First off, thank you for your support and encouragement as I begin this amazing journey. I am nervous and scared out of my mind, but so excited.
Hopefully this blog will keep you updated on where I am, where I am going, and what I'm up to.
OK, so here is the direction my life is going right now. Many of you have been confused as to what I'm doing this summer/where I'm going, etc. Let me clear it up for you. I've also included some Frequently Asked Questions.
May 27th - Fly from Kansas City to London-Heathrow Airport. Yes London, UK.
May 27th - June 24th -- me and Josh are backpacking throughout Europe. England, Greece, Italy, Switzerland and France. End up in Paris, where I hop on a train to be...
June 26th - September 1st -- ...a camp counselor/English teacher at an English-language immersion camp in France. That means once those kids step foot in the camp, there is no English. None. They eat, sleep, learn, play in English.
FAQ:
Q: Why?
A: Here I am. It's almost 6 months after I've graduated college. I don't want to settle down just yet. I'm not married (although i might as well be). I don't have kids. As of May, I don't have an apartment. Most of my friends... well needless to say, I just don't have much holding me here. So the question is, WHY NOT?
Q: Why France? Why not China/Thailand/Australia/etc?
A: From age 5-15, I danced classical ballet. Ballet is French. Created by the French using French vocabulary. I took French in junior high. I love the French culture -- pastries, cheese and wine? hell-OOO?! I have always been fascinated with France. It's my place. Josh's place is Greece. Meagan's is Africa. Mine is France.
Q: Where did you find a job like that?
A: I honestly just googled "English speaking jobs overseas" for shits and giggles. This camp popped up on the first page of an overseas job board.
Q: Do you know any French?
A: I know enough to survive. But no, not really.
Q: How can you work in France and not know French?
A: The camp would rather you not know any French so you're not tempted to speak it around the campers. They only hire counselors whose native language is English (Americans, Canadians, Australians, Britains, etc.) with some very rare exceptions.
Q: How can you teach kids a language if you don't speak their language?
A: Europe is not like America. Most children in France are taught some English growing up. They have a rough, if not surprisingly good, understanding of English. The camp is basically a pro-American camp -- teaching them English and how to use it in America.
Q: How much does it pay?
A: Not too shabby, considering I get lodging and food included. I did have to pay for my plane ticket over there, however. The pay averages out to about $300 a week for a 6-day work week. Also, by French law, for every 26 days of work, I get a 10% paid vacation. They also pay for accident and liability insurance while I'm over there.
Q: Are you scared?
A: Yes a little bit. More excited than scared. Really really excited. I'm more scared about the month of backpacking before camp.
Q: What are you doing after camp?
A: Not quite sure. I might spend some more time backpacking with fellow counselors and seeing all the things me and Josh aren't seeing. Or I might be really homesick (aka Josh-sick) and want to come home.
Q: Are you coming back to Springfield?
A. Hell no. Well... maybe to visit. Maybe.
Q: Does that mean you're quitting the radio station?
A: Unfortunately, yes I am. I gave everyone notice WELL in advance so I'm covered. I'm very sad to be leaving Power 96.5 and the Journal Broadcast Group family. They are the best company I've ever worked for. Every person I've worked with there has helped me grow professionally and personally. Truly, this is the hardest part about leaving. When (if?) I decide to enter the industry again, I will without-a-doubt look at Journal Broadcast openings first and foremost.
To conclude... I'm in Europe from end of May until September or beyond. All I know is I have a plane ticket back to Kansas City on Sept 4th that is exchangable for another date for only $35. So who knows when I'll be home.
After that? No clue. Who knows where the winds will take me. Definitely not Missouri.
Maybe move to where Josh is at that point, which is looking like Austin, TX...
Maybe Seattle...
Maybe we'll just throw a dart at a world map...
and I'm perfectly okay with that.
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