Don’t believe what you hear.  Everyone told me I was crazy to teach in the Middle East. Realize that many people’s perception of the region is based on what they see on television. The area is filled with amazing geography, friendly people, and archeological sites that rival anything you’ve seen in Italy and Greece.

 
Have an open mind.  No matter what your expectations are prior to your arrival in a Middle Eastern country, they will change once you arrive. The best expectation is to not have any. Remind yourself that this is going to be and adventure!
 
Understand the culture and country.  Before departure, read up on where you’re going, the geography, way of life, and religious environment. Did you know it’s an insult to show the sole of your foot in some Gulf countries? The more you understand about the country, its customs and people, the better prepared you will be, and the more respect you will garner from the locals.

Accept your colleagues.  Teaching staffs are usually large and diverse in nationality, social background, and personalities. Not everyone gets along with each other. Try and find the group or social outlet you fit best with, and learn to accept your colleagues for who they are.

Understand your students.  Have compassion for your students. It’s hard to learn English. In the Middle East, you not only will be a teacher, but you will be a friend. Find the balance between the two. In many cases, this will be a student’s first introduction to a westerner. Learning English should be enjoyable, and not something students think negatively about.

Explore your surroundings.  Whether you are in a big city or teaching in a small village, get out and explore. Hike the local mountains or visit a historical landmark. The more you experience, the happier you will be.

Work within your boundaries.  There is no perfect teaching environment. The best teacher’s are those that are able to adapt not only to there surroundings, but also the syllabus and curriculum that is being taught.

Settle in quickly.  Getting settled into a new apartment is always hard. I found I felt much better once I was able to move in and settle down quickly. Find the local post office, set up your bank account, and discover the closest market to buy food. The easier your living environment becomes, the less stress you will have. It will leave time for you to focus on your teaching and explore your new country!

Accept how you are feeling.  You will have a rollercoaster of emotions in the beginning. Missing friends, family, feeling lonely, not fitting in, frustrated. These are all natural feelings that come with such a drastic change in your life.

Get to know the locals.  My fondest and best memories are those I experienced with the local community and the friends I made. It is the only way to see life as it is in your host country. You will return home with boundless stories and a grin from ear to ear!