Learn something new!
I’m lucky to be in a profession I love that allows me to see some amazingly different, unusual and exciting parts of the world. I’ve been able to combine my passion for travel with teaching!
From a young age my parents instilled a desire to travel and see the world. We were fortunate enough to take family holidays to places including Thailand, Singapore, Vanuatu and surrounding islands. I also participated in an exchange program in high school that took me to Japan, putting me so far out of my comfort zone.
After teaching for four years in a small outback town, I decided it was my time to do what I’d been waiting to do for years – pick up my life and head overseas. I had never done anything so ‘out there’ but I knew I needed to.
My first teaching adventure…
My first big teaching adventure took me to the UK (yes, the cliché Aussie teacher experience) and it was the best decision I’ve made! It wasn’t enough for me to travel for a short holiday. I needed to experience living ‘like a local’.
The trip taught me to grow up and stop being so indecisive about my own life. I had to learn to think entirely for myself and answer “what do I want to do/achieve?”. I have met some particularly special people on my adventures who encouraged me to get out of my comfy bubble. I’ve seen places that took my breath away and others that made me thankful to have grown up in Australia. All wonderful experiences that I wouldn’t trade for anything!
Now, putting my teacher hat on, I learnt many valuable skills that have made me a stronger, more confident educator. I picked up skills and resources that I could bring back to my classroom in Australia.
After seeing the different values and ideals expressed in schools I became interested in education systems around the world to better my own practice. It has made such a huge difference in my own teaching career that I needed to start a blog, for anyone out there who wants to take the leap to becoming a travelling teacher, but doesn’t quite know HOW to do it.
Check out my posts for tips on:
- How to get a teaching job – the best agencies I’ve encountered
- What to expect from teaching in that country
- Resources to get you started
- curriculum documents
- teacher resource websites etc
- How to set yourself up
- Adjusting to a new way of living
- Teaching resources/supplies to take
- Resources you’ll love to access
- Travel opportunities during school holidays and adventurous weekends
So what are you waiting for?! If you have a desire to see the world, while continuing (and I believe, advancing) your career, then take the plunge! You won’t regret it!
