Ari Watman
HR Coordinator for Taiwan
Ari with a student
I was born and grew up in a suburban town named Flossmoor, Illinois just south of Chicago. My parents instilled the passion for travel into me starting at a young age. By the time I was 13 I had been to four different continents. I enjoyed every part of traveling, and I still do. I prefer to learn by experience rather than from a book or in a classroom. For a while I had done a lot of domestic traveling all across America, and hadn’t left the country again until I was 21 when I visited some family in Panama. That trip awoke the international travel bug that was laying dormant within me for so long. It got me thinking that I needed to explore more of this beautiful planet while I have the time.
Both of my parents are teachers and growing up I never thought I would be a teacher, but after I graduated from University I realized how many different options there are and it was tough to decide exactly what I wanted to do. My mom told me that I should give teaching a try because it can be challenging and rewarding at the same time. I took her advice and started substitute teaching at a high school. Once I got comfortable being the one leading the class, I realized this is a great job for me. Before I knew it I had kids recognizing me in the hallways and telling me they wished I would be their permanent teacher. After a very enjoyable year substituting, I knew I wanted to become a teacher. However I still had this passion for travel burning up inside of me, and I needed to find a way to fit that in my life without losing the mind-set of being a teacher.
I decided moving to Taiwan to teach English would be the perfect balance between my two biggest passions in life. Since moving to Taiwan it has been very challenging, and very rewarding. The first few months are very tough. Trying to assimilate to a different culture, while at the same time take on a demanding job isn’t the easiest thing I’ve done. But I can say it has been one of the most rewarding. Now that I’m used to living and working here I definitely feel at home, and at this point America feels like a foreign place to me. The people are extremely nice here and the food is delicious.
Ari exploring Taiwa
Some of my favorite things that I’ve done here in Taiwan are: exploring the different museums and memorial halls. I love to try different foods from all around Asia, especially in the night markets. I go hiking and running through the many mountain trails. Most of all I love all the different people you meet from all around the world. On most Saturday nights you’ll find me sharing a couple drinks at a table with people from six different countries.
I can truly say I will remember my time here for the rest of my life, and look back at it as one of the best times in my life. The world can be big or small, it’s up to you to decide that. They say if you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life. I thought of that saying when I decided to become a teacher, and it has even more meaning to me now as a teacher in Taiwan.
- Ari Watman
Ari@ReachToTeachRecruiting.com