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August 18, 2005
Single Teacher...With Kids?
Hello everyone!
How many of you dream of living in another country, but don't think you can because you have children?
After all, it’s common to hear about single ESL teachers traveling the globe and getting to experience all sorts of new cultures, tastes and lifestyles. But what if that single teacher has a kid?
This question was raised in our blog last week, and it’s definitely one worth addressing. The answer to the question, “Can a single parent teach ESL in a foreign locale?” is a cautious, “Yes.”
Will it be as easy? Nope. But is it possible? Yep.
If you’re blessed with little ones, but still have the itch to travel and teach, here are some things that you should consider before venturing out.
• It’s always a good idea to thoroughly investigate any country that you’re thinking about teaching in, but if you have children, it becomes doubly important. Some cultures would welcome a tag-a-long in a private or casual class on emergency days, but others would consider it unthinkable.
• Just as you’ll need to understand the culture in the countries that you’re considering, you’ll need to check up on the living conditions, as well. Some schools offer housing for their teachers, which may or may not be acceptable for someone who has a child. Even if you plan to locate housing on your own, you should make sure that you completely understand your options. Remember, housing in foreign countries generally doesn’t compare to housing in the U.S.
• Schools are an important part of any child’s life, and if she is going to live in a different culture and most likely be exposed to a new language, you’ll want to make the transition as smooth as possible. Find out as much as you can about the local public and private schools and ask about their requirements for foreign students.
• Daycare may be an issue, especially if you plan to teach in a private school where classes are usually held after normal business hours or on weekends in order to accommodate their business clients. Of course, two single parent teachers traveling together could do a lot to help each other with babysitting!
Until next time,
Michelle
Posted by msimmons at August 18, 2005 07:16 PM
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Comments
I knew a nurse who worked in Libya who had her 10 year old daughter with her and it was all rather a nightmare. Apart from the fact that the arabs were after her daughter, there was the problem of schooling. The only school available was an indian school and so that's where she ended up. The language of the school was Urdu, which the girl had to pick up to try to understand the lessons. After school, she had to make her own way back to her flat and stay there until her mother returned from work. There was always problems with arabs following them around.
I would not recommend it but then I am a man.
Posted by: kenneth at August 31, 2005 07:27 PM
I am a teacher travelling with my kid in China. I actually still have another one back in my home country together with the husband but at present I am here with one of my sons. I usually put my son in daycare while I teach during the day. If I am fortunate enough to teach night classes then I get to keep him with me during the day. However, with the kid getting ready older, I realize I may need to send the kid to a regular school and this is where my dilemna arises. I don't know where to send the kid to school! The alternative for me is a Chinese primary school or a correspondence course from my home country. Frankly I am confused and I haven't decided either way yet. They both have their pros and cons. I myself would welcome suggestions.
Posted by: Irene at September 29, 2005 05:11 PM
This will sound weird, but if anything should happen to my husband (who is a soldier serving in Iraq) I plan to take my kids (a 3 year old girl and twin 2 year old boys) back to Taiwan so I can teach and raise them in a different culture. I taught in Taiwan for almost two years before I got married and I know that could get support from my old school to have my kids there with me. I worked in an English-language "kindergarten", so I could have my kids with me all day. There are also ex-pat schools in the area. I think you would have to establish your needs with the school you work for before thinking of leaving the country. If they can't or won't help you, go elsewhere.
Posted by: Melissa at October 19, 2005 04:32 AM
