Reflections on Expatriate Life Across 40 Diverse Nations

I'm not sure how exactly we landed in different countries over time. It's a whirlwind of expat living; where exactly did the time slip away to? Well, here we stand today, having journeyed through over 40 countries (not to mention a multitude of islands and even Disneylands). 

Allow me to share the top two invaluable lessons I've garnered during my journey as a single mother of four: a once-expat teacher who now proudly wears the hat of an entrepreneur. In our contemporary world, everyone seems to bear a title such as a virtual teacher online for example.

The challenge now lies in crafting one that can encapsulate the essence of the question, "Who are you? What is your purpose?" Of course, each person's "top two" lessons will be as unique as their path. And, if you were to inquire tomorrow, I might present an entirely different top lesson. 

Yet, without a doubt, the following lessons I'm about to share are the ones I hold the most certainty about.

Get Lost 

The BEST way to get to know a city or have an exhilarating adventure happens by accident. Sure, make a plan, but if it goes wrong, you are in for an unforgettable adventure. I can't begin to tell you how many times this happened to us. I'm a good planner. I like to know what's going to happen and where we are headed. 

Through the years, after realizing "we are lost" has become un-scary, dare I say commonplace. Being lost, you are still surrounded by people who will help you, so it's not really "lost," is it? Off the top of my head, I've been lost in Tokyo, Paris, or somewhere in Kenya, but the scariest time was when I first started on my own as a teacher in Taipei, Taiwan. It began innocently enough. 

I headed to the bus stop. I was going to a museum about 30 minutes away. Could there be anything easier? Get on the bus and get off at the museum, a massive building that said, "museum." The danger wasn't getting lost; it was that the bus was careening through traffic like the bus in the movie, "Speed." After about 40 minutes, the massive museum never materialized. 

Getting off the bus, I was surrounded by people who didn't speak English. I was forced to try my Taiwanese language skills without Google Translate or a phone to guide my whereabouts or language. I felt like I grew up that day like I could do anything. So, get lost.  

Taking activities for developing reading skills in foreign languages are good practices in case you want to make sure you know where you are.

That was by myself. With kids, there is a whole new level of anxiety. I've been lost walking with them. Being lost with kids means a lot of stops that lead to other stops. It's like a domino effect. One of the kids has to use the potty, which is next to a bakery (or a 7-11). My job as a motivator was to recognize what was needed, and when. Water won't motivate, but a Sprite will. An apple won't motivate, but that pack of gum will do the trick. 

You are lost after all, and they are not going to make your life easy unless you turn walking down a busy, bustling, hot street into a game. My kids are older now, but my habit of knowing who needs what and when still holds, even when we are not lost. In fact, being a virtual teacher online helps keep this habit at a healthy level.

Be Uncomfortable

I fear water. It's my biggest fear. Picturing myself on a cruise in the middle of the ocean scares me! All the deep, dark water down below. I was about 22 when I started diving. I actually thought I was signing up for a dive "class." 

To me, that meant sitting in a classroom learning theory. I wouldn't actually be going out into the water. At least, that is what my friends told me (as a way to get me to do this with them). I could have quit that first day when the instructor outlined the next few weeks of class. I didn't quit. I did it. And actually, I kept doing these things, pushing my comfort to the limit and then pushing it further. It became a habit. 

The next thing I know, I'm swimming with sharks, watching a manta ray glide above me, and staring down at the endless Marianas Trench. 

Getting Lost and Uncomfortable Altogether

As anyone who travels or does not know, these aren't the most desirable aspirations. But the exhilaration that follows, after "being found" and the discomfort melting into joy, its habit forming. 

As a virtual teacher for online sessions, I can say this: Give it a try if you can. I'm not sure getting lost is an option anymore with all the tech we have; it's worth a try, though.

Achieve Expatriate Life with Ease

I hope this helps open some new ways for you in viewing life experience as someone living as an expat or not. If you would like to inquire further or plan an interactive learning course, don’t hesitate to reach me out.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1.) What is the meaning of virtual teacher?

Virtual teachers conduct their teaching and necessary learning activities through online platforms and services. They use various digital tools to keep students engaged and deliver education efficiently.

2.) What is a virtual method of teaching?

Virtual teaching, as aforementioned, utilizes different digital platforms, software, and tools to deliver lessons and activities to students remotely. Virtual teaching methods commonly use live video conferencing and interactive media presentations. 

3.) Is online teaching more effective?

Both traditional and online teaching methods have different results and progress. There are some situations and scenarios where online teaching success relies on the activeness and progress of the student’s participation.