Returning to School during your OUTCAN posting - is it for you?

An OUTCAN posting can be a favourable time to think about professional development and self-improvement. Many spouses consider returning to school while living outside of Canada, as working within the host nation can be challenging, or simply not an option for many. An OUTCAN posting can offer new opportunities for spouses, who may find themselves with new routines and schedules, and a drive for betterment.

I decided to return to post-graduate studies and complete my PhD while OUTCAN. It was not an obvious decision, nor has it been without its frustrations. I offer you my best considerations if you are thinking about returning to the books while living abroad.

Consider the following questions:

1. What is your motivation?

2. Do you have the habits and drive to complete a demanding program?

3. Where do you want to go to school? Is it virtual or does it have in-person learning?

4. What resources do you need to accomplish your goals?

5. How much time will this commitment take? (Consider not only in the long run but day-to-day commitments.)

6. Does your family support your academic undertakings?

7. Is this a financially feasible goal? Are you relying on external financial funding?

8. What if you cannot complete your studies during your OUTCAN?

9. Does your schooling align with your passions?

10. What is your end game? (For example, personal or professional development, change of career, new opportunities)

Here are my top 5 tips if you are considering returning to school while OUTCAN

1. Be reasonable with your expectations While thinking about living abroad, we often do so with rose-coloured glasses on. We think of the best situations, of which there will be many, however, a posting outside of Canada can come with a fair share of challenges. You will not have as much free time as you expect, you will have new daily demands and you will have an adjustment period. Factor in how this will affect your time and your mental energy.
   

2. Set mini-goals that are SMART With regards to schooling, it is not always about the end result, but about making daily progress. If you have decided to commit to an important life decision, such as returning to school, it is crucial to set attainable goals, set your goals so that they are SMART: Specific Measurable Achievable Realistic Timed Don’t simply say, I will do some reading today. Instead, say “I will read 10 pages and make summary notes for my quiz”. Be as specific as possible. Set yourself up for success and be realistic about your commitments and what you are able to accomplish each day. One of the best tools to keep me on track with my SMART goals is the Pomodoro method. Set yourself timed breaks when learning. A great technique for managing your time and beating mental fatigue is the Pomodoro (Italian for tomato) technique. This method alternates focused work sessions and frequent short breaks - you can use a tool like the tomato-timer to help with this! How does it work:
   

   1. Pick a task

   2. Set a 25 minute timer

   3. Work on your task until the time is up

   4. Take a 5 minute break

   5. After every 4 pomodoros take a longer 15-30 minute break.
      

3. Plan for the worst Life rarely unfolds as you expect, even for the best of planners. When thinking about returning to school, have different contingency plans. What if you are delayed in your progress? How flexible is your program? Can you pause your program, or receive a partial refund if you decide you are not enjoying your program? Think about the potential risks of returning to school and map out different outcomes. This will minimize any potential surprises and allow you to keep a pragmatic focus when considering your options.
   

4. What is your “so what” Bottom line - why are you thinking about returning to school? It needs to be more than simply for the opportunity. If you have been out of academia for a while, you will require a certain level of motivation to get through the learning slumps. What is your “so what”? Why is this important to you? How will returning to school improve your quality of life? Are the time and costs required for your schooling going to help you achieve your long-term goals? Think about your personal values, goals and mission, how does returning to school fit into your vision? Remember, your home life and daily obligations will not change if you return to school, you will need to find a new balance and a new way of juggling your commitments.
   

5. Make time for enjoyment If you are fortunate enough to be posted OUTCAN you will want to enjoy it! Make time to see new things, eat fabulous food and collect new experiences. The reality is that returning to school will impact your ability to explore day-to-day and may challenge your vacation plans. This is not to say that returning to school will hinder your experience, it will simply require conscientious planning on your part. You will need a certain level of discipline and commitment. By all means, focus on your schoolwork, but make the time to relax and enjoy life abroad as much as you can.

Structured learning is an excellent wait to better yourself while on OUTCAN. Ensure that you are returning to school for the right reasons, you have a clear “so what” and the support of your friends and family, as their obligations will most likely be impacted as well. Find what motivates you and gives you purpose.

I will close with one of my most impactful affirmations, "If it doesn't bring you peace, profit or purpose, then do not give it your time, energy or attention”. (Anonymous source).