What's your name, and where are you from?
Charlotte - originally from Zambia, later moving to Kenya, and now settling in Cape Town, South Africa… But I choose to be a global soul.
What were you doing before you left to teach English abroad?
Before I began teaching abroad, I had just finished my A Levels and was probably the only person in my Year group who wanted to do something other than head straight off to do my Undergraduate degree.
Instead, I opted for a gap year.
I began Interning with a local organization in Nairobi, where I taught design classes and also began teaching part-time as a special education assistant for English and math.
What made you decide to leave life back home for the teaching abroad adventure?
There was no one specific reason to leave life back home. Rather, it was driven by a myriad of reasons.
The desire for exploration, personal growth, and cultural exchange.
I was ready for the next chapter of my life, and travel has always helped me discover what I'm looking for. In this case, teaching provided unique experiences for cultural and language exchange, opportunities for networking and upskilling.
The challenge of navigating unfamiliar territories and positively impacting students' lives was also a driver, as I was able to share my own culture and learn from my students.
Teaching abroad encompasses a rich tapestry of motivations, each contributing to a transformative and fulfilling experience.
How does teaching abroad compare to your other travel/ work abroad experiences?
Teaching abroad gives you an added cultural immersion that sometimes gets missed when you travel or work abroad.
Many students and teachers I've had the privilege of working alongside have given me advice on hidden gems to visit that are off the tourist track and made suggestions on foods, music, and adventures to try that I otherwise wouldn't have come across.
Also, teaching abroad allows you to create strong and impactful connections with communities and people from across the globe.
What made you pick Costa Rica?
I had always wanted to visit Costa Rica for several reasons: the surf, the culture, the history, and so much more. The opportunity came to me when I needed it most, and I just couldn't resist knocking another country off my bucket list. Plus, the organization was happy for my partner to travel with me, which was an added bonus.
What was it like arriving in the country? (Was there someone to meet you? What happened in your first couple of days?)
We arrived during COVID-19, so it was quite a nerve-wracking experience. But there had been a lot of pre-departure support that allowed me to get everything I needed in order.
Once I passed through immigration and collected my bags, I knew who was meeting me on the other side, and the host family taking me in for the next week.
Where did you teach exactly?
I taught online from the offices based in San Jose. With COVID restrictions still in place at the time, in-person classes were postponed, but it was still a great way to meet some other teachers and support staff.
What was great about this is that the company had multiple offices, so I spent half my time in Costa Rica and then half my time in Antigua, Guatemala.
What type of school did you teach at?
I taught through a private language school with several head offices in San Jose - Costa Rica, Antigua - Guatemala, and Lima - Peru.
What was your accommodation like there?
When I first arrived, I did a homestay with a lovely Costa Rican couple who had offered their home to the organization to host new teachers.
They were wonderful, very welcoming, super informative, and gave my partner and me lots of advice on places to visit, food to try, what to avoid, and how to find our way around.
What happened on a typical day?
On a typical working day, I taught 6 to 7 classes each day, depending on my schedule and any additional private tutoring classes I had.
The first set of classes started at 6 am to 7 am, with another class from 7 am to 8 am. The early morning classes were arranged so working adults could attend classes before leaving for work or during their commute.
Following this, there would be a 2 to 3-hour break for anything I needed to do, like breakfast and lesson planning, before the first tutoring sessions from approximately 11 am to 12 pm.
There would be a break for lesson planning and lunch before continuing with afternoon and evening classes.
The afternoon classes started from 3 pm to 6 pm, with an hour break before the final class at 7 pm and an occasional additional class at 8 pm. Most afternoon classes were with primary and high school children, with the evening classes with adults or advanced learners.
What were you most nervous about before going over? How do you feel about it now?
I travelled during the peak pandemic, which was a nerve-wracking experience.
Looking back on it now, family and friends supported me every step of the way, but more so by the organization that helped me through the process.
So, I will always be grateful to the support team for calming my nerves during that time.
What do you feel you learned/how do you feel you changed or grew since teaching abroad?
Teaching abroad taught me to be open-minded and adaptable when navigating different cultural norms and educational systems.
It was an opportunity to develop stronger problem-solving skills when faced with language barriers, classroom management challenges, and new teaching methodologies.
Interacting with diverse groups of students and colleagues also allowed me to enhance my cross-cultural communication skills and develop greater cultural sensitivity.
Living in a foreign country can always be daunting, but it encourages independence, self-reliance, and the ability to thrive in unfamiliar situations.
Overall, the experience of teaching abroad fostered a greater sense of global citizenship, self-confidence, and a broader perspective on the world.
Did you have the chance to travel during/after your teaching contract?
Yes, over the weekend, public holidays and vacation days there were plenty of opportunities to travel.
What were your favorite parts about living in Costa Rica and Italy?
Living in Costa Rica offers a unique blend of natural beauty and a relaxed "pura vida" lifestyle.
The country's breathtaking landscapes, including tropical rainforests, black sandy beaches and volcanoes, provided ample outdoor exploration and adventure opportunities.
Beyond its picturesque scenery, the warmth and friendliness of the locals, known as Ticos, created a welcoming atmosphere that allowed us to easily integrate into the community.
Costa Rica's commitment to ecotourism and sustainability through environmental conservation was also a massive appeal.
Italy, on the other hand, immerses you in a tapestry of cultural richness and incredible culinary delights. Its historic cities, iconic art and architecture, and ancient ruins make every corner a testament to its profound cultural heritage.
Italian cuisine was a daily pleasure, sometimes a little too much.
With its art, aesthetics, and leisurely appreciation, the Italian lifestyle encourages you to continuously engage in the present moment. This, coupled with the country's vibrant festivals and traditions, is unlike anything else and a great way to enjoy living there.
How easy is it to learn the local language and could you speak any before you arrived?
The company I was teaching offered language lessons, a great perk. I was also lucky enough to have my partner with me, who spoke Spanish, and many of the local people I met enjoyed helping me learn the language.
The best advice I can give is to try. Instead, try and fail, laugh at yourself, and learn!
Also, many locals would rather see you try than expect them to speak English.
What made you decide to work for TravelBud?
International travel and education are two things I am incredibly passionate about, both of which TravelBud prides itself on.
What are you most excited for in your new role as Support Coordinator?
I am most excited about working with a diverse group of passionate and like-minded people worldwide.
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