The Big Move

Since I won’t be in Korea until the end of August, I don’t have any adventures to write about quite yet. Instead I thought I’d just address some FAQ’s.

Why? 

I have wanted to teach or volunteer abroad for a long time now. When I graduated from college, I actually filled out half of a Peace Corps application but then chickened out because 2 years seemed like forever at the time. The desire has always been there though, and right now seems like a good time to go. 

What made you pick South Korea?

I studied abroad in France, and did quite a bit of traveling in Europe while I was there, so I wanted to go somewhere I haven’t been.  There is also a high demand for English teachers in Asia. In South Korea, most English teaching jobs provide free airfare and housing, so teachers are able to save money or pay off bills and student loans while there.  That is the plan, but as my mom said, “I’ll believe it when I see it.” This is in reference to my clothes-shopping addiction, but I’ve been told that unless you’re a size 2 and 5 feet tall, it’s really hard to find clothes that fit. So I should be okay J

Do you speak Korean?

I’ve been trying to teach myself, but so far all I know are hello/goodbye, yes/no, and thank you/you’re welcome.  From what I’ve heard though, the only time you really need to know Korean is when you’re ordering food or giving directions to a cab driver.  In the classroom, I'm only supposed to speak in English.  

I do hope to learn at least basic conversational Korean while I’m there. I’m sure once I get there I will have more motivation to learn. Right now I’m actually supposed to be grading my students’ research papers… 

Where in Korea will you be teaching?

I asked the two recruiters I’m working with to look for jobs in Seoul because I wanted to be in a big city where there would be plenty of English speaking people around and I wouldn’t feel completely isolated and out of my element. (Another reason I chickened out of the Peace Corps)

I haven’t signed a teaching contract yet, but right now it looks like I’ll be teaching in a public school in Seoul.  I have an interview with the SMOE (Seoul Metropolitan Board of Education) on Tuesday, so I’ll know more about my placement very soon.  I’ll keep everyone posted! 

Are you excited?

Yes! I can’t wait to leave, but I’m going to miss my family, friends, students and co-workers a lot. I love working at North, and it seems kind of crazy to leave my perfectly good teaching job, but my coworkers have been really supportive and assure me that it will be a great experience that I won’t regret. 

Here is the recruiting agency I’m working with if you want to know more about teaching in Korea: http://www.canconx.com/