How and Why I moved abroad!
Don't kill me when I say this but... the American Dream is long gone. The traditional dream of 2.5 kids, a dog, and a white picket fence is out of reach for the majority of the population. If you're a teacher who is still dead-set on attaining something that is, at this point, unrealistic, I am here to give you an alternative: teach abroad.
Now, if you're still reading this, that means you'd like to hear what I have to say so in that case, let me introduce myself. My name is Shanice and I am so glad you stumbled upon my cute little website and found this blog post. I started this blog to share my knowledge about teaching abroad so that others can experience the life they've always dreamed of.
I grew up in the Midwest- Kansas City, Missouri to be exact and I am the eldest of six kids. I knew from a young age I wanted to be a teacher and it just so happened that there were also a lot of scholarships and grants I could apply for to help with cost. As a first-generation college student, there really wasn't a plan to pay for college outside of loans so I needed to be strategic.
During my senior year in college, I signed up for something called May-Term which was basically a short study abroad trip that you could take for three weeks during the month of May. I got accepted to the Dominican Republic trip and I had all of the emotions running through my mind. I had never been out of the country before and this was my chance to finally explore the world. It also got me thinking more about the world and how I fit into it: if I could study abroad, what else could I do abroad?
At the same time that I was accepted to the trip, it was also time for elementary majors to start applying for teaching jobs. YIKES. I decided to test out my desire to explore. I started looking up "teaching jobs abroad" and "how to teach abroad" and lo and behold, it existed.
I made a profile with a company called Edvectus and I had the most amazing recruiter. He was patient with me, took his time, and answered all of my questions. I was doing this all on my own and I had no idea what I was getting myself into. As soon as we did the initial interview and he had all of my documents, he asked me if I wanted to teach in Kuwait. My answer, without knowing A SINGLE THING ABOUT KUWAIT: sure, why not?
About a week later, I woke up at 4 AM to have my interview over Skype with the Principal and Vice Principal of an all-boys school in Kuwait. I asked them basic questions about the school, how things were set up, and what it was like teaching at an all-boys school. They loved my enthusiasm and my desire for adventure and three days later they sent the contract over.
As I was finishing up my senior year and getting prepared to teach in Kuwait, I had still I had no idea what to expect. What if they don't like me? Do they really hate Americans? What if the kids are terrible? Even though I had all of these scary thoughts, I still got on that plane in August; it was the best decision I ever made. Those four years taught me how to love, how to travel, how to stand up for myself, how to appreciate the world and the role I play in it and so much more. I attribute the person I am today, to the challenges and growth that occurred during that time.
The best growth happens when you take yourself away from things that make you comfortable. It's easy to stay where you are and do the same thing over and over again. It is much harder to break the mold and do something different.
During those four years, I lived a life I would have only been able to imagine if I had stayed and taught in America. Even though I loved it, that old broad doubt came in and because I hadn't quite convinced myself that I could do it long-term, I went back to America to find my "America Dream."
I got a car. I started renting a house. I stayed in the childcare and education sectors and I still felt like the life I wanted didn't want me back. I was a single person working multiple jobs and just barely making it. This is the dream we are all fighting for?? Anything that was left over after working every single day, all day, went straight to the travel fund because if I was going to be stuck there you better believe I was going to travel. After five years back in America- I decided it was time to end our toxic relationship. I was moving back abroad and that's exactly what I did.
This brings us to present day. I am now teaching in Doha, Qatar and I am living the life I always wanted to. I have a work-life balance. I don't need to work a second or third job. All of my bills are paid for. I take the piano lessons I have been wanting to take for years. If I need a change of scenery Dubai is an hour away. You can't make this up. Teaching abroad gives you a life that you can be proud of. A life that gives you freedom. This is what I wanted. This is what I want for you.
Now of course everything comes with pro's and con's. Are there some things that are stressful? Yes. Are there some things that annoy me to no end? Yes. Are there some challenges that get the best of me? Yes. Even with all of that being said, would I go back and teach in America? NO. For me, the pro's outweigh the con's every. single. time. I will never take this life for granted ever again.
Teaching abroad in Kuwait and Qatar has changed my life in so many ways. I never knew life could be as fulfilling as it is until I moved to these places. I hope after you read this you want to learn more and eventually try living abroad for yourself. As a fellow teacher and fellow American- I promise you the "American Dream" is in Kuwait or Qatar or Dubai. I know for a fact it isn't in America.
If you're still not sure and want to learn more, grab my free ebook, " Am I Ready to Teach Abroad?" to help answer some of your questions about living abroad and how to decide if it's the right choice for you. If you want to learn even more, subscribe to our weekly newsletter and check out the other posts on the blog under Teach. I have tons of information there as well. I am here to help you find the teach-abroad job of your dreams and you're getting one step closer.
If you read this post and are sure that you are ready to move to either Kuwait or Qatar, then snag my ebook + workbook that will answer all of your questions about moving to either of these places.
If you want me to work with you through the entire process, then join the waitlist for my all-in-one teach abroad course. Spots are limited. Join the waitlist.
See you in the next post!
HEY, I’M SHANICE…
Teacher. Traveler. Lover of espresso martinis. Here to make your teach abroad and travel dreams come true.
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