WHY?
1. Derek and I have always dreamt of teaching abroad. We had assumed it was something that we would do when our kids where in middle school or even in college. After talking to several friends of ours that have taken the International Teaching plunge, we realized that NOW is the time to travel the world with our children. Now, before they have clubs and athletic commitments. Now, before they have a group of friends that they can't live without. Now, when language acquisition is natural and far easier than it will be for us. Now, while they are young, is the time to do it.2. Finances. I won't bore you with the details, but we will be able to save more money working in Vietnam than we could ever dream of saving here. If we look at childcare alone, we currently spend close to $1600 per month on daycare. (That's ALMOST as much as I make.) In Ho Chi Minh, Owen will go to Pre-Kindergarten (free of charge for teachers), and Oliver will have a full time nanny who comes to our house for $400 per month. Oh, and she will also do all our cleaning and laundry.
3. More quality time with our children. Did you see that about the cleaning and laundry? Yes? We will also be able to hire a cook. If I look at how much time I spend on the weekends cleaning, doing laundry, grocery shopping, and cooking, it's a wonder I have any time left with the boys at all. And after school everyday, the first thing I do is cook dinner. In Vietnam, I will not have to do any of that. Seriously. I will have evenings and weekends to completely dedicate myself to being Mom.
4. Expanding our careers. Derek has been in education for 7 years already, and I have been teaching at the same school for 6 years. We are ready for a new, exciting challenge. We both still love teaching and are passionate about what we do, but we need opportunity for growth. Teaching at the American Academy will provide both of us with exciting new challenges.
How?
One of Derek's colleagues at his current school searched long and hard for an International Principal position at a great school. When he started at the International School of Ho Chi Minh City American Academy, he was asked if he knew of any good math, tech, or social studies teachers that might be interested is going with him. He passed the information on to Derek. We both loved the idea and sent our resumes to the school the very next day. We interviewed via Skype a few days later, and we were offered the positions on the spot. We took a few days to really discuss the details and make up our miss before we told our families. We emailed the superintendent back and formally accepted the positions with a two year contract.
When?
We leave in July. Yup. That soon. Don't worry, we will come visit for a few weeks next summer. (We get a flight home each year as part of our salary.)
Where?
We will be teaching at the ISHCMC American Academy. It is in District 2 of Ho Chi Minh City, formally known as Saigon.
That about sums it up. If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask!
