Take Your Show (a)broad!

 ChristieRJohnson

 Christie, I just subscribed to this magazine and you may find it useful too.  Let me know what you find out.  http://www.escapeartist.com/efan/efan.htm  There are all kinds of programs out there and not just for teachers.  There is school, love or just adventurous spirits who just get out there and do it.  Don't let the debt stop you if you can still manage.  You may want to consider smaller EU countries too and get in that way.  Once you are in one, travel to another EU country is as easy as driving to the next state like we do here at home.  Best of luck to you.

 ChristieRJohnson I know how you feel! I desperately want to get out and see the world, I just graduated from college and can't get a job (in television as well) to save my life. Teaching abroad seemed a perfect plan B but I'm nervous that once I get back to the states I'll be in the same position I'm in now without having gained experience I would need in order to find a job in TV when I get back. Vicious circle.

I'm definitely going to take a look at the magazine though! I'd love to kill two birds with one stone (field related job abroad) if I find the opportunity.

 Elle21  ChristieRJohnson Nothing is guaranteed in life nothing. I saved up a little money and this past August I came to Barcelona. I took a month long TEFL course and am now teaching English private classes in Barcelona. You can take the course stateside or you can take it abroad and then decide if you want to stay there or go somewhere else. Asia will get you the most money. Turkey is also desperate for English teachers so they will help you with necessary paper work.

Was I nervous? Yes. I am still nervous trying to fill my schedule with enough classes to live and with the seemingly once a month Spanish holidays you need to make sure you have extra hours for the weeks when one or more of your classes will be cancelled. 

I still have my student loan &  one credit card which is being paid for out of my savings. 

Ask yourself what's the worse that could happen if you go abroad? Can you live with that outcome?

Then what are you waiting for?

"If not now, when?"

Ladylittlefoot! You're in Barca?  Good for you.  I was just in Seville, this past summer.  I'd really like to do both legs of a Classico sometime in the future.

Anyway, Spain is where I'd love to live. Especially in Southern Spain. It's beautiful, and just simply amazing. Keep us posted on your life in Spain. I maybe hitting you up for some advice.

@LadyLittlefoot @Elle21 @ChristieRJohnson Which school did you attend? I was looking at EBC International. They say that if you are accepted, they can get you a student visa (you have to take Spanish courses) and a job (even if you are an American). It sounds inviting, but as the old saying goes, if it sounds to good to be true... Did you enjoy the course? Was it well rounded? Do you feel like you could teach a class? Was it catered to teaching adults or children? Did you feel you got your money's worth? Barcelona fancinates me. I hear it is beautiful and the food is awesome. Do you like it there? Why or why not? I apologize for all the questions, but sometimes, you can't trust the Internet when it comes to things like this. People will tell you all kinds of things to get your money. When (I'm thinking postitvly) I go, my Pop always says "Make sure you have a round trip ticket so you can always come home."

 Hi ChristieRJohnson , I forgot to come back to this comment. My apologies.

I looked at the company and it looks legit but the school is in Madrid. If it was in Barcelona I'd be able to ask teachers here for local info. For the student Visa you'd just need a letter from them saying you will be in school. The job thing is more dicey. They can help you look for work but I'm not sure how they are guaranteeing employment as most Americans do not have papers so Academy work is harder to get. But not impossible.

The course I took was well rounded and I am now teaching several classes so I'd say the courses prepares you for the work. It was overall teaching English with a few hours devoted to Business English and for young learners. 

Barcelona is a awesome city, big enough to have a variety of things to see and do and if you are careful your money can go a long way. 

I like it here even when I am feeling a bit lonesome for my friends, I go stand by my balcony and sip on my tea and enjoy the view. :-)

If you have any other questions check me out at my blog

www.littlefootsjourney. com and send me an email.

 LadyLittlefoot  Elle21   

@LadyLittlefoot @Elle21 Thank you so much for the info. Researching as we speak. Again, thank you

 ChristieRJohnson 

I'm 43, and my son is an adult. I just found a position abroad, and all I have to do now is get my medical check up ,and then my visa processing will begin. I'm starting my journey in China. My ultimated goal is Spain with a stop in Germany. This is the life I've dreamed of leading. I'm terrified, no actually scared shitless.

What if I hate it? What if they hate me? What if I fail? What if the sky fell and I caught it? Then I turned all that around to, What if I love it? What if they love me as much as I'm sure I'll love them? What if I succeed beyond my wildest dreams?   I figured that it would be detrimental for me to live in the States and wonder what could've been. The only thing that I know for sure that is that I'm making the right choice. 

I do intend to get my masters abroad. I will begin research on ways to fund that in a few weeks.  I plan on saving money, learning, and enjoying my experience. I honestly know that if I were to not do this I would miss out on the best opportunities for myself. China was not my first choice, but apparently I was China's first choice, lol. 

I've always wanted to inspire my son, and my neices to do whatever they desire. I want them to know that with work, and perservearence (sp) and a bit of sacrifice their dreams are possible.

My son is excited for me, but sad because I'm going to be so far away. He knows how I am, though.  Just like I know his dream is music, and I support him living his truth he supports mine. Besides, he likes to brag that has mom has been to all these places, and he always can come visit, lol.

My father keeps telling me that they dont have enough material to fit me for my Red Army uniform, lol. I keep telling him that he is one step closer to a home if he keeps playing around, lol.  My mother hung up on me, and hasn't spoken to me in 3 days.  She's pissed. My dad says 'You're her daughter, and she's your mother. She'll be just fine in time.'  I love her, and I know she takes it so personally when my brother and I want to live away from Indy, lol.  It's funny because she encouraged us to travel, and see the world. I don't think she knew that we wanted to live that far away from home. My baby bro would love to live in Brazil wiht his wife, once there daughter reaches adulthood.

So, I say all of that to say....do you.  Don't look back, the only thing you are going to regret in the end is not taking the opporutinity to live a dream.

 ChristieRJohnson I feel you! I really would like to go abroad after I graduate to  work, but I do not want to teach, I want to build a career! I just have no idea going about doing it. Nor the cash flow...life

 ChristieRJohnson I share your sentiments of feeling like my window of opportunity is closing; i'm in early 40's but I've decided I'm not going to let fear stop me. Like you, I'm not married and don't have kids so I can afford to be daring and take risks. I'm in Education so it's a little easier as I've been applying to International Schools but you may want to check international schools as see what other type of jobs are available. A good website is joyjobs.com there is a small fee but well worth it. Good luck

I checked out the site, thank you for the hookup.  They seem to cater to actual teachers.  Unfortnatly, I don't have a teaching degree and no experience teaching.  Going the TESOL route is risky, especially in Europe.  Grad school is an option, in what, I have no idea.  My background is in television, I could teach that.

 ChristieRJohnson You can always do a month long course in Europe then teach elsewhere. Asia (both near & far east) is always looking for English teachers.

This is the link for the school I went to in Barcelona. Check out the page for more information about taking the 4 week course. One of the teachers I met left at the beginning of this month for Turkey as she wasn't happy with the teaching situation here.  http://www.teflinbcn.com/

I'd say give yourself a year, sometimes you just need to step away from your regular life and do something different. It will either lead you to a different path or return you to your original path with renewed vigor and inspiration. 

Best of luck.

I am also in the middle of reading Black and (A)broad and highly recommend it.

 Brenda55

 I recommend it too Brenda55.  Carolyn is my home girl (we are from Indianapolis) so I felt like I was having a conversation with my cousin when she speaks of Indy.  It is a great and inspirational book.  It definitely lights a spark of anyone who just wants to find their way to any country abroad.

It is an awesome book! I understood everything she was saying.

 DarlingNikki69

 Of course you understood everything.  Aren't you a homegirl too?  I mean from naptown and all? lol

 Brenda55 I read that book a couple of years back and LOVED it!  I was so refreshing to read about a BW living our her dreams abroad