There is no doubt that ELT, like so many, if not all, professions, is experiencing accelerating technological change which will continue well into the new millenium. Although it will possibly be a long time coming, some even suggest that face to face teaching and training will become a thing of the past, as the world embraces the Internet. Those who are aware, who consider forecasts and who plan for and embrace this sweeping change to their best advantage are more likely to be the winners while those who opt to bob along aimlessly on the tide, run the distinct risk of total submersion.

WHY PLAN?
As individual teachers we too need to be aware, not only of external career forces but, first and foremost, of our own needs and wants in order to avoid the 'aimless bobbing' syndrome. With knowledge, we can make informed decisions about our future and the planning process encompasses the search for that knowledge as well as, future outcomes.

WHAT TO PLAN
Essentially you should try to plan from the micro to the macro. If you are already teaching and you have not already done so, you would do well to plan your job. Whether or not you are currently teaching, you will want to plan your career development. On the grander scale, you will also want to plan your life, which will of course include:- a place to live and its relative comfort; money; savings; pensions; insurance; health care; contact with the important people in your life, opportunities for hobbies and interests, according to your own priorities. Teaching abroad can seem exotic and very appealing but if any one of the former go badly awry, the appeal will soon wane.