Why I became an Expat
I was 31 and teaching in Austin, Texas.
It was 2016, I had just gotten a divorce after 5 years of marriage.
I needed a change. Not just a change your hair or get a new tattoo, but something drastic.
I just moved into my own apartment in January and come May, I was looking at schools overseas. The inspiration came from a coworker who was talking about international schools because her husband was in the military and this would be her plan when he was stationed overseas. This sounded like a dream come true.
I had been struggling to save money for travel for years and I was ready for something different.
Enter, the search and emails going nowhere. It was Spring and most international schools were already fully staffed for the next year. I was also not informed about international search websites and job fairs. I stumbled across a school in Europe and they had a link to apply online. I took the evening to fill out the application and provide 6 references. The next morning, I had a response from the HR department and they were interested.
I contacted my references to let them know that they should be hearing from this school organization. I was given an option of available positions in a few different countries. Jobs like AP Math teacher in China, Biology teacher in Kazakhstan, and kindergarten teacher in Timor-Leste. Being an elementary and special education certified teacher, the only position I was qualified for was the kindergarten teacher in Timor-Leste.
Where in the world is Timor-Leste?
After some google searches, Timor-Leste is a small island country in Southeast Asia. It looked very remote and lots of jungles and beaches. Okay. Why not? Is this safe?
It was the last week of school in Texas and I was excited, scared, nervous, and happy. The international school wanted to interview me in person and so, 2 days after school was out, I had my interview in the Austin International Airport. That day, I signed my contract with Quality Schools International and my journey overseas had started.
After some google searches, Timor-Leste is a small island country in Southeast Asia. It looked very remote and lots of jungles and beaches. Okay. Why not? Is this safe?
It was the last week of school in Texas and I was excited, scared, nervous, and happy. The international school wanted to interview me in person and so, 2 days after school was out, I had my interview in the Austin International Airport.
