Job Discussion Forums

Sara Avalon · Joined: 25 Feb 2004 Posts: 254 Location: On the Prowl

Seems like the same crew is still about. (*Waves to D* Very Happy

)

Just a little update on my situation. I remember that when I first came here, I was just starting out with my job hunt.

Well I've been working as an English Teacher (KG, Grade 1 & 2, + Adult learners) for a year and two months. I really do enjoy it, despite all the stress and pitfalls. In two more months I'll be on my way back home to Canada. Can't wait.

But teaching in Kuwait doesn't seem worth it (for the long term). There isn't enough here. No great social spots or even places to meet people my age! (Being single, that's a huge minus) I've been toying with the idea of going back to school and settling down back in Canada. It would mean another 4+ years of school to get the right qualifications..

Has anyone taught abroad and locally? Which do you prefer? Any recommendations on universities in Canada (for Education degrees)? General comments?

dmb · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 8397

off topic, but welcome back Sara. I have never taught 'back home' but have lived abroad for many years. Like you I was single in the middle East and I didn't love it either. Maybe try a different country outside of the ME.

Sara Avalon · Joined: 25 Feb 2004 Posts: 254 Location: On the Prowl

I changed the topic just for you. Satisfied dmb? Very Happy

Thanks. Any country recommendations?

dmb · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 8397

I don't want to sound like khmerhit...... but Turkey try it and see. Very Happy

Irish · Joined: 13 Jan 2003 Posts: 371

Well, I'm not Canadian, but I did a brief stint teaching at home in Honolulu before taking my current gig. Much as I miss the islands, I couldn't see going back. My lifestyle is so much better. I'm not getting rich, but I make more than I would back home and (brace yourself) I really like my job. Perhaps more of our Canadian friends can give you a better answer. But dmb's suggestion seems like a good one.

Where am I? Turkey...try it and see.

(Say, whatever happened to khmerhit?)

Sara Avalon · Joined: 25 Feb 2004 Posts: 254 Location: On the Prowl

yaramaz · Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2005 4:37 pm Post subject:

Turkey is a world unto itself and as far as I am aware, not like every other country in the ME except for the fact that it is predominantly Muslim-- it is secular, rollicking, boisterous, argumentative, passionate, confused... I have been here three years now, and every year I vow that it will be my last but I cant seem to leave.

There was a documentary film about refugees at the Istanbul Int'l film fest earlier this month called Transit, which had a very relevant line that I will try to quote (un-verbatim): 'I tried to leave Istanbul 24 times, and 24 times I was sent back. I think God wants me to stay here'

Mind you, these words were spoken by an evangelical Christian refugee from Africa who was using Turkey as a departure point for a better life elsewhere, trying to row away in inflatable boats via Italy... but for me it sums up my experiences. It can be maddening and bewildering but I don't want to leave, and when I do leave I cant wait to come back.

Raki and meze in sidewalk cafes! Woohoo! Summer is coming...

Sara Avalon · Joined: 25 Feb 2004 Posts: 254 Location: On the Prowl

Lynn · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 696 Location: in between

Welcome back girl!

If you do decide to teach back home you need the right qualifications. I have a BA and a TESL certificate but could only do sprodic work at ESL schools (Visa factories). The real stability is in the k-12 system where you'd need a state teaching license. (don't know about Canada)

I've switched gears and am now a corporate trainer for a regional airline. Weird, I guess I always will be a teacher. Smile

The job is not at rewarding, though. (but it's easier)

yaramaz · Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2005 5:02 pm Post subject:

Sara A-

Welcome back, btw. I wondered where you went...

Istanbul is sidewalk friendly, to be sure. In fact, the sidewalks are bursting with people. A lovely chaos. Lots of sidewalk cafes spilling out, full of wine and meze and fish and other goodies, hordes of night time strollers, men and women alike. It wasnt quite so mixed in my last city in the middle of Anatolia but that was a city whose mere name would cause urban, western Turks to recoil and shriek/shudder, You lived there for 2 years? Why on earth did you go there? Are you mad?

As for avatars, try uploading pictures to photobucket.com from your computer and linking them here. It's more reliable than other people's sites which may change or vanish.

dmb · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 8397

Trust me on this one. Turkey is nothing like the ME. Istanbul is about as European as you want it..... unless you live on the Asian side.

Sara Avalon · Joined: 25 Feb 2004 Posts: 254 Location: On the Prowl

khmerhit · Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2005 5:22 pm Post subject: stll lurking after all these yrs

marblez · Joined: 24 Oct 2004 Posts: 248 Location: Canada

Sara Avalon,

Where are you originally from? I can make some good recommendations for B.C. if that is where you intend to return to. Personally, I think you should try some other locations first to see if it is more suitable.

dmb · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 8397

wow. It seems like khmerhit has spoken from beyond the grave. It is good to know that you have a goldfish. Congratulations.