Teaching in Asia - What to bring with you.

September 17, 2008 | By Kelvin In Resources, Teachers |

What do you pack? What can you leave behind? Well, it all depends on what country you are planning on teaching in. I personally have extensive knowledge about only 2 of the countries which make up Asia. Thailand and China. But I am sure that these 2 countries set the example for most countries in Asia that are taking in English Teachers. And believe me, these 2 countries are extremely different in EVERYTHING about them.

So for simplicity sake, I will write about each one separately so you are able to compare. For now, we are just covering what you should be thinking of bringing with you when you are first leaving home to start your adventure.

To China:-

Well, as you very well know, most things you can buy in North America, are made in China. At the very least, they are made in Asia somewhere. China just seems to have the biggest export only because they have the largest available manpower and the cost of manufacturing items there is relatively inexpensive.

So with that in mind, almost anything you can buy in North America, you can get at a fraction of the cost in China. Well, ALMOST anything! There are some items that are rather difficult to find in China. They would be the following:

Deodorant- If you have a favorite, be sure to bring a generous supply with you. Chances are you will have a difficult time finding it in the country you are planning on going to.

Dental floss - Same as above.

Large clothes/shoes- These are items that are VERY difficult to find. If you require larger sizes, be sure to bring what you can. Alternatively, you will be able to get a tailor to make clothes for you in the country of your choice.

Immodium AD, Pepto-Bismo, Milk of Magnesia

China Guidebook

ATM card

Digital camera and storage

Business cards

An unlocked GSM phone

This is BY FAR not a complete list. Just some of the items I would recommend bringing with you.

You may be wondering WHY for some of the items listed above. I will be going into more detail about these “Need to bring” items and why you should bring them in future posts.

If you can think of anything that YOU recommend or have a question on, please feel free to post on here and I will respond.

Also if you have experience in another country, I would love to hear about your experience and what you think would be the best things to bring with you from home.