There are a lot of things I need to think about. The first thing I would have to do is find out if my work would even allow me to do it. Also, if I did leave work for an extended absence would there be a position open to me when I return. Well, I looked at my contract. The answer to this is YES! I can have an extended absence for up to 2 years if I am working abroad as a teacher. To confirm this answer even more I would have to get in touch with Human Resources to find out if the program I am currently using (Geovisions) would qualify as an acceptable program. I really just need to work out all the logistics to confirm if the YES is really a YES!
The next step would be to figure out my home. I bought my condo a little under 3 years ago. I would not want to sell it because it is an investment which means I would have to find a renter for the entire year. If I get a renter, then I need to find a renter that will be respectful of my property. I would have to find a place to store my furniture and items, or rent the place as furnished.
I would also have to acquire a VISA since I would be in Italy for more than 90 days. In order to have the VISA, I am guessing I would have to have my work all lined up with the paperwork to prove it. Michela has already said that she would help me out in finding paid work. The plan is for me to teach English at Gregorio's school in Ravenna, which is where the family lives during the school year. She knows many families who are want their children to learn English, so this could be a really good possibility.
As you can see, I already thought about some pretty big things. I have a bunch of other things written down (car, bills, etc). I am sure I am missing a thing or two, so if you can think of something let me know. Now, I just need to decide whether or not I should go. There are a lot of pros and cons to this.
PROs
I would learn Italian.
It is a once in lifetime opportunity.
I would still have a job when I returned home.
I would meet new people.
I would have new experiences.
CONs
No family.
No close friends.
No English speaking people.
No guarantee on anything.
I am giving myself to October to finish my list of pros and cons. I will decide if this is really what I want to do. I think making a decision here in Italy is definitely a little rash. By waiting until I get home and back into my routine of things, I can decide if I can really live out of the country for one year. I would live in Italy from July 2012 through July 2013.
If I really think about it... it's only 1 year. What's 1 year? I know a lot of things will change, and I would have to be OK with that. Can I be OK with the changes? What do you think I should do? Should I move to Italy?
Mags -- it is a once in a lifetime opportunity -- I say go for it! If you can take a leave from work here, have a paying job there, and can work out all the other details -- wow!! What an experience you would have -- and what a story to tell your grandchildren one day! :)
ReplyDeleteOhmygoodness, I can't believe this opportunity has presented itself!! I think you will know in your heart whether or not you'd like to do it. The "pros" and "cons" list works well *in theory* but really, you will know without the list. I have a few more thoughts re: your condo + car, but I won't post here. Look for an e-mail from me shortly! :)
ReplyDeleteWow!! I think it's a great opportunity. I'm not sure about this, but I think the county will hold your position, but not necessarily at Mt. View. But, if you're teaching abroad it could be a different story. Sounds like you're having an amazing time. I think you should go for it!!
ReplyDeleteOctavia--I think you are definitely right. It would be like coming back from any leave. I would get placed wherever there is an opening in the county.
ReplyDeleteI just KNEW that this family was going to give you the opportunity of a lifetime! Didn't I tell you they would want you to stay (although I said they'd want you work for their company)??? I say go for it! Change is GREAT! There may never be another time when you are offered such an amazing opportunity--and a year in a country filled with gorgeous Italian men!!
ReplyDeleteThe nice thing is that I will have a few months back in the states to really make a decision about whether or not I will go for a year. If I go for a year it would be Summer 2012-Summer 2013... so I have some time!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you have PLENTY of time to think this decision over, but honestly...if you can make everything here in the states work the way you'd like them to- then why not?! You have an amazing opportunity in front of you right now and you should take it! Not every one would get this opportunity and to have everything still waiting for you when you come back is an additional PLUS! I'm so jealous of you right now! But let me know b/c if you do...I'M SAVING MONEY AND COMING TO SEE YOU!!! <3 Love you cuz! SO happy for you!
ReplyDeleteYou know I will support whatever you decide...but I selfishly like the idea of coming back to the states to make a final decision. I can only take so many vacancies a year!!
ReplyDeleteSeriously, what an opportunity! A year abroad is great and a year in Italy--well the food, the culture, the vineyards, the people, the history, so much would truly make that a very special education!
Thanks for your support Kathy! You don't have to worry for at least a year. I am definitely coming back to work this year, and I will make my decision sometime in the fall. I am absolutely falling in love with Italia!
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