Short research break= short update

As I've often said, Europe is where I want to be. But the only way I can get to Europe to teach (which is the only way I'll get to Europe anyway) is by teaching English. A couple weeks ago, at a party, I met an Aussie who's leaving Korea to teach in Germany. Which is also where my newest dear friends & married couple Rob & Meghan are going. Naturally, the Aussie told me she is certified to teach in Oz. But she told me it took her 6 months to get this job, & she was damned lucky, because she doesn't have a Masters. She said if I really want to teach in Europe, of course I need to get certified, but it's not a bad idea to get a Masters too.

Great, except for that whole massive expense issue. There was one program I looked at in Chicago while I was home that would run me about $60-80,000 for both. & I just can't. It's too much.

Then I remembered that it can be less money to get higher education abroad. Even for us Americans (maybe especially for us, given the insane cost of university there). You can take courses all in English too, so language needn't be a concern. Plus, of course, I'd be in Europe while getting said education.

As with every idea that I consider doing, cockimamy or otherwise, I've already run my getting my Masters (even at my age) past my tether to reality, Mercedes, who has always supported me getting my Masters. Rob & Meghan have frequently & seriously told me I can stay with them if I choose Germany until I get myself sorted, or even live with them if I so choose.

Sooo, here I sit, researching Masters programs in Europe. I'm concentrating on Germany because it's a popular destination for people doing this. Plus my soon-to-be-local connections. Though I'm not sure how I'll like Germany. Jason hated it, which gives me pause. Significant pause. New York University has a program for ESL in Prague, though my friend Jess here hated Prague, which likewise gives me pause, though of course there's no guarantee I'd hate these places too, nor like them particularly if my happiness period requires me to take an anti-depressant.

I'm worried about waiting too long, but also worried about money. Most places, Germany in particular, only allow you to work part time to take care of your expenses, & you can't do freelance. So I'm not that sure how realistically affordable this is-- or rather, how I'm going to make it work, since I'm pretty well decided on this.

While I considered England for any number of obvious reasons, one big deterrent is the cost of living, particularly in London. I can't imagine Cambridge or Oxford would be much better. & hell there's even Scotland or Australia or NZ for that matter, but I'd rather be on the mainland, closer to unvisited & favorite countries alike.

So, if you've any suggestions on raking through the quantity of info, etc., let me know. I'll keep you updated on where things look to be headed. I'm aiming for after completing this contract.