LARRY B. STELL has written this book and dedicates his many abroad experiences to the many civilians, military and families, embassy and corporate families who live in other countries.
Overseas schools provide a unique opportunity for our elementary and secondary teachers to travel and see the world while working in their profession.
In this book, Larry dwells deeply into his perceived concept of Americans abroad, in the international setting. His own perception of the European world was aptly acquired during his twenty-plus years living abroad. The time span was 1960 to 1982.
In the 19 chapters of this book, he moves from his first assignment in Tripoli, Libya, where he taught biology for one semester, then, fortunately, he relocated to one of the best duty stations in Germany, Ramstein Air Base. He taught science in the Department of Defense Overseas Dependent School, Ramstein Junior High School, from January 1961 until June 1966. The rest of his years abroad were spent in Italy, the Netherlands, and then Larry returned, again, to Karlsruhe, Germany, in 1971, which, at that time was the European Headquarters of the Overseas Dependent Schools.
The time spent abroad gave him the opportunity to witness the feelings and attitudes of Americans abroad, as well as those of Libyans, Germans, Italians, and the Dutch. His exposure enlightened him into a world perspective, and the limitations he would have suffered had he remained in the United States for his early adult years.
The richness he acquired through his second language, German, and living in four foreign countries enhanced his acquisition of self-awareness.
The European experience is one he advocates for all young professionals in their early careers. He regrets he did not have an opportunity to live in the Orient, which he firmly believes would have broadened his perspective, in the world arena, even more!
