10.12.07

.end of blog?.

since I haven't kept this up to date, and I don't really have any intention of doing so, I thought I'd post a sort of 'brb' message. I plan to put my experiences and energies into another sort of writing. If all goes well I'll post again.

1.11.07

one week already?

So it's Friday. I arrived one week ago and I'm finding that very hard to believe. In the blogs I read before coming, and from other peoples' accounts of their time in Korea, I heard very little about how difficult the first little while can be. Perhaps it's not difficult for many, but I'll be honest - though I have had fun this past week, and it's all been very exciting, it hasn't been the easiest seven days. I've had no regrets, but I have definitely questioned myself, and this decision. After weeks of packing and planning from the comfort (and boredom) of home, feeling brace and ready for an adventure, finally finding myself in this completely new world was a huge reality check.
But as the jetlag wears off I am feeling more like myself and that's making the hugest difference. Starting to work has also made a difference, as it has helped remind me of (part of the reason) why I'm here. And being around kids definitely keeps you light and in the moment.
Food-wise so far I've tried ddok galbi and bibimbap, and soju with guava juice - outside the usual school lunches and instant noodles at home, of course. I love the spice. There are some very good snacks as well - strawberry is very popular, but I guess that's sort of universal.

30.10.07

and i'm here...

This is day four in Korea, but my first post since arriving.
My flight got in Friday evening, and by the time I arrived at our building it was nine o'clock and sleep time.
It's crazy how many ups and downs you can have in just four days. Actually, what's crazy is how many ups and downs you can have in just four hours - like the flight from Toronto to Vancouver. Once I was on the plane from Vancouver there was no turning back, and I just wanted to get it over with. And it went ok.
I met a guy named Daniel Moon who was moving back to Korea after five years in Canada. He moved to Alberta on his own when he was 15 years old to go to high school. It was really great talking to him about Korea and Canada, and life on your own.

15.10.07

.update.

dad will keep cat (reluctantly)
car still not sold
most stuff bought, working on the packing of it
visa applied for
flight to be booked when visa approved



we're getting close!

4.10.07

okay...

I just want to get there already...

26.9.07

.the wait.

We're looking at under 3 weeks to go here.
It's just kind of dawned on me that 3 weeks is not a very long time - especially considering all I have to do. I'm waiting on the school to send my E2 Visa number so that I can go to the consulate (or send the documents, I haven't decided which yet) and actually get the Visa. Then we book the flight.

In the meantime I have to:

1. Figure out vaccinations and all that medical stuff. Apparently you're supposed to do this 6-8 weeks before you plan to depart. Oops.

2. Sell my car. (This is stressing me out big time.)

3. Find a home for my cat. (This is also stressing me out big time.)

4. Buy a whole lot of stuff (with not really a whole lot of money.)

sigh.

I am still really excited though.
I'll write again when the flight's set, how about that.

14.9.07

.the decision pt2.

I am happy to announce that I will be one of a few new additions to an English Village in Suwon, South Korea. I chose this position for a number of reasons (see previous post), and I feel good about the choice. The contract is signed and we're working on the visa, with a tentative departure date of October 15 or so.
I'm still very excited, but work is now a bit more difficult because I know I won't be there much longer, and I'd way rather be planning and packing and getting things in order. But I do need the money so...you gotta do what you gotta do.
Just over four weeks to go!

5.9.07

.the dilemma.

So here's the problem.

I've worked out two offers for myself. Choice - great! But choice, hard.

They pay about the same, and the contracts and benefits are similar. The big difference is that one is at a non-traditional school in Suwon where English is taught through role play and real-life situations, and the other is a more traditional classroom type job in Bundang.

If I take the first, I will be living and working with 8 or 9 other foreign teachers, and would leave mid-October. If I take the second, I will be working with only one other foreign teacher, and would leave at the end of September (ie: in 3 weeks.)

So I have some things to consider, and quickly:

Would I prefer to be in Suwon or Bundang?
Both are about equal distance from Seoul; Suwon is bigger, but Bundang is apparently nice, clean and a wealthier suburb. Also, I've been assured that the apartment for me in Bundang is very nice.

Would I prefer to work and live with 8 other English-speaking teachers, or one?
The answer to this one changes often, surprisingly. But more would definitely make things easier.

Would I prefer a formal teaching job - "business casual" dress, tests to mark and report cards to make up - or a high-energy, interactive teaching job where I can dress how I choose but will likely have to make a fool of myself on a regular basis?
The answer to this one changes often as well.

Do I want to leave in 3 weeks or 6 weeks?
I want to get there, but maybe a few extra weeks to prepare would be good...

Either way I'll have to decide in the next 24 hours or so...

...tick.tick.tick...

4.9.07

.the decision.

I am going to South Korea.
More importantly, I am going to South Korea for an entire year.
I'm as shocked as you are - but I'm definitely more excited than you are.