Teaching English in Mexico: Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs on Teaching English in Mexico

Readers have posed a number of oft-asked, poignant questions about teaching English in Mexico which I'll be unable to answer in full detail here, but I should be able to address the brunt or so of them with brief snippets of information.

photo credit: ELT professional Shebnem Itil teaches a conversation-generating dynamic

Q: First, I have heard that it is possible to work at a university teaching English, but I wonder if I have enough experience? It looked like according to your article only highly qualified teachers could get positions in a university.

A: First, you shouldn't worry too much about a lack of more experience. if you do have some, you're a trained, educated TEFL teacher and a native speaker, you'll be okay. Go ahead, apply to schools, institutes and universities.

Q: Second, what is the best time of year to go to look for work in Mexico?

A: As far as looking for work is concerned; July to August you should be pounding the pavement. The next best time frame is in early to mid January. Another critical period for job-hunting is May to June. Most importantly, choose where you want to live and work, then take a pilot trip to uncover essential facts, leads and information.

Q: Third, do you think it would be possible to earn enough money teaching English as a foreign language in Mexico that I would be able to pay some of my bills back at home, for example my student loan payment?

A: While you can certainly earn a living in Mexico teaching English as a foreign language in primary / secondary schools, trade schools, language institutes and universities – even giving private classes on the side, paying off a student loan in US dollars is a bit over the top for a salary earned in Mexican pesos. I certainly wouldn’t count on getting that kind of money – at least, not for a while. Travel to your planned work area by making a pilot trip to ascertain what kind of salary range TEFL teachers get there among other things.

Q: How much money do you think I need to have saved up before I would go to Mexico City? I´ve read as much as $3,500 just to get started, is that true??!!

A: You should try to have enough money to tide you over at least a couple of months to give you some breathing room, but even one month of savings will cover you some. Just look at the exchange rate of U.S. dollars to Mexican pesos. Factor in the cost of living per month and you’ll likely find that 3500 dollars is hardly necessary. You should work up a more accurate - much lower figure using a pilot trip, if possible. Check out http://www.tefl.com/ for their city cost guides to give you ballpark figures.

Finally, ask yourself some hard questions about why you want to be at ABC city in XYZ country, in this case, Mexico. Surviving those soul-searching questions, you'll be better prepared mentally to cope with whatever happens and will intrinsically have the innate staying power to “hang in there” when the going gets a little rocky - which, my friend, it will.

I hope these brief answers start to help you. Do consider making a pilot trip to your planned destination. Check out my blog post: “Teaching English in Mexico: Why You Need to Take a Pilot Trip”. Also, let me know if you'd like to be placed on my mailing list for new articles, TEFL info and updates.

Prof. Larry M. Lynch is an English language teaching and learning expert author and university professor in Cali, Colombia. Now YOU too can live your dreams in paradise, find romance, high adventure and get paid while travelling for free. For more information on entering or advancing in the fascinating field of teaching English as a Foreign or Second Language send for his no-cost pdf Ebook, “If You Want to Teach English Abroad, Here’s What You Need to Know”, by sending an e-mail with "free ELT Ebook" in the subject line. 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

Creating a "Smart" English Language Teaching and Learning Classroom

The Advance of Education Technology

With education technology advancing at what sometimes seems to be an alarming rate, it’s application to the English language learning classroom seems almost imminent. What is even more intriguing is our learners’ ready acceptance of and adaptation to the incorporation of new technologies into their everyday lives. In many cultures worldwide, most youth above the age of 15 or so have their own personal cell phone or ipod, palm C’s or multi-use mini-memory stick combo of electronics. Indeed, it seems that it’s the “old fuddy-duds” who don’t have cell phones and pocket-sized electronics as part of their lives. So what’s a savvy Educational Administrator to do? Find ways to incorporate and take advantage of these new technologies in the English language learning classroom, that’s what.

The Rub

Ah, but the expense, the confusion, the hassle and did I mention the expense – of doing so. What about that? Growth hurts. If we are to maintain the field of language education in the forefront to which it belongs in this day and age of global communications, international business and global economies involving multiple countries, we must address the changing face of global commerce and communications, technology and its increasing impact on education.

A “Smart” Classroom

But just what is a “smart” classroom? Opinions as to what education technology elements exist in such an entity, of course vary, but some key aspects are generally agreed upon. Let’s examine some of them and their respective purposes.

• A smart whiteboard
• Laser / digital pointer
• Printer
• Computers with multi-media software
• internet access
• CD / DVD player / recorder
• Video beam
• VHS player / recorder
• Multi-band AM / FM radio receiver
• Wide screen TV with cable station feeds
• Interface device(s) for digital feeds from Teacher to Learners
• Portable PCs, Palm Pilots or ipod devices for each language learner
• Direct server access and storage capability

Okay, so by now you should be getting the picture. While many or even all of these devices can significantly impact the English language teaching and learning process, it is ultimately the teacher who must negotiate their application to the needs of the learners to complete curriculum requirements. More education technology doesn’t necessarily make for a better English language teacher or even better English language teaching, but it very well could if strategically applied.

English Language Teachers Must Be Better Equipped

Initially, many of our English language learners would be better equipped to manage these new, developing technologies than a number of their language teachers. Foremost then, is to equip English language teachers with the essential knowledge and skills to cope with an infusion of high technology. Many language learners too would need to be brought up to speed on application of new technologies to English language learning. Although by no means do these new education technologies affect only English language teaching and learning classrooms. As conditions (and budgets) permit, educational administrators can and should upgrade classrooms and language teacher knowledge on the application of new education technologies.
While virtually no classrooms will likely ever contain all of the aforementioned equipment, we, as English language teaching professionals, can still learn, grow – and dream.


Larry M. Lynch is an English language teaching and learning expert author and university professor in Cali, Colombia. Now YOU too can live your dreams in paradise, find romance, high adventure and get paid while travelling for free. For more information on the lucrative, fascinating field of teaching English as a Foreign Language, send for his no-cost, full multi-media, hypertext-linked pdf ebook, “If You Want to Teach English Abroad, Here’s What You Need to Know”. Immediate delivery by sending an e-mail with "Free ELT Ebook" in the heading to lynchlarrym@gmail.com

5 Popular Films That Can Help to Improve Your English Language Speaking Fluency

Using Popular Films to Improve Speaking Skills

During the course of my 15 plus years of English as a foreign language teaching, I have come across a number of popular films which not only aid EFL learners in improving their English language speaking skills, but are enjoyable for them to watch. In each of these films a scene is selected and the dialogue and setting are exploited for cultural, linguistic and connected speech elements. While there actually many such films, I’ll mention five of my English language learners’ favorites here.

FRANTIC (1988)
This film stars Harrison Ford and Betty Buckley as a doctor and his wife who are visiting Paris for a medical convention when she suddenly disappears. The desperate husband, who doesn’t speak any French, eventually goes to the Blue Parrot Disco in his search for his missing wife but meets a smooth-talking drug dealer instead. The accents, idioms, expressions, slang, setting and dialogue in this scene are absolutely great.

MEDICINE MAN
In their scientific research for a cancer cure, Sean Connery and Lorraine Bracco have a great scene for using prediction when they are trekking through the Amazon with a native Indian guide. One of them gets “high” from a locally-produced medicine from the bark of the Yocco tree. The ensuing scene is simply hilarious. The following scene, when they suddenly face a “danger” together, is also a good one. You’ll love the dialogue line, “Go ahead, cry all you want.”

RUTHLESS PEOPLE (1986)
Danny DeVito, Judge Reinhold, Bette Midler are terrific in this satirical comedy. The film’s opening scene depicts Danny DeVito with his gold-digging lover in a fancy restaurant. How do we know she’s his mistress and not his wife? Watch the scene with your English language learners and have them answer that question.

THE COLOR PURPLE (1985)
Whoopi Goldberg, Danny Glover, Adolph Caesar and Oprah Winfrey deliver memorable performances in this film adapted from the Pulitzer Prize winning book by Alice Walker. A scene with the late Adolph Caesar in which a despondent man (Danny Glover) is consoled by his less-than-capable father (Adolph Caesar) who also tries to motivate his slovenly son out of the doldrums is priceless for use in vocabulary acquisition, and multiple verb tense use, among others. My EFL learners often gasp in disbelief at seeing the state of the son’s house.

DIRTY HARRY (1971)
Clint Eastwood, Harry Guardino and Reni Santoni star in this classic police detective drama. In two different scenes, police Inspector Harry Callahan, the cop you love to hate delivers his signature lines:

“I know what you’re thinking. Did he fire six shots or only five?”
“Well to tell you the truth, in all the excitement, I’ve kinda lost track myself.”

“… you’ve got to ask yourself one question … Do I feel lucky?”

“Well, do you, punk?”

This film is great for illustrating and practicing elements of connected speech in American English.

Key Film Elements

While many popular films contain selected scenes which could be used to illustrate cultural, linguistic and connected speech elements, these five have proven to be useful and well-received by a variety of English language learner profiles. If you can get a hold of any or all of them, give them a try and watch your learners’ motivation and English language speaking skills skyrocket.

By the way, let me know how well this works for you. If you have any questions or would like one of the worksheets I use to accompany each of these film scenes, just drop me an e-mail. I’ll be happy to help.


Prof. Larry M. Lynch is an English language teaching and learning expert author and university professor in Cali, Colombia. Now YOU too can live your dreams in paradise, find romance, high adventure and get paid while travelling for free. For more information on entering or advancing in the fascinating field of teaching English as a Foreign or Second Language send for his no-cost pdf Ebook, “If You Want to Teach English Abroad, Here’s What You Need to Know”, by sending an e-mail with "free ELT Ebook" in the subject line. 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

Teaching English as a Foreign Language in Cuautla, Mexico

Traveling around Mexico as an English language teacher, are you?

Have you ever eaten chicken feet? How about barbequed chicken necks?

What?

I thought not.

So, while you’re in Cuautla you’ll have your chance.

Don’t miss it!

photo credit: http://www.cnsm.csulb.edu/departments/geology/people/bperry/China%202004/ChinaWebSite.htm

Now here’s what you need to do:

Hotel Colon

Cuautla Main Plaza

Phone: 352 - 2186

The premiere place for people-watching smack dab on the Zocalo. Meals are of local fare and modestly priced. The day’s offerings are written on a standing menu posted right out front on the sidewalk complete with prices. The wall-less dining area is just an extension of the Zocalo sidewalk, so you could spend hours here just sippin’ “Jamaica” and winkin’ at the passers-by. And there’ll be plenty. It’s an excellent “first stop” on your Cuautla tour. While you’re at it, pick up a copy of “THE NEWS”, Mexico’s premiere English language newspaper or, in Spanish, “El Sol de Cuautla”, both on sale just a few steps away at the news stand in front of the restaurant.

The Plaza Galeana

At the corner of Los Bravos and Estrada Bollas

At this shopping plaza and gallery, there are a number of little eateries at budget prices featuring everything from pizza to fried chicken and roast turkey. There are juice bars, ice cream shops and a couple of discos for the teeny-boppers (called “coca-colos” in Spanish). If you’re not sure what you want to eat, or it’s late, just drop by here and stroll around until you find something you like. (to EAT, that is!)

On Los Bravos, the street leading north from the Zocalo to the Plaza Galeana, there are likewise several shops and a couple of fairly good restaurants to tempt your palette.

Rosticero de Pollos

Calle 2 de Mayo and Zemano(half a block up the street from the Hotel España and one block from the Hotel Colon)

If you’ve never eaten chicken feet or roast chicken necks, here’s the place you can correct that fault. Served piping hot right off the rotisserie, bursting with flavor and CHEAP at 10 pesos for a dozen, it’s an experience you’ll never forget. It’ll make a great story to tell your grandchildren!

“Did I ever tell you about the time I ate chicken feet in Cuautla? Zapata’s rebel forces were headquartered just down the road you see, and …”

Jugos Y Tortas Alameda

Galeano at the corner of Ferraro

A veggies-only restaurant that serves such delicious specialties as “Omelet Huitlacoche” and platters of Chilaquiles, nopales (cactus) and an assortment of “tortas” for 7 to 26 pesos. Servings are plentiful and tasty even for non-vegetarians like me. A selection of juices in combinations having medicinal properties are also offered. The juice combinations and their specific benefits are written up on plaques hung around the restaurant walls.

EL Oasis

Galeano between Ramirez and Ferrano

This restaurant is open late for party-goers and the late-night crowd and serves tempting meals at reasonable prices. There’s internet service at a bank of six computers in the rear of the restaurant. Rates are 10 pesos per hour or 6 pesos for 30 minutes. Try their fresh-whipped hot chocolate on a cool Cuautla night for a zesty pick-me-up.

A great perk of teaching EFL, that is, English as a foreign language in Mexico, Colombia, Argentina or abroad in almost any foreign country is the opportunity to sample first-hand, the food, language and culture.

Prof. Larry M. Lynch is an English language teaching and learning expert author and university professor in Cali, Colombia. Now YOU too can live your dreams in paradise, find romance, high adventure and get paid while travelling for free. For more information on entering or advancing in the fascinating field of teaching English as a Foreign or Second Language send for his no-cost pdf Ebook, “If You Want to Teach English Abroad, Here’s What You Need to Know”, by sending an e-mail with "free ELT Ebook" in the subject line. 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

Two Quick and Easy Dynamic Games Your English Language Learners Will Love

Do your English or foreign language learners like to play games? If they’re at all like my students, of course they do. Are you looking for a short, fast-paced, dynamic activity your language learners will love? While you’re at it, do you want them to practice their language skills too? Here are two adaptable games that work just great in my EFL classroom. I think they can work well for you too.

“Tricky”

Also known as Tic-Tac-Toe in some countries, you can adapt this game in a number of ways to elicit spontaneous practice on the part of your English or foreign language learners. Divide a table, desk, the board, a sheet of paper or even a portion of the floor into a nine-square, three by three grid pattern using a marker or masking tape. Ask a question or give a short task to a student or group of students. A correct answer allows them to place a marker (or one of themselves) into a square.

An incorrect answer rolls the turn to the next student or group. The students or groups take successive turns giving answers (or completing short tasks) or responses, trying to get three in a row horizontally, vertically or diagonally. Things can heat up quickly with this game activity.

BINGO

B-I-N-G-O, a dynamic alternative or variation of “Tricky”, this seemingly age-old favorite uses five (or any number) in a row horizontally, vertically or diagonally to determine a “winner”. Use grammar in context, vocabulary, synonyms, definitions, antonyms, questions – answers, short dialogues or whatever else you want your language learners to practice in context. The first student or small group to score five in a row is declared the “winner”. To continue to involve even more students or time, continue playing with a second or third place winner. You can also play until everyone has “won”.

Learners practice their English or foreign language skills, turn-taking and cooperative learning strategies while having a blast. As a board game, use nine different-colored squares on a table or desktop with plastic figures or the learners’ personal items (keys, key rings, pens, coins, buttons, small objects, etc.) as markers.

TPR

For a more Total Physical Response (TPR) approach, mark off the floor with masking tape and the students themselves become the “markers”. Use markers on the white board to write in the learners’ or team names for larger groups. But try one or both of these simple, quick activities to jazz up a slow-starting class or as a “wake up” dynamic for longer class sessions. Then judge for yourself how your learners respond.


Prof. Larry M. Lynch is an English language teaching and learning expert author and university professor in Cali, Colombia. Now YOU too can live your dreams in paradise, find romance, high adventure and get paid while travelling for free. For more information on entering or advancing in the fascinating field of teaching English as a Foreign or Second Language send for his no-cost pdf Ebook, “If You Want to Teach English Abroad, Here’s What You Need to Know”, by sending an e-mail with "free ELT Ebook" in the subject line. 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

Why You Should Use More Technology in Your English Language Teaching

The Situation

Think about your English as a foreign language learners for a moment. After school, what do they do? What occupies them evenings, weekends and holidays? Where do they go? What activities do they enjoy? How? Are they in a traditional classroom or receiving home schooling?

Do they have a TV at home? Of course they do. If they’re part of the world's population that doesn’t, they’ll surely have access to one somewhere. At a friend’s or neighbor’s, a local store or shop – somewhere they can watch TV at least on regular occasions.

How about movies? Do your learners like and watch movies with any regularity? In most of the developing world that’s another big time YES. While the kinds of movies different learners may watch and like can vary widely, surely they’ll have preferences that stir their emotions and get their “juices” flowing.

Then there’s the telephone. Can you even imagine how much time your daily charges spend yakking away about this or that to their friends, classmates and whoever else? Perhaps where you are your learners even have their own cellular phones. Even if not, whether it’s their family landline or a community telephone, you can just bet that they’re on it every chance they get.

Now there’s music. Do they use cassette players, CD players, MP3 / MP4 devices, DVD’s or even a phonograph? Almost certainly they do. One or more of these devices are likely a regular fixture in the daily lives of your learners. They often live and breathe music whether it’s a genre you like, one you can at least “tolerate” or one of those “oh my god, you listen to that!”

Your learners (and you too for that matter) are constantly bombarded by visuals and graphics in the form of signs, logos, billboards, notices, photos, pictures and images of virtually every description. From scratchings in the sand to chalkboard talk to the slickest of online and televised video “infomercials”, visuals too are an integral of your learners everyday life.

And oh yes, there’s the culture-pervading PC computer. Where would you have to be to get away from them? At the high end of the spectrum, there are video games, ipods, e-mail, RSS feeds, blogs, vlogs and the multiple facets of the internet. Lower tech applications might include using word processing software, spreadsheets or databases for routine applications. Although typewriters still exist, countless minions use computers to do homework and prepare basic letters, writing and reports.

Some Considerations

So where am I going with all of this? Simply to remind you that if your classes aren’t regularly enhanced by more aspects the learners are used to, use and experience in their everyday lives outside of the classroom, how do you think they feel about your classes where they might just sit and do “exercises” or listen to you talk and / or explain? The answer is simple. They’ll think, “This class is B-O-R-I-N-G”. Their capable young minds will drift and their attention will be lost. In a worst-case-classroom scenario, pandemonium could ensue. And it’s all YOUR fault.

Some Suggestions

But hold on there. What might be done to circumvent such a dire scenario?

There’s plenty, that’s what. And, NO – it won’t cost a fortune to upgrade your skills, activities, equipment and teaching. Adapt your class tools to include some of the following high and low tech aids to help boost the attention, participation and learning that takes place in your hallowed classroom. You’ll likely note a dramatic difference in the learners’ attitude and class participation almost immediately. Here are some tools you might want to consider.

Twenty-First Century Tools

TV / VCR / DVD Player

You can use these for showing documentaries and relevant video clips either in the classroom or other common area reserved for this purpose.

Audio-cassette / DVD Player

Here you’ll have recorded materials from radio, TV and / or cable as well as commercially available materials from ELT or educational publishing houses. These can include stories, fairy tales, narratives, news, reviews, commentary and even commercials.

Video Beam

Prepared Power Point presentations of your own, from colleagues or from commercial sources can be incorporated into your lesson planning and classroom repertoire using this now more commonly available resource in an auditorium or other common area.

Over Head Projector (OHP)

As far as I’m concerned, this is one piece of equipment that is a mainstay of the language classroom. It’s often available, but grossly under-utilized. Acetate sheet transparencies are quick and inexpensive to produce, often costing mere pennies a piece. Shadow figures and freely available materials from teacher download sites like www.enchantedlearning.com make using this resource almost “child’s play” as Chucky would say.

PC Computers

If your school facilities include a computer room, you’re virtually “home free”. An expanding list of teacher / ELT websites can provide you with more lesson plans, handouts, games, puzzles, quizzes, graphics and ideas than you could ever use. Learners can play free, online educational games or take surveys or challenging quizzes on sites like:

• http://www.daveseslcafe.com/
• http://www.eslbase.com/
• http://www.onestopenglish.com/
• http://www.englishclub.com/

There’s a host of others to boot. Teachers too can boost their skills, develop new ones and expand their horizons at sites including:

• http://www.tefl.com/
• http://www.etprofessional.com/
• http://www.quia.com/
• http://www.eslmag.com/

So for the next school sessions, don’t have the learners say, “This class is B-O-R-I-N-G”, get the jump on them with some twenty-first century tools you can start using almost right away If all else fails, or you just need a little extra guidance; e-mail me at the address below. I’ll be happy to help.


Prof. Larry M. Lynch is an English language teaching and learning expert author and university professor in Cali, Colombia. Now YOU too can live your dreams in paradise, find romance, high adventure and get paid while travelling for free. For more information on entering or advancing in the fascinating field of teaching English as a Foreign or Second Language send for his no-cost pdf Ebook, “If You Want to Teach English Abroad, Here’s What You Need to Know”, by sending an e-mail with "free ELT Ebook" in the subject line. 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

The 9 Best World Travel Destinations for English Teachers

The 9 Best

When the publishers of the Lonely Planet travel guides issued their annual list of the best travel destinations for this year there were a few surprises. Gone were some of the over-priced, over-crowded tourist traps of previous years. There are some new entries to peak the curiosity and provide ever-expanding new vistas and experiences for the crowd-weary world traveler and English as a foreign language teachers.

Here’s a partial list in reverse order.

9. Germany An old favorite that still can pull its weight with the tourism crowd and one of only two European entries that made the list, Germany has much to offer. More than just Oktoberfest, beer and sausages, travelers can delight in specialties from each of the country’s regions.

8. Colombia A stunning surprise entry on the list for the first time, Colombia may be know for its drug-trafficking and civil war violence, but it’s also the world’s leading producer of fine emeralds. It’s the world’s second leading producer of coffee after Brazil, but the quality of the rich, mild coffee produced here is second to none. One of South America’s most beautiful countries, scenic delights range from still-active volcanoes like the smoldering Galeras to the bubbling mud spews of Totumo near Colombia’s Atlantic coast.

photo: A Rhinocerous Beetle from the tropical rain forests of Colombia

7. India Mythical, mysterious, enchanting and a hundred more adjectives besides, how could this wondrous place not be on anyone’s wish list of travel destinations? A large percentage, up to 75%, of the population living in large cities speaks at least passable English. I’m surprised it’s only number eight. But it is on the list and deservedly so. Food, festivals, culture and history pour into the streets at every turn

6. Canada June, July and August are peak tourism months for the USA’s giant Northern neighbor. English is the language of all Canada’s provinces with French being the language of choice in the province of Quebec. There are marvelous winter festivals in Quebec City and francophone Montreal to delight the senses for willing to brave the frigid minus forty and below temperatures. There’s plenty to keep you warm though.

5. Antarctica Not only know as “that frozen continent at the bottom of the world”, Antarctica is now featured in a number of commercials and travel ads. But with temperatures ranging from degrees F to degrees F, “What’s the attraction?” you might ask. More than you might imagine. There’s not exactly a shortage of wildlife despite daytime temps in the minus teens on a “warm” day. Marine life is also abundant as are formations of ice and snow on the glaciers that the continent feeds. Wanna play with the penguins, anyone? The experience of being there itself is a unique, one-of-a-kind adventure that draws many. Stormy Cape Horn and the beauty of wind swept Patagonia are also near. Scientific expeditions from a number of countries are nearly always in progress. At times the place is not unlike Grand Central Station. Antarctica is certainly not for everyone, but it does have its charms.

4. Mexico Long a favorite destination of North Americans from the USA and Canada, what’s not to like about this country famous for hot chili peppers and even hotter senoritas? From the beach to bullfights, you can find nearly any form of diversion you like. Skiing in Mexico? You betcha. Mt. Orizaba, North America’s second highest peak is south of the border.

3. Nicaragua With a stable economy and rock-bottom real estate bargains, this country has caught the eye of investors and ex-pats looking for scenic locales and tranquility. Once torn by civil strife, conditions have reversed and improved to the point it’s now a tourism destination for in the know and savvy on Central American affairs.

2. China With one billion, three hundred million inhabitants, the world’s most populous country has awakened from its “sleeping giant” image to thrust its presence onto the world scene with a vengeance. Authentic Chinese food, not that “cloned” stuff you get at the chain franchises, awaits you in a variety and abundance that must be experienced to be believed. The Chinese eat and drink things that will absolutely amaze and astound you – and they make it look good too. From the world renowned Great Wall, the only man-made structure visible from outer space, to vast stretches of seemingly as yet unexplored country, even the Chinese are still turning up discoveries and treasures in their own midst.

1. Argentina It takes two to Tango as they say. If you want to try your hand at Argentina’s national pastime, here’s definitely the place. For meat lovers this is paradise as the beef here is among the best in the world and certainly the best in South America. The beef here is not only great, but there’s plenty of it and it’s cheap by U.S. and European standards. Gauchos, as Argentine cowboys are called, still abound on the grassy pampas and plains that comprise most of the country. There are tours, “tenderfoot” home stays at ranches and plenty of open spaces for a roundup of experiences that’ll leave you wanting more. Be sure to wash down all that succulent tender roast beef with locally produced wines that are surprisingly good at even more surprisingly affordable prices.

So there you have it, the top ten travel destinations from the Lonely Planet publishers. Where would you like to go this year? Forget the “old favorites” temporarily. Step out; try something new and different for a change.


Fish for Piranha in the Amazon region of Colombia, or Bull sharks off its Pacific coast. Explore China’s historical, cultural and epicurean delights. Oomph, Pah, Pah your way through Germany’s scores of different sausages and hundreds of varieties of malted brews. Carve an original ice sculpture in Quebec City, laughing at the record cold temperatures all the way. Fish or canoe one of Canada’s unspoiled lakes with water so pure you can drink it.

Whichever direction the wind blows you, you’re bound to enjoy experiences and sights to last a lifetime.


Prof. Larry M. Lynch is an English language teaching and learning expert author and university professor in Cali, Colombia. Now YOU too can live your dreams in paradise, find romance, high adventure and get paid while travelling for free. For more information on entering or advancing in the fascinating field of teaching English as a Foreign or Second Language send for his no-cost pdf Ebook, “If You Want to Teach English Abroad, Here’s What You Need to Know”, by sending an e-mail with "free ELT Ebook" in the subject line. 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