The name behind the blog.
In the past 4 years I have moved- ALOT. The last 4 years have taken me to India, Kenya, & Ghana .Settled in Cambridge, MA for three semesters I then traveled to India to study Buddhist Philosophy and Art for three weeks. I then spent 5 months in Prague, Czech Republic studying at Charles University. After spending a couple months in Vermont where my parents reside, I moved back to Cambridge, MA for a year to finish my undergraduate degree in Sociology. Now as I look back on the last couple years of my life it is clear that I am a country hopper. This is not to say I have not enjoyed my time state side, but this spring when I began to think of what was "next," I knew my wanderlust would hit me again.
Upon seeing an advertisement on an education jobs board online advertising " Teach in Taiwan Cultural Exchange School" I knew I HAD to apply. Months ago I started filling out applications for graduate school, but when it came to explaining my professional goals in an essay, I couldn't explain it. I truly believe I need to gain more international experience before committing to more hours spent in the library, more research completed, thousands of dollars spent. I need to spend more time abroad to answer that essay question.
Since first traveling to Asia 4 1/2 years ago, I have had a curiosity of Eastern Asia & I have wanted to experience it for sometime. Four years ago I fell in love with India, traveled back there a second time but had a yearning to travel to more countries in Asia.
My longtime and best friend Hanna moved to Shanghai, China in September of 2014 to begin a teaching job. Hanna, has traveled a lot, she spent a semester in Mexico & a semester in France. She spent 10 months internationally becoming fluent in both Spanish & French. She is now in China teaching English to children! I admire this girl so much- she has a lot of bravery!I know I wanted to be in a smaller country then China and when Taiwan presented itself in my life, well I "grabbed life by the horns"-banged out a cover letter, and WALLAH the opportunity seemed perfect.
I interviewed at Cambridge Ellis School with Katie and our interview went very well. Katie and I got along well & our passion for children and travel seemed to mesh well. I found out a couple days letter that I had gotten the job and was thrilled. I had one day to decide, sign a contract and discuss this big move with my parents.
A supportive family/ moving and working internationally.
When you decide to move internationally, even if it is your dream it effects those whom are closest to you. Family, friends, etc. I traveled/ volunteered for 5 months in Asia and Africa (Kenya & Ghana) alone at the age of 18 before starting my undergraduate career. I blogged about my travels and volunteering. I called my parents (thanks for those hours Mom and Dad) by Skype and beater cell phone, friends, and utilized Facebook.
When you are living and working/ studying thousands of miles away from family/ loved ones the following five truths happen:
1.you miss family events at home (weddings, births, birthdays)
2. Communication can be against you.
-skype calls fail....and more
3. Friendships and relationships change.
-friendships are hard to maintain internationally
-Facebook communicating is not the same as seeing someone in person and chatting.
4. Your beliefs about life and the world change.
5. Your identity and interests change
also see: 10 Things About Abroad: No Turning Back
rosie
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