Most of you are quite familiar with how much I love to travel. I feel most at peace when I am on a plane to a place far, far away from everything I know. The further, the better. I had a plan for a least the next year or so. We started the International Welcome Center and I really wanted to stay with that program for at least two years...but I had an accidental job interview. Seriously. It was not my fault...well, not technically.
Last summer, I applied to present at the TESOL (Teachers to Speakers of Other Languages) conference in Baltimore with one of my colleagues from Iowa. We were hopeful we would get accepted, but people write proposals and don't get accepted. So, I was prepared for the disappointment, but hopeful for an acceptance. Well, we were accepted and invited to present at the conference. My district had agreed to pay for the conference and my plane ticket. I was appreciative of everything the offered because I know finances are strained. Prior to attending the conference, I had signed up to volunteer in the Job and Marketplace area of the conference. This is an area where recruiters from all over the world can accept resumes and conduct on-site interviews with potential candidates. Many institutions utilize this service because the conference attracts many credentialed teachers with years of experience. I had the morning shift on the first day and my job was to make sure that no one went in or out of the interview area except those conducting the interviews. During my shift, I talked with many recruiters that were going in and out to learn more about them and how to assist, if needed. I met two ladies from Bilkent University in Ankara, Turkey and they asked me to stop by their booth on the convention floor. Well, next thing I know we are talking at the booth and they tell me all about their amazing English program. In fact, the university is an English medium university, which means everything and all programs are in English. I was impressed with the program, but I was especially impressed with the opportunities offered to staff with various levels of experiences and degrees. The ladies asked me to apply if I was interested. I left the booth and went and applied online.
After I applied, I received an email within 10 minutes offering me an on-site interview for the next day. Unfortunately, the interview time they offered was during my presentation. Out of all of the available times, they chose that one! So, I asked for them to reschedule and I was able to participate in the interview a few minutes after my presentation. I was impressed with the depth of their interview questions and the sincerity at which they answered all of my questions. I left the interview totally intrigued and excited about the idea of teaching at Bilkent University.
Then, it happened...I got a contract. Oh crap. I have to tell my family and Ritenour. Could I really go and teach in Turkey? Of course, I could...I've lived in Africa! I can go anywhere. The worst part was telling my parents. They hate that I travel and they always want me here and safe (in their eyes). I told my mom first and her reaction was what I expected.
"But Jamie, you love your job.
I thought you were happy with the guy you're dating and wanted to settle down.
What about your salary, your car, your degree?
Isn't that next to Syria?"
After answering all of those questions, my mom gently told me it was my job to tell my father and sister. My dad wouldn't even talk to me about it for two weeks! Slowly, he started to ask more questions and listened to my reasons why I wanted to go. My family reminds me very much of the families in Africa. We work together and talk to each other about our plans. Although my parents don't think so, I always consider them in my decisions. They taught me to consider all options and make sure that I do my homework before I accept something. I always have a plan B. My family is close and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Everything else has kind of fallen in place. I resigned from my job that I absolutely love and a district that I have supported for 12 years, which was harder than I thought. I still haven't told most of my students. We have several students graduating next year and I really need to be there for them. One step at a time.
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| Beautiful Buildings |
I have been able to connect with an American (Marlene) who has been teaching at Bilkent for 20 years and loves it. She has nothing but positive things to say. She has already helped me in so many ways. It is strange how you connect with someone just because they are from your country. They know the standard in the U.S. and how that compares to the country in which you are making your transition. It is amazing. They can also give you packing tips, services, etc. to make your transition smoother. Although we have not met yet, I am thankful for Marlene and I know she will be a huge support for me.
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| Concert Hall |
Here are some facts about Bilkent University I've learned so far:
- It was the first private university established in 1984.
- There are 1,000 on staff serving 13,000 students.
- There are FOUR Starbucks on campus!!
- Ranked #1 in Turkey.
- There are gyms and a lap pool on campus!
- Schools colors are red and blue (guess that is different from black and orange!)
- Tuition is nearly $10,000 a year.
- The university has an amazing symphony...guess I will have to dust off my flute.
I am currently waiting for my work visa, which should come in the next two to three weeks. In the meantime, I am teaching summer school for the next five weeks and going to Uganda for a month. Then, it will be back home and time to sell everything and pack. I have lots of things to sell, so I will be posting pictures of those things soon, once my visa is confirmed and I am good to go.
If you are interested in learning more about the program in which I am teaching you can find it at this
link. I'll be teaching in the Faculty of English Language.
