George On The Go

2012 in Destinations

Compared to the culture count of 2011, 2012 was a bit of a wet haddock, but I did have a lot on my plate. While in 2011, I was deep into my year abroad, enjoying the luxuries of unlimited time and money, I have not seen those kinds of luxuries since. Between sitting my finals, … Continue reading »

The Cunning Linguist

As a person I like to think of myself as fairly ambitious. For 2 years now my main ambition, the thing I’ve been looking forward to, working towards, and ultimately doing everything I could do to achieve has been to live in Japan. As of October 14th 2012 I achieved that mission. As my plane … Continue reading »

20 Hours in Beijing Airport

After ten hours, strung up in the air, flying in a tin can, half way around the world, you would think I would have been relieved to hear that we were arriving at our destination, but I wasn’t. You see, in the air I had access to free food, water, movies on demand and while … Continue reading »

Ryanair warns of further fares increases

Why I love Ryanair

I have read a lot of attacks on Ryanair – the European budget airline – in my time. Most recently this one from Eurotriptips, which pretty much sums up all the reasons people hate the company, believing it to be a money greedy, holiday ruiner with no concern for what we call human rights. And … Continue reading »

Rodenbach was stunning ... but not enough

Looking for “The One”

While I have always had the tag line: 20 something solo female traveller with a dream of seeing every country in the world, I have never explained the reasons why I hold this dream so close to my heart. But to tell that story I have to go back to the beginning. As a child … Continue reading »

Ways to Improve the ALT System in Japan

People were really angry about my last post that I wrote claiming that I don’t believe the ALT system in Japan is working. I think mainly people thought I was attacking the whole idea of having foreign teachers in Japan, which I wasn’t, I just don’t believe how we are currently implemented is working. Here … Continue reading »

Are foreigners as language teachers in Japan damaging?

In this post I am going to be a gigantic hypocrite and tell you that I do not believe that the system in Japan is working. That the importation of hundreds of foreign English-speaking “teachers” is not a good thing, and to some consequence could be damaging to what is already a flawed system. Reinforcing … Continue reading »

My Love: No Chance of Drowning

I’ve recently been reading the amazing Torre De Roche’s fabulous memoir “Love with a Chance of Drowning”, and apart from the breath taking journey of one sea sick women going love sick across the Pacific another story, within the story, struck me, that of her hero, Ivan’s, hero; the sailor Moitessier, a man who coming … Continue reading »

5 Things People Forget about TEFL

Today’s guest post is by Sean Lords. Teaching EFL abroad is one of the most rewarding experiences a person can have. You get to see the world, learn about other cultures and help people learn, all at the same time. With that being said, there are a lot of things that people don’t stop to think … Continue reading »

Teaching in Japan: Eikaiwas

Forgive me for not being able to give as much info about the Eikaiwas as I don’t know too many people who have gone down this path, but it is the easiest way to get a job in Japan as companies are constantly hiring, and you can seek out work once you are on ground … Continue reading »

Teaching in Japan: Private Dispatch Companies

While many consider working for a private company as a cop out for those who couldn’t get past the strict regulations of JET, Private companies provide a simple flexibility that the JET programme cannot provide, and is often a better option for those who have a clear idea of what they want from their Japanese … Continue reading »

Teaching in Japan: The JET Programme

There are so many different options available to budding English teachers in Japan, that it can be hard to decide what to go for. While it is easiest to work out for yourself which you think is the best for your personal situation. There is no “best” way to teach in Japan. But I will … Continue reading »

Searching for the Perfect TEFL Placement

T is for “TEFL countries” As I recently mentioned in my last post I am moving. When I first found out I had lost my TEFL placement I was devastated when I later found out that I had a 6 week break between contracts I was ecstatic. Because we know that any sort of length … Continue reading »

Working for a Junior High School in Japan

N is for “New Job Titles” This post is meant to be an informative view of what it is like to be an ALT at a Junior High School in Japan. Please keep in mind that not everyone’s experiences differ widely but this should give you some sort of general overview of what the job … Continue reading »

What happens when you lose a TEFL placement

H is for Horrible things that happen. I have some big and perhaps for those of you who don’t know me, surprising news for you. George on the Go is on the go again! That’s right it seems as soon as I’ve settled somewhere I am immediately on the move, however, this time it’s not … Continue reading »

D is for Death

Positive title I know but let me continue. Recently I entered a competition over at Reality Chick a hilarious agony aunt style website to win a copy of a book I have long awaited to get my hands on Torre DeRoche’s “Love with a Chance of Drowning”. When I first heard about the novel about a … Continue reading »

Top 5 Biggest Travel Regrets

B is for Biggest Travel Regrets. Admittedly I try not to have regrets. I am very much of the opinion that you can’t change the past, so don’t dwell, just move forward with your life. That being said, there are maybe a few things I could have done differently. Thanks to the wonderful Roo Around … Continue reading »

Top 5 Reasons Why I Hate Being an ALT

I recently wrote an article about how TEFLing is the most wonderful thing in the world. I know though that it has it’s problems too. To give a balanced view, I decided to write this article too. Don’t think I have a bummer on TEFL now, because I don’t, but there is always room for … Continue reading »

The Variety of Spain

My first and only family holiday was a package holiday in Spain. More precisely it was a last minute holiday to Gran Canaria, where me and my sister were informed of my Dad’s last minute purchase in the afternoon and were expected to pack up our bags that night, for an early start in the … Continue reading »

Why Being Poor Doesn’t Stop You From Travelling

When my co-workers asked me how many countries I had been to and I replied about 25, they immediately questioned what my father did for a living. The question deeply confused me. I didn’t understand what travelling had to do with my dads occupation and that’s when I realised they assumed that he had paid. … Continue reading »

Germany’s Top 5 Most Tranquil Spots

After living in Germany for a blissful 9 months, I got to know a lot about the culture. Arguably the biggest cultural event in Germany, if not the whole of Europe is Munich’s infamous Oktoberfest. However, it’s not just drinking copious litres of beer which steals tourism away from the cliché romantic resorts of nearby … Continue reading »

Depression On The Go.

I suffer from depression, but travelling helps. This is my story. Ever since High School and maybe sometime before that, I can remember those dark thoughts. When I was about 13, they made me make the decision to stop going to lessons that didn’t interest me. This meant that often I missed whole days of … Continue reading »

Is the Trinty CertTESOL worth the cost?

My recent series about TEFLing in Asia caused a bit of controversy around the twittersphere. In particular, surrounding my comments on whether a TEFL certificate is really worth it. I, myself am very interested in this topic and decided to talk to those who have more TEFL certification than me. In today’s interview, I’m talking with … Continue reading »

A Cheap 24 Hours in York

One of the most underrated cities in the UK, many over look York when planning a weekend away. But the big city which still manages to keep the air of a rural town, is the quintessential embodiment of “quaint”. With plenty to keep you occupied during your stay, whatever the time of year, you can … Continue reading »

Teaching in Asia: 101 Part 3

This is Part 3 in a 3 part series. Find Part 1 and Part 2 here. What are your options? There are literally hundreds of TEFL jobs out there. Many are posted online on websites such as http://www.eslcafe.com which offers courses and job placements and is updated daily. Of course as with all placements you … Continue reading »

Teaching in Asia: 101 Part 2

This is part 2 of a 3 part series. Find Part 1 and Part 3 here. To TEFL or not to TEFL? There are as many TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) course options available as there are people who want to do them. With hundreds of different online and practical TEFL courses out … Continue reading »

The Ultimate Planning List

Travelling overseas can be an exciting experience, it gives tourists a chance to experience different cultures, see sensational historical sites, eat food from all over the world and see how many other people live and where they make their home. There are many points to consider when making plans to travel like how to select a … Continue reading »

Teaching in Asia: 101 Part 1

This is part 1 in a 3 part series. Find Part 2 and Part 3 here. Teaching abroad is one of the most fulfilling, exciting and rewarding careers available to young people. Most would-be-teachers are not keeping to the safety and comfort of the West, but setting their sights further a field to the East … Continue reading »

22 Things You Didn’t Want to Know About Me

The lovely Stephanie over at PearlsandPassports.com and delightful Emma from GottaKeepMovin.com recently nominated me for a Liebster award. There is sadly no award ceremony where my blog is put on a pedestal for the proles to cower under its might, but it’s nice to be recognised for my work. Sadly most people aren’t publically aware of my … Continue reading »

How to Learn a Language: Leaving your Comfort Zone

I live in Japan. I work in a Japanese speaking school. I want to learn Japanese. You think there would be nothing getting in my way, but you would be sadly mistaken. While I am now getting more into Jpop and terrible Japanese TV shows of people enjoying food, I’m still not really in a … Continue reading »