I am a great fan of HGTV's House Hunters International. As much as I enjoy seeing the different cities and countries, learning the housing costs to buy or rent, there is something far more appealing to me: it is the people who actually make the move!
I am fascinated that so many people (young,"mature", single, couples) some with families in tow, who take the step and move. True, that some have job or a military transfer, but others just pack up and go. I see many young single people accepting teaching jobs at International Schools. If I had known the opportunity to teach at an International School was available to me, I would have given it some serious consideration. Today's relocation candidates, with or without children, are looking for new opportunities to expand and enrich their lives, meet new poeple, try new food, experience a new way of life and travel. Is it daunting? Yes. If it doesn't work out, can you always come back home? Yes. Is it exciting? Yes. Am I still intrigued? Most Definitely!
Here are some links for International Schools:
Contracts are usually for a year - just enough time for you to fall in love or transfer to another city or country! Think Italy, Spain, Germany, Ireland, France, Portugal, Great Britain...endless opportunities! Search the earlier posts for working in Germany or the cost of living "over there".
And not everyone is a "certified" teacher that apply. While taking French classes at a school in France, we met an American girl from Orlando who majored in theatre. At an Orlando job fair, there was a table for teaching abroad and she inquired, signed up and received a teaching post (acting/theatre) in Brussels. The school at which she was teaching offered to pay for her to learn French (they speak French in most of Belgium) and so she signed up and we met. We had two things in common: we were the only Americans in the class and we both lived in Florida. Difference in age? She was in her early twenties and us...well, more than a couple of decades older! During lunch one day, she shared her motivation for learning French: she had fallen in love with a man in Brussels and since his native language was French (he did speak English), she wanted to learn French. How romantic was that! And I am telling this story on Valentines Day! ahhhh!
But if the prospect of moving across "the pond" is too big a first step how about moving across state lines? Some states have lower costs of living than others, some have more temperate weather while others still offer a lifestyle that is either at a slower pace or never sleeps! Take that road trip, take that leap of faith!
Nothing ventured, nothing gained!
Fifi
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