Now that you've found a job teaching abroad, the hard part is over - right? Well, kind of. You still have some work ahead of you to prepare to safely (and legally) get to your country. We've put together a quick list and some tips to get you going.

APPLY FOR A PASSPORT

You probably already know that you need to have a valid passport to travel and teach abroad, but you may not have thought to check the expiration date - make sure your passport hasn't expired or is nearing it's expiration. If you need to apply for or renew a passport, U.S. citizens can apply at most post offices, federal or state courts of records, or at a State Department passport agency. Keep in mind that it can take several months to process a passport application, so start the process as quickly as possible!

APPLY FOR A VISA

In addition to a passport, you may need a visa to teach abroad. Visa requirements vary from country to country so first find out whether you'll need a travel visa, a working visa, or both. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the country where you intend to teach to receive information about visa requirements and any special travel restrictions.

Similar to passports, visa applications can take several months to process, so be sure to plan ahead.

VISIT YOUR DOCTOR

Most programs will advise you on the types of vaccinations you'll need (if any) while abroad. Plan on visiting your doctor and getting a physical before you leave. For the latest up-to-date information on diseases and recommended travel vaccinations, you may also want to contact the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

If you require glasses or contact lenses be sure bring at least one extra pair with you. Also, if you have a critical medical condition that requires perception drugs you may want to bring enough with you to last your entire time abroad (if possible). Prescriptions drugs should be carried in correctly labeled containers to prevent being mistaken for illegal drugs.

CONSIDER GETTING A TEFL

If you have never taught English (or any subject for that matter) before, it might be a good idea to take a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) course. The course is designed to give you the skills necessary to be an effective teacher. Prices and course length vary. Check out TEFL Institute and the International TEFL Academy for more information or to get started!

GETTING INSURANCE

It's highly recommended to have health and accident insurance while you are teaching abroad, as well as coverage for emergency evacuation (you never know). First, find out if your current insurance plan will apply while you're abroad, or whether you will receive coverage from your school, organization, or from a national health care plan. Additionally, you may also want baggage and flight insurance.

BUY YOUR PLANE TICKET

Finding cheap airplane tickets has turned into a fine art of timing and luck. Fares can vary greatly depending on when you want to fly and where you are buying your ticket from. Start by using a flight search website such as Kayak.com, but also try calling airlines directly for the latest deals.

Before buying a bargain fare though, find out how flexible it is. You don't want to be forced to buy a whole new ticket if you decide to stay overseas a little longer.

Get ready to teach English abroad!

ACCESSING YOUR MONEY OVERSEAS

Traveler's checks are still the safest way to carry your money abroad and are accepted in most places. They are a 'protected' form of cash which you can easily obtain from your local bank. Once you land in your new country, try to find a local bank that accepts international ATM cards so that you can continue withdrawing money from your home account.

PREPARE YOURSELF MENTALLY

Expect the unexpected! While teaching abroad you will definitely encounter people with different concepts of time and personal space. Be ready to learn and observe these differences without being judgmental - it will be these very same differences that will undoubtedly enrich your understanding of your own culture.

Before you leave, it would help if you could learn as much as possible about the local customs, beliefs, and local language of your soon-to-be new home. Talk to other people who have been been there, watch movies, and read about the country and its culture. You can never expect to be fully prepared upon arrival, but at least this way you can get a head start!

The locals you meet while abroad will often be very curious about life in your home country. Get in the habit of reading newspapers and magazines long before you leave so you'll be informed on current affairs in your home country as well as abroad. Bring pictures or postcards to share with the people you meet so they can see what life is like in your home country.

By the time your trip comes up, you may not feel 100% prepared, but if you read through our recommendations and head out with an open mind, you'll be just fine!