Job Discussion Forums

[Looking for my place]

Ok. Maybe I want some consoling, maybe I need like minds. I have lived abroad in several Latin American countries and whenever I am away I feel pretty good. My problem is that every time I return to North America, I get sucked in by all the societal pressures to buy a house, settle down, pay into a retirement plan, get married etc. I am in my early thirties and while I think Canada is a great country, I love the adventures of living abroad and feel that as my name depicts, I am looking for my special place in this world. Sometimes I feel other people view me as an irresponsible person running away from the real world. ..... just venting I guess.

So, I love Latin America and am looking for a country where I can spend many years, make a life, find a good job, save some money. Sounds like a dream but I believe they come true. I have lots of experience both in Canada and abroad and also have my MA in education. I am thinking that Chile or Mexico are my best bets. Western Europe is difficult cause I dont have my European passport. Asia would be ok for awhile but not sure if I would like to establish myself there as I feel that after living in Latin cultures, most Asian cultures would seem cold to me. Any other suggestions. Does anyone have any suggestions or contacts with reputable private grade schools or univerisities?

Thanks.

[Justin Trullinger]

About your "special place," I have no idea. But do what fits you- societal pressures are suggestions, not obligations. Anyplace you choose to carve out a life, you can. Good luck.

But I think you'll find that the Tolkien quote is "Not all who wander are lost."

Although the two concepts may be related.

Justin

[lozwich]

I agree with Justin. It doesn't really matter what other people think about your lifestyle decisions, the only thing that matters is that you are being true to yourself.

On the teaching note, there are lots of international and bilingual schools around, and lots of associations that support them and advertise vacancies. Why not try a Google, and see what you can see?

Good luck!
Lozwich.

[MELEE]

Over in the Mexico forum there's a last minute opening in Mexico...


four years ago I went to the US for my 10 year high school renuion. Everyone was amazed that I lived in Mexico. All the OMGs, I can't believe, I could never do that, you're life is so cool, got old really fast because, when it comes down to it, I had the same life as many of them---only in a different country. I got up early and walked by dogs (of course enjoying the incredible mountain sunrises) went to work, came home, read a little, or maybe went out for a drink. I now own a house, have two kids, and the Mexican equivilent of the 401K. The early years of my career, in Ecuador and Japan, were much more exciting... but now I'm pretty much the typical 30 something, I just live in a different country.

[wildnfree]

Melee,
I would liKe to asK you a question - after living in Mexico for so long, do yo feel "Mexican" ? Do you thinK you are accepted by locals as one of them? This is a big factor in choosing a place to establish themselves for many people.

I totally relate to what the poster is saying. This post strucK a cord deep inside me. LiKe you, I am longing to find that place to call home. I dont Know where it is , but when I find it, Ill Know.

A note from experience - dont choose asia. Culture is rather cold here (generally speaKing very conservative and repressed). I live in Hong Kong presently and every expat here long term maKes this observation.

[Looking for my place]

I also lived in Mexico for a year but had also spent time in SOuth America. The Mexican city I lived in was very rich and conservative and I had a hard time at first because I found the city to be a little cold and closed to outsiders. This option was not only from me, but from other Mexicans who were relocating from other Mexican cities. I found myself hanging out with foreigners which if I wanted to do, I would have stayed in North America. Anyway, after about 9 months, I was loving it and finally getting to truely integrate into the culture. I think that this situation wasn't the norm and as a whole, I find Latins to be warm, friendly and open. Due to a great career opportunity, I am considering a move to Korea. I am also concerned about the cold culture and rigid rules and believe that I will eventually settle in a Latin country.

[MELEE]

[Justin Trullinger]

[MELEE]

[quote="Justin Trullinger"]

[just_call_me_sunshine2003]

My take on things is to ask myself, "Who am I harming?" And if the answer is "no one, including myself, even in the long haul", then I go for it. This is of course a general guideline I have set for myself. Variables at times do apply. But so far it's worked well . And I can TOTALLY relate to what was mentioned about other people (mainly my family in my case) thinking this may be an irresponsible way of life (living in and travelling to foreign countries). Again, goes back to "Who am I harming??" If/when I do marry, most likely will be to someone who sees the world through similar eyes, although at 33, the clock ticks ever louder - tic toc, tic toc.....

[Tiger Beer]

[MELEE]

[Justin Trullinger]

It was cool when my parents, finally, after nearly a decade of globetrotting, decided to visit me.

And it was nice that they waited till I was stable, with a nice apartment, a good job, and (GASP) my own office. Prior to this, they always assumed I was living in some form of poverty, which was sometimes the case.

But now, they think I'm successful! It will probably break their hearts when I leave Ecuador to go and be impoverished someplace...cest la vie.

Regards,
Justin

[incognito75]

Okay so I really want to leave the USA and travel to any Latin American country to teach English but also to perfect my Spanish, I've been studying it for 5 years now, but I am a nervous wreck! I am a 30 year old female, go laid off my job as a teaching assistant, and I don't know what to do next. English is actualy my second language, NOT my native but I grew up in the USA for 29 of my 30 years. I am Asian. Does anyone kow if that will affect my gettign a teaching English job in a Latin Americna country? Can anyone recommend some places that are safe for women traceling alone? Any reply would greatly be appreciated.

And I do NOT have a TEFL certificate. Is that always required now?

You can reply to my persoanl email address at [email protected]

Thank you so much!

[Guy Courchesne]