Welcome back!
Or at least it feels like it.
I’ve been in South Korea for just over 6 weeks now, and I’m still waiting for culture shock to it. Compared to Buenos Aires, this has been a pillow-soft landing. Airfare, apartment, settling cash, it’s all handled. For those of you that have lost track, let me catch you up on what I’m doing.
I am the native English teacher for the 1st year (freshmen) students at Dae Dong Taxation High School. I teach the students (boys and girls) conversational English in classes of 25, segregated by sex. The girls are sweet and give me lots of treats and love letters, while the boys are rowdy but respect me for my playground soccer skills. All of them are very smart and keep me on my toes.
Guest of honor at the ribbon cutting ceremony!
I work with a Korean co-teacher in the classroom with me at all times, and they are there to enforce discipline as well as explain any instructions in Korean that slip by the students when explained in English. My head co-teacher Sam is my day-to-day supervisor and is a really great guy, he’s helped me with every problem that’s cropped up here. The guy I teach with the most, Max, is a yoga practitioner and always chilled out. He and I get along really well.
In addition to my normal student classes, I also teach after school classes, classes for the Korean English teachers, and classes for the Korean non-English teachers. These are more informal and generally involve discussion about current events or aspects of American culture.
I’m all caught up on my photos from South America and Seoul now on Flickr, so feel free to check ‘em out and be on the look out for more updates soon!
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Hi Ben,
Thanks for the comments! I will always have a place in my heart for BA, and Seoul is quite different. I like it very much, but it’s hard to compare the two. I will say that BA had more of the pace of life I was used to, and that the language is a heck of a lot easier! Right now I’m on contract until next September, with the option to extend if I so choose. I can’t say how long I will stay at this point, but I could see myself staying another year if I continue to enjoy it as much as I am currently. Some options following Korea include Australia / New Zealand and Columbia, maybe even somewhere in Europe. The world is wide open!
Sounds like you have settled into a really good situation. No doubt that is at least partly due to your experience and attitude. I’m sure you’re a great teacher. Those kids are very fortunate to have you!
I went to Quito in July and I’m going back in January. I am definitely considering moving there. I like it because it’s 9250 ft in the Andes and the climate is awesome. Also it’s not as big as BsAs but it’s a nice size with a lot of variety as far as culture, etc.
Do you like where you are as much as you liked BA? Do you have a plan as to how long you will stay in Korea? Do you know where you want to go next? You are an inspiration and if you can do it I can do it too!
Take care and keep us up on what’s happening with you!