Frequently Asked Questions

But... why?

Beginning around January, I began to consider teaching abroad after graduating from my master's program. I have wanted to live abroad for years, but have been held back by concerns about employment, finances, and community; however, the longer the thought lingered— I could actually make this happen! And soon!— I began to realize that next year might be the time to act on this long-held bucket list item. There have been a few things going in my personal life in the past year which have made me feel increasingly antsy for a change of scenery and an adventure, and the more I pursued job opportunities both in the U.S. and in selected countries abroad, the stronger I began to suspect that if I could find a situation that worked for me in another country, I should take it. 

When I researched this position in Guatemala, I realized that the situation fit certain criteria on which I wasn't willing to budge— the country is Spanish-speaking; I will be a lead teacher in an English-speaking elementary classroom, and thus (I hope!) will not be at a significant disadvantage when looking for lead teaching positions in the States upon returning; the school serves primarily low-income students from the local community; the community is reasonably safe— and Guatemala, though not a destination I'd specifically had on my eye on, has always seemed interesting to me. 

Ultimately, I made the decision to go after letting the idea marinate for a while. I can't explain the totality of this logic, some of which is relatable, explicit, and thought-out, and some of which is rooted only in vaguely identifiable facets of experience and self-knowledge, which I can't chalk up to anything more external or universal than a gut sense. It seemed like the right thing to do, and now— at a time in my life when I feel at once less rooted and more qualified, personally and professionally, for this journey than ever— is the right time to do it.


So do you speak Spanish?

Yes, I speak Spanish decently, though not fluently. (Due to my time living with a host family in western Argentina, though, I speak an Argentine— not Guatemalan— dialect of the language.) I aim to be completely fluent (in Guatemalan Spanish) by this time next year.


...and Kaqchikel, the predominant indigenous language spoken in the Lake Atitlán region?

No, but that is a remarkably informed question. (I do hope I learn at least a little of this language, though.)


What will your students be like?

As far as I know, the school serves mostly economically disadvantaged local children, most of whom will enter my classroom speaking and understanding only indigenous Mayan languages. My understanding is that a handful of my students will speak other languages (mostly Spanish and English) at home. The Spanish speakers will largely be children of Spanish-speaking Guatemalans (many of whom will identify as Guatemalan of Spanish, not Mayan, descent); the English speakers will likely be the children of Americans and Europeans living in the town. As with everything concerning my notions of the school, the town, and the likely outlines of my life there, however, these preconceptions may prove to be totally incorrect.


So, will you be living in a dorm or what?

I will be living in an apartment building with other American teachers from the school.


Have you been to Guatemala before?

Nope! Aside from a bizarre evening spent in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico in 2004, I've never been to Central America before. 


I assume you're bringing Cipro with you.

Am I ever!


Are you excited?

Absolutely!


Are you scared?

Absolutely!*


(*Note: My next blog post, on traveling, danger, and fear, will go into this in much greater detail.)