Why Am I Leaving The USA For A Year?

When The idea to live abroad developed

I became aware of international travel when I was in high school and learned that kids my age were leaving their home countries for student exchange programs. I thought it was so cool, but didn’t think my parents would allow their 15 year old to travel to the other side of the world for a semester in school. So, I didn’t really think too much about it until college. One year into my college career, I began looking into study abroad programs. I found a business program in London. I was really excited about it, but didn’t share it with anyone until I was sure I was accepted. I applied and later learned the tuition was a little over $4,000 for the semester. Although it was cheaper than what I was paying in my actual school, I would have to pay for this one out of pocket. There were no financial assistance. Couldn’t afford it. Dream shot twice.

First International Trip

The first time I traveled overseas was in 2016, five years after I graduated from Penn State. My best friend and I went to Paris, France for a week. It was the best experience I have ever had. Paris reminded me of a European NYC. I loved being surrounded by people of a different culture, speaking a different language, and experiencing a new way of life. I honestly didn’t want to go back to the United States. When I eventually returned home, I wrote in my journal that I wanted to live in France for at least a year or more starting 2018 or 2019. I was giving myself 2-3 years to prepare for it. I began doing research on different ways I could support myself financially why living abroad. I was really hopefully I would find something that would be exciting and work for me.

Teaching English As A Foreign Language

After searching on various travel blogs, I found a common denominator in most bloggers’s journey to traveling and living abroad: Teaching English. Almost all the travel bloggers I have followed over the years, got their start through teaching English in Europe or Asia. Never thought I would find myself as an educator, but if it was going to allow me to leave the US for a while and see the world, why not? I started looking for teach abroad programs specifically in France, but couldn’t find one that I felt comfortable with. Then I applied for a program in Thailand, but didn’t get accepted. Finally, I found Greenheart Travel. They provide programs that allow travelers to experience a new culture through internships, study abroad programs and teach abroad programs. I decided to apply for their China Teach Abroad Program and got hired two weeks after submitting my application.

So, as you can see, living abroad has always been a goal of mine since I was 15 years old. I didn’t know what I would be doing or where I would go, I just knew I wanted to experience life outside of my home country for a while. I want to learn a new language, fall in love, start a business or work for a dope ass company, meet new people and travel as often as I can. China wasn’t my first choice, but the program I applied for has some great benefits, and I have already connected with some really cool people who currently live in the city I’ll moving too. I am really excited about this new journey and I can’t wait to share more with you soon. So stay tuned!