Introduction to Venezuela: Week 1
Hello World!
I know there are so many people wondering what in the world I'm doing in South America. Well, I made a promise to myself after I studied abroad that, before I "settle down", I will teach abroad.
So...
Because of my unbelievably supportive boyfriend Seth and my family who are worried every minute of the day--and I'm sure even in the middle of the night, I have taken a 5th grade teaching position at Escuela Bella Vista (EBV), an IB American school in Maracaibo, Venezuela. In the middle of my first year of teaching as an ESOL teacher, I applied to all of the international schools that offered positions through my account on ISS. I took this job because of two teachers who have been working at EBV for 5 years. They said three things that made my decision pretty clear:
"Here I actually get to teach, I feel supported in my decisions, and adore working with Ms. Gomez. She is very supportive of our decisions we make as teachers and always open to new ideas. Our class sizes are small and we have full-time assistants in our classrooms to help with numerous things.
"Escuela Buella Vista (EBV) is a school that prides itself on being supportive to foreign hires. Whether it is support at home or in the classroom, the school has the resources to help you with your needs. The elementary prinicipal, Dulce Gomez, is an excellent leader. She has teaching experience and has been a great mentor to me. She is easy to talk to and is very accommodating when needed."
And regarding safety, "I am platinum blonde and american and have been here 5 years. In fact the majority of americans are blonde. I am not sure where that info came from but I feel it's the complete opposite. I have never had that as an issue nor has anyone I have known."
And with that, I became one of 9 new foreign hires at EBV.
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My first week in Maracaibo has been pretty structured. We were picked up at the airport by our superintended (Todd), elementary (Ms. Gomez) and secondary (Stacey) principals, and EBV security. Our bags were sent to our apartments, and we all went to Ms. Gomez's apartment for snacks (cheese, ham, bread, croissants) and drinks. She brought us back to our apartments afterward.
I have to unlock a total of 6 locks to get into my apartment. Do I feel safe? Yes, completely. I have a beautifully remodeled apartment, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, an office, living room and kitchen. I do wish I had someone to share it with though!! The city is hard to describe, definitely underdeveloped, and you rarely see people walking on the streets--even during the day. I do not walk anywhere, we have taxis that are hired through EBV that pick us up, take us grocery shopping, etc. Because I have only seen the city through glass windows, I haven't been able to get my bearings of where things are.
Everyone we have met thus far has been lovely and helpful. They have really been looking out for us, reaching out to us and taking us to their favorite spots.
The currency (Bolivares (Bs)) and exchange rate have been extremely confusing for me! Although it is changing every day, it is about 600 Bs to $1. It is very obvious that I am American--most people stare like they have never seen one before, and many take pictures too (lol)! Hopefully I will be able to blend soon! My Spanish is slowly getting better, and I am going to push myself until I can actually have a conversation with a local! It is most difficult when I am in a grocery store or restaurant, because I don't know how to ask specific questions, or answer questions that are asked to me. I have learned that "permiso" means excuse me, and when I order things I start by saying "yo quiero"... I'll get there! Venezuelans speak SUPER fast.
Yesterday we had a pool day! These are some of the new hires. They are all super nice, 4 of us are from the US and the other 4 are from Canada. But to Venezuelans, we are all American!
Tonight I used the oven for the first time. I was pretty terrified, but it turned out OK. I made smashed potatoes (thanks mom), but I only had salt and EVOO-- I haven't been able to find pepper, spices, or Olive Oil yet. Finding things gets tricky here; one day they are here and the next they're gone!
Tomorrow is the first day I will get to meet all of the returning teachers, and the teaching assistants. This week will be filled with organizing and planning for the first days of school. I can hardly wait!!
Missing you all greatly. Ciao for now!
I know there are so many people wondering what in the world I'm doing in South America. Well, I made a promise to myself after I studied abroad that, before I "settle down", I will teach abroad.
So...
Because of my unbelievably supportive boyfriend Seth and my family who are worried every minute of the day--and I'm sure even in the middle of the night, I have taken a 5th grade teaching position at Escuela Bella Vista (EBV), an IB American school in Maracaibo, Venezuela. In the middle of my first year of teaching as an ESOL teacher, I applied to all of the international schools that offered positions through my account on ISS. I took this job because of two teachers who have been working at EBV for 5 years. They said three things that made my decision pretty clear:
"Here I actually get to teach, I feel supported in my decisions, and adore working with Ms. Gomez. She is very supportive of our decisions we make as teachers and always open to new ideas. Our class sizes are small and we have full-time assistants in our classrooms to help with numerous things.
"Escuela Buella Vista (EBV) is a school that prides itself on being supportive to foreign hires. Whether it is support at home or in the classroom, the school has the resources to help you with your needs. The elementary prinicipal, Dulce Gomez, is an excellent leader. She has teaching experience and has been a great mentor to me. She is easy to talk to and is very accommodating when needed."
And regarding safety, "I am platinum blonde and american and have been here 5 years. In fact the majority of americans are blonde. I am not sure where that info came from but I feel it's the complete opposite. I have never had that as an issue nor has anyone I have known."
And with that, I became one of 9 new foreign hires at EBV.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My first week in Maracaibo has been pretty structured. We were picked up at the airport by our superintended (Todd), elementary (Ms. Gomez) and secondary (Stacey) principals, and EBV security. Our bags were sent to our apartments, and we all went to Ms. Gomez's apartment for snacks (cheese, ham, bread, croissants) and drinks. She brought us back to our apartments afterward.
I have to unlock a total of 6 locks to get into my apartment. Do I feel safe? Yes, completely. I have a beautifully remodeled apartment, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, an office, living room and kitchen. I do wish I had someone to share it with though!! The city is hard to describe, definitely underdeveloped, and you rarely see people walking on the streets--even during the day. I do not walk anywhere, we have taxis that are hired through EBV that pick us up, take us grocery shopping, etc. Because I have only seen the city through glass windows, I haven't been able to get my bearings of where things are.
Everyone we have met thus far has been lovely and helpful. They have really been looking out for us, reaching out to us and taking us to their favorite spots.
The currency (Bolivares (Bs)) and exchange rate have been extremely confusing for me! Although it is changing every day, it is about 600 Bs to $1. It is very obvious that I am American--most people stare like they have never seen one before, and many take pictures too (lol)! Hopefully I will be able to blend soon! My Spanish is slowly getting better, and I am going to push myself until I can actually have a conversation with a local! It is most difficult when I am in a grocery store or restaurant, because I don't know how to ask specific questions, or answer questions that are asked to me. I have learned that "permiso" means excuse me, and when I order things I start by saying "yo quiero"... I'll get there! Venezuelans speak SUPER fast.
Yesterday we had a pool day! These are some of the new hires. They are all super nice, 4 of us are from the US and the other 4 are from Canada. But to Venezuelans, we are all American!
Tonight I used the oven for the first time. I was pretty terrified, but it turned out OK. I made smashed potatoes (thanks mom), but I only had salt and EVOO-- I haven't been able to find pepper, spices, or Olive Oil yet. Finding things gets tricky here; one day they are here and the next they're gone!
Tomorrow is the first day I will get to meet all of the returning teachers, and the teaching assistants. This week will be filled with organizing and planning for the first days of school. I can hardly wait!!
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| Essentially my home for the next year. :) |
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| Beautiful school grounds. |
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