Unicorns and other names for it.

Dear all,

Disclaimer: I am normal, I'm happy to be and I am me.

Today's blog will be about the mythical character of the unicorn and how I was described as being 'that sort of woman' that was older, single, childless, independent, financially secure and not fussed about having a partner. The man who said it to me put women into categories and felt it his duty to explain why I was happy to live and work overseas alone. I thanked him for his synopsis of all womankind, guessed why he was divorced, hoped he wasn't teaching his own daughter these theories and quickly moved on. I no longer see this person in any shape or form.

It got me thinking, I know many expat teachers who love being overseas and all it brings with them. Many are single, with partners, married, have families with them or abroad, mortgages at home, love to travel, experience and so many more 'types'. Putting people into boxes about who can and can't do anything is a way of making excuses of why we can or can't. Or it is simply a way to discriminate.

If you want to teach abroad it is more than possible and much easier than before. Most schools are family friendly offering education packages for children. All schools want the best staff they can for their students and do not worry about your status. However same sex partnerships can be an issue with certain country visas and recognising these in countries that have not recognise/legalised all partnerships/marriages. Check what visas your partner can get for themselves through their own employment.

All can be an expat teacher, there is no 'type' and no one should try to tell you there is.

Go for it!

Cheers,

HB