By Ken, Teacher in Warsaw
Hello everyone!
I realised the other day that I am coming up to 6 years of teaching abroad and boy, has it been a journey! From the manga-filled metropolis of Tokyo to the pierogi of Poland, I’ve experienced so much and continue to do so. I consider myself extremely lucky to have had such amazing opportunities, and in this blog I am going to share with you why it has been one of, if not the best thing I’ve ever done in my life. Boarding passes and visas at the ready, let’s begin!
Stating the (less) obvious
It’d be extremely easy for me to talk about culture, different cultures are interesting yada yada yada. But why is this a good thing?
For me personally it has really opened my mind. Coming from the UK (where diversity is its middle name), I was already exposed to many different people from many different backgrounds. However, actually living in another country is a completely different ball game. You have to adapt yourself to a new way of living and speaking as well as getting used to different customs. I feel that if you really want to enjoy living abroad you should embrace a culture’s quirks and nuances, and not fly halfway around the world just to eat McDonalds in Tokyo! And yes, I’ve seen that happen. Personally, I love learning new things. It makes life all that more exciting. And if you also enjoy this then you’ll love living in a foreign country.
By changing ourselves in order to “fit in” with a different society we are actively challenging ourselves and bringing ourselves out of our cosy cotton comfort zone. Which brings me onto my next point!
Personal development
If I had to say the one area in my life that has drastically improved since moving abroad, this would be it. Personal development. I have grown so much as a person. If you’re passionate about becoming a better, more rounded and somewhat worldly person then living in a foreign country certainly helps with this!
As aforementioned, by moving to another country we are getting out of our comfort zones. Doing something unpredictable and scary may seem horrible at first, but after you get used to it you become more knowledgeable and you really mature as a person. I can honestly say that I am now able to move countries without fear, and if for whatever reason I had to do a “Dorothy” from the Wizard of Oz, click my heels and magically transport I’d be able to adapt in a heartbeat. Okay, I know she transported home and not to a foreign country but you get my drift!
This might all sound cheesy, but it’s true. Imagine working in a foreign country as opposed to working a Monday-Friday in a cramped call-centre cubicle. No prizes for guessing which one I’d prefer to do (I’ve done both!) and also no prizes for guessing which one will help you with your personal development. For those who haven’t worked in a call centre, it’s soul destroying and I’m proud (and horrified) to admit I’ve worked in 9 different call centres in my lifetime and survived!
For me, life is all about learning and rather fittingly, every day is a school day.
Expat experiences
Listening to other expats talk about their experiences has been very interesting also. Also it’s the best way to make friends if you can’t make friends with the locals which can be pretty difficult if you don’t speak the language. It’s also a great way to find out how to live in another country. We all need some sort of company, and the expat community is a must if you’re thinking of living abroad
Freeeeeeeedom!
(Insert Mel Gibson here)
I can’t really explain it, but working abroad just feels so….free.
Even though I still work a week and at times I actually work more hours than I did in the UK it doesn’t feel like I am working nearly as hard as I was. Might be due to the fact I’m not working in a call centre and I’m actually doing something I enjoy, but I also think that because you’re in a foreign country you’re always learning and seeing something new. It is true what they say, familiarity breeds contempt. And non-familiarity breeds curiosity and motivation it seems! Also being in a foreign country there is just so much to explore, especially in Tokyo where it’s almost impossible to cover everything as there’s just THAT much stuff. Heck you could spend a whole day in one of their train stations, some of which are many times bigger than Warsaw’s shopping centres!
To summarise……
6 years ago I was still working in a call centre and I really had no idea what to do with my life and I felt quite lost. Fast forward 6 years and I’ve now lived in 3 different countries, got a wealth of experience, stories to last a lifetime and it’s all because I chose to work and teach abroad. It has opened so many doors for me not just mentally but in my physical life also. It has truly been a life-changing process and I continue to develop and learn as a person. Life is an adventure, and it is one that should be treasured.
If you’re after something that will change your life, why not see what is out there by clicking here?
