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In addition to considering the time frame and logistics of a TEFL job search, you should consider taking a pilot trip to the one or two city destinations you have in mind. Allow at least three weeks for a trip that covers, say, Mexico City and Monterrey. You’ll need eight or nine days in each city plus a day or two of travel time between them. But why, o ye of little faith may ask, should I go there and then come back home?

Well, conditions permitting, there are a number of good, solid reasons to consider planning a pilot trip. Let’s look at some of them.

First you’ll be looking at the city with the eyes of an English language teaching resident, not a tourist. You’ll pay more attention to availability, or lack thereof, of goods and services. What do local supermarkets stock? What do staple items cost?

Next, look through the classifieds at apartment and housing prices. Look for other amenities like new and used furniture items. Note transportation costs. How much is a haircut or visit to the hairstylist?

After that, check out local pharmacies. Browse the Farmer’s or produce markets on Saturday or whatever day the market is in session where you’re planning to live. Note products and prices.

Then, go to nightclubs, if that’s your thing. Check out entertainment options. Where are theaters and how much are movie tickets? Visit local malls or shopping districts. Note what’s available and prices for items from household goods to clothes. Remember, you’ll need to furnish an apartment with essentials; things for the kitchen, bathroom and your bedroom. If it’s cheaper to bring in items you already have, do so. If not, you can budget what to buy and from where.

How about day or weekend trips? How much from your new city to the nearest beach? To the mountains? To go on hiking, fishing nature or other types of tours?

How will you meet new people? In church, practicing a sport or hobby, at discos, while strolling the park or neighborhood? Don’t forget your family and friends back home, either. Find out about internet cafes, postal services and parcel post services. You’ll likely need them all. Make a listing of places, prices and other useful info.

What teaching materials, books, resources and accessories are available? Make note of what you’ll need to bring vs. what can be bought locally. Assemble a collection of paraphernalia from home such as photos, postcards, maps, newspapers, magazines, advertisements, classifieds, music, anything you can think of which won’t be obtainable in your new home.

If this all sounds like a lot of things to do, that’s why a pilot trip is essential. You’ll have time to do just these things without the pressures of going to work, planning lessons, and taking care of the essential but mundane chores of everyday living. These don’t go away just because you live in an “exotic” location. You still need to wash clothes, cook, clean (including sweeping, mopping and dusting), put out the trash, wash dishes and perhaps - gasp! - iron, even if you live in Acapulco or Cancun. While you’re at it, check on the affordability of having a maid.

I know it just doesn’t sound right - that’s why I’m here giving you a reality check.
Is everybody awake now? Don’t forget to get yourself some good local maps of the city, the region and the country. Start memorizing them - now.

Finally, a pilot trip can be done at almost any time. You needn’t concern yourself with the right time to TEFL job hunt just yet. You need to focus on the area where you want to live. If you have the time, the pilot trip can certainly also serve for your English language teaching job search. Especially if you’re locked in on a specific location like Mexico City, Guadalajara or Monterrey, your pilot trip can encompass many aspects. Once everything’s more or less in place, take your final swing back home to pick up what you need (now you know exactly what that is).

Making a pilot trip can greatly ease any “culture shock” you might experience later. Say “see you later” to friends, family and former co-workers, then light out to your new home, a host of new friends, co-workers, experiences and adventures you’ll never forget.

Prof. Larry M. Lynch is an ELT Teacher Trainer, English language learning expert author and university professor in Cali, Colombia. He has published more than 350 articles and academic papers and presented at numerous EFL teacher training and TEFL conferences throughout North America, South America and Europe. For comments, questions, requests, to receive more information or to be added to his free TESOL articles and teaching materials mailing list, e-mail: lynchlarrym@gmail.com

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