Preparations and Expectations of a teflhub Ambassador

How to prepare for the trip of a lifetime? Other than the obvious and slightly mundane suggestions - replacing a huge backpack for a slightly more modest, manageable one, investing in some sensible shoes (embrace the inner geek!), mapping out a rough route, saving enough money, getting yourself insured, getting to grips with some of the language, plying yourself with functional, durable technology… - my preparation plans have been of that nature exactly. Plans. After returning from four fantastic, eye opening, freeing and fast months in South America I undertook a frantic few months teaching in a summer school, whilst also applying for this job, hoping and praying of course that I would be lucky enough to get it. All of a sudden the great news was upon me, and though subconsciously thrilled and to be frank - bowled over with shock and gratitude - the throws of summer school meant that my first preparatory task would be to save.

And save I did! Not just for peace of mind whilst travelling but also to have the freedom to buy myself the travelling gear, not only the things I needed but the things I really wanted. If my first big trip taught me anything, it’s that your money disappears through a concoction of unexpected necessities. Not just food, accommodation, day trips, transport, which thankfully will be covered by teflhub this time – but the stuff you take into account when planning your finances. I mean the stuff you don't deem significant enough to consider, maybe the travel insurance (fortunately also covered by teflhub!) was more than you had accounted for, you might want to invest in that better camera or laptop for your trip of a lifetime, or, realistically now you’re 24 a thirty hour bus journey just doesn't have the same poetic ring to it that it once had. Having had similar thoughts myself, the flexibility of the extra cash allowed me to indulge in the things I knew would undoubtedly allow me to make the most of all of the exquisite places I would be visiting.

As I have never been to Chile and am aware of the sheer extent of activities, sites, nature, regions and cities to visit it was important to me to feel as though I had a rough route under my belt. Even if I didn’t follow it, it would be something I could refer back to if ever I needed a little direction. Once I was sure I would start in Santiago, Chile’s capital, I started emailing English schools to prepare some meetings for once I arrived. Though a simple task, it was one that was surprisingly soothing, especially once I had replies and meetings booked for my first week. It boosted my confidence and filled me with excitement - if nothing else I have teachers and students to interview!

Situations that demand a certain motivation, for instance a push to achieve something that is outside the boundaries of your usual effort can often resonate with Wooden’s quote, “Failing to prepare is preparing to fail”. All things considered, preparing for 9 months in 3 different continents is slightly different. Sure, there are things you must take into account, (practical) clothes you need, shoes that will endure miles and miles of hiking and dancing and getting lost and exploring a new city, a backpack that you don’t want to “accidentally lose” once realising after the first 24 hours of carrying it your back will never again be the same. You need to figure out where you’re going, or at least, where you will go first. It is also desirable to learn some of the language. But for me, and I can only write honestly - and therefore I consider most beneficial to anyone reading - that one of the most valuable and worthwhile ways to prepare is to be aware of yourself and where you are at, mentally, before devouring everything you can on the path that lies ahead.

For me, a long weekend in Madrid, my ‘non biological’ home, with people I love, in the place I love, did the trick. I was able to relax both psychologically and physically in a way I was yet to experience anywhere else. Maybe it was the act of leaving the UK and beginning the journey. Maybe it was the weather and the people and the culture and the beauty and the place that holds so many wonderful memories for me, that has and will always be such a sacred place. Maybe it was the submersion in Spanish, a language that will carry me for the first part of this trip. I couldn’t say. I don’t think it’s solely one factor. I can only describe it as being ‘thrown out into the world again’. It’s a feeling I get only when I am travelling. Something I have grown to notice in myself. It’s a multitude of freedom, fun, new surroundings, happiness, new smells, climate, foods, faces, challenges, pushes, pulls, ups, downs… it will mean something different to everyone but for me this is how I can start to put it into words. After months of saving, visiting friends, planning my route, visiting family, buying the gear, I finally felt most prepared after preparing nothing, physically, at all.

I think it’s important - no, CRUCIAL - to grant yourself this time. As a traveller, and a person, I am guilty of throwing myself into situations left right and centre, to do the act, complete the act, and finish the act realising almost immediately I could have gained so much more had I approached the act differently. I just hadn’t given my mind the time to shift. This might all seem ridiculously obvious. I hope it does - for had I realised as much of what I've recently realised I would have been far happier and far more grateful far many times more in the past. The act of relaxing and enjoying and giving myself the time to STOP PREPARING manufactured my readiness. Only when I stopped fussing and buying and expecting and predicting and planning was the calm feeling of being prepared finally upon me.

The gift of this blog is that it spurs me on to record the journey of this trip at every stage. Something I could not necessarily trust myself to do for the entire duration alone. Looking ahead, what are my expectations? To see the world. To meet the people. To deliver the research. Admittedly I'm expecting challenges. Things aren’t always going to go right. I’m going to have to accept that not every article, video, interview, day, hostel, meal, day trip… is going to be perfect. I do, however have the utmost confidence in the people. No matter where I have gone or what I have done in the world, the people always give me reason to have faith. I’m expecting South and Central Americans and their expat teachers to help aid me in my job to provide as much information as I can for potential teachers. I’m expecting to learn from the students more about what makes a good teacher, and to be able to use their knowledge to help myself and others grow personally and professionally.

How will I go about it? Today I decided to be calm and trust myself that I will deliver and convey all of the information, the sites, the atmosphere, in fact anything that falls under the sheer volume of this trip, in the best way, to the best of my ability. I’m expecting to doubt myself, as any human can, but I know I won’t let it hold me back from achieving and improving and growing like I know I can. I started writing this article about 4 or 5 days ago whilst waiting for my flight to Madrid. It didn't work. My mind was clouded and meant that I had lost sight of things that I can usually see even in the darkest of lights. I lost sight of why I have been chosen to do it. As I acknowledge myself and my progress at this point I feel as though I have already become a better writer in knowing when to accept when my mind is not ready or relaxed enough to write. For me, as someone who loves writing and takes a certain satisfaction over being about to see the words in my heart on the page, it will be a constant aim and goal to maintain that whilst simultaneously giving an objective view when needed. I love teaching and writing and travelling. At this time in my life I couldn't think about a better cause I would be more suited to write about. The passion is there, the interest is there, the appetite to improve, see more, and do more is there. I’m conscious of the massive challenge that lies ahead. I’m also conscious of the potential growth, wisdom, experience and achievement there is to be had, if I open myself to it. Am I full of expectations? Of course. Am I prepared? I think so.

I can’t wait to meet you, Chile.