Job Discussion Forums

sharter · Joined: 25 Jun 2008 Posts: 878 Location: All over the place

TEFL is an itinerant profession and most of us have taught in several different countries. How many here have made long lasting friendships with colleagues or are we just solitary ships that pass in the night?

For my part, I'm still good friends with those I met in the early part of my career in Poland and some of those I met in Qatar between 2000 and 2003; Facebook has been a godsend in that respect. Libya was different as I was home a lot but we all got along well.

I have to say that the longer I spend in the Gulf, the more I notice what damaged people this rootless life can produce or unearth.

johnslat · Posted: Mon Jan 09, 2012 3:41 pm Post subject:

Desr sharter,

I'm still friends with - and in contact with - about 8 "Western" ex-colleagues, and six Saudi ex-colleagues/students. Facebook has helped a lot, but there are still some that I'd like to get in touch with, but haven't been able to locate yet.
I guess we're all damaged to some extent, but the ones I've stayed in contact with don't seem unduly so to me (However, that may be because I'M so damaged myself Very Happy

).

Regards,
John

contented · Joined: 17 Oct 2011 Posts: 136 Location: اسطنبول

I haven't made long lasting friendships with TEFL colleagues, but I have with people I met during my stay in various countries. We email, chat on skype and if we can we meet up if we find we'll be in the same part of the world.

DebMer · Posted: Mon Jan 09, 2012 3:56 pm Post subject:

I lived in Mexico and Colombia for about 3 1/2 years as a missionary and maintain contact with with local families I lived with and missionary friends I worked with. However, I was single then.

This thread is very poignant for those who have children, I think.

So far I've only taught ESL in California near our home, but as we consider going abroad, it's something to put a lot of thought into.

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

I've made long-term friends both among expats and locals in both countries I've lived in long-term (over a year).

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

I've met hundreds of FTs over the last decade and countless locals...I'd say aside from facebook friendliness, there are only 3 or 4 FTs that have become good friends (they have stayed on in Mexico) and several others that I regularly correspond with as they've moved on to other countries or home.

Sashadroogie · Posted: Mon Jan 09, 2012 6:10 pm Post subject:

I am the Peoples' friend! Once you have supped a shot of vodka with me and joined the Party and have undergone full re-education, then we are friends for life. Guaranteed. For the rest of your life, you'll never be far away from the embrace of the Party.

Universal Peace and Friendship between the Peoples of the world! Death to the exploiters!

EFLeducator · Posted: Mon Jan 09, 2012 9:37 pm Post subject: Re: Lasting Friendship and TEFL

Prof.Gringo · Posted: Tue Jan 10, 2012 12:18 am Post subject: Re: Lasting Friendship and TEFL

EFLeducator · Posted: Tue Jan 10, 2012 4:49 am Post subject: Re: Lasting Friendship and TEFL

sharter · Joined: 25 Jun 2008 Posts: 878 Location: All over the place

Of the hundreds of teachers I've met in Poland only 3 stand out as being odd. In the Gulf, the ration goes up to 1 in 2 although I don't think it's the place's fault.

sharter · Joined: 25 Jun 2008 Posts: 878 Location: All over the place

*ratio!

contented · Joined: 17 Oct 2011 Posts: 136 Location: اسطنبول

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

After nearly a decade I have one friend that I email. I have a couple on FB, but that's just FB. It's hard. I mean, when you're overseas in the same country, same situation, you become friends easily. Then you or they move on and you're in a totally different sitaution that you can't relate to.

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash