I recently came across what I thought was an incredible idea and service: Couch Surfing. This is a non profit site that allows people from around the world to stay on people’s couches (or beds) for free.
Read their mission statement below to see what they are all about:

“CouchSurfing seeks to internationally network people and places, create educational exchanges, raise collective consciousness, spread tolerance, and facilitate cultural understanding.”
As a community we strive to do our individual and collective parts to make the world a better place, and we believe that the surfing of couches is a means to accomplish this goal. CouchSurfing isn’t about the furniture- it’s not just about finding free accommodations around the world- it’s about participating in creating a better world. We strive to make a better world by opening our homes, our hearts, and our lives. We open our minds and welcome the knowledge that cultural exchange makes available. We create deep and meaningful connections that cross oceans, continents and cultures. CouchSurfing wants to change not only the way we travel, but how we relate to the world!

…and the link between teaching ESL and couch surfing?

•If you are new to a country and want to do some exploring in your free time, on weekends for example. It’s a great way to meet people and make connections
•Thinking about changing jobs? You might want to spend a weekend in the city that you are thinking about moving to before you make any commitments to a position there
•Thinking about working in a different country? It might not be a bad idea to scope out a few new areas just to make sure you want to be there. Places in Southeast Asia and Central America are easy to go from country to country, so if you have time, why not check out a few areas to see where you like best
•Giving back: You can do this wherever you are…as long as you have a couch!