Coincidence? After all of the events of today, I just received this message from VIF today:

Hang in there
To: All Teachers
Date: Dec 19 2005
Author: VIF Staff

We hope you enjoyed the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday and are preparing to celebrate the upcoming holidays either here in the States or back in your home country. In addition to holiday festivities, successfully completing the first semester of your school year is another reason to celebrate!

Year after year, participating VIF teachers, especially initial term teachers, report that the first semester of the school year is the most challenging adjustment they experience. They also report that the second semester and the years to follow are significantly easier and more enjoyable. In fact, second semester has been referred to as a "rejuvenation phase." Teachers sense more self-confidence and relief that half the year is complete. We are confident that by spring, each of you will have become very comfortable in your host school and community.

Below is a sampling of the benefits, as gathered from current and former VIF teachers, of remaining with your host school for a second and/or third year:

1. It gets better! The hardest part is over. You have already adapted to a school's curriculum, regulations, student population and community norms and quirks. The vast majority of second- and third-year teachers are pleased they have returned and feel that school is even better than their first year.

2. Establishment. You have already made wonderful friends within VIF and local communities. Furthermore, you have established relationships with fellow teachers, administrators and students that will strengthen in years two and three. Relocating, in most cases, means starting over, just like a first-year teacher.

3. Familiarity. You know your way around, the local customs, the best places to eat, where to go to the movies and, on top of all that, likely have a nice, furnished place to live.

4. Opportunity. First-year participants sometimes receive challenging assignments and have less authority. Returning teachers often command additional respect and may be offered additional leadership opportunities in their schools, communities and through VIF.

5. No worries. Going back to the same place means you know what to expect in your school and community. You'll be able to spend the summer relaxing at home or traveling without the worries of what community you'll call home, where you will live or what your students will be like.

If you like your host community, but believe the challenges you've encountered with the environment in your host school or your current teaching assignment cannot be resolved, you should check with your host district transfer policy. In some locations, you can pursue a transfer within your current host district. This policy is district specific, and some do not allow any placements changes, but you can contact them to find out. If your district allows for these types of changes and you are able to secure a new position in the district, please notify VIF when the subsequent assignment is secured so we can update our placement and contact records.

Hang in there! The entire VIF staff congratulates you and wishes you the best of luck as you finish out the first half of the school year! As always, we are available to assist you in any aspect of your VIF experience. Congratulations on your successes and thanks for your commitment to cultural exchange and excellence in education.

Thank you,

The entire VIF Staff