Going Abroad...Maybe...

I'm a bad, bad blogger. It's been quite a while since my last post. Not that it matters much. I don't think anyone is really reading this. A lot has happened since I last posted. I went from being in a long-term relationship to single. I moved into a new apartment. I lost 50 pounds. I reconnected with a number of old friends. Most of all, my outlook on life has changed. I feel more positive and just happy with myself and my life.

There could be more changes in store for me, as well. I applied for a teaching program in Taiwan. Applications are due April 7 and then the Ohio Dept of Ed will conduct phone interviews. They're estimating the teachers selected to go will know by late April or early May. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn about a new culture and possibly a new language. If chosen, I would live there for a year and teach English to elementary students.

Now is the time for me to do this. I have no family commitments to worry about. In addition, I may be "laid off" by my school district next year. In the education community, we call that a "RIF" or reduction in force. I'm on the low end of the totem pole so that means I would be among the first to be RIFed. If I'm going to Taiwan, then I don't have to worry about finding another job.

I have to admit that I'm a little scared about the possibility of living in another country for a year. It's also an exhilarating thought. I've always wanted to travel but in the past finances have made that difficult for me. I've been envious of my friends who had the chance to see the world. It seems like my chance is finally here and I get to continue doing the work that I love on top of it all. The only other country I've ever been in is Canada. That was for two days when I was 17 and really didn't expose me to a completely different culture. This is a radical departure for me.

I worry that I won't be able to adjust well. I can make friends easily in my own culture but will that happen in another country? I hope so. I want to see the world and this is doing that in a big way. I won't be just traveling for a week or two. It's a full year living abroad. Wow! I think I'm ready for this.

The fact still remains that I have to compete against other teachers in Ohio for 5 to 10 positions. I have no idea how many people will apply or what my competition is like. There could be very few applicants or hundreds. All I can do right now is wait and hope for the best.

Because my job is not safe for next year, I've begun to consider moving abroad whether I get this position or not. Jobs are plentiful for those who want to teach English...especially in Asian countries. They pay well and the cost of living is very low in some of those countries. It would be such a rich experience. I think I might be going overseas next school year no matter the outcome for the Taiwan program. The bright side of that is I have more control over where I go. Though, I have no idea where that might be. I guess I better start researching.