I’m speaking mostly from personal experience when I say that if you want to learn a foreign language, the only real way to do so is to go to a country that speaks that language and immerse yourself in it. Of course, I’m sure there’s plenty of conflicting research with lengthy lists of teaching methodologyContinue reading “What’s the best way to learn a foreign language?”
Author Archives: That Hippie Looking Chick
Pros and Cons of Cruises
Mexico was my first experience abroad, but it wasn’t the first time I flew in an airplane. My first time in an airplane was when I went on my honeymoon to hop aboard a Carnival Cruise. The novelty of flying has definitely worn off since then. Cruises are a great way to travel for some,Continue reading “Pros and Cons of Cruises”
Are mission trips just modern-day colonialism?
In 2002, I went to another country for the first time. I was in my teens and quite passionate about religion. I joined my church on a mission trip to Reynosa, Mexico. Sadly, I have few pictures of the trip, but my favorite one is of me interacting with a little Mexican boy. From that firstContinue reading “Are mission trips just modern-day colonialism?”
My First Arab Wedding
Since arriving in the Middle East it’s been a goal of mine to go to an Arab wedding. I had heard they’re huge, exciting, and go on all night. I finally got my opportunity when a friend from Yemen mentioned a friend of a friend of his sister’s friend was having a wedding. I askedContinue reading “My First Arab Wedding”
How I Saved Hundreds by Getting Dental Work Abroad
When I started my teaching job in Saudi Arabia, one of the first things I did was go to the dentist. I knew I had at least one cavity, but it never occurred to me that I’d have seven. I was horrified when the dentist told me. He asked me why I hadn’t gotten themContinue reading “How I Saved Hundreds by Getting Dental Work Abroad”
Getting Eye Surgery in the Middle East
I had wanted to get eye surgery for years, but I told myself to pay off debts first and really do my research. So after paying off the student loans and credit card debt, I decided now was the time to get my vision corrected. I thought I could save some money getting the surgeryContinue reading “Getting Eye Surgery in the Middle East”
My Week in Dubai
After hearing all the hype about Dubai from my Saudi students, I decided to bite the bullet and take a trip to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. I went during the Eid break, so naturally, it was full of tourists, but I’m under the impression, it’s probably like this all the time. Dubai isContinue reading “My Week in Dubai”
Gardening in the Middle East
I love the expat life. You meet a lot of interesting people and you get to go to a lot of interesting places, but there are things back home I miss. I miss my independence. I miss seasons. And I especially miss gardening. I’m from the Midwest and gardening was a big part of myContinue reading “Gardening in the Middle East”
Red flags to watch out for when applying to teach abroad
When I decided to come teach English in Saudi Arabia for a year I was anticipating a lot of culture shock. Things are very different here: It’s illegal for women to drive. (at least it was when I was there!!!) I’m often stared at everywhere I go even when I’m wearing a hijab and abaaya.Continue reading “Red flags to watch out for when applying to teach abroad”
Bahrain: The Saudi Playground
Every Thursday afternoon the causeway connecting Bahrain to Saudi Arabia is filled with gridlocked vehicles anxiously making their way to freedom. They’ll wait for 2 to 4 hours, sometimes more depending on how busy the border is, but even just a day or two of freedom makes the trip worth it. And it’s not justContinue reading “Bahrain: The Saudi Playground”