December 2008

Well I finally got the chance to take some time out to write about my thoughts. 2008 had been a busy, life changing year for me.Shortly after ringing in the New Year, I decided to pick up and move to China on a whim. It was the best decision I have ever made. It opened my eyes to the way people live on the other side of the world. I made some heart warming friendships and have become so much more independent and fearless. Moving there only wet my appetite for travel, and after much contemplation, I decided to move to England in August for the 2008 school year. Why England? Well it was a really difficult decision, and I had to think long and hard about leaving China. On one hand, things in China had become so much easier for me. I had only begun to find my way around. I had made so many friends; my life was adventurous and exciting. Plus, there are so many places I still want to see in Asia!

So what made me choose England? Though there were many things, I loved about China, the job was demanding. It consisted of very long hours. The politics got in the way of students' best interests, and the people in charge had different ways of doing things, which can sometimes frustrate a foreigner. I have always wanted to travel around Europe, and I thought that the UK would be a good location to allow affordable, easy access. Friends from China told me how exciting life was in London. I had also met some great people from London during my time in China. But the most important reason? Romance. I didn't reveal this reason to many people. Some may have thought I was nuts. Uprooting my life again not for money, or a promotion, but the possiblity of a great romance. I can't explain it, but in my heart, I knew I wanted to go, and once I set my mind to it, there was no turning back. My mother and a few others thought I was crazy. Perhaps they thought that by moving to China, I had gotten the desire to move to another country out of my system, but to me it was another challenge to undertake, and once the ball got rolling, I couldn't back down.

Relocating Once Again

Well one may think that moving to another country is a long, gruelling process, but it was not. I am very fortunate to have things run smoothly. I had a phone interview scheduled while I was in China. On the night of the interview, I was at a pub with two very god friends and colleagues. We were having such a good time, that when it was time for me to leave and go home for my interview, they persuaded me to stay and do the interview from there. So I went out, and did my interview outside the pub, ha-ha. I was offered the job an hour later! The VISA process was quick and easy. I was granted a two year working holiday VISA to the UK, so it was all set. I was all ready for my working holiday!

One initial worry was finding a place to live. Would I be able to afford to live in the oh so expensive UK? When asked about England the one thing that everyone had to say about it is, "It's so expensive!" In China, accommodation was arranged by my employer. I was picked up at the airport and dropped off in my apartment, and my huge suitcases were carried up the 5 flights of stairs. My apartment was a five minute walk from the school. In England, I would be on my own to figure things out. My only consolation was that they speak English!

It took me two weeks to find a place, which was about 25 minutes by train to the school, then another 25 minute walk. I live at Ealing Broadway, which is 30 minutes west of central London on the tube. It is a very nice area; busy, but not nearly as busy as Central London. There are many little shops and pubs, and two shopping centres, all within a 10 min walking distance from my flat, which I share with three roommates, from Australia and New Zealand.

Based on stories from people who have live and taught in |England, I had the impression that the kids were going to be difficult. I figured that since I wasn't teaching in London, that it wouldn't be so bad. The school I was in is in Slough, Buckinghamshire. , which is a small, ugly place. It is the filming location of the UK version of the office (which I personally think is much funnier than the American version) I was unprepared for the stress I was about to face in my new position. The staff was lovely; very friendly and welcoming. I was unprepared however, for the huge workload. In Canada we teach 3 out of 4 75 minute periods per day. Two of those are usually the same so we usually only have to plan for two classes, and teach three. Well here I had seven classes, plus a form group! Each class had about 30 students, so you do the math. Some days I didn't even have a spare period so I was teaching six hours straight…plus a 45 min lunch in there somewhere. Not only was the workload immense, but there was also the pressure of getting used to an entirely new curriculum and assessment system. Last. But not least, the behaviour of the students was atrocious! I had some sweet ones, and the year sevens were so cute, but overall it was a nightmare. There wasn't a day when I wasn't shouting at the top of my lungs at them. They weren't scared of detentions, parent phone calls or even the principals. I felt like I was fighting a losing battle.

I endured this for two months, and then thought to myself: ENOUGH. I did not move to another country to be constantly stressed out and have no time to myself. So I gave my notice. Then I went on vacation. I am so much happier now. The good thing about the UK is that teachers are in high demand. English is not even the most demanded subject, but once I started looking, a slew of offers poured in. I had many to choose from, but finally settled on a position at an all-girls catholic school in north London. While the behaviour is not perfect, it is still al lot better than the previous school. I am teaching different subject. I am a lot less stressed out and so happy I made the move.

My Life in London

There is so much to do here! Tons of musicals, concerts and shows. There are so many Museums, Galleries and Exhibitions, any of which are free. Unfortunately, it is not a good time to be working here. The credit crunch is badly affecting people here and the pound is very weak for when I send money back home.

Clothes- I haven't gotten used the style in London and am really missing some Canadian and American stores- and prices!

Food- I am getting used to the cuisine. I have taken a liking to fish n chips and mushy peas!

Transport- I really really miss my car, though I would NEVER attempt to drive here! The roads are circular and confusing and the traffic is bad. I take the bus, tube and walk…blah!

The nice thing about England is all the traces of history here. It is breathtaking walking don the quaint cobblestone streets, and being places like Trafalgar square and Picadilly Circus. It's hard to compare to the modernity of Canada. Hopefully you will be reading about some interesting trips in the near future…

Well I shall try to update this much more often in the future!

Happy ReadingJ