Looking back, I stopped in 2011 - and my last trip abroad was in 2009, a week in London, yikes! I honestly had thought it was more recent... I've been debating going back abroad since returning home to finish my graduate degree in 2012, but I've hesitated because being an expat English teacher has not really been my goal. Reminder: pretty open/flexible, but I want to be working with American college students in intercultural activities.
So instead: tutoring part time in all subjects. On the way, I learned to tutor SAT & ACT, while spending summers working with international students through EF International Language Center, Johns Hopkins' Center for Talented Youth (for the last two summer and again this summer teaching the course Model UN and Advanced Geography, so fun!) and Kingdom Education.
So last year, I came across an opportunity doing SAT/ACT in Dubai and applied. After being interviewed, the project got pushed back and then pushed back again - and I made it to an on-campus interview with Purdue University-Calumet as an 'International Exchange Specialist', i.e. working with international students on a college campus, so I put Dubai on the back burner.
Then three weeks ago - literally, Feb. 27th, I was notified by the same company associated with Dubai about a short-term opportunity in Bahrain. I was waiting to hear from Purdue, but I was like, 'sure, I'd love to hear about it.' Three months as a private tutor to a well-off family in Bahrain for several thousand a month, but I needed to go by mid-March - it blew my mind. I told Purdue I needed an answer - never got one and so I signed the contract and boarded the plane. (Of course, not before dislocating my shoulder, yet again - but hey it's been just over six years since the last time!... Still need to wear a sling for a month.)
So here I am finally abroad again, this time in Bahrain. If you don't know where/what that is, don't worry - neither did I before three weeks ago:
They have five kids, two girls who I'll be working on ACT with, then a younger daughter and son who I will be providing homework help. (Though, apparently, at least the older girls have a homeworks tutor.) The last son is only six, but I'm looking forward to meeting him - he's halfway between my two nephew's ages. They also have two large Cavalier King Charles spaniels: Bruno and Rex, who I've already met. (Sweet!)
As it is, it looks like an opportunity to enjoy the house foremost, but I'm still going to see a few of the sites and visit a church (I have two options I know of) - I am not missing Easter.
Well, bye for now.
