Expat Heather Moves to Vietnam
There are two reasons why I have not been keeping up this blog:
The above photo is taken from the web cam on the day the movers came to get our stuff that’s being shipped to Vietnam. We think it’s about 5 cubic meters.
We got in the job search a bit late, starting in March after most of the major international teaching job fairs had already taken place. I was able to reactivate my Search Associates membership to get logged into the SEARCH database of schools and open teaching positions. We sent out about a dozen applications to schools all over the world, and within two weeks we’d made the decision to work and live in Ho Chi Minh City.
Vietnam hadn’t really been on our radar, but now that we’ve had a few months to prepare we’re pretty excited about the move. I’ll be teaching secondary English, and Duarte will be teaching secondary Math.
The school is involved with a Syracuse University program called SUPA (Syracuse University Project Advance) that allows high school students to take certin Syracuse University college courses for credit during high school. Tomorrow I’ll be leaving for Syracuse where I’ll attend a training program to become an adjunct professor of Syracuse University. After that I’ll drive back to eastern MA and our family will catch a flight to Saigon the next day!
We’ve already made arrangements to rent a house near the school and have hired a nanny for Gabriel. Because the Syracuse training is so late in the summer, we’ll only have six days in Vietnam before faculty orientation states. Eek!
Before we knew I’d be going to Syracuse we’d planned to arrive a month early to get Gabriel settled with the nanny and do house hunting. Due to the change of plans we wanted to do whatever we could so that when we arrive we can get settled and get Gabriel into a routine quickly. Last time we did long-haul travel with him, he took two days each way to adjust to the time change. I’m hoping we can all get over the jet lag quickly again this time!
I’m hoping once we get to Vietnam and have more help around the house I’ll be able to keep up with this blog more so we can share photos, stories and useful information about life in Ho Chi Minh City.
Thanks for reading!
Heather, I’m thrilled for you and your family! I know you’re the right person to make the most of this opportunity. Happy travels and do blog when you get settled. It’s going to be very interesting.
Jill
Thanks Jill!
Safe travels! (and respect for some mad packing skills)
Thanks Richard! Trying to pack with a toddler was a new experience. Gabriel wanted to help with everything. We had to give him his own roll of packaging tape and marker (with the cap on) so he could pretend to tape and label boxes. He also spend a lot of time dragging bags and bins up and down the hallway (cause that’s what Mama and Pappa were doing, right?) and putting things in and out of boxes. I’m sure we’ll find a few surprises in there, such as half-eaten crackers or withered grapes.
You’re going to have a fabulous time, and it’s going to be a great experience for Gabriel too!
Thanks Mary!
You are amazing! Such an inspiration. Good luck.
Thanks Tasha! I’m busy now figuring out what books I’d like to teach for grades 7, 11 and 12 and hoping what I pick can get shipped to Vietnam before classes start. I’m planning a semester of creative writing, focused on non-fiction, for the upperclassmen. Have you been able to do much writing lately?
So fun! I’m sooo excited for you guys. Vietnam is an awesome country and you’ll be in a great place for exploring so many fantastic countries! Can’t wait to hear all of the exciting stories to come.
I am kind of new to your blog, but super excited for you! I really do enjoy reading all that you have to share. I found your articles on MatadorNetwork and they linked to your blog here. I am excited to read more about life in Vietnam!=)
Thanks Rukhpar! I don’t write as often as I used to before baby came along, but I still have lists of things to write that will someday get written and blogged about. : )
Wow! Big move. I hadn’t seen this. I hope it’s a great experience for you, and watch out for those ladies who want to kiss your toddler (I read the spolier first). Mmmm, people in Vietnam (and I already know someone in Laos). Sounds pretty appealing for a visit!
Eileen, we do have a guest room if you’re ever in HCMC. : )
Hi Heather
I read your blog on International Teaching on the matador network site. It was super helpful ! I have a question regarding non Americans getting the MTEL licence. I am Canadian and looking to take the test, but I am not sure if they issue licences to people who aren’t US citizens ? Thanks !
Agatha
I’m not sure. Best to contact the Massachusetts Dept of Education to find out.