The community, essential aspect of the life abroad
Moving abroad means much more than just working abroad. For an international educator, the school is often the epicenter of your life in a new country: It is obviously where you spend most of your day time, but it is also what provides you your visa, documents, paperwork, and medical insurance; it also often helps you with your home, means of transportation, Internet provider, maintenance, taxes, etc. Beyond an administrative headquarter and your main "go-to" place for small or big problems, the school is also your first social circle, where you make your first new friends, hear about what is going on, get clues, advice, ideas, suggestions and contacts to make the most of your new life. Most of good schools manage to retain their staff thanks to their professional conditions, but also thanks to a strong sense of community, good communication and social activities. Happy teachers work better and stay longer.
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On the teacher's end, I consider that taking part of the school life and demonstrating active integration is a normal and healthy behavior. While I consider equally healthy to also keep, when it is possible, one foot outside of the school community (my drama activities and occasional contacts with the French speaking community are usually a good way to do so), most of the friends I made over the last years were colleagues. Besides, beyond the usual expectations (homeroom responsibilities, chaperoning, participation in social events, etc.) I make sure to be involved in the school life, both culturally as a French teacher, and individually as a person.
hobbies and pastimes
Some of the photographs from my latest exhibition. More on my other website:
imagesofka.weebly.com |
Like most international educators, I enjoy travelling to new exciting destinations. Aside of travelling and my drama activities (see the drama page), I love spending time with friends, movies, photography, motorbiking, sport, concerts, reading, etc. I recently held another photography exhibit in Shanghai, in 2021.
Link to my photography website
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