What is the
social life overseas like?
Will I be
lonely living overseas?
Social life varies greatly. When investigating
countries where you might like to work - ask about it!
Part of it depends on you: Are you social and
friendly? Or do you depend on others to approach
you? Is your spouse or a partner going with you?
It's up to you!
Drunken poker parties in Saudi Arabia? Yes!
Lonely nights in Bangkok? Yes!
I've experienced both - though they are polar opposites!
Both extremes are possible. The old axiom is, "To make
a friend, be a friend." If you don't know anyone,
volunteer at a local program, join ToastMasters, the
Rotary or Lions Clubs, or other local organizations. If
appropriate for you, join a local religious
organization. You will find that if you make the first
move most countries and people are very welcoming.
I've lived in small towns with vibrant foreigner social
circles and in large cities where I knew very few
foreigners, and at times, had exactly the opposite
social life of what you might expect.
The
Local Folks
The
native people of your new country can be very welcoming
- you will be happily surprised. But know also, that
many cultures are much more "nosey" and will ask many
more personal questions about your life, and may offer
much more "advice" than you are used to. Take it all
with a grain of salt. It is just how it is.
The
Foreigner's World
Know that, as a strange minority, the foreigner's world
is a small one. You neighbors will pay more attention
to you and talk about it. Keep your bad habits out of
sight.
Friends
I
have been fortunate to make many great friends in the
TEFL world. People I have met in many different
countries - and we still keep in touch. Be open to
these opportunities and to people who are different from
you and you will be surprised what comes up!
