11/19:
I had my interview with Casey Glade this morning. It went just fine. He asked me how my group was doing, and I told him the vague truth: we’ve had some drama in our group, but most things had been worked out. He asked if there was anything else that might blow up soon. I informed Casey that I wasn’t acutely involved in any of the drama going around, and so I wasn’t sure what is going to come of it.
He asked me how I liked my experience in China, and I raved about it. I admitted that there have been some challenges, but the good definitely outweighs the bad. I love the culture and the people and my students—I went on and on about my students. (I really like China lately, so it was an opportune time to discuss it with the director of ILP.) Casey seemed impressed and asked me whether I was considering working with ILP again; I told him that I was definitely considering the possibility but I wasn’t sure when it would actually happen.
After my interview, we had a group meeting where Casey answered our questions and talked about ILP and all that it has to offer. I found out that ILP has summer camps in Ukraine and in the States, the latter of which works with transfer students from China, Ukraine and Russia. There is no cost for these programs except for travel expenses to the program—like flights to Ukraine. It sounds interesting, since it’s less teaching and more activities with the kids, like boating, hiking, camping, Disneyland, etc. Plus, teachers get paid for their services.
Casey talked about head teaching and how ILP is always looking for more. It caused me to seriously consider and question my reasoning behind not wanting to return with ILP. A head teacher’s program fee is waived, plus they live on a stipend of $1,200. As I’ve researched other international opportunities, none is so…obviously reasonable. I found that orphanage in India that’s free to volunteer at but you still have to pay to get there—and international flights are absurdly expensive, probably close to the usual ILP program fee.
Returning with ILP as a Head Teacher sounds and feels right. I decided to think on it.
For lunch, Maren, Kailey, Scott and I got Muslim food—delicious! Kailey and Scott are so funny and sweet; I adore them. They’re such a cute couple.
Maren and I left to catch a bus to the Weihai Frame, which is a gigantic statue of two hands holding a frame. It’s to remind people to recall and ponder the spirit of the sea, as well as the past, present, and future of Weihai. The Frame is just one of many sculptures along the coast of Half Moon Bay; Maren and I enjoyed exploring the immaculately-kept pathways and gardens that followed the coastline. It was obvious by the landscaping and fancy lantern posts that this area is a popular tourist area. The chilly sea breeze was strong, freezing us to our cores and numbing our noses and fingers, but the sun was out and it was a clear day. Weihai is very beautiful on clear, sunny days. We even found a lighthouse we want to explore when we have more time.
We caught a taxi that took us to the wholesale market (I copied the characters from a paper Kelly had provided us—I can write in Chinese!), where we shopped for a few hours. I went back to my favorite shop—the one where I bought my traditional Chinese dress (pinyin: cheongsam)—with awesome traditional Chinese items, most of which seem homemade.
The store had huge scroll paintings for inexpensive, too, and if I have enough money once I return from Jinan I will buy one for myself. I needed to save what money I had brought with me that day for my next adventure.
Maren accompanied me to the hairdresser to get more pink in my hair. My streaks had faded quite a bit and I wanted bright pink streaks. I wanted my streaks to be a bit wider, too.
Those hairdressers love us. One of the females actually had a pink streak in her hair, which I’m sure was inspired by all the Americans wanting pink in their hair. We all tried to communicate, which was difficult but we somehow managed. They loved Maren’s camera and iPod. I was able to tell them that we returned to the States on the nineteenth (shi jio) of December (shi er yue); I was so proud of myself. I had my notebook with various words in it, and they took it and leafed through it. They found where I had written and rewritten my Chinese name, Rui Ting/ and told me it was beautiful. When I went to pay, I was told it was 60 yuan, but the flamer hairdresser (my favorite guy) told me it was only 50 because I was his friend. What a sweetheart!
The pink is awesome, and super bright. I’m not sure if it will fade as I wash it more, but right now it’s very bright pink. If I part my hair like I usually do, it’s more peek-a-boo coloring; I also discovered that if I part my hair on the other side, the pink goes all over and it’s very obvious. It’s super cool! I’m not sure how prospective employers will like it, but I love it. It’s not a reflection of my rebelliousness—it’s just fun and fashionable, I think.
While Maren and I had the whole day together, we had plenty of time to talk and discuss life and head teaching. I decided it’s what I want to do. I talked to Marie (I like her more than Cami) and she’s excited for me and pleased to hear my plans. I asked her about Ukraine, where she had her first teaching experience, and where I really want to go, and she raved on and on about it. She saw castles, the Black Sea, Poland and the concentration camps…. That’s another thing about Ukraine: I can travel to Poland, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary and Romania. Talk about incredible!
I applied for a head teaching position for the Fall 2012 and Spring 2013 semester. I’ll copy and paste the email I sent to my parents, as it includes most of the information:
Dear parents,
I just thought you should know that I spoke with Casey, the ILP director, and my head teachers and friends here and I have felt the impression that I need to pursue a future with ILP and become a Head Teacher. ILP pays all travel, food and board expenses for head teachers, including a stipend of $1,100. Tonight, I applied for a head teacher position for Fall 2012 in any of the countries offered (China, Russia, Ukraine, Thailand, and Mexico) because I really don't have a preference, though I did say I'd prefer southern China if they assign me here again. I also applied for a head teacher position for the Spring 2013 semester: it's longer (five months) and I applied for Ukraine. Ukraine was initially my runner up choice behind China this semester, and Marie has so many incredible stories about her experience there; I would want more time there than the Fall semester offers (3 1/2 months). Ukraine teachers can travel to other amazing places: http://www.ilp.org/travel/
I applied for both semesters mostly for this reason: I know I want to go to Ukraine, and the Spring semester seems more logical. However, I don't know how well I readjust to living in the States and before long I may be itching to get outta there and go international again, and having the Fall semester will allow me to do that. I will do both semesters and two more countries. Nevertheless, if the time approaches and I don't feel like leaving in the fall is a good idea, I'm allowed to drop out.
I know I told you I didn't want to do ILP again, but having thought about it, I recognize that it's actually a great opportunity. I get paid to live internationally and I'm completely qualified to do so. I don't have to pay a cent out of my pocket unless I want to. Hopefully, I can get a job when I return to the States in a month and so I can save up anyway.
I just thought you'd be interested in this news. I'm ridiculously excited!
I love you so much!
Jillian
I applied before telling my parents. However, I had the feeling they would support me, since they love international opportunities. It may not be exactly what I want to do, which is work in an orphanage in Africa or India, but it’s a good foundation to a future of traveling plus an intelligent move when I don’t have the funds to travel otherwise.
I can’t tell you how excited I am for my future right now! I believe most everyone who applies is accepted, which means I’m probably—not possibly—going international again in less than a year! Oh my goodness, life is wonderful.
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