About two years ago, in 2010, I can remember being on the playground at work watching the kids play on the uber safe playground equipment that prompts them to make it dangerous. I was talking to some of my co-workers about teaching internationally. I felt fear set in and an empty feeling in my stomach, even though I knew in my mind, the idea sounded like the opportunity of a lifetime. That day the seed was planted.
Months went by and the seed began to grow. Somehow, I started to notice international teaching jobs on websites. How nice that people can teach abroad and live in these different countries is what I thought. I even listened to stories others told me of friends they had in Dubai that were teaching. I also began to become more aware of a former co-worker who is in Dubai teaching. This intrigued me. Why not me? Maybe it's not all that bad. The fear was leaving. The seed was watered.
In November 2011, I turn to my favorite show on HGTV, House Hunters International, and there is a show about a teacher who has been hired to teach in Abu Dhabi. Where is Abu Dhabi? It seemed more real to me after watching the show and seeing her fabulous apartment and the beautiful Abu Dhabi City. I was sold and the seedling sprung up out of the ground.
In January 2012, after having several conversations with friends and co-workers, I decide that I should really take the chance and apply to teach in Abu Dhabi or Dubai. One of my co-workers even told me to look up teachaway.com. I told her I would. I started researching the United Arab Emirates and found out some valuable information. It was also interesting to learn that Abu Dhabi is the richest city in the world. Fear erased. Gone. The seedling had grown into a flower.
On January 25, after browsing job search engines, I came across a job posting for Teach Away in Abu Dhabi. I had already heard about Teach Away, through a few co-workers so surely this was a sign! There are no coincidences. I completed the application and for about an hour, did not send it. Just click the send button! Gosh! It's time to go to bed anyway. Click!
So the one time I don't check my email for a few days and lo and behold on January 30, 2012, I get a response from Teach Away and the process begins. Life's good...