ELIC Field Notes

New Year, Same Purpose — 2 Resolutions for 2026

‘Tis the season for new year resolutions in all their hobby-hopping, habit-busting, health-kicking glory. The “New... Read More

GAP online

True Love at Teacher Training? Growing a Family Overseas

What draws two Americans with vastly different backgrounds to the same, purposeful life in China, and to each other? Read More

china Family long term

Can I Really Teach Overseas? What You Need (and Don't Need) to Qualify

We all have things that we would love to do, but the direction of our lives has just closed those doors. It's like the... Read More

overseas Language training education career GAP

Finding Place and Purpose in Thailand — GAP Teacher Interview

Dan was in college, and he was feeling lost. Majoring in Psychology (a field he had little passion for) and unsure of... Read More

People Culture Teacher GAP

Responsible Engagement: Avoiding Western Saviorism (Pt 3)

For the past two articles, we’ve been talking about the concepts of the Western savior complex (the idea that affluent... Read More

People English overseas professional training

Responsible Engagement: Avoiding Western Saviorism (Pt 2)

In this series on the Western savior complex (the idea that affluent Western countries automatically have the superior... Read More

English Culture travel training education

Responsible Engagement: Avoiding Western Saviorism (Pt 1)

Imagine pouring your heart into helping someone else. You feel fulfilled and, in a healthy way, proud of yourself.... Read More

People English Culture professional University education

3 Tools to Build Community with Your Team

ELIC teachers focus their lives around building connections in their host countries—bringing together local students... Read More

Teacher TCK Family training team

Living Generously Overseas — Teacher Story

ELIC teachers have been met with astounding generosity from host countries all over Asia, the Middle East, and North... Read More

English Culture Teacher Chinese Family

Drawn to the Challenge — Iraq Teacher Interview

Mark moved to Kurdistan (an autonomous region of Iraq) three years ago, following a pull towards the challenge of... Read More

Culture Teacher community

3 Reasons for Rest — Why Leaving is the Secret to Staying Overseas

Culture travel Teacher overseas Language

How to Disagree in Community with Competing Worldviews

Cultural differences are a given for overseas English teachers. They can even be an attractive part of cross-cultural... Read More

People Culture community