Myths and Realities

I was doing some research on teaching abroad and found a website with things people assume about teaching and the truth about it, I enjoyed reading it because it was very true to what I experience.

Myth: Teaching is glamorous.  You can travel everywhere you want.

Reality:  Hours can be crazy, you might be working 6 days/week, split shifts and the only time you can prepare for your classes is on your own time (unpaid, naturally).  Often there is very little time to travel and see the countryside.  When you do get a day off you are so tired, you sleep.

Myth: Teaching is easy, anyone can do it.  You just speak English and chat with your students.

Reality: Teaching is hard work; there are lessons to prepare and tests to write and grade.  Often students have a good command of English grammar and you must anticipate questions that might arise out of the lesson.  It is necessary to continually reflect upon your teaching abilities in order to become a better teacher.

Myth: It is not a “real” job.  This is just something you do until you grow up.

Reality:  For many people, teaching English abroad is a job they do for only a year or two.  However, others have made this into a career and as such treat this job professionally.  We make “real” money and put “real” food down on the table to support our families.

Myth:  You can get rich.

Reality:  I would say there are few jobs that I would consider high paying, especially when you compare what teachers and students drive (or ride on) to school.  There are a few countries where salaries are quite high, but those are rare in the big scheme of things globally and these jobs usually require a masters degree or higher. 
       However, teachers can live quite comfortably as the cost of living can be very low.  It is only when you convert the salary back to your home country that you realize how limited your savings can be.

Myth:  After a year or two of teaching abroad, my experiences will help me find a job when I return home.

Reality:  Unfortunately this is false as most employers couldn't care less about what you did and will assume you were living it up while you were “on holidays”.  Even friends and family will grow tired of hearing about your experiences.  As a result, many people go back overseas to teach as they miss their more carefree lifestyle.

The last one kind of surprised me, but I don't think my family will get tired of hearing me talk about stuff...at least I hope not :P

The Grocery Experience

I don't enjoy buying eggs in Taiwan.  Not that I don't like eggs or don't use them, because I do.  Grocery shopping in Taiwan is just very different than in America, for me at least, it involves more strategic planning.  Buying eggs in America, or anything really, is easy: find what you want, pay for it, put it in your car, and drive home.  The main difference I have between the two countries is the car, or lack thereof here in Taiwan.  In America I would have no problem buying a large quantity of groceries to fit in my trunk or backseat to take home.  Shopping in Taiwan depends on how much I can (or am willing to) carry on the walk home.  I usually pick the day ahead of time, usually the last day I think I can survive without food (and when I actually have time).  Don't worry Mom, I eat everyday, just not always the healthiest or "home-cooked".  I empty my bookbag except for my wallet and extra bags.  Grocery bags cost 1-2NT so I try to reuse what I have.  Then I start off on the 10-minute walk, if it's raining I take a bus.  Then I start my shopping.  Milk, juice and other larger/heavy items will be passed over if I have no food at all.  And eggs are purchased if I have a light load.  Fruits and vegetables are most commonly found in my basket, along with bread, peanut butter, frozen dumplings, and maybe some crackers.  Most of these items can handle being piled into my bookbag.  One thing I can say is I'm an excellent bagger now.  The cashier will shove everything into one large grocery bag, so I don't have to pay for two, then I'll take it to a table by the exit and repack it - I've got a system now :) Just another habit I've picked up living in Taiwan!

The Banking Experience

I got paid yesterday (woohoo!). So since my Tuesday afternoons are free from 2-4 I decided to run some errands. First the post office to send some mail, then the bank to wire money home. The exchange rate isn't excellent right now (32.9NT = $1US), but it's better than when I first came (34NT = $1US). So after I finish at the "foreign exchange" counter I have to take a number and wait to be called to do the actual cash transaction. Since it was right after lunch I had about a 15 minute wait.

I always enjoy being in the bank because one of my favorite jobs was working at the bank in Wayne. Today as I was sitting there I noticed a bank person behind the counter looking at me once or twice. I didn't think much of it, just another "stare at the white girl" moment. Two minutes later, he was standing in the waiting area, which I found amusing, because after he said hello to another customer he came over to me and attempted an English conversation. It was cute and it didn't last long since he was obviously busy, but he was the bank manager, so I told him that I had worked at a bank in America. We both smiled and then he went back to work.

Just a small thing, but one of the little things you need everyday to keep you smiling!

Winter's Here!

It's 66 degrees!!  Can you believe it?  I can't!  The heat finally went away this weekend, only downside is it brought some rain with it, nothing to bad, but not fun to be out in for too long.  It's actually feeling kind of cold, and I have no desire to have my AC on. 

Last year I remember the beginning of October being fairly chilly, so our summer heat lasted way to long this year.  So the cold finally came, and I'll hopefully see some snow when I'm home for Christmas, my winter expectations are being fulfilled.

And although it's been sort of dank and dreary, I always have this to brighten my day!