Ari J. Rocklin

We are Christians, of course our faith is important to us and we love to share it with others, but what else do we bring to the nations? I call it value added tentmaking. 
 

Most if not all English speaking expatriates are at one time or another asked to help locals with their English. Whether they do this formally or informally, it brings a tangible value to the community. This is why we urge everyone to take even a short certificate course in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL). We recommend a minimal 60 hour course, that can be taken over four weekends to fit in with your work week, before leaving for your overseas contract. It is our recommendation that you do not do this for free, but charge a reasonable fee to maintain a level of professionalism.
 

What kind of skills, experience, hobbies do you have that can be used to help locals to improve their situations? ESL is just the most obvious and commonly used bridge to make friendships with your co-workers, neighbors and business people. Make yourself available even if it seems like a lot of extra work.

Here are some ways you might explore in becoming a “value added foreigner” to 
the local people:

• ESL
• Computer training
• Cooking classes
• Small business loans
• New ways to grow vegetables
• Recycling
• Solar cooking
• Solar power