Canadians Abroad
A life-changing decision leads to travel, adventure and the most gratifying job she’s ever had
After working for 30 years as a legal assistant, I made a life-changing decision in 2014 to move to Europe, get out of my comfort zone and start a new career. What started as a six-month leave of absence became a brand new life for me. It was an experience that provided me with more confidence and a positive outlook on life.
I arrived in Prague in November 2014, during a grey and dreary time of year. Having no prior experience in teaching English, I began school right away, and four weeks later, I was certified in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL). The job market in Prague is very lucrative for native English speakers. While enrolled in the course, the school’s office had many contacts for us. I applied to many of them as quickly as I could and ended up having two interviews lined up prior to graduating. I simply needed the certificate in order to start. There have been many Canadians who have travelled to Prague to take this particular course; however, I happened to be the only person in attendance this time around and began teaching two days after I graduated.
It was interesting to see the range of students I had in my classroom. There was a four-year-old girl
who knew how to say “hello,” and that was about it. Then there was a 74-year-old retired doctor who knew enough to hold a conversation. The students I had between the ages of 16 and 30 all spoke English well and were hoping to learn or master a more conversational style of English.
My life in Prague was eye-opening and nothing short of amazing. I made incredible friends, enjoyed the relaxed European way of life but most importantly, I found out that I am a strong, confident woman who can do anything! The Czech Republic is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, which was a big bonus for me.
Teaching has become my passion and I love teaching English to people of all ages. My time in Prague made me appreciate everything I grew up with in Canada.
Afterwards, in the summer of 2016, I spent more than a month in southern Ontario visiting my parents, daughter and siblings. I spent the following week and a half in Calgary, visiting my son and then embarked on a trip to China. I was employed at a private school in Changchun, the capital of Northeast China’s Jilin province. By high-speed train, I was roughly four hours away from the Russian border. While there, I did not move around
too much, as I was teaching 850 students a week, from Grades 1 to 4. Autumn came quickly in northern China. It reminded me of Calgary, where I had lived for three years before beginning this lifechanging journey. I’ve wondered many times over the past few years—how was it possible that I actually ended up there?
I’ve always considered myself as different from others I knew growing up—kind of shy, introverted and, as I am sure my kids would agree, a bit of a nerd. I do have friends, but I’m very picky. I like my alone-time more than I like socializing. So, how did someone like me end up travelling halfway across the world? It’s a mystery I’m still trying to solve!
While in China, I taught children between seven and ten years of age. Seeing their eyes light up when I came into the classroom made the decision so worth it. I showed the children pictures from Our Canada and they were interested in learning more. I was excited to share with them all I know about our amazing country!
The Grade 1 students did not know much English at all; however, the students from Grades 2 to 4 had a significantly better understanding of the language.
While my teaching experiences in both of these countries will last a lifetime, I had a very difficult time learning their native languages and was forced to take beginner courses, in both countries, to be able to order at restaurants and shop at grocery stores. I knew rudimentary Czech by the time I left, but Mandarin was much more challenging. Despite my struggles, the children I taught were insistent on teaching me as much as they could during our breaks and when I would see them after school.
After spending three years in Europe and China, I was eager to explore a whole new country. In August 2017, my contract was up and I headed to Chile for seven weeks before coming back to Canada for an extended stay. Since I had gone to Chile on my own leisure time, I wasn’t offcially registered to teach English; however, I did end up helping many Chileans improve their understanding of the English language. In return, they helped me learn Spanish. I was in Antofagasta, Chile, for nine days and stayed at a hostel where the day manager would sit with me during breakfast and we would have an impromptu English/ Spanish lesson.
I am back in my hometown of Welland now, working full time so that I can save some money to get back out in the world and continue my passion of teaching around the world.
Teaching is the most gratifying job I’ve ever had and I’ve gained a new respect for all the teachers I’ve crossed paths with over the years.
In January 2019, I will be travelling to Spain, Morocco and Portugal for three weeks. I also have a potential volunteer opportunity in Zambia for the fall of 2019, but my next destination for teaching would be in either Cambodia or Vietnam.
My heart will always belong to Canada, but the journey I’m currently on is more than I ever could have asked for. I’m so grateful for the life I’ve created and I’m excited about my new adventures!