It was only a few months ago when I realized was ready for a change. I didn't even know what I wanted but I knew I wanted to go somewhere. All my life I have dreamed about moving somewhere, anywhere really, abroad once I graduated from college. But, of course, life happens and dreams are pushed aside. When I graduated from college in May 2016, I told myself I would someday go somewhere and see more of the world as more than just a tourist.
Everything changed this past summer - eagerness and determination started to creep in and I couldn't stop thinking about that promise I made with myself. I wanted, or maybe even needed, to step outside my comfort zone. So I started brainstorming. I started thinking about where I could go and when. At first, I thought I would give myself a year to figure out the details and take my time with such a big decision but the more I researched, the more eager I became. After much thought I decided on Barcelona, Spain for so many reasons: a different culture and way of life, the weather, a large expat community, and more. But then, it came down to what could I do there? My Spanish speaking ability is a work in progress so I knew I was at a disadvantage. I decided to look into teaching English as I have heard wonderful stories from friends and acquaintances and knew if I was motivated, I would succeed.
That's when I came across OxbridgeTEFL and booked a Skype interview. After a conversation about the TEFL program, I knew it would be a perfect fit. It would give me the opportunity to obtain my TEFL Certificate and thereafter work in a community of other English teachers while also being freelance/autonoma. Within a week of receving confirmation of my placement in the OxbridgeTEFL course, I booked my plane ticket! At that point, there was no turning back. The idea of me moving to another country felt like a dream - I seriously felt as though my moving day would never arrive! But the months turned into weeks and the weeks turned into days... before I knew it, the time I had left to be with my friends and family was coming to an end. Finally, October 24th arrived and it was time for me to hop on the plane!
My first few weeks in Barcelona felt like a vacation despite the TEFL course load and my busy schedule. I was and still am constantly meeting new people, visitng new places, and learning so much about my new home but it was the best way to fight any possibility of homesickness or doubt of my decision. Now that it has been a couple of months and I am settled, I can officially say it was the right decision and I haven't looked back since. Some days I wake up and cannot believe (in the best way possible) that I am here in a different country living a completely new life. It's amazing what stepping out of your comfort zone can bring into your life. And it's just the beginning!