In the last few months, many parents and students have contacted me to ask what happened to my blog here at New Globals. “What’s all this talk about Uruguay?” they want to know. “What happened to the posts about studying abroad, saving on college costs, avoiding student debt and getting a personalized international education?” they ask. “Why did you change it?”
The simple answer is that I wrote a 300+ page book packed with tons of information, student success stories, and how-to advice for those ready to get an outrageously relevant education on campus, online, on the road, and on their own terms and time lines. It’s all right there in The New Global Student: Skip the SAT, Save Thousands on Tuition, and Get a Truly International Education, which was published last year by Crown/Three Rivers Press, a division of Random House. In addition, I have maintained a blog here at NewGlobals.com for the last two years in which I have written extensively about advantageous and affordable ways to get a great college education.
But there are other reasons I’ve stopped blogging about education and have instead focused on writing about my new life in Uruguay and the topics that intrigue me most—life abroad, mindfulness, frugality, sustainability, gardening, and simple living.
Here are the main issues that have convinced me to shift my efforts:
1) Fear causes paralysis. Since the publication of my book, I have talked with hundreds of parents and students interested in doing high school and college differently. I’ve received loads of wonderful emails from those who are wildly enthusiastic about the Bold School approach. “This resonates with me,” they say. “I’ve been looking for a book like this for years,” they write. But then, when parents check in with me months later, they often admit that they have not taken any steps to change the course of their children’s education. Why? Because they are afraid. They’re worried that their kids won’t like it, or it won’t work out, or it will be too hard to try something new. Even though they know there are far better (and far less expensive) options for their kids, they just can’t pull it together to make even one small change. And so, they do what everyone does in that situation: they hunker down and continue doing what they’ve always done. I can inform, cajole and cheer (and I continue to do so, especially with private clients) but in the end, the decision to overcome fear in order to soar is not mine to make.
2) Exhaustion limits perspective. The longer I am out of the United States (five years now), the more amazed I am at how frequently and proudly Americans wear the “exhaustion” word like a badge of honor. “I’m swamped.” “When I get a chance to breathe…” “When things settle down…” We use exhaustion as our way to claim that we are busy and therefore doing all the things that lead to success and happiness. When is the last time you heard someone say, “Oh, I’ve got plenty of time” or “My schedule is wide open”? And on the rare occasions when we do hear it, we’re likely to think, “Why isn’t this person busy? Don’t they have a life?” Many teens and twenty-somethings absorb and adopt this mindset, packing their schedules to ensure their own exhaustion/validation. Others run the other way, avoiding commitment and responsibility at all costs. The challenge is finding balance, and until we slow down long enough to see our possibilities and recognize the ones that tug at us, we will continue to struggle, strive and fail to thrive.
3) It’s easier to ignore than to innovate. Keeping our heads in the sand is a protective mechanism. We don’t like thinking about the future, especially when it may involve instability and change. Our learned helplessness—behaving as though we have no choice about what we do, where we live, etc.—is reinforced every day, and worse, we are the ones most likely to keep ourselves from making decisions that lead us to greater ease and more fulfillment. The world is changing, and ultimately, it is up to each of us to decide if, when, and how we will change along with it.
4) Life goes on. When I wrote The New Global Student, I was living in the cosmopolitan city of Buenos Aires, Argentina with varying combinations of our four daughters. Now, they are off on their own, living happily in their chosen destinations (New York, Buenos Aires, and a cruise ship in the Mediterranean) and Tom and I are living in a farmhouse in rural Uruguay. Instead of writing about education, I am writing fiction—specifically, stories about those who have made big changes in their lives (some planned, some unintentional) and learned how to thrive. It’s a theme I find fascinating.
Perhaps I sound disgruntled or disappointed, but that’s not the case at all—I’m simply being mindful of how it’s all unfolding. I’m truly grateful that I’ve had such a fantastic opportunity to reach so many people who are ready to do things differently. It’s been a tremendous gift to me in many ways, but it’s been a profound lesson in letting go. I recognize that my role is to share stories and information that can help others and to do so with grace and generosity. Being attached to the outcome limits my energy, and I want to use all that I have in ways that allow me to be of service. That requires me to step back in order to see my own possibilities more clearly.
I invite you to explore the many posts and links to education and study abroad resources I’ve included in this blog the last two years, and hope you’ll be intrigued to follow along in this new direction. Though New Globals is still a very appropriate theme for me personally and this blog can be accessed at NewGlobals.com, it’s now become my personal blog at MayaFrost.com/blog. Just keeping things simple. 
Life is all about transitions.
Change is coming. It’s always coming.
This is my place to explore and embrace it.
Thanks for joining me!
Learn more
Learn more about Maya
{ 22 comments… read them below or add one }
I don’t think you sound disgruntled or disappointed at all, you are simply entering a new phase. I think that it’s great for you and anyone who reads this blog. We all need to continue to grow and learn. You have shared an enormous amount of information on education, and I am willing to bet if someone sent you a question, you would be more than gracious in answering it, just maybe not in your blog. So congratulations on the evolving and many well wishes.
Maya, what a great post! Congratulations to you for having the courage to show your readers — by example — what it means to move forward with your life. Even when/if it’s scary. . .
Good for you, Maya, for being brave and courageous and flexible. That is a true example of what it means to get and stay real in your very own life and in this big and changing world! Congratulations on your new direction!
Maya,
I can understand how people would be sad to see your website change…but people you must BUY the book!!! It is in my top 5 favorite books of all time…up there with “The Jungle” by Upton Sinclair. Everyday I go back and reference parts of the book and lets just say it looks like I have owned it for years….yet it has only been weeks. (Considering it took my 5 days to read) I realized a few months ago…that we truly create our own reality…if you are too busy, it is your own fault…if you have no time to work out or read or see friends…it is because it is not a priority to you. After having my second child in February and in a wedding this July…I needed to start working out.
I yearned to be in shape (or close to it) for this wedding…amazingly enough I found 4 times a week that I could work out. I say amazingly because all during my first child’s 3 yrs of life I couldn’t find anytime….yet with 2 now I found 4 hrs a week. Those hours where there before…I just didn’t truly want it bad enough. If you want the change you must do it! Hopefully we will have our own international adventure story for you to tell soon. We have found a way to move overseas (not sure on destination yet 
) in October with a 3 yr old and a 5 month old. High Five for Bold Schoolers!
I love that you’ve intentionally allowed the blog’s focus to mirror the shifts in your own life. I once had a writing teacher who said, “Do something writing-related every day, even if it’s just reading about writing.” Well enough, but reading’s not a long-term substitute for taking action. Eventually we have to DO the thing–whether it’s writing, traveling, taking that first scary step…! As you say, you’ve done plenty to share your ideas and ultimately it’s up to the individuals to take action. And hey, Uruguay is interesting too–although less controversial
Just want to let you know–I mentioned you in a blog post at http://www.anomadslot.com/2010/07/12/28-nomadic-families-who-travel-kids-part-2-of-4/. Thanks!
Thanks for your kind words, Antonia–and for the blog post! Much appreciated.
Happy trails….;-)
Thank you, Paz! You are absolutely right: we are the ones deciding the course of our lives–even if it means we’re choosing to complain that we have no choice! Will be really excited to hear more about where you and your family will be heading in October. Keep me posted! Hugs, M
I appreciate your kind words, Shannon. As you so well know, we have to be flexible and bold in order to stay real.
Thank you, Susanna. I think the big issue is taking the time to get clear about what you’re doing and checking in to see if it’s still your best way to serve the world. I don’t know what’s in store for me in the years ahead, but I’m taking a leap in order to find out.
Thank you, Fred! You are absolutely right–I respond to questions by email as much as I can (until it gets to the point of needing to segue into
offering more support in a mentor/client role). There are so many questions that come up as people take steps to make changes, and since there is such a gigantic range of obstacles and opportunities, it’s getting harder to write blog posts that offer a solution that will work in most cases! So, working with individual families has been great all the way around–I get to “meet” them through our correspondence and help them with their specific needs, and they get to have someone there to point out the pitfalls and pat them on the back when things work out! I love that part.
I really appreciate your support, Fred.
We let it be known that we did read your book AND took your advice! Our little family of three each read your book, became enthused, read some more books along the same vein and TOOK THE LEAP!
Our daughter thought your advice was great and is leaving for Belgium in a few weeks as a Rotary Exchange Student. She read your book first last summer and decided to not return to boarding school, that cost a fortune, and spent the last school year traveling and studying in China, Australia, and Oregon in inexpensive programs for unschoolers or with homestays at friend homes. The rest of the school year she spent homeschooling and traveling with us in many parts of Asia. We all had a great time.
With the help of your book we were able to actually take that leap off the treadmill of “four by four” model and are all happier than we ever have been. Now that we are here, life is good. My daughter has so much more confidence. Who knows what will happen next. She has just turned sixteen and we are not sure what she will decide to do when she returns from her year abroad–but it doesn’t bother us anymore. She will learn so much, and opportunities will present themselves. We are all open to change.
While she is away we will be deciding where we want to go next. My husbands field of morgage brokering is evaporating and we are open to finding a new path in another country. Why not? We need to grow too! I find the whole idea exciting and very liberating. So please know some of us were listening and actually putting your advice to work.
Darleen,
Wow–thank you so much for your wonderful comment! I’m thrilled to hear about how the ideas in the book inspired your family,
and so delighted to learn of all that your daughter has discovered since then. You are absolutely right–there is no reason to worry about
her now! She is motivated to learn and explore, and there’s no stopping her now.
And yes–parents need to grow, too! I wish you much love and laughter as you examine your own possibilities and seize the ones that
excite you most!
Hugs,
Maya
Maya:
I always enjoy reading your writings! It’s so freeing! I often find myself jeopardizing plans and relationships by being “attached to the outcome.” I also take the proverbial leap of faith and then stop looking; so I admire the willingness to change direction. This applies on a spiritual level to me. And the comments about exhaustion in the US is right on. The way we work in the States seems to center more on showing up than on creating or accomplishing. Your words are always positive and encouraging and I thank you for that!
Sincerely,
Scott
Hey, Scott…
Thanks so much for your message! Yes, being attached to the outcome is what gets us into trouble.
Exhaustion is real, but in nearly every case, we have the option to reduce our workload or obligations, both
real and imagined. Of course, first we need to slow down long enough to see our way clear! That’s the tricky part.
I appreciate your kind words.
Hugs,
Maya
Hi Maya! We also have 4 daughters, and my eldest (age 15) absorbed your book in a day a passed it along to me. I have done the same, and now we are taking the very first wee steps in the right direction – she has contacted 5 area Rotary Clubs, looked up the state rules on dual credits, and started to look toward the horizon. There is more out there than small town, blue-collar Wisconsin (thank you Lord!). Your book could not have been more timely for us, and our current plan is to have a “real plan” by fall 2011. So, if you never write another word about alternative education, you will still have had a huge impact on us! Be well – twa
Trena,
What a wonderful message! I’m thrilled to think that another four-girl family is stepping out into the world in interesting ways! I wish you all the best and hope you’ll keep me posted on your “real plan” when it materializes–and remember: a “real enough” plan is a good enough start!
Hugs to you and yours,
Maya
A friend just sent your UY blog- how interesting ! I didn’t realize you are here. I , also, loved your Global Student book (we were living it!) and read it while living in Panama- my 12 yo was doing highschool and college courses and we were on the very nontraditional course(had been for awhile) and going strong. She could finish college by 16 and basically do most online with OU or OSU….then we decided to move to UY! And everything has changed. Both my kids are going to the VERY traditioanl (read “in-the-box”) UY schools, yet, of course, to us, this is still part of the adventure of living abroad. We have been floored by how traditional educatin is here as we have been when faced with the bureaucracy, etc of getting the kids in school and how they are taught. Yet it is an awesome way to really get the language, make friends, acculturate and integrate, etc etc. If they stay this course, they can graduate (not early) from the university with a free college education. Not sure I can handle the traditional teaching, yet in our rather “out-of-the-box” lives, this , too , is an interesting experience and it is hard to frown on the opportunity for a free college education, especially in this economy…anyway, we are here , in Uy now living near Atlantida. Glad to have been introduced to your blog, and I totally understand you wanting to change your focus- that is what keeps life interesting – greeting change as an interesting part of life. One sure learns more this way and for many of us abroad, we not only don’t fear change, we create and welcome it. Will be tuning in to your blog.
Wow–so great to hear from you! Thrilled that you have read the book and that you’re living it with such energy and enthusiasm.
You’re totally right about the traditional schooling here in Uruguay (as well as the rest of Latin America), but like you said, it’s part of the adventure and a great way to get integrated. You might choose to do this for a couple of years and then go back to the accelerated plan–likely the kids could get great financial aid based on their unusual education/travel experiences (it worked for us!)
Would love to meet you next time we’re out your way. I loved Atlandtida the one time we were there–so peaceful (at least, at this time of year!)
Thanks for connecting, MaryAnne–happy to “meet” you here!
Abrazos,
Maya
I have to say-Maya-I just borrowed your book from the library, after finding your website-and it’s a FANTASTIC book. I would be so satisfied, had I bought it outright. AS it is, I’m satisfied, having spent the time reading it [i'm picky and rarely find someone who's on point and relevant]. Thankyou for this great book! I am someone who was a ‘bold student’ long before it was a trend ….and now I have a 9 yr old (homeschooled) and am regularly considering and reconsidering how, where, when, why…which is also tricky to do when one is already living a non-conventional life, even here in the U.S. (ie,it’s different when you don’t have a bunch of stuff/house to sell or downsize to begin with and have already spent a few years of your own life abroad-)
Back to the book: What I love is the sense of resonance and confirmation I got from reading it. I kept nodding my head in agreement while reading….especially your assessment of ‘language learning and going global’ as they are currently practiced in US schools and colleges, and the FACT that things HAVE changed. GED and AP no longer represent what they did initially, etc.
It seems common sense that identifications would change, and products such as GED and AP, would find different uses over time-but you are right on that most are not paying attention and are too busy trying to assimilate into what they think is relevant today-even as it shifts and changes under their feet!
Yep. Yep. and Yep. Love the stories in your book, as well as the little quotes and proverbs you’ve chosen. Fantastic.
Oh, and kudos for the book, again. I was SO thrilled to find that it wasn’t an e-book. I love the internet for research, but love an old fashioned book even more! Blogs can never take the place of a book, in my mind. And reading from a computer screen is just not the same as sitting and perusing a book at will, time and time again. Plus, all those EMF’s are a drain! lol
I have already recommended the book to one person, and I just started reading it yesterday. Will continue to pass the word on.
Continued happy life to you and yours-
LM
San Diego CA
ps-I think your book and approach may also even inspire folks to simply live in another part of the USA-it’s a big country, and having lived east and west coast and rocky mountains in between-I can say it’s still a pretty diverse place itself in terms of lifestyle and opportunities. Many people never leave their home region at all!
ps-I just want to add that we have a very low key life in the US, and it is possible to live here and not have a job title or loads of activities or busy schedules…loads of homeschoolers and unschoolers in the US these days=means many have decided to give the fast lane a rest and just live life. Also, there are regions of the country where life is slower. Obviously, not the same as going abroad [I lived in africa and 'studied' there for a year and a half, started out my bold school by working on boats in the caribbean, being one of the early 'teach english in taiwan' folks, etc, etc-so I totally get that travel and alternative abroad passion, for sure.] Just mentioning this b/c honestly, moving abroad isn’t for everyone, and doesn’t have to be. One can broaden their horizons and experiences regardless. [just a nod to those who may read this blog and decide that NY to CA is enough culture shock for them, or something like that. LOL] Thanks again!
Hi again, LRM–
I can tell you haven’t read the last chapter yet–haha! It really clarifies my point that it’s not essential to go abroad, just as it’s not essential to do the typical four-by-four. The point is that there are TONS of great options and it is our job as parents to learn about them and to choose what will give our children the
benefits that best suit them.
You’re absolutely right that it’s possible to have a low-key, simple, slow-paced life in the United States, but that’s not what the book is about–it’s about choosing to give your kids a chance to experience life in other countries (not just cultures), to be immersed in another place, to be far from home/friends/family, and to have a chance to see more clearly who they are before they make big decisions about what they want to do. Can a kid learn this in the wilderness of Alaska, the mountains of Appalachia, the beaches in Hawaii, or the streets of Harlem? Yes, to a degree–but it’s not the same as seeing your COUNTRY from a different perspective.
I truly believe that this is a very important part of preparing our kids for the future. We already know that the demographics will continue to change in the US in the next 20-30 years, that Spanish will become an even more dominant language and that the majority of residents in the US will no longer be white. Anyway, I know just from watching my own girls (and the many students I interviewed) that giving kids experience abroad means they are in a much better position to find interesting opportunities (read: fulfilling and well-paid jobs) around the world, and this is especially important during times of economic turmoil. Since our world isn’t likely to get LESS complicated or MORE stable, our kids need skills to help them adapt and thrive–and the confidence to know they can be happy and successful anywhere they choose to live, even if it’s Hometown, USA.
Thanks for your wonderful message, LM! I truly appreciate hearing from you and really hope you enjoy the rest of the book as much as the first part.
Yes, our world is changing dramatically but the same old systems and ideas are still in place. Parents have to understand that simply enrolling their kids in a “good school” is absolutely NO guarantee that they’ll get the kind of education that will light them up and allow them to leap into the world with their eyes wide open.
It sounds like you’re already a believer, so this book isn’t such a stretch for you, but for many, it seems quite radical. The good news is that there’s no need to do everything I talk about in the book–for some, it’s powerful enough just to understand the benefits of the GED or the reasons why AP classes aren’t that important, or how to save a ton of money on college costs. Not everyone is going to choose to go abroad, obviously, but for those who do, the rewards can be truly astounding.
For me personally, living simply in the States wasn’t particularly fulfilling. This is partly because the culture in general doesn’t support that choice (though that’s changing) but mostly because I had spent my first years of married life and had my first two kids in a very different culture–Japan. So, it wasn’t just the simplicity that I wanted for my kids–it was the chance to live in a very, very different place and learn to feel comfortable no matter what gets thrown their way! For us, moving abroad was a fantastic choice, but it’s not for everyone, and I certainly don’t recommend it to those who have never spent time abroad during an earlier stage of life (although there are plenty of families doing just that). It’s all about having fun with the options and finding what works for your family.
Anyway, thanks so much for writing! It’s always great to hear from readers.
Hugs,
Maya