The Internet is an ever-changing and uncontrollably powerful entity that is increasingly becoming a large part of our lives. It is our main source of information and entertainment, and has created a multitude of professional careers, with web development being one of them. Web developers are tasked with crafting the ways we interact with a website and the content within. Ingenious utilization of design elements is important as well, as a poorly designed website will turn users away, no matter how innovative the website is. As Internet technologies and the programming logic that supports them continually undergo change, web developers must update their skill set accordingly. This can prove to be quite daunting, as there are quite a few programming languages. Coding aside, there are many programs that vow to streamline wireframing and improve the overall drafting stage of web development; it's tough to make a choice when there are so many great options at first glance. The following are some ways to keep yourself updated:

Get on Social Media

Social media is a great tool to utilize, as everything is up-to-the-minute. Following the accounts of influential contributors to the progression of web development will allow you to see what they’re woking on, and you’ll know about the latest happenings in the coding languages they specialize in. Twitter is most possibly the best social media platform for this, as all messages are succinct and fairly quick. Some people to follow on Twitter are Brad Frost, Chris Coyier, Nicolas Gallagher, and Alex Sexton.

Take Online Courses

Nowadays, you no longer have to go to an educational institution in order to gain new skills — you can just sit back, relax, and take courses in the comfort of your own home! There are many online courses for virtually anything; just search up the programming language you wish to learn, and a myriad of results will appear. Udemy usually offers discounted courses, and I find their teaching methods to be worth the money. Udemy carries courses for all things web, but they also teach topics outside of web development, like 3D animation and Microsoft Office tutorials. Best of all, not all of their courses are paid! Udemy offers great courses for free, too! Other great websites for online learning are Lynda.com and SitePoint.

Read, Read, Read: Blogs + Online Magazines

I mainly keep updated by visiting online blogs and magazines, as they cover everything you could possibly want concerning web development. Smashing Magazine is my personal favourite, as they cover various topics from coding to workflow and ways to destress as working as a developer can be quite stressful. If you follow them on Twitter, they will provide links to downloadable free content you can utilize in your projects. The quality of their downloadable content is amazing; you usually would have to pay for the things they offer. Smashing Magazine also carries their own line of books for those who learn better that way. SitePoint does the same, and they also offer courses to further nurture your learning. In summary, here’s a list of blogs and online magazines I visit frequently (make sure to follow them on social media, too!):

- .net Magazine
- Treehouse Blog
- Nettuts+
- CSS-Tricks
- Smashing Magazine
- Chris Spooner
- SitePoint
- CSS Wizardry

So, there you have it: three methods to keeping yourself updated. This is what I’ve been doing ever since leaving school, and it works great. It’s important to note that you should also find your own, unique way to update yourself. Don’t restrict yourself to what I’ve mentioned above — do some research and find what works best for you!

Source: Manga UK

For most children that grew up in the 90s, Saturday morning programming was a sacred ritual. No one could tell me any different — there was always time to binge on cartoons! One must always make time for cartoons. Always. I mean, I could have cared less about spending time working on memorizing multiplication tables or working on sucking less at long division — The Animaniacs were on! Every weekend I would routinely wake up ridiculously early, run down the stairs at break-neck speed, and plop down in front of the television sitting only inches away from the screen as I couldn’t afford to miss a single thing. While downing sour cream and onion chips (at 7am… The breakfast of champions, I know), the synth-heavy, guitar-riff saturated theme songs of the shows I loved began to play. I, of course, knew every word to their sometimes cringingly cheesy theme songs (and still do). A huge one for me was Saint Seiya, also known as Knights of the Zodiac to North American viewers.

Created in Japan, the anime followed the story of 13-year-old boys that trained to become soldiers for their leader, the reincarnation of Athena — the mythological Greek goddess of love, justice, war and sworn protector of Earth. Pegasus Seiya, along with Dragon Shiryu, Cygnus Yoga, Andromeda Shun, and Phoenix Ikki furiously burned their “Cosmo”, the spiritual power encapsulated by all existing things, in order to attack and defend. The anime was quite gory at times, but ultimately Seiya and his friends were able to overcome adversity and ward off evil. The main character and his companions in union under their goddess Athena were represented by their guardian constellations, and were named as such, donning sacred thematically fitting armour given the moniker “Cloths”. In addition to this, there were three main ranks for the soldiers within Athena’s army: Bronze Saints (where the main protagonist and his companions begin), Silver Saints, and Gold Saints being the highest and the most revered. In some instances, the five protagonists created miracles through sheer passion and unrelenting spirit, reaching newer levels of strength and power that rivaled even the most decorated Gold Saint. This show was (and still is) my absolute favourite anime, as it taught the importance of never giving up especially in times where all hope is seemingly lost. In hindsight, I will admit that it is a little weird and slightly off-putting that they all basically started out as child soldiers, although their physiques do not suggest it.

Source: Entertainment Weekly

Vulnerable, Expressive, Powerful: The Many Facets of this Gem of an Album

A true testament to personal growth and maturity, A Seat at the Table is Solange Knowles personified — strong, informed, talented, and undoubtedly unapologetic. The third full-length album by Solange Knowles, A Seat at the Table serves as a remarkably themed body of work that speaks to the black experience of a woman in modern America. Racial identity is at the forefront of this album, questioning social norms and attitudes towards black people. The 21-track project shines brightIy as Solange utilizes both personal experience and the experiences of other African Americans as her muse. Solange is proud of being black and everything that comes with it, no matter how you feel about it.

Solange delivers with help from Raphael Saadiq, the second co-executive producer of the album, and a musical genius in his own right. Strong R&B influences are apparent, along with cues from funk, jazz, and neo-soul music. A Seat at the Table is a treat to listen to, and just feels good. While serenading the listener with a soft, cooing tone reminiscent of a dove, she manages to deliver powerful messages meant to be understood and not to be forgotten. “Don’t Touch My Hair” is representative of this, as she wants the listener to understand that she and other blacks are whole individuals, and are meant to be respected and treated fairly aside from external appearance. In a white-dominated society, black women especially feel they are denied ownership and responsibility of their bodies and are viewed as objects free from discretion; “Don’t Touch My Hair” speaks solemnly but fervently about the issue. “Don’t You Wait” speaks of an issue personal to her growth as an artist, and how she had to cut people out of her life that proved to be poisonous to her journey to personal betterment and self-expression:

“…Essentially, when I was writing ‘Don’t You Wait,’ I feel like the overall essence of that song, [outside of that singular incident] was also to friends of all colours that I had that I may have had to exit from my life in order to evolve and heal. These were people or friends, in general, that I felt like were maybe holding me back from being my greatest self” (Maynard, 2016).

“Borderline (An Ode to Self Care)” mirrors the current issue of police brutality concerning blacks in America, and the constant yearning for change. Mindful use of bass served as an appropriate vehicle for the message being conveyed in the song. While calling the body to groove to the music, the ease of the lyrics act as a call to action; if you are seeking change, get up and do something to promote change on your own terms:

“We been lovers on a mission (all the way) / But what’s love without a mission?” (Knowles, 2016, track 14).

Interludes featuring Knowles’ mother, father, and family friends including rapper Master P, Nia Andrews, and Kelly Rowland prefaced tracks to provide better insight into the topics that would follow. Each interlude was appropriately placed and provided even more depth to the album.

A Seat at the Table is certainly magical. With impeccable production and Knowles’ angelic voice, she creates a vibrant depiction of being black in today’s society with musical nods to both the past and present. The body of work shines light on the many facets of the black experience, cleverly hitting themes the general public shies away from. She also urges social change, pushing listeners to do more than converse. This unapologetically pro-black masterpiece carries something for everyone — Solange Knowles is definitely not stingy with her magic.

For those looking for a major change in environment or feel that they are in need of adventure, teaching English in a foreign country just might be the right choice. Teaching English overseas comes with many benefits — you are presented with an opportunity to travel to foreign lands and experience different cultures first-hand. In addition, you’ll accrue invaluable life experience and an understanding of cultures that greatly differ from yours. In order to embark on this new and exciting venture, read on for further information on how to get started.

What You’ll Need:

- A criminal record check
- Extensive medical check results
- Scans of all your credentials - TESOL certificate, college diploma/degree, and any other certifications you possess
- Scans of every page in your passport
- Passport pictures cut in the required sizing for the country’s Visa (your employer should provide information on this. If not, ask!)

Step 1: Do your Research!

So you’ve decided on teaching English abroad, but do you have any idea of where in the world you would like to go? Try making a list of possible destinations, listing them from the most to least desired country or city. Doing this will provide you with a clearer picture as to where you really want to go. Next, begin research on teaching positions in each country, and the qualifications each position requires. Depending on your credentials, you’ll be able to find out what positions you’re more suited for. You may begin to see the acronym(s) TESOL, TESL, and TEFL appear during your search (more on that in Step 3).

Step 2: Check your Qualifications

In order to be able to teach English in any foreign country, you need to have gone through postsecondary education and as a result have received a college diploma or university degree in any program of study. Some employers do also hire those who have taken a break during their course of study. It is worth mentioning that those with a university degree, degree equivalent, or equivalent work experience will be able to work virtually anywhere — there are a lot less restriction when it comes to work Visa processing. With that being said, those with college diplomas should not be deterred from trying to find a school that will hire them. It is definitely possible!

Step 3: Get TESOL Certified

All employers overseas look for this certification whenever they are on the search for new teachers, so it is imperative that you acquire this as well. This certification is a physical representation of your knowledge and ability to teach English as a second language. This course aims to get you prepared to teach English in a classroom setting — everything from lesson planning to managing classroom behaviour is covered in the course, including a refresher of grammar structures in both writing and speech. The certification requires a base commitment of 140 hours, though depending on where you enrol this could be increased. Many educational institutions facilitate the required courses for the certification, so for those who are still in college or university, it pays to ask representatives in your student union or research your school’s website for more information. There are many websites that allow you to take the courses online, should you not want to sit in a classroom.

Step 4: Get Your Picture Taken!

So you have been able to successfully complete your TESOL certification — congratulations! You are now ready to work as an English teacher in a school abroad. But before that, more needs to be done in preparation for the next step. Head to the closest photography studio and get some headshots done. Why? For two reasons: you need digital copies for your resume, and you will also need physical copies of the photos for passport and Visa processing. It is especially important to look your best for these photos, as your portrait will be the first thing a potential employer will see. As a note, make sure that the backdrop of your photos is white and that you are not wearing your glasses.

Step 5: Update your Resume

It is now time to update your resume. The traditional components of a resume will be present, but some minor changes and additions will need to be applied. Remember the digital copies of your pictures? Choose the best one and include that in the top left corner of your resume. It should be no bigger than 3 inches wide and four inches high, so as to not waste space. To the right of your photo, include your name and address. Next, your nationality, English speaking proficiency, age, marital status (single, married, etc.), and contact information including your Skype username (this is for interview purposes) needs to be included. There are many ways to format the header, but it is up to you to organize this information in a visually appealing way.

Now onto the body of your resume. First, start with a clear cut objective; what are you trying to accomplish, and what contributions do you want to make to your prospective school? Next comes education, where you list all of your credentials with your TESOL certification listed first. Under work experience, include any and all experience related to teaching. I would suggest limiting this section to six to eight solid experiences that showcase your teaching ability. If you have acquired any volunteer experience related to teaching, include this as well in the volunteer experience section of your resume.

Step 6: Update your Cover Letter

On your cover letter, include the same header as your resume. The idea here is generally the same as the objective, but more detailed: state why you want to work as an ESL teacher, and what you can bring to the table. Also include information on your past work experiences, and how they can help you bring out the best in your ability to teach foreign students. Don’t forget to include your contact information in the last paragraph of the letter, so as to reinforce further communication.

Step 7: Begin the Job Search

You’re all set to begin looking for work. Whichever company you chose to complete your TESOL certification should be able to help out with this, but when it comes to searching independently, there are some things your need to watch out for, such as fraudulent posts or schools that have been rated poorly. With every school you come across, ensure to research them before applying in order to avoid any surprises later on. Once you find a posting that you like, send an email briefly describing your interest in the position. Be sure to include your Skype username in the signature portion of your email — again, this is important should the employer want to keep in contact with your in the future. Dave’s ESL Cafe is a great resource for those who are searching for teaching positions, so be sure to check it out.

Step 8: Secure an Interview

The time has come for your first Skype interview. For many (including myself), any interview can be a nerve-wracking experience. Above everything else, make certain that you do not overthink your responses and relax. Dress professionally, and make sure that the room you’ll be conducting your interview in is tidy — the interviewer can see everything! Recall everything you’ve learned in your TESOL training and breathe. You’ll be fine! After the interview (that is to say if things go well), you should be in contact with your employer, where you will receive a contract for your review.

Step 9: Reviewing the Contract

When in talks with your employer after the interview, request to see the contract before agreeing to any offer of employment. It’s important to review any contractual agreement so as to avoid any unwarranted surprises later on, especially whenever it involves working in another country. Getting a lawyer to review your contract would be a good idea as he or she would be able to detect any concerning details within a contract that you may not have noticed before. Once everything reads well and your are comfortable with the contract’s terms, accept the offer and rejoice!

Step 10: Welp, I've Accepted the Offer... Now What?

Congratulations, you’ve been hired! Your employer will continue to be in talks with you regarding your next steps in getting your work Visa. In order to get the sponsorship documents sent to you, certain documentation needs to be provided on your end:

- A criminal record check
- Extensive medical check results
- Scans of all your credentials - TESOL certificate, college diploma/degree, and any other certifications you possess
- Scans of every page in your passport
- Passport pictures cut in the required sizing for the country’s Visa (your employer should provide information on this. If not, ask!)

Some of the previously mentioned documentation can be sent through email, and some will need to be sent by mail — your employer will brief you on this. Once your documentation has been received, you will receive sponsorship documentation in your mailbox. Then, you are all set to visit the nearest Visa processing office to get your foreign Visa processed.

Final Thoughts

Moving to a country that greatly differs from your own is not an easy thing to do, but you’re about to embark on a journey that you will remember for a lifetime. As with anything in life, you may encounter hardship and adversity during your travels. But as long as you carry a positive attitude, there will be nothing you cannot handle. Good luck!

After working as a Front-End Web Developer for four years straight, it was time to take a break. I was totally burnt out and wanted nothing more than a vacation. I also turned 25 at the time and thought to myself that it was time to being doing the things I’d always wanted. I’d immediately thought of travel but wasn’t interested in the idea of just spending the money without gaining any while being away. One late night I was in the midst of the usual YouTube binge when I saw videos of people living abroad and teaching English. Upon watching these videos, I was more than inspired. I quickly devised a list of placed I wanted to visit, with Tokyo, Japan being at the very top of my list. The more and more I thought of where I wanted to go, I looked online for more information on the certification I needed in order to teach. The Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL, also known as TESOL and/or TEFL) certification allows you to learn not only about the English language in order to teach others, you also gain knowledge on the nuances of the English language, such as grammar and the correct way of utilizing it. Learning how to manage classroom behaviour is another skill you learn, which will definitely prove to be beneficial once you actually begin to teach. Many websites offer the certification course, but I ultimately chose to go with Oxford Seminars as I had only seen good reviews once I did research on them.

Upon receiving the TESL certification, I’d opted to get a specialization in teaching children, in hopes that it would aid in getting a better job. While on the job hunt, I’d received offers from all over the place: Beijing, Singapore, Turkey, Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan. In the end, I’d opted for a school located in Shantou, China instead, as it is owned by a Canadian and she provided me with all of the information I needed which gave me instant piece of mind. Her school, Power Talk International caters to students 10 - 18, but then takes in students 20+ for summer programs. Once I’d arrived in China for the first time 26 hours later, it was everything I’d imagined it to be — bustling streets, open air markets, and multitudes of seafood.

What I didn’t expect or even think about would be the general public’s reaction to my presence. I immediately drew attention everywhere I went: longing stares and whispers, parents forcing their children to look at me and burn their memory of seeing me into their minds, constantly being asked for pictures with other school kids, parents, and their kids… I had this happen almost every day. Some wouldn’t even ask, they’d just grab me, pull me towards them, and take a picture. People would also take pictures of me without my knowledge, or rub my arms, touch my hair… It was a lot, to say the least. Many likened the experience to that of a celebrity, but I wanted to be treated like nothing of the sort. I did understand why this happened to me, as Shantou, China isn’t really a city that foreigners visit, and the city had just opened its doors to foreigners in the early 00s or so. The people that live there only know of the foreigners they see on TV, and many of them had never met a foreigner in their lives.

Aside from those experiences, I was still able to have a lot of fun. I was constantly surrounded by natural beauty, and hiking trails were always available so I’d go hiking with friends on the weekend. Karaoke or KTV was seemingly the main source of entertainment, so I’d go with colleagues and sing my face off. The food there was amazing: fresh rice noodles, dumplings in Shacha sauce, beef balls, duck, and even the fruits and vegetables were just so fresh and delicious. Whilst being in Shantou for the year, I’d been able to travel to the Fujian province, Hong Kong (Shantou is only five hours away by bus so I visited quite a lot), Nan’ao Island, Chaozhou, Shenzhen, and Tokyo, Japan. Teaching ended up being full of rewards; I enjoyed seeing my students grow in the time we had together — I still even talk with some of them now. I can’t wait to teach again in the future!