So, you’ve thought about teaching English to students overseas. You love to travel, work well with groups and have a knack for public speaking. But you have some concerns. Great! You’re wise to plan carefully. What information do you need to get started? How can you become qualified? What resources and materials will you need?

Let’s get started.

First things first: for any international travel, US citizens must have a passport.

Acquire your passport.

To obtain a passport, you must first apply in person, with all required identification materials. Visit the USA Department of State Website for comprehensive instructions.http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html

Always keep your passport on your person. Also make color photocopies to keep in your luggage and your hotel. Your friends and family members should also retain copies back home, in case you lose your original. This way, the copies can be faxed or emailed to your locale when the need arises to prove your citizenship.

Respect each culture.

International travel is the premier way to experience the many respective cultural arts, languages and philosophies. Cherish your acquisition of this knowledge, and optimize the experience by remaining courteous and professional at all times to your global friends and neighbors.

Remember that you won’t be given immunity by virtue of being ignorant of the country’s law system. Learn the laws and respect them. If you feel can’t do this, teach in a community more akin to your socio-political ideologies.