Plus, you can easily travel all through South America during long breaks. Most of the opportunities are at language schools and you must be very careful which one you choose as some are scams but there are many reputable ones to be found. 5. Turkey. The climate of Greece, but in a country that has a real economy. The huge demand for English teachers means you can negotiate a great salary and benefits package. In past years, it was considered very safe compared to other Middle Eastern countries. But, in recent days, the terrorist attacks that plague the region also have started to plague this great country. 6. Taiwan. If you like the idea of teaching in China but don't want to deal with the political baggage of doing so, Taiwan is a great compromise. You'll still be able to save tons of money, and there are beautiful beaches. 7. Czech Republic. This is the country of choice for people who want a long-term EU visa. Just by accepting an English-speaking job in the republic, you can get a multiple-year visa that will allow you to live anywhere in Europe. 8. Colombia. The drug wars are over, but because they left the country with a bad reputation it is hard for schools to recruit international educators. Today it is a peaceful and beautiful country where you can negotiate a great salary and benefits package. 9. Nicaragua. Another country with a bad reputation because of its past, Nicaragua is a beautiful, nearly tourist-free South American country to teach English, with many job openings. 10. Vietnam. With thousands of schools that need English teachers, a thriving economy, high salaries and low prices, Vietnam can be a dream place to teach and lie on the beach. cc 2016 InternationalEducators.com