Job Discussion Forums

carolync · Joined: 24 Jan 2007 Posts: 38 Location: Phoenix, Az

I am back in Phoenix after teaching in Oaxaca for 6 months and suffering from some serious culture shock. My gut instinct is to take off again soon and go teach somewhere else. But, I don't want to just turn tale and run after less than 2 weeks at home. I know it will get better. But, part of me doesn't want it to because I don't want to get to comfortable here before I leave again. I know that I want to teach abroad again sooner or later. Should I wait it out before jetting off or should I seize the day?

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

Two weeks does seem rather sudden. I would say you should give it a bit more time - say at least a couple more weeks.

I left Mexico last July, and will be returning in April. I haven't experienced any sort of culture shock in Canada: I want to go back to Mexico because, well, life in Canada is just so boring! Very Happy

carolync · Joined: 24 Jan 2007 Posts: 38 Location: Phoenix, Az

Yes, you are probably right. I just didn't expect to go through this. I never really liked Phoenix, but after living in Oaxaca I REALLY don't like living here! I guess I'm just wondering how much of this is culture shock and how much is I've found my calling.

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

Mexico has that tendency...a little dust on the heart they say.

I get a sense of culture shock every time I go back for short visits. Near the end of every trip to Canada, I simply can't wait to come home to Mexico.

dixie · Joined: 23 Apr 2006 Posts: 644 Location: D.F

john_n_carolina · Joined: 26 Feb 2006 Posts: 700 Location: n. carolina

....try not coming home for 6 years Smile

'99-'05

MELEE · Posted: Fri Feb 01, 2008 2:53 pm Post subject:

Reverse culture shock is a very natural feeling.
As a university student I spent 9 months in Santiago Chile, (Summer and Fall semesters) I came back and was home for Christmas with my family and very busy with all of that. Then after being back on campus for 3 weeks I was in the study abroad advisors office crying. She set me up with a group of returnees who got together to talk about our experiences, sort of "group therapy" for reverse culture shock. That helped tremendously. Having people who knew what I was going through, that I could vent about the US with. That helped so much. If you don't have anyone in real life to talk to. Vent to us--it will help, trust me.

Phil_K · Joined: 25 Jan 2007 Posts: 2041 Location: A World of my Own

TheLongWayHome · Joined: 07 Jun 2006 Posts: 1016 Location: San Luis Piojosi

Nothing like Mexico, or living in any foreign country for that matter to make you realise what you like/ don't like, want/don't want. I would use it as a time to reflect on what you really want to do. Going back to the same place doesn't guarantee the same experience.

corporatehuman · Joined: 09 Jan 2006 Posts: 198 Location: Mexico City

You should just return to Mexico. Don't waste more time there unless you have to. I went back for about three months recently and was looking for a job etc. etc. and then I realized I had no want to live in the U.S. Also I did not want to bother trying to set up my life again there. For me it was just easier to return.

NinaNina · Joined: 10 Jan 2007 Posts: 78 Location: Oaxaca

Carol!

We miss you much here in Oaxaca. Remember, I have a free guest house here if you want to crash.

Masielle has been coming to my class and she is just a pro. You're a natural teacher.

I went to La Biznaga last night and thought of you. Come back soon...

xoxo,
Serena

carolync · Joined: 24 Jan 2007 Posts: 38 Location: Phoenix, Az

Wow! Thank you so much for all the responses and support! I just accepted a job in Korea and leave in 2 months!
Coming back really has made me realize in a very specific way what I like and don't like about living in this country and about living anywhere. In Mexico I learned how much I love teaching and I know that I will love it anywhere. If I wanted to stay in Phoenix, I would have to get another degree before I could teach here and I wounldn't be making any money. In Korea I will be doing what I love and hopefully learning and improving and I can actually save money. Plus I will be experiencing another completely different culture. And hopefully I can put some of that money towards visiting Oaxaca this summer! It has really helped to talk to other people who have gone through this. I dont know what I would do without this website! Thanks, guys!

ilovebdt1 · Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2008 3:35 pm Post subject:

Hey Carol

I can relate completely to what you are feeling.

I have just returned to the UK after spending two years in Korea and for the first three months, have been back about five months now, my reverse culture shock was awful. I was depressed, in tears most of the time and spent lots of time thinking about my lovely students and co-workers I left behind.

Like others have said I can't really see myself in the UK in the long term and although I have tried to find some positives about being back in the UK, apart from my family of course, I have found that I really have no desire to settle down here. Although, I will sign up for a teaching degree.

Korea will definately be an experience for you and I am certain you will be able to save enough during your stay there to afford a visit to Mexico. If you have any queries about Korea, please drop me a line and I'll be happy to help you out.

ilovebdt1

hlamb · Joined: 09 Dec 2003 Posts: 431 Location: Canada

I had really bad culture shock after returning to Canada from England (lived there for one year, best year of my life). I haven't experienced it with Mexico yet, because my trips home have been short and exciting vacations. However, when I do think about going home for good, I feel like crying. Maybe that's why I'm still here! I think I will go home eventually, but not just yet.

Linda T. · Joined: 02 Dec 2007 Posts: 49 Location: California

This is such a marvelous thread. When I first opened it, I expected it to be about the culture-shock experienced by those leaving their home countries for the first time.

I just hope that any who might be nervous about going to teach abroad for the first time find their way here. What a wonderful source of encouragement and support!!!