March 25, 2009

This is my first time blogging, so sorry if this doesn't look great. I'm starting this blog as a way to communicate information about my trip to Taiwan in August of this year, and later, as a way to keep in touch with friends and family and update everyone on what is going on.

First, in January of this year, a friend forwarded me information on teaching ESL in Taiwan through the Department of Education. I was hesitant to fill out the application, but I was having a quarter life crisis, and needed a change. I filled out the application, asked for references and mailed everything in at the end of January.

The third week of February, I received an email from the Indiana Department of Education saying I had been accepted to the program and I would be living and teaching in Taiwan from August 2009 to July 2010!

After stressing out about telling my family about my new endeavor (and breaking out in shingles in the process), I bravely told my parents and the rest of my family. To my relief, they were all very supportive.

Now I am starting the process of obtaining a passport, a work visa, and educating myself on the culture of Taiwan. It has been very interesting so far, and I can't wait to share more about this experience!