Job Discussion Forums

uh huh · Joined: 14 Oct 2011 Posts: 110 Location: United States

I was just evacuated out of Tunisia earier this week and my contract terminated two days later because it was close to finished. I was treated well and am on my way to new adventures, but the adrenaline has stopped and shock and sadness are beginning to set in. I'd love to hear from other people who have been evacuated; it would help me feel a little less crazy perhaps. Feel free to PM me if you like, and thanks.

johnslat · Posted: Sat Sep 22, 2012 9:40 pm Post subject:

Dear un huh,

Being evacuated must have been traumatic. But it probably beats NOT being evacuated.

That happened to me in Iran in '79. I was in Shiraz when the "Islamic Revolution" took place. The American consular staff had departed (without informing any of us) days before, and the consul building was locked and boarded up.
Once the shooting was over, the airports were shut down for about five or six weeks to try to keep any fleeing SAVAK (the Shah's secret police) in country.

Look on the bright side - you've had a most memorable experience, one that you'll likely remember all your life.

Ah, TEFFLing - not for the weak-hearted (especially in the Middle East) Very Happy

Regards,
John

choudoufu · Joined: 25 May 2010 Posts: 3325 Location: Mao-berry, PRC

currently being discussed on the china board:

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=98367

Exit Strategy in Case of War?

smithrn1983 · Joined: 23 Jul 2010 Posts: 320 Location: Moscow

War or no war, I think it's always a good idea to have an exit strategy in case things get bad. However, some on the thread mentioned have gone a bit overboard with the idea. Always having enough money to buy a ticket out of the country, and knowing which nearby countries don't require a visa for entry should be enough. Let's face it, we TEFLers are expert bag packers, and have intimate knowledge of what we can and can't live without.

uh huh · Joined: 14 Oct 2011 Posts: 110 Location: United States

Thanks for the responses, and I agree about having an exit plan. Even though I didn't have one and didn't need one of my own in this case, I showed up in France with a carry-on bag and will continue to Thailand tomorrow with even less than I brought. I organized my apartment before leaving, and someone in Tunisia will store the (very) few things that matter to me.

It's been a good affirmation of my increasingly simple life style and a very small window into what it must be like for people who are evacuated from their countries and have no resources as all.

teacheratlarge · Joined: 17 Nov 2011 Posts: 192 Location: Japan

I had similar worries in Taiwan back when they held their first democratic election. My parents were worried that we would be invaded by China. One of the few times it was nice to see air carriers nearby.

wonderingjoesmith · Joined: 19 Aug 2012 Posts: 910 Location: Guangzhou

I think it's better to post on the thread then PM each other. Such topics as this one are informative for all.

In Latin America, I was in a similar situation to OP's once. All the friends and stuff that I've left behind is unforgettable to me.

EU was my next destination. As safe as it appears, nations in EU are ticking bombs and China-Japan, as someone suggested here, isn't much different.

History repeated many times and not so many had the time to get out of the affected regions.