Sorry I haven't written in a while. My life as a teacher isn't that exciting. I come to work, I prep for classes, I teach five hours everyday, I go home, repeat. Not too exciting. But I have also been planning for a couple trips approaching quickly.
First, 14 foreign teachers rented a cabin in Inje and I have been procrastinating on buying ingredients for making tuna salad. We all have to bring something to share and I have seen cans of tuna, celery, onions, milk and mayonnaise in the supermarket, so I thought I would bring that to share. I have never made it before, but I have good faith in my cooking skills that it will be OK. We are also doing a secret Santa so I do have to buy a small gift too.
AND, one week from today, I will be on a plane to Thailand. One South African and I are flying into Bangkok and staying for one night. I guess there isn't much to do there, so we are going to other islands and beaches that are popular with travelers (I don't like to say tourists because I think of people with hats and fanny packs with a camera around their neck. I am a traveler). So we are taking an overnight train to Phuket and staying there for a couple days. We will take a ferry to a close island (Koh Phi Phi) which look amazing from the pictures I've seen. We might also go to the other side of the peninsula and go to Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. Then after our stay, we will take the overnight train back to Bangkok, spend the afternoon there and catch our flight back to Seoul. I am totally looking forward to this trip and I can't wait to be lazy and lie on the beach. I will take as many pictures as I can.
I want to wish everyone back home a very Merry Christmas and safe travels to your destinations! It is very strange being away from home over the holidays and I miss everyone!
Take care and see you - on my blog - in January!
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Friday, December 17, 2010
I Will Not Bow to a Pig's Head
So, just a couple days ago, my director warned us that the company that gives money to the school will be coming, so we had to dress nicely. Usually, us teachers just wear jeans and a nice shirt. Very relaxed. But on Thursday she came up to me and said, "tomorrow, shirt and tie." Easy. I don't mind dressing up.
So us teachers arrived and everyone was dressed up and speaking Korean, so us English speakers didn't really know what was going on. But all these Koreans were stuffing 10.000 won bills in these fish's mouths. That's about $10 each bill and they had at least ten of them. I really need that money, I don't know why they had to give it to a fish. Anyhoo, then they mentioned that a pig's head is coming and we have to bow to it. I didn't really know what to think. But this ceremony took place outside and it was well below freezing and everyone was shoving large bills in the mouth, ears and nostrils of this pig's head. The main man from the company that gives money to our school made a speech (in Korean, obviously) so I don't know what he was saying.
I guess when something new happens or the grand opening of something, this is a pretty common ceremony. It's to bring good luck to whatever the ceremony is. For example, if you buy a new car, they will do this too. I don't know exactly know what our ceremony was for, but we took part nonetheless.
So us teachers arrived and everyone was dressed up and speaking Korean, so us English speakers didn't really know what was going on. But all these Koreans were stuffing 10.000 won bills in these fish's mouths. That's about $10 each bill and they had at least ten of them. I really need that money, I don't know why they had to give it to a fish. Anyhoo, then they mentioned that a pig's head is coming and we have to bow to it. I didn't really know what to think. But this ceremony took place outside and it was well below freezing and everyone was shoving large bills in the mouth, ears and nostrils of this pig's head. The main man from the company that gives money to our school made a speech (in Korean, obviously) so I don't know what he was saying.
I guess when something new happens or the grand opening of something, this is a pretty common ceremony. It's to bring good luck to whatever the ceremony is. For example, if you buy a new car, they will do this too. I don't know exactly know what our ceremony was for, but we took part nonetheless.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Party Over Here/Party Over There
The first two weeks of December have flown by and I know the rest of the month will as well. This past weekend was a good-bye party for one of the South African teachers that left and it was another girl's birthday. I have been meeting more people that are both in my city and in surrounding cities. So it's me and two South Africans at my school, another South African, two Brits and a New Yorker and a guy from Tennessee in the public schools here. Then some people came from Sokcho and Seoul so there tons of people at these parties.
It was sad seeing my South African friend leave. She was a lot of fun and always invited me over to hang out. Although we didn't get much time to get to know each other, I am going to miss her. We ARE going to become pen pals and hopefully I can visit her in South Africa or England, wherever she decides to settle down.
I don't have any plans next weekend, but the following weekend is Christmas. I get Christmas day off (which is a Saturday, but since we work on Saturdays, we don't have to), but we have to work Christmas Eve. One South African in town planned to rent a cabin and invite a whole group of people to spend the weekend in Inje in this cabin. I think that will be fun to get away but still be in the same town. We plan on having a huge Christmas lunch and everyone will bring something to share. We are also doing a secret santa gift exchange and our limit is 15.000 won, which is about $15.
Then the Thursday after Christmas weekend I will be flying to Bangkok, Thailand for nine days. I am traveling with one of the South African teachers I work with and we are going to stay in the city for 1-2 days, then travel down the peninsula and go to some well-known beaches and islands. The temperature is about 88 degrees there so it will be a fun nine days. I figure that if I can't get 15+ inches of snow, I might as well go to the beach for the holidays. I am looking forward to that trip so much. I think it will be a good change of pace.
I return to Korea on January 8th, so it will already be one week down when I get back. I also think we have a long weekend the first weekend of February, so I'm hoping to plan another international holiday that weekend, but I will just see how that goes. There is still a lot of cities and places I want to see in Korea, but I want to go to far away places on the long weekends.
I hear there is about 15 inches of snow and the Metrodome collapsed??!! That made the CNN news in Korea. It was nice seeing footage of cars on the highway. that is a true white Christmas. I hope everyone is staying safe and enjoying the blizzard of 2010!
It was sad seeing my South African friend leave. She was a lot of fun and always invited me over to hang out. Although we didn't get much time to get to know each other, I am going to miss her. We ARE going to become pen pals and hopefully I can visit her in South Africa or England, wherever she decides to settle down.
I don't have any plans next weekend, but the following weekend is Christmas. I get Christmas day off (which is a Saturday, but since we work on Saturdays, we don't have to), but we have to work Christmas Eve. One South African in town planned to rent a cabin and invite a whole group of people to spend the weekend in Inje in this cabin. I think that will be fun to get away but still be in the same town. We plan on having a huge Christmas lunch and everyone will bring something to share. We are also doing a secret santa gift exchange and our limit is 15.000 won, which is about $15.
Then the Thursday after Christmas weekend I will be flying to Bangkok, Thailand for nine days. I am traveling with one of the South African teachers I work with and we are going to stay in the city for 1-2 days, then travel down the peninsula and go to some well-known beaches and islands. The temperature is about 88 degrees there so it will be a fun nine days. I figure that if I can't get 15+ inches of snow, I might as well go to the beach for the holidays. I am looking forward to that trip so much. I think it will be a good change of pace.
I return to Korea on January 8th, so it will already be one week down when I get back. I also think we have a long weekend the first weekend of February, so I'm hoping to plan another international holiday that weekend, but I will just see how that goes. There is still a lot of cities and places I want to see in Korea, but I want to go to far away places on the long weekends.
I hear there is about 15 inches of snow and the Metrodome collapsed??!! That made the CNN news in Korea. It was nice seeing footage of cars on the highway. that is a true white Christmas. I hope everyone is staying safe and enjoying the blizzard of 2010!
My Favorite Day of the Week
Today is Monday. My work week is Tuesday-Saturday, so Sunday and Monday is my weekend. At first I thought would be a bummer that I had to work on Saturdays, but actually having Mondays off means I can go to the bank or the supermarket or the post office, so really I can't complain. I think after the first of the year, we will go to a Monday-Friday work week, so I should enjoy these Mondays as long as I can.
I did my laundry today. I don't think I have made this public, but the first time I attempted to do laundry, I flooded my apartment. My washing machine is in an enclosed balcony in my apartment, so I saw this hose sticking out of the back of the washing machine and a drain on the other side of this balcony. So I start my wash and assume the water will drain from this hose to the other side to this drain. After an hour passes, I look over to check it and I see a huge wet spot on my floor. I mean, it looked like Lake Superior was in my studio apartment.
First of all, I felt stupid. Second, I had to figure out something to do with all this water. I have a mop/broom in my bathroom, so I just swept all the water back into the enclosed balcony toward the drain. After getting the floor semi-dry, I turned on my heated floors and it dried up in no time. But later I come to find this plastic pipe sticking up from the floor right by the hose. I grab the hose and try to pull it toward this pipe. No surprise, the water is supposed to drain from the hose into this pipe. Why the heck is there a drain on the other side if the water was meant to drain in the pipe? Ugh, that was a bad day.
Now I am an expert at washing clothes. I think that should be all the embarrassing stories for a while, until I start traveling to other countries. That's where things always go wrong with me.
I did my laundry today. I don't think I have made this public, but the first time I attempted to do laundry, I flooded my apartment. My washing machine is in an enclosed balcony in my apartment, so I saw this hose sticking out of the back of the washing machine and a drain on the other side of this balcony. So I start my wash and assume the water will drain from this hose to the other side to this drain. After an hour passes, I look over to check it and I see a huge wet spot on my floor. I mean, it looked like Lake Superior was in my studio apartment.
First of all, I felt stupid. Second, I had to figure out something to do with all this water. I have a mop/broom in my bathroom, so I just swept all the water back into the enclosed balcony toward the drain. After getting the floor semi-dry, I turned on my heated floors and it dried up in no time. But later I come to find this plastic pipe sticking up from the floor right by the hose. I grab the hose and try to pull it toward this pipe. No surprise, the water is supposed to drain from the hose into this pipe. Why the heck is there a drain on the other side if the water was meant to drain in the pipe? Ugh, that was a bad day.
Now I am an expert at washing clothes. I think that should be all the embarrassing stories for a while, until I start traveling to other countries. That's where things always go wrong with me.
Friday, December 10, 2010
The Sorrows of Teaching
Well, I have just passed my one-month mark and everything is going well. I can't believe it's already been one month. I know the rest of the month will fly by and I am planning a trip to Thailand for our nine-day winter holiday, so that almost brings me to half way through January! It's crazy.
I still have to be honest; sometimes I like it here and sometimes I don't. I still don't think I am fully adjusted to the way my school works and what is expected of me as a teacher. Like I have said before, the is NOT a public school and it is NOT a hagwon (the Korean word for private school), it is more of an after school program. There are only the four English teachers here and we have five classes everyday. At the beginning of every week, we are assigned a topic to teach on and we make activities for the kids. So far we have done numbers, time and now math (simple addition for the little ones and simple multiplication for the not-so-littleones). The oldest kids always pronounce and repeat words and we play picture charades or hangman, to work on spelling. I thought I would hve liked the older kids, but apparently they have been working on the same words for two months, so obviously they ger bored easily.
It's strange, sometimes when I feel like I'm having a great day, the director comes in my room and says something in Korean to the kids. Then they file in order just like little soldiers. Then on the days when I think things are crazy and out of control, that just seems to be the norm. AND, when I am looking forward to going to sschool, I usually have a crappy day and when I dread coming to school, those are the days that are most enjoyable. Like polar opposites.
I have also made a kid cry. He must be 8-years old. We were playing a game sitting on the floor in a circle and everyone claps the hand to the person next to them and everyone counts. So the first person would say 'zero' and slap the person's hand, then the next person would say 'one' then slap the person's hang, and so on. Usually we count 0 to 20 then go up by 10s to 100 and the person who has to slap 100 has to slap the next person's hand before that person pulss their hand out. If the slapping person hits the next person's hand, the stay in, but if they miss, they are out. The young boy happened to not pull his hand out quickly enough so he was out He did not leave the circle so I dragged him out. All of a sudden, he started crying. I thought I pulled him too hard or hurt him somehow. One teacher who was on break heard him crying and came in. She just told me not to worry because he is a cry baby and he needs to get over it. So he sat in the corner and cryed until the game was over. Then when we played for a second time, he joined right in as if nothing happened. He is now my one of my favorites.
I also witnessed another student throw-up. I don't mind seeing it but when that smells hits your nostrils, I can't help but cover my nose. We opened all the windows because the kids were plugging their noses as well. The kid who threw up was running around before class started and seemed fine, but when it was time to sit down and start class, he sat down and almost immediately started weeping. We didn't realize what was wrong until we saw what he was holding. He threw-up in his hand in an attempt to not hit the table, but it was cupped in his hand and on the table. Our director runs in with some toilet paper and smeared it on the table. It was nasty. I still haven't sat at that table since that happened. Gross.
That is all the updates for now. I am surviving and enjoying it while I can. Everyday is an experience whether it's something I learn that's about teaching, Korean culture or about myself.
Thanks for reading!
I still have to be honest; sometimes I like it here and sometimes I don't. I still don't think I am fully adjusted to the way my school works and what is expected of me as a teacher. Like I have said before, the is NOT a public school and it is NOT a hagwon (the Korean word for private school), it is more of an after school program. There are only the four English teachers here and we have five classes everyday. At the beginning of every week, we are assigned a topic to teach on and we make activities for the kids. So far we have done numbers, time and now math (simple addition for the little ones and simple multiplication for the not-so-littleones). The oldest kids always pronounce and repeat words and we play picture charades or hangman, to work on spelling. I thought I would hve liked the older kids, but apparently they have been working on the same words for two months, so obviously they ger bored easily.
It's strange, sometimes when I feel like I'm having a great day, the director comes in my room and says something in Korean to the kids. Then they file in order just like little soldiers. Then on the days when I think things are crazy and out of control, that just seems to be the norm. AND, when I am looking forward to going to sschool, I usually have a crappy day and when I dread coming to school, those are the days that are most enjoyable. Like polar opposites.
I have also made a kid cry. He must be 8-years old. We were playing a game sitting on the floor in a circle and everyone claps the hand to the person next to them and everyone counts. So the first person would say 'zero' and slap the person's hand, then the next person would say 'one' then slap the person's hang, and so on. Usually we count 0 to 20 then go up by 10s to 100 and the person who has to slap 100 has to slap the next person's hand before that person pulss their hand out. If the slapping person hits the next person's hand, the stay in, but if they miss, they are out. The young boy happened to not pull his hand out quickly enough so he was out He did not leave the circle so I dragged him out. All of a sudden, he started crying. I thought I pulled him too hard or hurt him somehow. One teacher who was on break heard him crying and came in. She just told me not to worry because he is a cry baby and he needs to get over it. So he sat in the corner and cryed until the game was over. Then when we played for a second time, he joined right in as if nothing happened. He is now my one of my favorites.
I also witnessed another student throw-up. I don't mind seeing it but when that smells hits your nostrils, I can't help but cover my nose. We opened all the windows because the kids were plugging their noses as well. The kid who threw up was running around before class started and seemed fine, but when it was time to sit down and start class, he sat down and almost immediately started weeping. We didn't realize what was wrong until we saw what he was holding. He threw-up in his hand in an attempt to not hit the table, but it was cupped in his hand and on the table. Our director runs in with some toilet paper and smeared it on the table. It was nasty. I still haven't sat at that table since that happened. Gross.
That is all the updates for now. I am surviving and enjoying it while I can. Everyday is an experience whether it's something I learn that's about teaching, Korean culture or about myself.
Thanks for reading!
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Seoul, I Wasn't Impressed
I just got back from Seoul and I had mixed feeling about it. I always thought I wanted to be in a big city, but I'm happy with my placement in Inje.
I went to Seoul after work on Saturday at 4:30 with two of my South Africans teachers who teach with me because, sadly, one of them is leaving to go home in one week from tomorrow. She taught in a city on the southern coast last year, so she was meeting two of her friends from her old school in Seoul to say good-bye. We had plans to stay in a hotel (with one single bed and one double bed) but when we got there to check-in, the people at the front desk said, "oh, no. You can't have two girls and one boy. One girl and one boy, but not three." I guess they don't allow co-ed hotel rooms? We were so confused. And pissed off. We were going to split the 60.000 won room by three so it would be about $20 each. We were flustered, so we just dropped off ours bags and went to meet the South African's friends from the southern coast. We would figure it out later. Or just sneak in, one of the two.
We went out to a Mexican restaurant and then to a couple Irish pubs. The one guy was from Austin and the girl was from Ireland. They were fun and had good attitudes. We were in this part of Seoul called Itaewon. it's well-known for its markets and its foreign population. I have never been to New York, but Itaewon made me think of what New York would be like: full of people and American English everywhere. I have never heard so much American English since I left the US. I wish I could have taken more pictures of the streets and the markets, but my camera was acting funny, so I couldn't take any pictures. I guess I will just have to go back there.
Although this is going to sound very lame, I just want to go back to Seoul to see the tourist-y things. It costs waaaay to much money to spend a night there and eat there and use the transportation there. I have a mental list of cites to see there and I figure if I go into Seoul one day each month, I will be able to spend one full day there and be able to see everything that I want to see. So that's not so bad.
After having a few beers at two Irish pubs, we took a taxi back to our area of Seoul where the hotel was. No surprise, the same people were working at the front desk, so I couldn't sneak in. Lame. We went to some neighboring hotels and everyone frowned at us when they saw three of us asking for a single room.
At one, we found one for 50.000 won so that was the cheapest. We told her we would be right back and we wanted to check out some other prices. When we couldn't find anything and went back to that one, she said that room that was just available had just been filled. What a rip-off! We think they just don't like foreigners. we were not happy and it was 12:30 or something and we were tired from the work day and he bus ride, so we just wanted to go to bed. Finally, we just settled for a single 60.000 won room. We still split both rooms three-way, but we were not pleased. We aren't too happy with Seoul.
I think day trips to Seoul will be more suitable. There are still so many things to see and so many other cities I want to explore. Not to mention my winter break trip to Thailand. That is coming up in 25 days. Very excited!
Also, next weekend is someone's birthday party in my town, then we are renting a cabin for the Christmas weekend and hanging out, so there are many things look forward to all the way through the new year.
Thanks for reading...
I went to Seoul after work on Saturday at 4:30 with two of my South Africans teachers who teach with me because, sadly, one of them is leaving to go home in one week from tomorrow. She taught in a city on the southern coast last year, so she was meeting two of her friends from her old school in Seoul to say good-bye. We had plans to stay in a hotel (with one single bed and one double bed) but when we got there to check-in, the people at the front desk said, "oh, no. You can't have two girls and one boy. One girl and one boy, but not three." I guess they don't allow co-ed hotel rooms? We were so confused. And pissed off. We were going to split the 60.000 won room by three so it would be about $20 each. We were flustered, so we just dropped off ours bags and went to meet the South African's friends from the southern coast. We would figure it out later. Or just sneak in, one of the two.
We went out to a Mexican restaurant and then to a couple Irish pubs. The one guy was from Austin and the girl was from Ireland. They were fun and had good attitudes. We were in this part of Seoul called Itaewon. it's well-known for its markets and its foreign population. I have never been to New York, but Itaewon made me think of what New York would be like: full of people and American English everywhere. I have never heard so much American English since I left the US. I wish I could have taken more pictures of the streets and the markets, but my camera was acting funny, so I couldn't take any pictures. I guess I will just have to go back there.
Although this is going to sound very lame, I just want to go back to Seoul to see the tourist-y things. It costs waaaay to much money to spend a night there and eat there and use the transportation there. I have a mental list of cites to see there and I figure if I go into Seoul one day each month, I will be able to spend one full day there and be able to see everything that I want to see. So that's not so bad.
After having a few beers at two Irish pubs, we took a taxi back to our area of Seoul where the hotel was. No surprise, the same people were working at the front desk, so I couldn't sneak in. Lame. We went to some neighboring hotels and everyone frowned at us when they saw three of us asking for a single room.
At one, we found one for 50.000 won so that was the cheapest. We told her we would be right back and we wanted to check out some other prices. When we couldn't find anything and went back to that one, she said that room that was just available had just been filled. What a rip-off! We think they just don't like foreigners. we were not happy and it was 12:30 or something and we were tired from the work day and he bus ride, so we just wanted to go to bed. Finally, we just settled for a single 60.000 won room. We still split both rooms three-way, but we were not pleased. We aren't too happy with Seoul.
I think day trips to Seoul will be more suitable. There are still so many things to see and so many other cities I want to explore. Not to mention my winter break trip to Thailand. That is coming up in 25 days. Very excited!
Also, next weekend is someone's birthday party in my town, then we are renting a cabin for the Christmas weekend and hanging out, so there are many things look forward to all the way through the new year.
Thanks for reading...
Friday, December 3, 2010
I Locked Myself in the Bathroom
OK, this happened a while ago, but I shared this incident with one of my friends and she said I should share it with everyone. Please don't judge me...
Well, first, I must say that I usually never close the door when I'm showering, just so it doesn't get too steamy. I figure I'm alone and it seemed unnecessary. I also never close it when I am just using the bathroom; just don't see the need. Anywho, I closed the door all the way today AND I GOT LOCKED INSIDE!! I wasn't really scared, just annoyed. I started taking a shower and the water wasn't as hot as I wanted it to be, so in order to increase the temperature in my apartment is to adjust it on the thermostat. So after closing the door all the way, I realized I couldn't get out. So I quickly showered and dried off. I tried to turn the handle again and it was locked. Then I saw this pin near the handle and I pushed it in, pulled it, jiggled it and nothing. I figured it was the door lock, but I didn't know how to unlock it. I felt like I was picking a lock into a safe, but there was no correct combination.
I had no idea what to do. I didn't understand why the door would be locked from the inside?
So I'm freaking because I was in there for an hour. I was supposed to meet my South African friends in an hour, so I felt silly. Then I started looking for something to slip in the jam so I could attempt to unlock it that way and nothing was working. I don't have any tools; let alone tools in the bathroom. Finally I said I'm just going to rip the handle off the door. I was bending it and twisting it and it took a while but I finally got it off. I didn't really want to do it that way because then I would just have this doorknob to fix, but I really just wanted to put some clothes on.
But once I saw what was inside with the inside handle off, I still couldn't get it open because of the handle on the outside. So I have this mop/broom thing in the corner of my bathroom to wash/clean the floor and I took the handle apart and started jamming it through the hole where the handle was. After a few minutes of mindless pounding I got the handle on the other side to fall off so the only part left was the actual deadbolt or striker or whatever it's called. The mechanism itself was still in the lock position and I still couldn't get out.
Then I swear I heard someone knocking on the door to my apartment because I was making so much noise. Then I felt stupid. If someone would have called or came to my door, they still wouldn't've been able to get in my apartment because my phone was on my table so I couldn't answer it and the front door to my apartment was locked so no one would be able to enter. Finally I took the fallen off inside handle and started monkeying around with the lock. After a couple minutes of trying to pry it out, I got it to open a little and I got out.
I felt so stupid and I was late meeting my friends. Obviously I had to tell them this story because I was half an hour late, so they go a good kick out of it.
I didn't damage the door too much, but now I have to find a new door handle...at least I have a year to do it.
Well, first, I must say that I usually never close the door when I'm showering, just so it doesn't get too steamy. I figure I'm alone and it seemed unnecessary. I also never close it when I am just using the bathroom; just don't see the need. Anywho, I closed the door all the way today AND I GOT LOCKED INSIDE!! I wasn't really scared, just annoyed. I started taking a shower and the water wasn't as hot as I wanted it to be, so in order to increase the temperature in my apartment is to adjust it on the thermostat. So after closing the door all the way, I realized I couldn't get out. So I quickly showered and dried off. I tried to turn the handle again and it was locked. Then I saw this pin near the handle and I pushed it in, pulled it, jiggled it and nothing. I figured it was the door lock, but I didn't know how to unlock it. I felt like I was picking a lock into a safe, but there was no correct combination.
I had no idea what to do. I didn't understand why the door would be locked from the inside?
So I'm freaking because I was in there for an hour. I was supposed to meet my South African friends in an hour, so I felt silly. Then I started looking for something to slip in the jam so I could attempt to unlock it that way and nothing was working. I don't have any tools; let alone tools in the bathroom. Finally I said I'm just going to rip the handle off the door. I was bending it and twisting it and it took a while but I finally got it off. I didn't really want to do it that way because then I would just have this doorknob to fix, but I really just wanted to put some clothes on.
But once I saw what was inside with the inside handle off, I still couldn't get it open because of the handle on the outside. So I have this mop/broom thing in the corner of my bathroom to wash/clean the floor and I took the handle apart and started jamming it through the hole where the handle was. After a few minutes of mindless pounding I got the handle on the other side to fall off so the only part left was the actual deadbolt or striker or whatever it's called. The mechanism itself was still in the lock position and I still couldn't get out.
Then I swear I heard someone knocking on the door to my apartment because I was making so much noise. Then I felt stupid. If someone would have called or came to my door, they still wouldn't've been able to get in my apartment because my phone was on my table so I couldn't answer it and the front door to my apartment was locked so no one would be able to enter. Finally I took the fallen off inside handle and started monkeying around with the lock. After a couple minutes of trying to pry it out, I got it to open a little and I got out.
I felt so stupid and I was late meeting my friends. Obviously I had to tell them this story because I was half an hour late, so they go a good kick out of it.
I didn't damage the door too much, but now I have to find a new door handle...at least I have a year to do it.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Thanksgiving
Hey, I know this is a little late, but I haven't been in the writing mood. I definitely have moods of writing and now I'll probably do three in a row, but now just seems like a good time.
Thanksgiving was already eight days ago. It's December 3rd. Only 22 more days until Christmas. Then the new year. It's crazy. Thanksgiving was fun. The neighboring town of Wontong has many foreign teachers there as well. It's about a 10-minute taxi ride, so I went with my three South African friends that also teach at my school. The girl who organized ths dinner is from Louisiana and she thought it would be fun to have a potluck-style Thanksgiving dinner for the in hnor of the Americans and for all the other teachers who have never enjoyed a Thanksgiving dinner.
Instead of turkey, we had duck. I actually didn't have any duck because we work late during the week (our hours are from 10-7) so we missed the duck, but we ate other things...like pie! There was tons of pie and lots of wine, so I was pretty happy. I think everyone else was indulging in pie and wine as well.
I met a lot of foreign teachers; some from America and others from South Africa and England. There is only one other American in my town and she's from New York, but the teachers in the neighboring city of Wontong are from Louisiana (the one that cooked the duck), Texas, Tennessee, Missouri and one other guy that I tlke to and I can't remember where he's from. Two of those guys also did the PeaceCorps in Macedonia and Bulgaria. They had a lot interesting things to say. They both were part of the education part, so they were also teaching English like they are teaching English here in Korea. I told them that I just did AmeriCorps last year, but the thought that was pretty cool. The PeaceCorps is a two-year commitment, but I think they aso pay for most of your school loans whereas AmeriCorps just gives you a monthly living stipend and pays an extra Education Award after completing 1700 hours. AmeriCorps was only a one-year contract, but you have the choice to volunteer up to two years.
Thanksgiving dinner was an enjoyable time to get to know people and share a meal. I needed that just because I am still not fully settled in, but it was nice to get together with some new friends. It wasn't the same, and it will be difficult not being here for Christmas either. This is my first time being away for both holidays, but I'm sure I'll plan a trip to escape a while...
Thanksgiving was already eight days ago. It's December 3rd. Only 22 more days until Christmas. Then the new year. It's crazy. Thanksgiving was fun. The neighboring town of Wontong has many foreign teachers there as well. It's about a 10-minute taxi ride, so I went with my three South African friends that also teach at my school. The girl who organized ths dinner is from Louisiana and she thought it would be fun to have a potluck-style Thanksgiving dinner for the in hnor of the Americans and for all the other teachers who have never enjoyed a Thanksgiving dinner.
Instead of turkey, we had duck. I actually didn't have any duck because we work late during the week (our hours are from 10-7) so we missed the duck, but we ate other things...like pie! There was tons of pie and lots of wine, so I was pretty happy. I think everyone else was indulging in pie and wine as well.
I met a lot of foreign teachers; some from America and others from South Africa and England. There is only one other American in my town and she's from New York, but the teachers in the neighboring city of Wontong are from Louisiana (the one that cooked the duck), Texas, Tennessee, Missouri and one other guy that I tlke to and I can't remember where he's from. Two of those guys also did the PeaceCorps in Macedonia and Bulgaria. They had a lot interesting things to say. They both were part of the education part, so they were also teaching English like they are teaching English here in Korea. I told them that I just did AmeriCorps last year, but the thought that was pretty cool. The PeaceCorps is a two-year commitment, but I think they aso pay for most of your school loans whereas AmeriCorps just gives you a monthly living stipend and pays an extra Education Award after completing 1700 hours. AmeriCorps was only a one-year contract, but you have the choice to volunteer up to two years.
Thanksgiving dinner was an enjoyable time to get to know people and share a meal. I needed that just because I am still not fully settled in, but it was nice to get together with some new friends. It wasn't the same, and it will be difficult not being here for Christmas either. This is my first time being away for both holidays, but I'm sure I'll plan a trip to escape a while...
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Shelling of Yeonpyeong
As most of you may have heard, South Korea fell victim to North Korea shelling the island of Yeonpyeong. Yeonpyeong is an island not too far from the North Korea/South Korea border. Two marines died along with two civilians and much damage was caused to houses and buildings on the island.
Below, this map shows where Yeonpyeong island is and I have also marked where I live in Inje and where Incheon International Airport is:
Of course, I'm a little concerned about these actions, but I really don't know what to do. Obviously I'm going to stay here until someone tells me to leave. I have CNN on TV here that's in English, so lately I have been watching that and I always read the Star Tribune online. Everyone says that the western media tends to blow things out of proportion, so I don't know if I'm getting the same news you all are. Either way, I'm going to go about my day teaching and if something else arises, we'll go from there.
This is also a photo of the damage caused by the shelling:
Below, this map shows where Yeonpyeong island is and I have also marked where I live in Inje and where Incheon International Airport is:
Of course, I'm a little concerned about these actions, but I really don't know what to do. Obviously I'm going to stay here until someone tells me to leave. I have CNN on TV here that's in English, so lately I have been watching that and I always read the Star Tribune online. Everyone says that the western media tends to blow things out of proportion, so I don't know if I'm getting the same news you all are. Either way, I'm going to go about my day teaching and if something else arises, we'll go from there.
This is also a photo of the damage caused by the shelling:
Monday, November 22, 2010
(Not) Another Saturday Night
This past Saturday has been my favorite day so far. We taught school and got done a 6pm, then the director took the three South Africans, the cooking lady, the two young guys that work here, and me out to dinner free of charge. She also fed us lunch that day. I have to be honest, I haven't spent much money on food because I do get fed lunch everyday at the school. Not too bad.
I don't even know what the dinner was called, but it was delicious. Huge piles of raw meat came on this huge cooking platter with thinly sliced mushrooms, onions and perrpers and some kind of frozen gravy broth. The waitress set the cooking dish on this burner right on the table with another heating tube coming from the ceiling to heat it from both sides. The meal cooked itself right in front of us. It was yuuuuuuuummmmmy. We sat there cross-legged and bare-foot on the floor where your knees gently touched the bottom of the table. That is one thing I still have to get used to. Taking your shoes off in the entry way and leaving them and continue to walk around the restaurant barefoot. Very different.
Amother custom that is different is the way the drink. They ordered beer and Soju (a 19% alcohol that tastes like cheap Vodka) and we drank that through the whole meal. It is custom that younger people not drink in front of elders, so I thought the two youngest guys were just hiding it from our director because they were underaged, but really it's their culture for older people not to see younger people drink, so they simply turned away and took the shot of Soju. Also, when an older person offers something to someone who is younger, the younger person always has to accept it with two hands. Something I never knew, but am slowly catching on to, since I am the youngest teacher here.
The night continued at the karoke bar, where again, that was paid for. I sang about five songs and got 100% on two of them...not bragging, just sayin'. I have a feeling we will be going there many times this year. Definitely the best night I've had so far!
I don't even know what the dinner was called, but it was delicious. Huge piles of raw meat came on this huge cooking platter with thinly sliced mushrooms, onions and perrpers and some kind of frozen gravy broth. The waitress set the cooking dish on this burner right on the table with another heating tube coming from the ceiling to heat it from both sides. The meal cooked itself right in front of us. It was yuuuuuuuummmmmy. We sat there cross-legged and bare-foot on the floor where your knees gently touched the bottom of the table. That is one thing I still have to get used to. Taking your shoes off in the entry way and leaving them and continue to walk around the restaurant barefoot. Very different.
Amother custom that is different is the way the drink. They ordered beer and Soju (a 19% alcohol that tastes like cheap Vodka) and we drank that through the whole meal. It is custom that younger people not drink in front of elders, so I thought the two youngest guys were just hiding it from our director because they were underaged, but really it's their culture for older people not to see younger people drink, so they simply turned away and took the shot of Soju. Also, when an older person offers something to someone who is younger, the younger person always has to accept it with two hands. Something I never knew, but am slowly catching on to, since I am the youngest teacher here.
The night continued at the karoke bar, where again, that was paid for. I sang about five songs and got 100% on two of them...not bragging, just sayin'. I have a feeling we will be going there many times this year. Definitely the best night I've had so far!
Friday, November 19, 2010
Intercultural Communication
First of all, Happy Birthday Dad!
I have one more day of teaching tomorrow (yes, on a Saturday) then it will be 10 full days since I've arrived. Following the other teachers and teaching a few classes on my own, I have really noticed cultural difference. I wouldn't say it's necessarily culture shock, because I'm not having a difficult time adjusting, it's more just differences between cultures, if that makes sense.
I'm not only talking about cultural differences between Americans and Koreans, but also between Americans and South Africans. As you may know, the only other English speaking teachers with me a three girls from South Africa.
First with Koreans, they always say hello with a bow. Similar with the head nod between guys in America, but instead with bows. Not too bad. A huge difference is Koreans always take their shoes off before entering a room: that could be in your home, in school or even in really traditional restaurants. Also with restaurants it's very typical that you sit on the floor. that will get some getting used to, but most places I've been to (coffee shops and bars mostly) there are chairs and tables. That's all I can think of for now, but I'm sure there are more.
Now with the South Africans, I can tell not only the differences with American culture, but also with our Minnesotan culture. Not even culture so much, but accents for sure. There used to be a girl from Minnesota in this town before I came, so the South Africans have been exposed to the accent before I got here. One word that really sticks out with them is the way I say 'bag.' They think I'm saying 'beg.' I tell them there is a distinct difference. Then I admitted the I call soda 'pop.' Then they said, 'pop?' I said yes. Also, we play this game where we describe words and give clues so the students can guess what we're thinking. The South African said. "I am orange. I have pips." I thought she said 'pups.' She said, "no, pips." I don't want to sound stupid, but I have never heard that word before. Later I come to find out it means seed. Anyway, she was trying to describe pumpkin.
I can't believe everyone in this world wants to learn this crazy language we call English. It's amazing that people are able to speak more than one language. It's nice hanging out with the South Africans and getting to know another culture while learning the Korean culture at the same time. I am very lucky to be here.
I have one more day of teaching tomorrow (yes, on a Saturday) then it will be 10 full days since I've arrived. Following the other teachers and teaching a few classes on my own, I have really noticed cultural difference. I wouldn't say it's necessarily culture shock, because I'm not having a difficult time adjusting, it's more just differences between cultures, if that makes sense.
I'm not only talking about cultural differences between Americans and Koreans, but also between Americans and South Africans. As you may know, the only other English speaking teachers with me a three girls from South Africa.
First with Koreans, they always say hello with a bow. Similar with the head nod between guys in America, but instead with bows. Not too bad. A huge difference is Koreans always take their shoes off before entering a room: that could be in your home, in school or even in really traditional restaurants. Also with restaurants it's very typical that you sit on the floor. that will get some getting used to, but most places I've been to (coffee shops and bars mostly) there are chairs and tables. That's all I can think of for now, but I'm sure there are more.
Now with the South Africans, I can tell not only the differences with American culture, but also with our Minnesotan culture. Not even culture so much, but accents for sure. There used to be a girl from Minnesota in this town before I came, so the South Africans have been exposed to the accent before I got here. One word that really sticks out with them is the way I say 'bag.' They think I'm saying 'beg.' I tell them there is a distinct difference. Then I admitted the I call soda 'pop.' Then they said, 'pop?' I said yes. Also, we play this game where we describe words and give clues so the students can guess what we're thinking. The South African said. "I am orange. I have pips." I thought she said 'pups.' She said, "no, pips." I don't want to sound stupid, but I have never heard that word before. Later I come to find out it means seed. Anyway, she was trying to describe pumpkin.
I can't believe everyone in this world wants to learn this crazy language we call English. It's amazing that people are able to speak more than one language. It's nice hanging out with the South Africans and getting to know another culture while learning the Korean culture at the same time. I am very lucky to be here.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
First Day of Teaching
Whew, I taught two classes today. It doesn't seem like much but for some reason I was so nervous. It is very hard to work between all different ages and knowing the level of English everyone speaks. The first class was a little difficult, I just didn't know what to say, what to ask them. I was even bored teaching so I'm sure the kids were. The second class went way better because the kids had more energy and I was able to joke around with them and the game we were playing really picked up.
I really like the school I'm at and I'm getting used to my work schedule. Sometimes our work week is Monday-Friday and sometimes it's Tuesday-Saturday. I like the Tuesday-Saturday schedule because then on Mondays I can go to the bank and go the the grocery store. Accept, right now I don't know where the grocery store is, but I just opened my bank account today. Once I find the grocery store I will officially be all moved in. I got dished and towels and sponges from my director today, so my kitchen is complete.
There are heated floors so it's a fake wood-type floor; therefore, I need a broom because I never knew how much dirt and little things build up on the floor. I've only been in the apartment for seven full days and it's dirty already. I also need some cleaning supplies for when I need to clean my bathroom. AND, I translated all the buttons on the washing machine and the thermostat, so when I need to do laundry I think I will know how.
Things are finally coming together and I really do feel at home.
I really like the school I'm at and I'm getting used to my work schedule. Sometimes our work week is Monday-Friday and sometimes it's Tuesday-Saturday. I like the Tuesday-Saturday schedule because then on Mondays I can go to the bank and go the the grocery store. Accept, right now I don't know where the grocery store is, but I just opened my bank account today. Once I find the grocery store I will officially be all moved in. I got dished and towels and sponges from my director today, so my kitchen is complete.
There are heated floors so it's a fake wood-type floor; therefore, I need a broom because I never knew how much dirt and little things build up on the floor. I've only been in the apartment for seven full days and it's dirty already. I also need some cleaning supplies for when I need to clean my bathroom. AND, I translated all the buttons on the washing machine and the thermostat, so when I need to do laundry I think I will know how.
Things are finally coming together and I really do feel at home.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Seoul
I just got back from my first trip to Seoul. A teacher from my school has a photography class in Seoul and I asked her if she could show me where the bus station in Inje was so I knew where to go, how to buy a ticket, how long it takes to get there, where it drops you off in Seoul, how to use the subway...ya know, the typical stuff. After being on my own for a few hours until I met my college friend, I got the hang of it.
We happened to be on the green line that makes a loop, so if I wanted, I could have stayed on that all day. I knew which stop to meet my college friend so I got off there so I could get off and walk around. The subway was above ground and underground so I like to see as much of the city as I can, since Seoul is in the top three of the largest metropolitan cities in the world.
I ended up getting off the subway where Olympic Park is. I like walking around Olympic Parks and Plazas to see all the sculptures and buildings and flags spread around the grounds. I have only been to one other stadium though, and that was in Barcelona. I didn't get to spend much time there, so I would like to go back and explore a little more.
Then it was time to meet my friend, so I headed back toward the subway stop I left from to go another three stops to meet her. I had to ask the information guy for a map because I haven't really been on a subway before by myself, so the one thing - and please don't laugh - I can't do is figure out which way on the Subway I have to be going. Sometimes when you go down to catch the subway, on one side of the road it goes toward one direction, so you have to go back up, cross the street above, then go back down so you're going the other way...if that makes sense. It does in my head. Anyway, after receiving the map, I opened it up and just gazing around and looking really confused some Korean guy came up to me and asked me if I needed help. I said yes, this is where I'm going and he told me the right way. then I said thank you in Korean...probably with a bad accent because I really don't know how to pronounce it yet.
I met my college friend for lunch, then we strolled around a little more before I had to catch my bus back. We found out where they held the G20 Conference and took pictures outside. I wish I could have seen Obama. That's OK, I'm sure he was busy anyway.
Seoul is such a huge city, but to me it doesn't seem like it has tall buildings all squished together. It just seems more spread out and a spider web of a subway system. I hope to go to Seoul once a month just so I can get to see everything I want to see. A one-way bus ticket costs 12,200 won, which is about $10, so not so bad. And the bus ride is only two hours, which is tolerable. I will have a fun time getting to know the city and visiting my college friend and my high school friend that are just teaching outside Seoul.
We happened to be on the green line that makes a loop, so if I wanted, I could have stayed on that all day. I knew which stop to meet my college friend so I got off there so I could get off and walk around. The subway was above ground and underground so I like to see as much of the city as I can, since Seoul is in the top three of the largest metropolitan cities in the world.
I ended up getting off the subway where Olympic Park is. I like walking around Olympic Parks and Plazas to see all the sculptures and buildings and flags spread around the grounds. I have only been to one other stadium though, and that was in Barcelona. I didn't get to spend much time there, so I would like to go back and explore a little more.
Then it was time to meet my friend, so I headed back toward the subway stop I left from to go another three stops to meet her. I had to ask the information guy for a map because I haven't really been on a subway before by myself, so the one thing - and please don't laugh - I can't do is figure out which way on the Subway I have to be going. Sometimes when you go down to catch the subway, on one side of the road it goes toward one direction, so you have to go back up, cross the street above, then go back down so you're going the other way...if that makes sense. It does in my head. Anyway, after receiving the map, I opened it up and just gazing around and looking really confused some Korean guy came up to me and asked me if I needed help. I said yes, this is where I'm going and he told me the right way. then I said thank you in Korean...probably with a bad accent because I really don't know how to pronounce it yet.
I met my college friend for lunch, then we strolled around a little more before I had to catch my bus back. We found out where they held the G20 Conference and took pictures outside. I wish I could have seen Obama. That's OK, I'm sure he was busy anyway.
Seoul is such a huge city, but to me it doesn't seem like it has tall buildings all squished together. It just seems more spread out and a spider web of a subway system. I hope to go to Seoul once a month just so I can get to see everything I want to see. A one-way bus ticket costs 12,200 won, which is about $10, so not so bad. And the bus ride is only two hours, which is tolerable. I will have a fun time getting to know the city and visiting my college friend and my high school friend that are just teaching outside Seoul.
My Apartment
I have been settling in the past four days and my apartment is coming together. It is a very small studio apartment that's about a three minute walk from my school. Perfect. I have all major appliances: refrigerator, microwave, TV, washing machine (which are all products of Samsung, including my cell phone), pots & pans, nice bathroom. It's very modern. I swear the wallpaper has a pink tint to it, so I'm not liking that. You may see that in the pictures. You may also look at my full album on Facebook. The link is at the bottom of this post.
All the appliances are in Korean, so I don't know how to use my microwave, washing machine or adjust my thermostat. One nice thing, too, is that there are heated floors. It must be because in Korean culture you are required to remove your shoes when you enter your home, a restaurant (in my small town anyway, not in a big restaurant in the middle of Seoul), and even my school. I am still getting used to taking my shoes off in public places, but at least I don't have to wear slippers when I get home. I might just bring those to school so they are easy to slip off and on.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=3108203&id=13932786&l=e8bf2e88c7
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Mastering Chopsticks
I think I will get used to the food here. They are very light, but I don't think I will go hungry either. They eat lots of fruits and vegetables and I have only had chicken and noodles and rice...not too bad.
I am fortunate enough to have breakfast and lunch at the school everyday. Cereal and cut up fruit is usually what we have for breakfast and for lunch it's either something the director prepares, some she orders for us or she will give us money to go out for lunch. All expenses are on our director. That is nice since I haven't been to the bank or the grocery store yet so my meals were covered for the first couple days and will be covered for the year.
Chopsticks weren't very easy in the beginning, but after two days, I survived on full meal. It will only get easier. My hand always cramps up and I want to use one chopstick one each hand, but then I look awkward. I am getting used to eating rice and noodles with them and it's not that difficult.
I am fortunate enough to have breakfast and lunch at the school everyday. Cereal and cut up fruit is usually what we have for breakfast and for lunch it's either something the director prepares, some she orders for us or she will give us money to go out for lunch. All expenses are on our director. That is nice since I haven't been to the bank or the grocery store yet so my meals were covered for the first couple days and will be covered for the year.
Chopsticks weren't very easy in the beginning, but after two days, I survived on full meal. It will only get easier. My hand always cramps up and I want to use one chopstick one each hand, but then I look awkward. I am getting used to eating rice and noodles with them and it's not that difficult.
First Couple Days
Ah, I arrived two nights ago and have been adjusting well. My flight was at 6:13 am Tuesday from Minneapolis to Denver, had 20 minutes then went to San Francisco, had 15 minutes then was headed to Seoul. I was nervous catching all those flight because my layovers weren't that long. I didn't have a problem though. After I landed, I met someone and he bought me a bus ticket from the airport to Chuncheon, about two and a half hours away, then another guy and the husband of the director drove me another hour to Inje. Yes, I am that far from Seoul.
Everything went smoothly and I finally arrived at my apartment. It's a small studio apartment, but there is a full kitchen, big screen TV, washing machine and a very nice bathroom. It seems very modern. I think I will like it there...accept for the pink tint of the wallpaper...I don't like that. And the apartment is only a 3-4 minute walk to the school, so I can't complain.
Not many people speak English here. The director has very broken English and I will have problems ordering food in a restaurant, taking money from the bank and any other encounter I have with a Korean. I will have to learn some of the language just to live in this town, but I don't think it will be that bad.
I am here with three South Africans. They are awesome. I think I will like it here and gaining this experience will be a real asset when I get back to the States.
Everything went smoothly and I finally arrived at my apartment. It's a small studio apartment, but there is a full kitchen, big screen TV, washing machine and a very nice bathroom. It seems very modern. I think I will like it there...accept for the pink tint of the wallpaper...I don't like that. And the apartment is only a 3-4 minute walk to the school, so I can't complain.
Not many people speak English here. The director has very broken English and I will have problems ordering food in a restaurant, taking money from the bank and any other encounter I have with a Korean. I will have to learn some of the language just to live in this town, but I don't think it will be that bad.
I am here with three South Africans. They are awesome. I think I will like it here and gaining this experience will be a real asset when I get back to the States.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
People and Interview in Chicago
I wanted to write this in my last post, but I thought I would spread these out. I upgraded to a personal bathroom in our hostel that cost an extra $4, so there were eight bed and a bathroom with a shower. I think it was well worth it.
I only met two guys from my room: one guy seemed younger than me and he was looking at schools and the other guy was also looking at schools. The first guy was from Southern California, somewhere between L.A. and Las Vegas. He was looking at Roosevelt University adjacent to our hostel. It was funny because when I checked out of the hostel for the day before my interview, I told him good luck with whatever in the future. A couple hours later I randomly ran into him at the top of the John Hancock Observatory. We hung out up there for a while then I moved on.
The second guy was also looking at schools and he was from Argentina. I think this was his first time being in the States, but I can't remember. He spoke English very well. We chatted for a while then he left right away. Never saw him again or never spoke Spanish..oh well.
After finding the NBC Tower where my interview was, I met this other guy. I knew he was from Minnesota because when he was checking in for his interview, he was trying to explain his nationality to the woman at the desk. He said he was Hmong and was explaining that that is his culture, but his nationality is American. I'm guessing he was born here but, obviously, his parents were from Laos.
After he checked in and sat down, I asked him, "are you from Minnesota?" He said, "yes." Then I asked, "From St. Paul?" He looked at me, confused, and said, "yes." I knew that St. Paul has the highest Hmong population in the United States, so I was pretty confident with my assumptions. I continued to tell him that I worked in a Hmong charter school last year and I know a lot about their culture...at least more than the average person. We started talking and got to know each other.
Then we both get called in at the same time to interview. I hate group interviews. The interviewer asked us to tell him what our educational background was, why we chose Korea to teach and list some hobbies. He didn't speak English that well, and I had to repeat myself a couple times because he couldn't understand me. After we both did that, the interviewer pulled out a sheet of paper and said, "I am working on this song, you should sing it with me." So after being nervous all day and preparing for this interview, now we have to sing...WHAT!? The other guy and I looked at each other and didn't know what to do. So we looked at the title of the song and it was the Star-Spangled Banner. We helped the interviewer through the song and after we got through, he said, "have a great time in Korea!" That was it. I couldn't believe it and we both stood up slowly and left.
We made it to the elevators and were so confused as why we had to sing the National Anthem. We actually sounded pretty good though. I was also trying so hard not to laugh because as you all know, I think everything is funny and I'm always laughing. In the end, I made a new friend and we hope to meet up a couple times in Korea. Only five more days until my departure. It will be a good year!
I only met two guys from my room: one guy seemed younger than me and he was looking at schools and the other guy was also looking at schools. The first guy was from Southern California, somewhere between L.A. and Las Vegas. He was looking at Roosevelt University adjacent to our hostel. It was funny because when I checked out of the hostel for the day before my interview, I told him good luck with whatever in the future. A couple hours later I randomly ran into him at the top of the John Hancock Observatory. We hung out up there for a while then I moved on.
The second guy was also looking at schools and he was from Argentina. I think this was his first time being in the States, but I can't remember. He spoke English very well. We chatted for a while then he left right away. Never saw him again or never spoke Spanish..oh well.
After finding the NBC Tower where my interview was, I met this other guy. I knew he was from Minnesota because when he was checking in for his interview, he was trying to explain his nationality to the woman at the desk. He said he was Hmong and was explaining that that is his culture, but his nationality is American. I'm guessing he was born here but, obviously, his parents were from Laos.
After he checked in and sat down, I asked him, "are you from Minnesota?" He said, "yes." Then I asked, "From St. Paul?" He looked at me, confused, and said, "yes." I knew that St. Paul has the highest Hmong population in the United States, so I was pretty confident with my assumptions. I continued to tell him that I worked in a Hmong charter school last year and I know a lot about their culture...at least more than the average person. We started talking and got to know each other.
Then we both get called in at the same time to interview. I hate group interviews. The interviewer asked us to tell him what our educational background was, why we chose Korea to teach and list some hobbies. He didn't speak English that well, and I had to repeat myself a couple times because he couldn't understand me. After we both did that, the interviewer pulled out a sheet of paper and said, "I am working on this song, you should sing it with me." So after being nervous all day and preparing for this interview, now we have to sing...WHAT!? The other guy and I looked at each other and didn't know what to do. So we looked at the title of the song and it was the Star-Spangled Banner. We helped the interviewer through the song and after we got through, he said, "have a great time in Korea!" That was it. I couldn't believe it and we both stood up slowly and left.
We made it to the elevators and were so confused as why we had to sing the National Anthem. We actually sounded pretty good though. I was also trying so hard not to laugh because as you all know, I think everything is funny and I'm always laughing. In the end, I made a new friend and we hope to meet up a couple times in Korea. Only five more days until my departure. It will be a good year!
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Chicago
Alrighty, here's the scoop. I am officially leaving the country. I was contacted by my recruiter last Thursday and said my visa number had come in...the one I have been waiting for all this time. I was currently in the works with a temp agency and trying to get a job that way. It always seems to be bad timing because I hate to go that far in the temp agency process (because that's no walk through the forest) and not stick with it. Anywho, I figure this adventure is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and I really couldn't pass it up.
Now that the visa number is in, my next step was to go to Chicago. I was quite nervous and that is a little strange for me. I'm usually not worried when I travel alone, but this time I was. Maybe it was the way I was doing it or because it just seems like crunch time right now. I have no idea. But, I decided to take the Megabus - not a plane, train or automobile - because the Megabus was the least expensive choice at the time. So it departed from downtown Minneapolis at 7 am Monday the 1st. So I drove to the Anoka train station that led me to Target Field. I then jumped on the light rail from The Field to the Metrodome where the bus stop was. (*Note, the Megabus doesn't have a station, it's just the street corner on Chicago Ave. and 3rd St.) then I arrived at Union Station in Chicago at 3 pm.
I got a hostel for the night that wasn't too far from Millennium Park; so it was right downtown. About one mile between Union Station and the hostel and another mile to the NBC Tower where I had my interview. Had just enough time to see the sites, walk the Magnificent Mile, tour the John Hancock Observatory, stroll through Millennium Park and get 'high in the sky' in the sky deck of the Sears Tower (now it's the Willis Tour, but I will always call it the Sears Tower). It was a blast.
I hope to go to Chicago again and spend more time there. I only took a few pictures but here is a link to a Facebook album.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=3102559&id=13932786&l=450491de9c
Thanks for reading!
Now that the visa number is in, my next step was to go to Chicago. I was quite nervous and that is a little strange for me. I'm usually not worried when I travel alone, but this time I was. Maybe it was the way I was doing it or because it just seems like crunch time right now. I have no idea. But, I decided to take the Megabus - not a plane, train or automobile - because the Megabus was the least expensive choice at the time. So it departed from downtown Minneapolis at 7 am Monday the 1st. So I drove to the Anoka train station that led me to Target Field. I then jumped on the light rail from The Field to the Metrodome where the bus stop was. (*Note, the Megabus doesn't have a station, it's just the street corner on Chicago Ave. and 3rd St.) then I arrived at Union Station in Chicago at 3 pm.
I got a hostel for the night that wasn't too far from Millennium Park; so it was right downtown. About one mile between Union Station and the hostel and another mile to the NBC Tower where I had my interview. Had just enough time to see the sites, walk the Magnificent Mile, tour the John Hancock Observatory, stroll through Millennium Park and get 'high in the sky' in the sky deck of the Sears Tower (now it's the Willis Tour, but I will always call it the Sears Tower). It was a blast.
I hope to go to Chicago again and spend more time there. I only took a few pictures but here is a link to a Facebook album.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=3102559&id=13932786&l=450491de9c
Thanks for reading!
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Still Waiting...
it is ten minutes before Jeopardy starts and I have been looking for jobs all day. I have slowly given up on this Korea adventure. It has been pushing three weeks since my documents have been at the immigration office in Seoul and I have yet to hear from them with my visa number. I figure I would continue applying for jobs because this unemployment is killing me.
I really want to stay in a school, but I will take anything now. I told my recruiter I wanted to leave ASAP, but now I will take the first job that's offered to me. I can't watch my life pass me by waiting for this opportunity. I have to move on. I will keep you posted on the news I hear.
Thanks for all the support
I really want to stay in a school, but I will take anything now. I told my recruiter I wanted to leave ASAP, but now I will take the first job that's offered to me. I can't watch my life pass me by waiting for this opportunity. I have to move on. I will keep you posted on the news I hear.
Thanks for all the support
Thursday, September 30, 2010
The Next Step
So my first round of documents are finally at the immigration office in Seoul. Great news. They were received last Tuesday (Monday our time) and it takes "a minimum of one week, a maximum of two weeks" as my recruiter told me. Hopefully it is closer to the one week instead of the two weeks. If all goes according to plan, by the end of next week I'll be in Chicago for my interview.
The interview asks some pretty hard questions: Why are you interested in South Korea (versus another country)? How will your major help you become an effective teacher? How is South Korea different from America? (be specific). What do you know about Korea? What’s your career plan after a visit to Korea? If you don’t have any teaching experience, how do you think you can manage?...just to name a few. I already know what I'm going to say and I already have my examples ready so I don't think it will be that bad.
I am still very excited to embark on this journey. I will finally be able to live on my own (which I've been wanting to do for one year now) and experience that. The apartments are fully furnished with a full kitchen and all appliances, a bed and living room furniture. Usually it's a one bedroom or studio apartment within walking distance of my school. Since Inje is so small - a population of 34,000 - I'm assuming my walk will be minimal.
The apartment is free as well as the round trip airfare. That's a pretty good deal as they pay you a monthly wage on top of that. I think I will be able to do some traveling (hopefully to Beijing, Shanghai and Tokyo) and I'll still be able to save money and bring it home. It seems like there are lots of advantages to this program, so I am eager to get over there and start working!
Until next time...hopefully the next post will bring photos of my trip to Chicago!
The interview asks some pretty hard questions: Why are you interested in South Korea (versus another country)? How will your major help you become an effective teacher? How is South Korea different from America? (be specific). What do you know about Korea? What’s your career plan after a visit to Korea? If you don’t have any teaching experience, how do you think you can manage?...just to name a few. I already know what I'm going to say and I already have my examples ready so I don't think it will be that bad.
I am still very excited to embark on this journey. I will finally be able to live on my own (which I've been wanting to do for one year now) and experience that. The apartments are fully furnished with a full kitchen and all appliances, a bed and living room furniture. Usually it's a one bedroom or studio apartment within walking distance of my school. Since Inje is so small - a population of 34,000 - I'm assuming my walk will be minimal.
The apartment is free as well as the round trip airfare. That's a pretty good deal as they pay you a monthly wage on top of that. I think I will be able to do some traveling (hopefully to Beijing, Shanghai and Tokyo) and I'll still be able to save money and bring it home. It seems like there are lots of advantages to this program, so I am eager to get over there and start working!
Until next time...hopefully the next post will bring photos of my trip to Chicago!
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
It's Always a Production!!
If you have started reading my blog again, you must know that I will be teaching English in Inje, South Korea for one full year. Honestly, I have been applying for jobs since May 2010 because I knew my contract with AmeriCorps would be ending in August 2010; so I thought I would get a head start.
I had four interviews: Bilingual Paraprofessional with the Hmong Charter School I worked at, Associate Educator in Minneapolis Public Schools, Student Learning Advocate in Anoka School District and Manager of Education at Junior Achievement. Needless to say, no one offered me a job. I continued looking, trying not to be discouraged, but the feeling was there nevertheless.
I thought of applying to banks or back to Subway where I worked in college for two years, but neither of those seemed appealing. I want a job in education. I stumbled upon this job of teaching English in South Korea and applied immediately. The only qualifications are having a college degree and fluency in English. Seeing as I graduated and am American, obviously I met qualifications.
I met with a friends of mine from high school that taught one year in Korea while she was back on her break. She loved the job and the experience so much, she decided to renew her contract for one more year. We met for coffee and discussed her year of teaching. She continued to say that there is still an opening with the company she went through, so I also applied to that one. A couple days later I had an interview.
The interview lasted only a 10-15 minutes, just like all the others. To my surprise, at the end the recruiter offered me a job. I accepted.
Now, I'm in the long process of gathering documents, interviewing with schools, more accepting, sending paperwork, waiting, going to Chicago, more waiting, packing, booking a flight, then leaving. I'm right around the first waiting period, then road tripping to Chicago, which is exciting because I have never been there.
That's all I got for now. I will keep everyone posted as it comes. Thanks for reading!
I had four interviews: Bilingual Paraprofessional with the Hmong Charter School I worked at, Associate Educator in Minneapolis Public Schools, Student Learning Advocate in Anoka School District and Manager of Education at Junior Achievement. Needless to say, no one offered me a job. I continued looking, trying not to be discouraged, but the feeling was there nevertheless.
I thought of applying to banks or back to Subway where I worked in college for two years, but neither of those seemed appealing. I want a job in education. I stumbled upon this job of teaching English in South Korea and applied immediately. The only qualifications are having a college degree and fluency in English. Seeing as I graduated and am American, obviously I met qualifications.
I met with a friends of mine from high school that taught one year in Korea while she was back on her break. She loved the job and the experience so much, she decided to renew her contract for one more year. We met for coffee and discussed her year of teaching. She continued to say that there is still an opening with the company she went through, so I also applied to that one. A couple days later I had an interview.
The interview lasted only a 10-15 minutes, just like all the others. To my surprise, at the end the recruiter offered me a job. I accepted.
Now, I'm in the long process of gathering documents, interviewing with schools, more accepting, sending paperwork, waiting, going to Chicago, more waiting, packing, booking a flight, then leaving. I'm right around the first waiting period, then road tripping to Chicago, which is exciting because I have never been there.
That's all I got for now. I will keep everyone posted as it comes. Thanks for reading!
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