haha, I'm not "AfraidToAsk" this, but I wanted some incite anyway.
I turn twenty this February (as I'm sure anyone who has seen my profile, and can subtract could know).
Let me run through some personality facts:
1: I have wanted to be a teacher since 1st grade. I was a student Aide during high school. I am taking education classes in college. I volunteer for teachers for education service hours. I love teaching, and Pretty sure, at this point, it shouldn't be changing. I've explored other fields, and taken classes in them, and have always returned to teaching. (gotta explore before you decide)
2: I've always wanted to live outside the United States. Not some fancy European country, but pull a Canada (or other English country), or something. Just to be a little more rounded, and to be honest, I'm kinda disgusted with the US Government. (young, inexperienced: College liberal bastard) :smile:
3: I finish my Associates in Arts (with emphasis in Education) this spring.
Through talking with some internet friends (yeah, grain of salt), I became interested in Australia.
I've bought and read numerous books, and requested boat loads of information.
I found a program where I can get an Aussie student visa, work 20 hours a week, still use US federal loans, and even get Australian grants to become a teacher.
The culture intrigues me immensely, the weather sounds lovely, and except the abundance of human killing animals, sounds wonderful (again, grain of salt).
I've read a lot of negative things, however, none of them seem to have turned me off from the idea.
I've read books by Australians, by American immigrants to Australia, and gotten educational info.
I have a liaison I've been in contact with, helping me through the process, and if I continue, I could start school in Canberra, Australia in July, seeking a degree in Middle School teaching (which qualifies me for K - 10th grade)
Teachers in Australia make around 48k USD starting (almost 20k more than American Teachers)
Also, cost of living in Australia is only 76 cents for every American dollar (according to the CIA World Factbook) (that means cheaper)
My great grandfather left home from Sweden in 1915 at the age of 17. Shouldn't I be ready?
My main question is:
Is this a sweet deal, the opportunity of a lifetime I've always wanted?
Or am I just some stupid inexperienced brat, ready to toss away his life for a silly dream?