Greenheart Travel

Category: Greenheart Travel

  • Congratulations to the new First Time Traveler Scholarship Winner- Milena Schembri

    Congratulations to the new First Time Traveler Scholarship Winner- Milena Schembri

    Part of Greenheart’s mission is to make travel accessible to everyone. Every year, we offer grants to those who are considered first time travelers and encourage them to fully immerse themselves in a culture whether it be through teaching, volunteering or working. In this latest round of scholarships, we’re proud to announce Milena Schembri as the winner!

    Milena will be participating in the Teach Abroad in Thailand program. Milena spoke about her reasoning for applying for the First Time Traveler Scholarship.

    I am motivated to contribute to the mission of this program because the mission statement “Travel for a Change” for me, encompasses the beautiful meaning that travel can transform a person on a deep level. By this I mean, it can shift personal perspectives, help to gain a deeper understanding of the world, allow inner transformations to take place, and inspire positive change in social circles. To embrace the mantra of “Travel for a Change” for me, is to approach life with an open mind and a compassionate heart, allowing the beautiful experiences to unravel before me. It inspires me to venture beyond my comfort zones, pushing me to confront the unfamiliar, and discover the strength and resilience that resides within me. I want to show myself and others that anyone can pursue their deepest heart desires, overcome obstacles, and achieve personal goals.

    While living and travelling abroad I am also hoping to teach English to young children. I have a passion for teaching and inspiring the youth. Their presence, curiosity, and joy for life inspire me to share my wisdom and love with them. I am currently an elementary school teacher in Canada, so I am excited to offer my professional practices to the schools in Thailand to promote positive change. Also, being able to bring what I learn back home can also inspire change in my future classrooms.

     

    The Teach Abroad Thailand Program sets participants up with paid teaching positions and has monthly start dates.

    To learn more about the program you can view the page here

  • Eating (and teaching) your way through Prague!

    Eating (and teaching) your way through Prague!

    You’re going to Prague for 4 weeks (and possibly staying longer on a job placement with the help of Greenheart Travel) and you’re excited to see the sights! You’ve figured out where you’re staying, gotten all your course books and materials and have paid all the fees. What’s left?

    Navigating the culinary culture of course!

    With your days full of TEFL training, the last thing you want to think about is what you’re going to go eat and where to get it. Prague is known for its distinct neighborhoods, all filled to the brim with bars and restaurants and to help, we’ve compiled a list of the most common dishes that you should try while living abroad!

    Goulash

    This traditional dish is for the meat lovers out there! The Czech style of this dish is a thick, stew like dish served with dumplings. This will easily be on any menu you encounter and will fill you up!

     

    Grilled Sausages

    Grilled Sausages or grilovane klobasy is just what you’d expect, a grilled sausage on a bread roll. This fast dish can be found in food stalls and restaurants alike. Think of it as the on-the-go food! Be sure to try all the sauces available too!

    Dumplings

    Dumplings can be found in a number of Czech dishes (please refer back to goulash). It’s the carb of the dish and is perfect for any dipping necessities! You can also find sweet dumplings paired with jams in some eateries! Either way, anything it’s paired with is delicious.

     

    Trdelnik

    No meal is complete without dessert and for that, look no further than trdelnik! You can find these fried dough cakes served with ice cream and other various toppings in restaurants or in food stalls on the street.

    So now you know, in those off hours when you’re not earning your TEFL certification, you can wander down the street and indulge just like the locals do!

    Happy Traveling!

  • The Greenheart Travel Application Process in 6 Easy Steps!

    The Greenheart Travel Application Process in 6 Easy Steps!

    Is this you?

    You’ve soaked up the program description, admired the photos, and you are ready to start packing your bags! But you haven’t applied yet.  That application process! It seems daunting! And you procrastinate. But why put off the trip of a lifetime?

    Did you know that you can do the application in quick, easy stages?

    That’s right. It’s only 6 steps and the whole thing takes about 30 minutes! Go to the Greenheart Travel program you are interested in and we’ll walk you through it!

    1. Select the APPLY NOW button on the right side of the program page. Fill out the form with some general information about you, and click submit.
    2. Once you complete step 1, you will be emailed a link to Greenheart Travel’s application portal. Sometimes the email will go into your spam box, so keep an eye out! If you do not receive an application within 5-7 minutes of clicking submit, send an email to travelapplications@greenheart.org
    3. Click the link in that email to the application portal where you will complete a second application form that includes more detailed information about your background (education, experience, medical history, host family preferences, etc).
    4. Next, hold your position in the program by paying a $300 deposit. It is very rare that  applications are declined, but if you are rejected from the program, you will be refunded the $300.
    5. Schedule your 15-20 minute interview via Microsoft Teams with the program manager.
    6. Review your application and submit 😊

    During step 3, please have these documents ready to upload:

    • 1 letter of recommendation (can be personal or professional)
    • Copy of your passport
    • A completed background check. If you are a U.S. citizen, Greenheart Travel provides you an online background check service which you can access during the application process. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you are required to submit your own background check from your local police station.

    And that’s it!

    After that, we will work with our partners to make sure you are placed in the right school, job, and/or family and before you know it, you’ll be on your way!  Go ahead, give it a go and travel for a change with Greenheart Travel!

     

  • Meet the 2023 First Time Traveler Scholarship Winners!

    Meet the 2023 First Time Traveler Scholarship Winners!

    Greenheart Travel wants to help make travel accessible to everyone because we truly believe that when you study, teach or volunteer abroad, you embark on a journey that will significantly impact your global perspective! Each year Greenheart Travel provides scholarship grants to individuals who are “first-time travelers” and who have the desire for travel and cultural immersion. Our First Time Traveler Scholarships are available for our adult and high school programs and offer additional support and resources. Here are the 2023 winners!  Congratulations!

    Stirling –  Teach in a Homestay in South Korea

    My name is Stirling, I am 19 years old, and I live in London. I am currently taking a year out of school to work, travel and learn new things before I go off to university. I previously studied physics, maths and art for A Level (the school exams we take at 18 years old) and I’m going to study engineering in university. In my gap year I have been learning how to teach English as a foreign language (TEFL course), volunteering in a local school as well as working in a kitchen to earn money. I have lots of hobbies and passions, some of the things I enjoy are listening to music, drawing, writing, fencing, learning new things and reading. I am really looking forward to travelling abroad, this will be the first time that I have travelled by myself and lived away from home. 

     

    Joseph – Teen Summer Language Camp Japan

    I am an enthusiastic pursuer of knowledge who is always looking for new experiences. Even though I do not play many video games, I enjoy hanging around my school’s gaming club to chat with my friends. I occasionally partake in community service at my town’s discount food warehouse. Lastly though, I love combat sports and martial arts, and attend classes around 18 hours a week. I also like creative writing/world building, and reading about history–especially World War I era aviation.

     

    Christopher – Teen Summer Language Camp Japan

    I am active in the Boy Scouts of America and recently earned the highest rank of Eagle Scout. I am interested in computers and robotics. I enjoy playing musical instruments of all sorts, including the piano and guitar. I have recently begun taking tennis lessons. I also enjoy camping and the outdoors.  I enjoy spending time with my family. I also enjoy going to places like Disney World and the gym with my friends. I like to go to the beach and to be outside. 

     

    Caleb – Teen Summer Language Camp – Spain

    I enjoy many different things depending on how I’m feeling. I will paint when I’m feeling creative and mindful, I sketch when I’m feel like daydreaming, I play video games when I just want to relax, and I organize when I’m feeling a little too cluttered or need to clear my head. Art in all forms is a huge interest of mine, and I most enjoy the art of filmmaking, so I often find myself analyzing movies and tv shows to get a deeper understanding of the film’s message. The biggest things in my life that keep me happy are the people I surround myself with. I am a social creature, even if I don’t want to admit it at times, so I am at my happiest when the people around me are at their happiest.

     

    Congratulations to our 2023 First Time Travelers!  We look forward to sharing more about their travels in the coming months!  

    We encourage everyone to follow their travel aspirations and Travel for a Change!

    Learn more about Greenheart Travel’s First Time Traveler Scholarship and take a look at all the places Greenheart Travel goes!

     

  • Teaching in France lead to a major life change

    Teaching in France lead to a major life change

    We hear from Greenheart Travelers all the time about how their adventure changed their lives. This is one of those stories with an added “Wow” for the serendipitous luck and a big “awwww” for the sweetness of it all…

    Thank you Katie for sharing your amazing story!

    ***

    On December 9th, 2015, an impromptu dinner changed my life, but I didn’t know it then.

    I was in France teaching English through the Greenheart program for 2 months before starting a new job back in Boston. On my second night, my host family and I went to visit their close friends at their home. That’s when Simon and I were introduced. We hit it off, and we talked about so many things despite our language barrier (He spoke intermediate English and I spoke 0 French). We saw each other a total of 3 times in my 2 months there. I flew back to Boston and didn’t think I’d ever see him or talk to him again, but his sense of humor, optimism, and laid-back attitude captivated me. Nonetheless, I didn’t keep in touch as I was being “realistic”.

    A few months later I received a message from him on WhatsApp saying hello. A message once a week to check-in quickly turned into constant texting. 

    Simon called me one night and told me he wanted a serious relationship with me, and that he wanted us to figure this all out together. We began our LDR (it lasted 1.5 years), and we traveled back and forth every couple of months, but the distance was hard and so was the 6 hour time difference. Our vacation time and bank accounts were quickly dwindling, and we knew we had to find a long-term solution if we wanted to stay together.

    On February 14th, 2018 I packed 3 suitcases, hopped on a plane– and never looked back. I became a full time English teacher in France.

    On December 9th, 2018, on the exact date we met, Simon proposed. We got married this past July at a lovely château near our home in Bordeaux. 

    I never expected my soulmate to live across the ocean, but we found each other with (BIG) help from Greenheart Travel! 

    Katie & Simon

    ***

    While we can’t promise finding your soulmate if you go on a Greenheart Travel trip, we do think you’ll have a great time!

    Visit GreenheartTravel.org to see all the Teach Abroad, Work Abroad, and Teen programs we offer all around the world!

  • Teaching Tips Tuesday from Greenheart Travel

    Teaching Tips Tuesday from Greenheart Travel

    Heading to a Greenheart Travel Homestay Program in Spain, France, or South Korea? Here are 3 quick teaching tips to keep in mind as you begin tutoring!

    1.Use Teacher Talk

    What is teacher talk? Teacher talk is a technique that uses focused language when talking to your student. By using deliberate and precise language with your student, it helps to ensure that they are following along with you and are not lost in the “fluff.” What is meant by fluff? You can think of fluff like filler words that distract your student from the main point you are trying to make, here is an example:

    Today we will be reviewing articles. Articles are helpful but I also think they can be confusing depending on the person. Do you remember articles? We talked about them yesterday during our lesson, anyway, please take your workbook, open it and turn to page 37.

    Vs.

    We will be reviewing articles. Please open your book to page 37.

    Adding “fluff” is something that every teacher does from time to time, and it can be difficult to realize you are doing it, especially if you are feeling nervous. Our recommendation is to be very intentional with the words you say. If you’re starting to get too wordy, pause and check in with yourself. Take a deep breath, re-center, and remember that less is more.

    2.Ask Questions

    During your tutoring sessions you want to give your student as much time to talk and practice English as possible. A great way to keep your student talking is by asking questions, questions, and more questions! Keep in mind the 5 W’s (and 1 H).

    Who?

    What?

    When?

    Where?

    Why?

    How?

    Asking questions not only helps get your student talking, it can help you, as the teacher, better understand their areas of strength and improvement, here is an example:

    Teacher: What is your favorite color?

    Student: I like purple.

    Teacher: Why do you like purple?

    Student: It is nice.

    Teacher: Where do you see purple in this room?

    Student: There.

    Teacher: What is that?

    By asking additional questions about the student’s favorite color, the teacher has now broadened the scope of the lesson. It not only just about colors, but the objects in the room, what their names are.

    3.Consider Context and Keep it Relevant

    Consider these two sentences:

    Earlier today, I walked down Addison and got on the Brown Line heading towards Kimball to go to The Perfect Cup. I’m glad I took the L because it started pouring as soon as I got on!

    Vs.

    Earlier today, I walked down the street and got on a train heading north to go to a café. I’m glad I took the train because it started raining really hard as soon as I got on!

    While these sentences are technically conveying the same information, the first one uses a lot of Chicago specific words and phrases. Words that could easily confuse someone not from Chicago. When teaching we want to consider our student and the context they might have for certain words. A good rule of thumb for this is to keep it general and limit your use of region-specific language, colloquialisms, brand names, and idioms/figures of speech.

    Examples:

    Instead of Kleenex, say facial tissue

    Instead of Chapstick, say lip balm

    Instead of feeling “under the weather”, say feeling sick/ill

    Instead of “whatever floats your boat”, say “whatever makes you happy!”

    Looking for more advice? Head to our teaching tips page!

     

  • Teach Abroad Cambodia: Five Things to Know about our New Program!

    Teach Abroad Cambodia: Five Things to Know about our New Program!

    We are so excited to be launching our newest Teach Abroad program in Cambodia!

    Cambodia has a rich history and a friendly population. Over the past two decades, Cambodia has grown quickly, increasing the demand for English language education. This has led to a need for English teachers into the country. With good teaching salaries and high quality of life, it is also a very safe environment for foreigners and there is a large expat population.

     Teach Abroad Cambodia captures many superlatives in the highest category when it comes to teaching!  Here are the FIVE THINGS to know about what’s great about Greenheart Travel’s Teach Abroad Cambodia program!

    1. Highest Paid Vacation. Cambodia has the highest number of paid vacation days of any country that we know of– 18 Days! That doesn’t even count public holidays which are about 20 per year. This means that the average teacher will have nearly 40 days a year to do extensive traveling throughout the region.
    2. Highest Salary for Non-degree Holders. While we put the low end of salary at USD 700 the average non-degree holder is making around USD 1,000 per month and that can go all the way up to USD 1,800. This makes Cambodia one of the highest paying countries for non-degree holders.
    3. Highest Savings Potential. With the generous wages and very low cost of living, Cambodia has some of the highest savings potential for TESOL / TEFL teachers with savings potential up to –and even exceeding– 50%.
    4. Highest Guaranteed Income Growth. In many countries, teachers’ salaries from the first to the second contract are flat or only go up by around USD 50-100 per month. Not Cambodia! There are many teaching positions and demand for teachers with Cambodia teaching experience is high, making Cambodia the teaching income growth destination for those serious about building a career in TESOL. This is especially true for non-degree holders.
    5. Easiest Country to Obtain a Work Permit. We drop the “Highest” superlative for this final reason, but it is still a major benefit. It’s super easy to get a work permit in Cambodia. Forget about legalized documents, originals of docs, transcripts, letters of recommendation, etc. None of that stuff is needed. Just a copy of your diploma and a third-party criminal check and you’re good to go!

    If you would like to discuss more about our Teach Cambodia Program, please email us at travelapplications@greenheart.org

     

  • Orientation week for Teach Abroad Vietnam

    Orientation week for Teach Abroad Vietnam

    When potential travelers get in touch with us to talk about our Greenheart Travel Teach Abroad programs, we love telling them about orientation week and what they’ll be doing upon arrival.  It’s reassuring to know they have some time to get to know the culture, figure out how to shop in the markets, and get to know others on the program.

    Here’s a bit about a recent Teach Abroad orientation week in Vietnam!

    As soon as the group arrived in Ho Chi Minh City the participants started to explore the city and began bonding together. They were active participants in our classroom sessions, always asking questions in things like the culture and history sessions and Diversity and Inclusivity seminar,and they really enjoyed the Vietnamese classes.

    Not only were our in-class sessions helpful for the participants in their transition to Vietnam, but the excursions outside the classroom were beneficial and fun! They visited the Cu Chi Tunnels and took part in a Vietnamese cooking class. They also visited a local temple in Ho Chi Minh City to learn more about Buddhism and religion in Vietnam. Finally, at the end of the week, the participants took part in a scavenger hunt in local markets, using only their new Vietnamese language skills to find the necessary items. This is always fun and helps to encourage them out of their comfort zone while getting practical experience with the Vietnamese language and the locals.

     Throughout the week, and during the many excursions, the Teachers were able to learn more about Vietnam and about each other, and they have bonded in strong ways. One of the best parts about our orientation week is that it is an awesome space for the Teachers to settle into a new country while being able to do it with a cohort all sharing the same experiences. Life-long friendships come from this week, even when some of the participants head off to their placement school after orientation and some stay to complete the TESOL, they still reach out to each other to check in and meet up.

    Thanks for sharing!  Read more and apply today for Teach Abroad in Vietnam!  

  • Three Reasons to Embark on the 7-Week Summer Teach Program in Thailand

    Three Reasons to Embark on the 7-Week Summer Teach Program in Thailand

    Wanting to go abroad this summer? Have teaching experience? Looking for a way to make an impact of the lives of students, explore a new place, make new friends, and earn some money? Look no further than Greenheart Travel’s 7-Week Summer Program in Thailand!

    Our paid, short-term teaching program in Thailand is unlike other Teach Abroad programs.

    Here are three reasons why the Greenheart Travel Summer Teach in Thailand program is a great teaching option:

    1. One of the Only Short-term Paid Teaching Opportunities. It is a rarity in Teach Abroad programs to see a salaried short-term teaching position. There are more opportunities to volunteer teach, but few to be an actual professional (salaried) teacher. If you can’t decide whether to work this summer or to travel, this is the chance to do both.
    2. Life-changing Experience and Resume Builder. Thailand offers a life-changing experience. There’s something about the confluence of school environment, openness of the people, and cultural richness that combine to make Thailand a one-of-a-kind experience. Summer teachers can have this experience without having to stay a full semester or year. Their role as salaried teachers, along with all the soft skills they’ll develop, will also make their resumes truly stand out!
    3. Greenheart Travel’s Lifetime Placement Guarantee. All participants receive Greenheart Travel’s lifetime placement guarantee in every country that we have programs in. This is a great value for someone who doesn’t have a lot of time at the moment but may want a more extended program in the future when they have more time.

    Sounds great, right?

    Check out our Summer start dates and get your application in!  SUMMER is coming!

     

     

  • Getting to know life in Japan during Orientation week

    Getting to know life in Japan during Orientation week

    Ever wondered what it is like to get certified to Teach English in Japan? Read up on this orientation week!

    It has been a very busy one here in Japan, as we have welcomed our first-ever in-class TESOL group to Nagoya, Japan!

    Monday – Welcome, Japanese language, Lunch, and a guided tour of Atsuta Shrine
    We started off the first day welcome meeting the participants and welcoming them onto the program. This was followed by our first of three Japanese language classes. We then headed to a traditional Japanese restaurant for lunch where we got to try some of the local Nagoyan dishes. After lunch, we went on our first excursion to Atsuta shrine, which is one of Shinto’s most important shrines and dates back to 100CE. A great first day was had and everyone took the chance to bond and get to know one another a little better!

    Tuesday – A Day Full of Food!!
    We started off day 2 with a presentation on Japanese food, where we learned all about the history of Japanese food, some famous Japanese dishes, and also how to eat on a budget in Japan. We then went for lunch where we had Japanese curry before heading off to a Japanese cooking class, which was definitely a highlight of the week and thoroughly enjoyed by all.

    Wednesday – More Japanese language and more in-depth learning about Japanese Culture
    We started the day with our 2nd language class for the week. We then had 2 workshops on Japanese Culture followed by another on culture shock and dealing with living in and adapting to life in Japan. After a day of learning in the classroom, we headed to Nittaiji Temple, which is said to house the ashes of Budda, given to Japan as a gift from the King of Thailand. This is a great place to grab some tea and chat with some elderly locals who are all too happy to share some of life’s meanings and stories.

    Thursday – Final Japanese Language, and a visit to Tokugawa Art Museum!
    We started the day with our final Japanese lesson of the week. The language classes are invaluable– giving the teachers a great foundation and getting them started on their Japanese language journey. This was followed by a visit to the Tokugawa art museum, which was a very interesting and insightful look into the past, with loads of items from the 900-1400 period.

    Friday – Full Excursion Day Exploring Nagoya
    Our final day was our excursion day where we travel around Nagoya, immerse ourselves in the history and culture, and get to explore this awesome city. We started off by visiting the Nagoya Castle and palace, which was like taking a step back in time. We then headed to Nagoya tower where we headed up to the top for an incredible view of the city. We ended the day by going to Osu Cannon, which is a traditional shopping street and hub for Japanese temples and historical sites. We had some free time to explore and have lunch.

     

    What an amazing week! Does it make you want to go to Japan too? Check out these programs and get packing!

    Teach English in Japan

    Get your TEFL Certification in Japan

    Are you a teenager, but ready to go to Japan?  How about a Summer Language Camp there?