This is where our adventure begins.
I have always thought that it would be an exciting adventure to teach and work in another country.
I had checked on the internet many times and read about companies that were looking for teachers to teach in other countries. I was always a bit nervous to apply to these companies because I didn’t know that much about them.
One day when I was teaching at Black River P.S. I noticed a poster that said “Teach Abroad” and I was immediately interested, especially since it was a program sponsored by the York Region Board for which I had worked for twenty years. I knew I could trust that they would research schools well before recommending that I teach in them.
I made a few inquiries by phone and email about the program and found out that York Region Learning Connections places teachers in three countries – China, Tawain and South Korea. After discussion with my husband Paul,who was also excited about the possibilities, I submitted my resume. The next day I received an email inviting me to come for an interview. At the interview I was surprised and delighted to hear that indeed I qualified to teach English in one of the countries!
The friendly staff showed me a map of the possible places I might teach, one of which was Beijing,China! I couldn’t believe that my dream was becoming a reality!
The next few weeks was a waiting game as the staff worked to find me a position, but it didn’t stop me from telling all my family and friends that I was going to teach in China or Taiwan (I had decided not to go to Korea).
A few weeks later I received word that an elementary school in Beijing had given verbal confirmation of acceptance for me to teach there in September! I was so excited but I had to wait a few more weeks for the written contract.
In the meantime I began making lists and preparing things at home so that I would be ready when the paperwork arrived.
TODAY WAS THE DAY!! I received my written contract and now it seems real !!
We are going to BEIJING!!
My son Paul Jr, his wife Ling, and daughter Dahlia live in Calgary so we decided we needed to visit them before we go to Beijing.(Actually Paul said “Don’t even think of going to China without visiting us first!”) So on August 10th we fly to Calgary for 10 days. Then we fly to Ladysmith B.C. to visit my husband Paul’s sister Marie and her husband Joe.
Then it’s off to Beijing and a new adventure! We hope you will follow us on our journey to the “Middle Kingdom”.
Congratulations to the both of you, for making your desire came true and I can’t wait to see how your experiences in China will unravel on this blog.
Just want to prepare you for a few things:
1. get used to see lots of people and noise on the stree as compare to where you are used to, I mean lots of people & noise.
2. Eat a lot more rice than you do now
3. I don’t think there is Home Depot for Paul to go to.
4. Both of you take control of your shopping frenzee at the flea markets in Beijing.
Keep me posted on these. I’m sure you are gonna have great experiences there, have fun!!
Thanks for all that good advice,Ling. I know that it will be a big adjustment but we will adapt!
Just one thing- I saw a show about Beijing and I think they do have Home Depot there – so Paul will be happy!
Hi Kathy,
Your blog looks great! This will truly be an adventure and I can’t wait to hear all about it.
Is it OK if I put your blog address on the Black River Staff email list? I’m sure many of the staff would love to hear all about you trip.
Judy
Hi Judy,
Thanks! I have to give my daughter Angela credit for most of it. She is a real whiz at this kind of thing. It’s great having someone to help me when I get into trouble, like I did earlier trying to put a picture on the post.
But you know what they say. You learn from your mistakes, and I’m learning a lot!
Yes that’s a great idea if you put the address on the staff email list. I would love to hear from anyone who is interested.
Thanks for the suggestion.
Hi Kathy,
Good luck with your adventure! I have no doubt that you will help many students with their English. You have helped my son Ethan so very much with his reading. We have appreciated it more then you could know. It is such a pleasure now to see him pick up a book and read it on his own. We will look forward to reading your blog while you are away. Have a safe trip.
Janice, Selwyn and Ethan Hamilton-Dicker
Thanks for your good wishes! It was my pleasure to work with Ethan.He is a great kid!
We were so pleased to hear of your upcoming trip to Beijing. It is so exciting and if we can do it, we will come to visit. We had an absolutely fabulous time with you both during our flying visit last week. It was lovely to see Angela (my god-daughter) and her son Hayden, who is absolutely the cutest seven year old I have ever met. He is extremely well-mannered and a joy to have a conversation with.
Love, Judy
wow Baijing
i wish i could come it would be nice to get to see outher places in outher country.Well come to think of it it would be nice to see you all toseeing as i alredy live 7 hours away. now its like anouther 12 hours.
What a treat to read this! I teach in Beirut myself, and the experience is rewarding but reading this offers such insight
Best,
Q
Kathy,
I wish you and your husband Paul only great things on this adventure of yours. Judy sent me information about your blog, and I am enjoying reading it very much. Keep us all posted, and the best of luck in your new home. How long are you planning on staying in China, or has that yet been decided?
Lois
Hi Lois,
Sorry I took so long to answer your comment.
Thanks for your good wishes.It’s nice to hear from you.We will be in Beijing for 10 months, a school year.
Yes it is turning out to be an adventure – one we will never forget and this blog will keep it all fresh.
Take care.