Why Learning a Foreign Language is Beneficial for Working Abroad

We have all been there, or we might even be there now, but there comes a time when we really want to apply for a job but have completely no idea what to put on our resume. Should we include educational experience? And what kind? How about volunteer and leadership opportunities? What about personal hobbies and interests?  There are many things to consider when deciding what to put and what not to put on a resume. Some things may be absolutely vital to the point where they can make a huge impact for recruiters while other things are just irrelevant. Being able to discern the necessary information to put on a resume will not only help you stand out from the crowd but also help you be in a greater position of competitiveness.  However, another question then arises, what if I have no job or work experience? This question has probably crossed our minds with our first few experiences with a new job. Although there is no exact formula for the best resume, we will provide strategies on how to analyze relevant skills and strengths that can then be conveyed concisely and effectively. How To Get Started Crafting a resume from scratch can be a bit daunting, especially if there isn’t much content or information to work with. Let’s talk about what we do know, and that is going to be necessary basic information. This section will help you introduce yourself and provide essential information about your qualifications and suitability for the job position. Below are a few options for how to format and organize the first part of the resume: Contact Information - Off the bat, you want to have a way for recruiters and hiring managers to contact you. This could be through a phone number, email, or LinkedIn profile. Depending on the industry or job sector, you might even want to include your personal portfolio/website, social media handles, and an address.  Summary / Objective Statement - Having a small paragraph at the beginning of your resume can help highlight your career goals and what you bring to the table regarding the job. This is where you can specifically tailor your skills and abilities to the job you are applying for. Resume Summary - a short statement of your qualifications/skills and how they relate to the job position; typically longer than the objective. Resume Objective - a brief statement talking about career goals and the type of industry you want to work in.  Education - If there is any relevant coursework, this would be the place to mention it with a brief explanation, regardless of whether or not you finished school or received a diploma. Sometimes when you don’t have a degree or that’s not a feasible option, you kind of have to work with what you’ve got. If you do have educational experience, like a High School Degree, and/or are working towards an Associate's or Bachelor’s, list your education based on the most recent. Those are just a few ways to start off your resume, and of course, feel free to reorganize the information to optimize navigation. Options For the Lack of Experience  As we move into the next area, it has the potential to comprise of as much as you see fit. Be cautious, however, and try not to overwhelm the reader with information that is beside the point. Here are some options listed based on simplicity: Extracurricular Activities - Make sure to emphasize any leadership opportunities or involvement within academic clubs, organizations, sports and recreation, programs, and so on.  Projects & Presentations - Whether it’s academic or personal projects, you can showcase the objectives set, the role you played, and the outcome of that project or presentation.  Volunteer Work - Participating and being a part of the local community demonstrates a willingness to be initiative and keep commitments regardless of compensation. It can also be beneficial to mention learned transferable skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, just to name a few.  Languages - This category may come more easily for some than others because of the ability to acquire and retain new languages. If you are proficient in any language besides English, make sure to specify the level of proficiency (beginner, intermediate, advanced).  Awards & Achievements - Personal recognition of achievements and accomplishments helps exhibit your strengths. It not only enhances credibility but can help validate your skills and qualities.  Licenses & Certifications - Incorporate licenses and certifications that you have obtained and the date of expiration. There are many free skills courses and certificate programs available like Skillshare, Coursera, and edX. If the opportunity arises for certain certifications to enhance your resume, don’t hesitate to invest the time and money into it.  Skills - Everyone is naturally gifted in some way or another, and when it comes to skills, you can develop and refine your skill set by being disciplined and consistent.  Hard skills - These skills are usually technical or job-specific skills that can be learned through training, education, and hands-on experience. Examples include different software programs, language knowledge, data analysis, machine learning, and many more.  Soft skills - These are also known as “people skills” or transferable skills. They are just as important as hard skills because they reveal to companies how one might be perceived and how one interacts in social situations. Examples of these include adaptability, dependability, creativity, problem-solving, time management, teamwork, etc.  Professional Development - There is a wide array of professional experiences like seminars, conferences, or training that can be applicable to the job you’re applying for. These experiences are great examples of commitment to continuous learning as well as openness to networking opportunities. All of that information may have been a bit overwhelming and no resume should include everything mentioned above. Make sure to filter out the most valuable information you have and try to keep it as simple as possible. The best thing you can do to have an effective resume is to tailor it. Although it may be time-consuming, it will essentially maximize your chances of success throughout the job application process. What’s My Next Step Look at different templates for resumes  Make a rough draft of your resume Ask for feedback from people you know (mentors, recruiters, family, people who work in the kind of job you want to apply for)  Take action and fill those work experience gaps

  As a teacher, have you ever thought about taking your talent and skills to somewhere that may desperately need it? In different countries, there are children, students, and even adults who would love to learn and benefit from your field of expertise. Not only would teaching internationally be a great learning experience, but it may even be the door that bridges the gap for other transformative teaching opportunities.  Before even considering if this is in the realm of possibility for you, let’s take a deeper look at the reasons for teaching abroad and what that might entail. What Purpose Would You Be Fulfilling?  Supporting Educational Development: In developing countries, there is a higher demand and need for support and quality education towards improving educational infrastructure. Sometimes, you may not be the main character that is at the forefront teaching an entire classroom full of students, but rather a supporting character that stays after school tutoring and doing life with the students. You can be a link between cross-cultural relationships and the interconnectedness of understanding those differences. It is so much more than simply teaching, but rather witnessing those you teach live up to their full potential.  Philanthropic Effort: Having a love for people and wanting them to succeed in all areas and walks of life comes with challenges in countries that lack the resources. For example, teaching English in a country that doesn’t generally speak English, would provide a way for people from different cultures to communicate globally and use that skill as a medium to expand onto their own personal skill set. To put it simply, people need tools to improve the way they live and work. You, even having the simplest of tools and bringing them to where there is so little, can empower people to do exceptional things.   Personal Advancement: Within one’s career, growing is essential. Living and teaching in another country will not only teach you so much about yourself but also give you the chance to impact the lives of those within your influence. Adapting to another way of living and becoming one with the people will change you in unexplainable ways, there’s no doubt about it. On the professional side of things, this experience may give you a leg up for better-qualified positions or just reinforce the purposeful calling to live and teach where you were sent to go. Pros and Cons Going overseas or out of the country to extend your career elsewhere brings a plethora of benefits and perks. Along with that, means letting go and leaving a comfortable, familiar place.  Below are some of the advantages: Travel Opportunities: You open doors to explore diverse countries, regions, and cultures, especially during the off-season when you aren’t working.  Building a Global Network: From potential coworkers and neighbors, students to friends, expanding your network with different backgrounds and nationalities is beneficial, especially when future opportunities or exchanges arise.  Gaining Experience: Teaching internationally is not for the faint of heart; it takes diligence and dedication to be able to bring all that you’ve known to a place that may question everything you’ve known. It stirs you up and tests you through all the difficulties, but through enduring will come wisdom for so many things. However, we can’t forget about some of the downsides: Adjustment to Culture: It’s no surprise that you won’t know everything off the bat, and that’s okay. Adjusting to the norms, language barriers, isolation from home, and culture shock are things that can be something extremely challenging. However, with the support of those around you and those at home, it is very much feasible.  Financial Decisions: Financially, there are so many things to take into account including the cost of living, different salaries/wages, and even healthcare. In some countries, it may be quite rewarding, however in others there may be limited access compared to your home country.  Legality / Administration: Different countries, mean different laws and rules. With that, comes the complications surrounding work permits, visa requirements, and lots and lots of paperwork. The processes can be strenuous but worth it in the long run. Jumping and navigating through these hurdles will be part of the job.   Why Teaching Abroad Might Be For You? You enjoy traveling to other countries and immersing yourself in various cultures. If you find yourself frequently traveling and willing to try new things, living abroad might just be the right fit for you. Do you easily adapt to change? Are you willing to live somewhere else? Cultivating relationships with people from all kinds of backgrounds comes naturally to you. Building long-lasting friendships and connections can be what make or break your experience. Having a community and the support from those around you is vital for being able to thrive in another country. You have a heart for serving and meeting the educational needs of others. A generous heart living to fill a necessity is what students need. Loving what you do, despite where you do it, goes a long way in making an imprint on those you teach. Learning from example is such a great demonstration to students of the passion and zeal behind a teacher embodying their true purpose.  You want to be a resource for those in a place with limited or minimal access. Being mindful and flexible to the environment, whether to be stretched or molded to wherever see fit, is a great characteristic. Those who adapt easily when it comes to change have the potential to excel tremendously in the setting they are in. Where Do I Go From Here? Ask yourself these questions:  Have I considered teaching abroad?  How and in what ways am I growing as a teacher?  Are my talents and abilities being used to their fullest potential?  What are my goals (long-term and short-term)? What’s next?  Make a Decision  Be open to advice and opinions of others (family, friends, coworkers) Explore more in-depth, research, and learn Don’t be afraid to ask questions!