Escape is not a reason to go abroad. In most instances, problems of depression or discontent, marital discord or romantic disillusionment, boredom or burnout, are not diminished but intensified in unfamiliar surroundings.
Kathleen L. Johns, while a principal in Lisbon, Portugal, touched on the feelings expressed by many overseas educators about the rewards of their experience: "A successful overseas teaching experience gives one the realization that there is a world outside of the United States. One gains the concept of internationalism which is lacking in people who understand only nationalism. One sees firsthand the interaction of world politics and economics. Of course, there is also the wide opportunity for travel, for seeing beautiful historical and natural sights, for meeting people of other nationalities, and for gaining the broad background necessary to good teaching.
|
"We like the excitement of traveling, we like the interesting people we meet; the motivation to experience something new was one of the primary forces for us in seeking an international job."
|
 |
" I really wanted to go someplace different…if an exotic image comes to mind, it's India. And, I was afforded quite a career opportunity (curriculum coordinator) in New Delhi." |
|
"One of the reasons I chose Peace Corps was because I wanted to see if I actually liked teaching before I committed to further education. I also wanted to travel & wanted to do some good in the world and make a difference. It was easy for me to see that Peace Corps would really help me decide whether or not I'd love teaching & I discovered that I did."
|
|
"There are several bad motivations for seeking an overseas job, it may seem trivial, but if you say, "I am just getting out of a relationship", they know you're not at a good place in your life to make the decision to go overseas."
|
