An autoethnography of an education consultant in Greece

The purpose of this research was to create a framework for my own practice that would also be a means to share practices with other Education Consultants locally and internationally. The aim of this particular research was to reveal the complexities, tensions and learnings which arise from the lived experience in this role. The methodology chosen was autoethnography using a metaphoric frame of Homer’s Odyssey to navigate the complexities and Cavafy’s poem Ithaka to show the learning opportunities which can arise when one is open to discovery of self and others. The experience that is explored here pertains to both personal and professional aspects of a range of education practices and requirements, often of an international nature, which impact on how the practice of the specific Education Consultant works. The activities examined range from research, networking and speaking at international conferences to setting up and running a consultancy in Greece. This research highlights the contradictions and obstacles faced by the Education Consultant and provides a set of actions which could be the basis for initiating standards of Education Consultancy recognized locally and globally.