Jarrod Delport, a South African teacher, embarked on an adventure to the United Kingdom to broaden his educational horizons. While he gained valuable experiences and insights, he also encountered challenges. Ultimately, the warmth, spirit, and unique charm of South Africa proved too strong to resist.
Cambridge, England (29 November 2024) – The unique stories of South Africans finding their way back home after migrating abroad have an endearing way of reminding us of just how warm and special our country truly is. When he shared the news on his socials about the decision to book a non-return flight to SA, Jarrod Delport received an outpouring of supportive messages that affirmed a difficult decision.
Having always been passionate about broadening his educational horizons, Jarrod, a qualified teacher with much experience in both private and public schools, took a leap of faith when he moved to the United Kingdom earlier this year.
Noting that the education system in South Africa and the UK share some similarities, Jarrod saw this as a foundation he could build upon while immersing himself in the unique aspects of British schooling.
“Much like students must adapt to new ways of thinking, different skills, and varied subjects, I wanted to experience that kind of adaptation myself.
“I sought to open my eyes to new methodologies, engage with different curricula, and gain fresh perspectives on teaching. It was a chance to not only expand my professional toolkit but also to grow personally as I navigated new cultural and educational landscapes,” he tells Good Things Guy.
The East of England, in a small town just outside Cambridge, is Jarrod’s home away from home. He shares that moving from the bustling metropolis of Johannesburg to a quaint British town has been quite the adventure.
“I’ve really enjoyed the charm of small-town life, and the contrast has been refreshing. I consider myself to be quite adventurous, and living in the UK has provided plenty of opportunities to follow my own path,” says Jarrod adding that the public transport system has been a real asset, making it much easier to explore new places and experiences.
As Jarrod puts it, the overall UK experience has been fantastic – from getting to meet new people to delving into a new style of teaching as an A-Level Political Science teacher. However, he admits that the transition has also been incredibly lonely at times and that the distinct differences between British students and South African students have been an eye-opening experience.
“Starting over in a new country, away from familiar faces, has been more challenging than I anticipated.
“In my experience, South African students are exceptionally well-behaved and polite, which has made the adjustment to the UK classroom dynamic an interesting learning curve.”
Beyond the challenges, his love for South Africa proved too strong. Although he has only been away for six months, he has missed four weddings, a christening, and his mum’s 60th birthday. He opens up about feeling as though he’s been living a new life while watching his old one back in South Africa through a one-way mirror.
“One day, as I sat with a cup of tea, looking out the window, I realised something profound. It was raining (surprise, surprise), but I couldn’t hear birds or the sounds of nature. Everything felt cold, and it wasn’t just the temperature. I missed the warmth of South Africa, the weather, the people, and the shared feeling that we are part of something greater than ourselves.”
Jarrods recalls the spirit of Ubuntu that lives within the people of Mzansi. How it’s not just a concept but a lived reality felt when we win a rugby match, light the braai, help a neighbour, or even when we unite to defend our country on social media.
“South Africa is not just a country, it’s an experience, a celebration of life, love, and unity. Living in the UK, I often found myself longing for that spirit,” says Jarrod.
“I missed the smiles of strangers, the smell of fresh rain on African soil, the undeniable feeling of community. Mzansi is truly unlike any other country on Earth, and I say that as someone who has been fortunate enough to travel extensively.”
As Jarrod prepares for his return home in January, bittersweet feelings of failure linger, but the esteemed teacher knows he has so much more to contribute to South Africa.
He hopes his willingness to embrace the unfamiliar and step into a new environment will inspire those who have been fortunate to be his students.
“My heart will always beat to the rhythm of this incredible land – a place of resilience, hope, and boundless spirit. South Africa is my home, and it always will be.”
Sources: Nothando Mthembu/ Jarrod Delport
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