How To Copy Without Being A Cheat (Or Losing Credibility)

Like getting in a car strangers and looking both ways before you cross the street, not copying is one of those life lessons that are drilled into your head. And not without reason.

Adults were looking out for us. They didn't want us to get kidnapped, hit by a car, or in the case of copying, end up dependent and uneducated. Little did they know they were drawing a line in the sand that limited our growth.

This post is all about why and how copying is good, and leveraging the best practices can bring you immense levels of growth.

CELTA Revealed: Program Design Insight to Bring You Success

Updated: some information about the success rates, Input Sessions, Teaching Practice, and Assignments have been updated to reflect feedback I received from a current CELTA trainer. Her insight is a benefit to all readers and prospective CELTA trainees.

If you are interested in teaching English as a foreign language (EFL), you've probably already begun looking into the options for your certification. Now you are thinking about all of the which of them to choose. Two questions are likely floating around in your head.

"What is the difference between a TEFL, TESOL, and CELTA (among others)?" and "Which one of them should I choose?"

Long Distance Relationship Tips to Bring You Success

No matter who you are, being in a long distance relationship (LDR) is another level of commitment. If you have doubts about the relationship you are in, an LDR probably isn't for you.

I don't mean small, general insecurities about the future. Specifically, I am referring to the possibility that you have ideas about the person not being "the one" for you. This is very important, because who wants to commit time and energy to an LDR that isn't founded on mutual long-term intentions? Really, that's a bit masochistic.

A Name of Sorts: The Crummy Life Exposed

Sometimes people, usually non-native English speakers, ask me, "Jairet, why did you name your blog 'The Crummy Life'?"

I think it's a good, and valid question. For example, consider the following:

Why would someone want to market themselves under a name that implies inferior quality?
Are you trying to give the impression that the standard of the writing, information, products, services, etc. are of low caliber?

International Driving Permit and Inter-American Driving Permit

It's pretty normal for people to want to prepare for the unexpected events that inevitably come up in our future, especially for us westerners. In the case of moving abroad, that means it is important to have a plan for health insurance, bank accounts and money management, emergency contacts at home, and legality of driving.

What follows is a simple explanation of how to cover your butt so you don't have any troubles while driving abroad. For many people, a standard driver's license is likely accepted overseas, but don't expect it.

June italki Language Challenge Update: Brazilian Portuguese

Olá! Tudo bem?

This month I am participating in the June italki Language Challenge. Maybe you saw my first post with my public pledge video, where I said what I aim to accomplish and used a bit of português brasileiro. What did you think?

Well it is time for an update, because week three has just begun. With my birthday in week one, and being in a wedding in week two, life has been packed to the gills with action and excitement.

7 Online Resources You Should Use for FREE Skill Building

Imagine many universities, top-tier universities, offering you free tuition, each willing to take you in with open arms to help you develop personally and professionally. Is it hard to imagine, or impossible to imagine? I know it's not easy, and I'm going to blame that on the broken higher education system in America.

I keep running into articles and opinions in the social media sphere attacking the dysfunction of the America higher education system. We may not have the perfect solution for how the US can stand up with the developed countries of the world that offer citizens free education, but MOOCs bring us a step closer.

Another average day

Waking up early has never been my thing, and my father would be the biggest proponent of this claim. However, conditioning has changed my norm. Now I am lucky if I can make it to 7:30 on an off day, and work days I'm up at 6:30. Yuck.