At Behere, we’re constantly inspired by the amazing women in our community. We’re thrilled to feature some of their stories and share how they’ve made traveling while working possible. From unconventional roles, to starting businesses abroad, these women have made exploring new places a priority. They share their biggest learnings, favorite memories, and advice for someone thinking about living in a new city for a month.
Today’s Behere community feature, Marly Chachas, is a teacher who has spent the last two years traveling on her own. Originally from the US, Marly booked her month in Bali this fall on Behere. She spent her time in Bali focusing on launching her business and connecting with other inspiring women. Read her story below!
Tell us how as a teacher, you can travel so much?
I’m a traveling teacher! I teach around the world through short-term teaching programs and teaching English online to kids in China. I also have my own business called ‘Travels While Teaching’ focused on inspiring and helping females travel the world while teaching. My course focuses on short-term global teaching programs and online teaching positions, allowing females to travel the world, make a global educational difference, and live in jaw-dropping destinations all the while being financially stable.
What does a typical day look like for you while working and traveling?
It depends on the country I’m living in and what I’m doing during that time. It varies if I’m in a teaching program or if I am teaching online.
A typical day in my teaching programs:
Each program had different schedules, agendas, and purposes. But overall I fully focused on fulfilling the mission and duties of being a teacher in that program. It ranged from planning and carrying out my lessons in a regular classroom setting to developing different strategies and methods to enhance the global educational movement for teachers in limited resource environments. I also met and lived with the most amazing people from around the world. From an afternoon aperitivo with my Italian host mom in Torino, Italy to a weekend excursion with my teacher fellows to the island of Langkawi, Malaysia… my life has been fulfilled in so many ways!
A typical day teaching online:
I wake up naturally (no alarm, yeah!!) and make myself some coffee and get ready for the day. I’ll find one of my favorite or new coffee/brunch place to work at. Mid-afternoon I’ll find some street food for lunch (especially in Asia) and then visit a temple/museum/ walk around the local markets or attend a workout class. Then I head back to my apartment to teach online for about 4-5 hours. At night I’ll meet up with friends for dinner and/or drinks, see some live music, get a massage, or just explore the city I’m in. There is always something new to see or do each and every day.
What would you say is the most important thing you’ve learned while traveling?
Living and working abroad I’ve become a better person emotionally, intellectually, and culturally. Learning about the world around me has been stimulating and addictive. I’ve learned how to be truly independent and empowered. It’s taught me how to be confident in myself and my intuitions. I’ve learned that I am the only person that can control the outcome of my life. It’s taught me that my dreams are possible and with the right mindset, dedication, and attitude you can truly accomplish anything!
How did Behere help in your journey?
Behere was AMAZING! I was able to live on the beautiful island of Bali, with other ladies, where we played, worked, and lived our best lives! It was truly such a pivotal turning point in my life that brought on a whole new way of living and working for me.
Behere provided a seamless transition between the previous country I was living in. I didn’t have to think about it, or waste time figuring out where I needed to live, work, exercise or play. It was all done for me. And as any traveler knows, that takes up so much valuable time to figure out!
They also provided a city host, so if at any time we needed anything, she was there. They also scheduled different events we could attend making my life in Bali that much better! As a female traveler, Behere truly made a difference in my traveling, work, and social lifestyle! Thank you Behere!!
We love hearing highlights from our communities adventures, what was one of yours?
Tough question because there are SO many and each one has such a significant purpose and reason. If I had to choose just one, it would be trekking (hiking) through Cinque Terra, Italy by myself. Seeing the jaw-dropping views of the 5 towns, walking through the beautiful little streets, and sipping on a spritz as I enjoyed a mouthwatering bruschetta I thought to myself…. I did it, I made it happen, I’m living my dream!
How has traveling affected your work?
Once I started living/teaching abroad work wasn’t ‘work’ for me anymore, it became a lifestyle. I finally was living out my passion and once that happened, I haven’t worked a day since!
Finally, what’s your #1 piece of advice for women who are thinking about living in a new place for a month?
DO IT!!! It’s only a month, and you will learn SO much about yourself and other countries and cultures! Be open-minded to everything around you… food, people, and the entire experience. You never know the possibilities a month-long trip can present.
Connect with Marly online at travelswhileteaching.com or on IG at @marlychachas or in her Facebook Group.
Are you now feeling the need for adventure? Learn more about how booking with Behere can help make it your reality, and connect you with spaces and people to make it your best month yet. Check out our locations!
Images and words courtesy of Marly Chachas.
