Saturday, March 19, 2011

Expatriatism

Last week I found out I'm coming back to Strasbourg next year. I couldn't possibly be any happier about it. The thought of going back to Texas indefinitely was depressing, but now I'm excited to go home for the summer. I miss my family, my dogs, my car, my friends, my bed, my gym, and (of course) Tex-Mex.

I think most people in my life don't understand the appeal of living abroad. This became clear to me when a friend from the States visited this past week. 
I don't even really know what it is about France that I love so much...it's not like my life here is particularly exciting. I go to work, I hang out with my friends, I plan lessons, I waste hours on facebook. Occasionally I plan trips to Morocco or Iceland or Turkey, but I don't have the time or money to travel often. Life in Strasbourg is not always convenient or fun. I share a room and sleep on a rickety smaller-than-twin-sized bed. I'm poor. 
But I love it!!. Every day is an adventure. I have wonderful friends, funny students, tons of free time, and I live in one of the most beautiful cities I've ever seen. I know a lot of people at home don't understand, but I don't care :)

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Contemplating my future, etc.

In my Christmas post I said I was going to blog more often....oops! I guess not. I love reading other peoples' blogs, especially other English assistants, but I never make time to update my own.

Last night I got back from Morocco. I visited Casablanca, Fes, and Marrakech with my pals. It was crazy, chaotic, interesting, beautiful, relaxing, and a LOT of fun. I want to go back. 

Now we have six more weeks of work and that's ALL...crazy! I'm going to miss my Lycee Couffignal boys a little bit. I booked a flight to leave France on May 21. That would be super sad, but it will actually be fun because 3(at least) of my friends and I are going together! We're flying IcelandAir and stopping over in Reykjavik for a few days, then flying to Boston and staying with my brother, then plans are a little fuzzy, but eventually I'll be back in Dallas.

I've been thinking a lot about next year. When I applied to the TAPIF program, my plan was to use the year to have fun, travel, and improve my French before coming home and becoming a serious adult.

However...
Texas schools have no money. No one is getting hired. Especially French teachers. 
-and-
I love Strasbourg. I love my friends here (and some of my favorites are staying next year!). I love working part-time. I love traveling. 

So...
I'm in the process of applying for university teaching jobs in Strasbourg for next year. It's a long shot, but I would really love to stay in Alsace for another year. I know some people think it's irresponsible and that I'm "delaying real life", but I would be gaining valuable experience in my field AND having fun. I'm excited to go back to Texas for the summer, but the idea of leaving and not coming back is a little bit depressing. 

In the meantime, I am determined to make the most of the time I have left! Next weekend a friend is coming to visit...can't wait! : )