international teaching – Goodbye Yellow Brick Road

Endings Lead to New Beginnings

I ended a big chapter in my life. After calling Tunisia home for two years, Justin and I ended our teaching contracts, we packed up our things, and said goodbye. On our final night in the house, I had my own little ceremony to represent all of the big feelings brimming under the surface. OverContinue reading “Endings Lead to New Beginnings”

“Selfish” Is Not A Bad Word

After 10 years of blood, sweat, and tears, spending nights and weekends at school, always putting my job first, and forming my identity around being a teacher, I clicked send on my resignation email at my old school district. And do you know what? I never even got a reply. Not even a “We willContinue reading ““Selfish” Is Not A Bad Word”

Learning to Get Lost

A couple weeks ago we took a tour of the Medina. I was thankful to have a knowledgeable tour guide because the old Medina of Tunis is a maze of narrow streets enclosed in ancient walls holding markets, homes, restaurants, and people busy in daily life. So many twists and turns! I have no clueContinue reading “Learning to Get Lost”

Culture Shock

I was warned multiple times before moving overseas that I would succumb to something called “culture shock.” It sounded very dramatic and unpleasant. I saw the roller coaster-looking line graph. I studied the “symptoms” and “coping strategies.” I tried to prepare myself mentally and emotionally. Well, I’m happy to report that after about 2 monthsContinue reading “Culture Shock”

Two Months in Tunisia

Happy 2 Month Anniversary, Tunisia! It really feels like I’ve been here a lot longer than two months. I am feeling pretty settled and comfortable. And I’ve checked off so many items on my Tunisian “Bucket List.” See Roman Ruins Visit Bardo Museum Walk around Sidi Bou Said Take pictures by fancy doors Start decoratingContinue reading “Two Months in Tunisia”

The Rains in Africa

Another day in the classroom was wrapping up, and I started to hear mumbles from the students and teachers about rain clouds. I briefly glanced outside and sure enough, it was windy and dark. I guess it’s going to rain. I hadn’t looked at the weather forecast that day so this was news to me.Continue reading “The Rains in Africa”

Riding The Emotional Rollercoaster

With 3 months left before our move, emotions are getting high. This is an exciting time but it’s also hard thinking about the people we will miss when we are living in Tunisia.

Tips, Advice, and General Hearsay

Beginning the journey towards international teaching feels a little like the journey of starting a family. There is a lot of excitement up front with finding out where you are going, making the big announcement to family and friends, and then lots of preparation before the big move. And just like having a baby, youContinue reading “Tips, Advice, and General Hearsay”