Job Discussion Forums

[trenter]

Fast and to the point question for you veterans. Is it normal to be nervous about heading Overseas?
Really feel good about the school and the package it is just so hard to leave where we have been for 15 plus years. I really do love it here. We just got the official contract in the mail today and am having a heck of a time signing it and sending it back!
Making a list of all the things we need to do and ship overseas when we go I suppose is a bit intimidating as well. Sure would appreciate any words of wisdom. Wow I could sure use some! Thanks

[Glenski]

Yes, it's normal.
Not knowing where you intend to go, I'd say the only advice I can give about packing is, pack light.

[denise]

What have you been doing for those 15+ years? Are you currently in a non-teaching (or non-teaching abroad) field and nervous about making the switch to the TEFL lifestyle? If so, just rest assured that there are many, many people who've made the leap and lived to tell about it! People in this job come from all different backgrounds, some with prior teaching experience and many without, we start at different ages, have differing amounts of travel experience, and yet many of us end up glad that we packed up and made the move.

If you've been teaching and/or living abroad--not a "newbie"--then... well, if you got past the hurdles the first time you packed up and moved, then you can probably do it again, too.

After 15 years maybe you've just gotten too comfortable. The first few months of a new job/country are often rough, what with finding housing and furnishings, learning your way around, finding good places to eat/meet people/visit as a tourist, learning the language, etc., but once you get past those few months you can generally return to some semblance of comfort.

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[Anda]

Good luck as this game is mostly luck as to landing a good place to work.

You should at least say what country and city you are going to for a bit more advise.

China some things are just as dear / expensive as in the West while other things are dirt cheap.

Don't bring things that you can't afford to get stolen is one good bit of advise. If you are going to an out of the way place then bring your own software like 'Word" and Windows EP etc.

Be prepared to roll with what you get handed as often a change of management can be great or terrible.

[Justin Trullinger]

Nerves, well yeah. Normal as anything. Big changes feel BIG. Are you excited as well as nervous? Then all will probably be well.

Advice about packing: Make a list of everything you need to take; clothes, personal items, music, computers, whatever you use. Then calculate the amount of money you need to take with you. Then take half the things, and twice the money.

Some people worry for no good reason about forgetting something. But wherever you're going, people there have what they need- if you forget something, you can probably get it there. If you can't get it there, was it really necessary?


Best,
Justin

[trenter]

Thanks for the advice. I am sorry if I was so vague. We are regular classroom teachers and have been teaching at the same school and job since college. The jobs we have accepted are in Indonesia. I think I would be less nervous if we didn't have 3 children coming along for the ride.
Everything I have read and heard about the school is good. The package is generous and they are even shipping our stuff over for us. Good point I am excited as well as nervous. The plan is to do this for two years and then return home to our old jobs.
Thanks for the advice on packing it is quite the process. Sure is nice of all of you to take the time to reply and offer your helpful tips.
It is appreciated!

[natsume]

[Justin Trullinger]

[Anda]

If you are going to Indonesia then get your family comprehensive medical coverage where you are covered to be flown out for medical treatment if needed.

Cook everything you eat in Indonesia.

Not my pick of countries but some love it.

[naturegirl321]

It's normal, especailly if you have kids, but it would be worth it.