I don't know how many of us there are, heading to the UK this autumn to teach (through Bluewave), but I thought maybe we wanted to introduce ourselves? Might be nice to form an informal group and stay in touch, keeping each other posted on how things are going for each of us . . .
I'm Patricia, coming in from the U.S., and I'm going to teach secondary English (I'll be located just an hour or so outside of London). I've actually got a blog going on this whole process, so rather than rambling on about it here, I'll just post the link and you can read for yourselves: boundforengland.blogspot.com/
Starting from the beginning, in June, I've kept a journal of everything -- some of it might be of help to others, but it's mostly just a way to keep family and friends up-to-date as I prepare and then move to the UK. I'll keep it going through my teaching and travels, too.
So, anyone else want to introduce themselves? I hope I don't turn out to be the only one! |
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I am also on my way to England to teach Englisn at Ousedale School in Newport Pagnell. I will check out your blog as well.
Things have been going OK for me so far, hectic, overwhelming, and exciting at the same time. I will be traveling with my wife and 6th year old daughter who might attend Olney Primary. Bluewave has been great in answering questions so far, just waiting on visas from British embassy and will make flight reservations into Heathrow. Reasearching houses and flats on upmystreet.com which has been pretty good in giving us a broad outlook, and looking at the location of things on google earth.com.
More posting when we get really into the thick of things.
webfowler |
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| Yes, I'm waiting on my visa now as well, then can make my reservation. I'm arriving on or about the 29th of August -- how about you? Yes, I know it only gives me a week until work begins, but I'm teaching at the university here through summer. Guess I'll just have to hit the ground running! |
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Hi all,
My name is Melinda and I'm coming in from Cincinnati, Ohio to teach science in Luton, England (just outside of London). Everything is ready to go except that I am learning it may be way to expensive to bring some of my teaching aides & labs (gasp!). Does anyone have any ideas on how to bring them without breaking the bank?
Also, does anyone know anything about power adaptors?! I want to bring my laptop and my portable DVD player (as it plays both PAL and US formats), but I don't know what kind of adaptor to get? I also know that the voltage is different over there, but was told that some electronics automatically make the conversion...HELP!
Meli |
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Hi Melinda,
As far as bringing electronics, it's all different . . . You have to check out each item (there's no general rule). Some convert the voltage, but none can change the frequency. I'm bringing my laptop (even though the school provides me with one) so I can play my DVDs, my music (I put it all on there), etc. Mine works on either 110 or 220 so all I'll need is a little adaptor for the plug/outlet itself. If you have items that can only be used with 110 (but the 50 cycle is okay for), you'll need a step-down transformer, to convert the 220 to 110 (twice the voltage will cause damage, obviously). And you're right -- some things will work with no adaptation at all (my hair dryer, for example -- I just flip a switch and use the adaptor). I had a bunch of step-down transformers from my years in Europe -- sure wish now I'd saved some of them!
I don't know what you mean by "aids" and "labs" that you want to bring -- what specifically are you referring to? Something large, apparently? And the school wouldn't have these items? I'm carrying two pieces of luggage, shipping three boxes, and that's it -- the rest I'll acquire there or live without.
Glad you posted, and I hope more new teachers will do so . . . Several of us are in the same area (one in Milton Keynes, you in Luton, me in Bedford). Close enough to meet one day!
I'm arriving at the end of August -- how about you? |
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