Why I Chose to Teach Abroad and in the Czech Republic with CIEE

Contrary to what people often think, I never had much of an interest in traveling when I was younger. I was not an adventurous person and, except for the occasional trip to visit family in Pennsylvania, I rarely left New Jersey.

I had (okay, maybe still have) the hallmark characteristics of a Type A personality. School and work took priority and my life needed to be planned out to the ‘T.’ I was not one to make impulsive decisions and the thought of the unknown stressed me to no end.

Bachelor’s Degree –> Career –> House and Family seemed like the logical course of action and ultimate end goal.

So how the heck did I end up living in a foreign country?

Simply put, I had become too content with my life back home. Throughout school and college, I was constantly kept busy with different academic organizations and intense coursework. Although I felt a high level of stress, I loved that I was learning and challenging myself.

As graduation grew near though, I worried that I had never allowed myself to go outside my comfort zone, explore my surroundings, and simply live in the movement. I felt (pardon the cliché) that I had been running a race for the past several years without pausing to enjoy it. And now I was approaching the finish line of college without knowing what I wanted when I crossed it. Settling down and moving on to the next stage of my life terrified me.

And yes, I realize that many people go through this as they end college, but for me, I couldn’t help thinking, Was this it? Thanks to the combination of my Type A and introverted personality, I had pushed myself to excel, but only to the confines of my comfort zone. How could I really know what I was capable of when I had kept myself in a bubble the size of New Jersey for all of my life? I still wanted a challenge, but what I needed was a new environment to do this in.

At about the time I started thinking this, one of my professors offered my classmates and I the chance to travel to India to explore and teach in several villages. I felt like this was what I had been waiting for. I leapt at the opportunity…

…and enjoyed every second of my short time abroad.

I was doing what I loved- teaching- but under whole new circumstances. Cut off from my main way of communicating (speaking in English), I was presented with the challenge of relaying information in a creative and expressive way. Then there were the people I met, who amazed me with their culture, willingness to learn, and open hospitality. It was exciting, new, and different.

And I don’t even get me started on the sights I saw and places I went…

I came back home to the United States with a new goal- to travel abroad again.

A few months passed and the next opportunity practically fell into my lap. The professor I had traveled with to India invited me to a presentation being held by two of his former students. This couple had traveled and taught in Thailand through an organization called CIEE. My professor encouraged me to go to the presentation as he knew how much I had enjoyed my time in India.

While I wanted to travel abroad, I wasn’t sure at this point if teaching abroad for an extended time was for me. Still, I went, listened to the couple speak, and took a CIEE pamphlet to tuck into my drawer. I think you can see where this is leading…

Two years later, I left to teach abroad in Thailand. Thanks to CIEE’s ongoing support and reassurance throughout the pre-departure process, I now felt comfortable with the decision to teach abroad for one year.

I won’t go too much into detail because I don’t think I will ever find the exact words to convey how much I loved living, teaching, and traveling in Thailand (for my personal accounts and experiences though, you can click here).

Halfway through my time in Thailand, I realized that I was addicted to this lifestyle and wanted to continue to teach abroad.

This time, in a completely new setting- Europe.

The fact that my CIEE co-worker, Jessica, was also looking to teach abroad in the Czech Republic helped me pin-point my next destination.

But why not go off on my own? Why CIEE? Well, for several reasons.

1) The Pre-Departure Help

Finding a school to work at in a different country can be overwhelming- especially when you have yet to step foot in that country. CIEE has formed contacts with different schools so that you don’t have to worry about applying to 50+ schools. Instead, you submit all your information and CIEE informs you when they’ve matched you with a school. For Thailand, you got a match and that was it. For the Czech Republic, you interview with the school via Skype to ensure that you have a good match.

To teach abroad, a lot of paperwork must also be done (surprise!). And frankly, it’s a daunting task- especially when some documents are in a different language and you must figure out what embassy requires which documents and in what order and language. CIEE maps the whole process out (for both Thailand and the Czech Republic) via written instruction and webinars. This was very reassuring- especially with my A-Type Personality, which requires that everything be laid out in order and with deadlines.

2) Orientation

I remember first arriving in Thailand and having a brief moment of sheer panic. What do I do now? Where do I go? Luckily, CIEE prepares you for this moment well and I was able to recover quickly. CIEE sends out emails about what to do once you arrive in your new country.

Most importantly, they have people from CIEE waiting for you upon arrival. This is a VERY nice thing, especially when your nerves are already shot from a long plane ride. If I did not go through CIEE and had arrived in a new country without any support, I don’t even think I would have even made it out the airport, let alone all the way to my new school.

And of course, CIEE provides an extensive orientation, complete with language and culture classes and assistance with setting up bank accounts, phones, and ministry appointments. I had a very positive experience with my orientation in Thailand (a trip to the Grand Palace and two boat cruises!). Therefore, I was not surprised that my orientation in the Czech Republic went smooth and was just as fun.

3) Ongoing Support Throughout the Year

In Thailand, CIEE’s support did not end once you finished with orientation. Rather, CIEE had an in-country team to help you. I received emails frequently and was encouraged to reach out as needed.

CIEE works just the same in the Czech Republic. Thanks to the smaller number of participants though (my group consists of only 22 people), CIEE is able to form more personable relationships with the participants and host get-togethers throughout the year.

The CIEE team has gone well beyond their assigned role and have even helped with negotiating bills, translating mail, arranging doctor appointments, and simply giving their recommendations on the best places to go for dinner.

4) The People You Meet

By going through CIEE, you meet other CIEE participants who will most likely become some of your best friends and even roommates. CIEE gives you a group of people to hang out with, to share your frustrations and accomplishments, and to explore the Czech Republic- as well as other countries.

I encourage anyone looking to teach abroad to do their own research and pick the option that they are most comfortable with. Personally, I have not once regretted teaching abroad in both Thailand and the Czech Republic through CIEE. With CIEE’s help every step of the way, I have been able to leave my comfort zone and pursue my passions of teaching and traveling.