Today is National Book Lovers Day and the perfect opportunity to pick up a fantastic new read.
If you are an avid reader, you know the power that stories hold.
They take us on adventures, pull on our heart strings and keep us anticipating the next event.
Storytelling has shaped humanity as we know it, and having a day to celebrate books is honoring a medium that has inspired our civilization for centuries.
Now, books come in many shapes and sizes, and with it there are genres for every interest and passion.
At Teach Away, we are always inspiring teachers to tap into their own creativity, whether you are teaching abroad or online.
It has been established that the use of ESL books in the classroom improves student’s imagination, grammar and vocabulary.
But the use of books enhances both the student and teacher’s wellbeing.
As a teacher or aspiring teacher, what books are you consuming? What keeps you on the edge of your seat, anticipating the next adventure?
And so, we have curated a list of 6 books to inspire teachers that are thinking about traveling to teach abroad.
May your wanderlust and journey of self-discovery become unlocked with these fantastical stories.
- The Alchemist, by Paolo Coelho
- The Art of Travel, by Alain De Botton
- The Adventures of Tintin, by Hergé
- The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, by Douglas Adams
- 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, by Jules Verne
- Dare to Lead, by Brené Brown
1. The Alchemist, by Paolo Coelho
The Alchemist follows the story of Santiago, a shepherd boy who leaves his homeland of Spain and travels to Egypt, in search of worldly treasures.
An inspiring story of self-discovery and mysticism, Santiago’s adventures will lead him to learn the importance of listening to one’s heart and following our dreams.
Travel will always inspire a deeper sense of self exploration and awareness, and teachers who are interested in teaching abroad will always experience so much depth and discovery.
2. The Art of Travel, by Alain De Botton
We are often encouraged to travel, but for what purpose and reason?
The Art of Travel by Alain De Botton speaks to the pleasure of traveling, whether you find yourself in airports, museums, working, a holiday romance, hotels, or anywhere else that is foreign and unknown to you.
The act of travel is a promising and exhilarating idea for many, but to what end?
This book is sure to give you some perspective on self-exploration and the art of presence.
3. The Adventures of Tintin, by Hergé
The Adventures of Tintin are world famous comics created by Hergé.
Follow the many adventures of a young Belgian reporter, Tintin, and his dog, Snowy, as he becomes involved in a variety of mysterious and dangerous cases around the world.
Tintin is a shorter, but exhilarating read to anyone that picks up one of the comics.
While there will be no henchmen and mysterious situations that arise from teaching abroad, Tintin can inspire us to be inquisitive and curious about the world around us.
4. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, by Douglas Adams
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is a timeless classic.
Arthur Dent wanders the Universe after Earth no longer exists, and meets many oddities on his adventures throughout the galaxy.
An amusing read, this book is bound to make one laugh and to think about the essentials needed for life beyond Earth.
Most importantly, you will walk away with a reminder that a ‘towel,’ is one of the most useful necessities to have on you.
A reminder that will extend to your packing for teaching abroad, no doubt.
5. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, by Jules Verne
A spellbind adventure, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea follows the strange journey aboard the Nautilus.
Exploration and discovery are key themes, as Captain Nemo and the men aboard his vessel travel into deep waters.
This book will enrich your imagination and feed your spirit, following a story set deep under the water, a place that is not often explored by many humans.
Maybe it will even inspire you to choose a teach abroad adventure near water, where you spend more time surfing and scuba diving!
6. Dare to Lead, by Brené Brown
Teaching and traveling abroad is not just about self-exploration and discovery, but it will encourage you to grow into the leader that you are.
Your students are looking up to you, as you guide them into learning English, a foreign language for them.
In Dare to Lead, Brené Brown speaks to the qualities that make up a great leader.
This is a book that will help you embody courage over regular comforts, supporting you to rise into your own power.
An encouraging book and read for everyone, regardless of your background, experience and passions.
The endless inspiration found in books
This National Book Lover’s Day, we hope that you spend your leisure time reading.
We learn a lot from the books that we read, and just maybe, it will influence a major decision that you make in your own life.
Perhaps that decision will even lead you to your own travel abroad adventures!
Life is filled with opportunities, and it’s up to you what you choose to do with them.
But remember, you are always one decision away from making major changes in your current routine and lifestyle.
Interested in learning more about teaching abroad and getting TEFL certified with Teach Away?
