Feeling better today but have some tummy issues as leftovers of the flu. Hoping it is not a mini-flare from Crohn's / Colitis.
I think it is actually a reaction from the drugs the doc gave me.
Ah well~!
So I thought I would share my experience of visiting the Elementary School in Sanbon.
I was taken there by my recruiting agency via car. The ride there was very interesting because we got out of Seoul and I saw some mountains. As we went along he pointed out certain areas and told me what was interesting in them.
When we arrived at Sanbon / Gunpo I could see that it was slightly different from Seoul. There were mostly tall apartment complexes with tree lined streets. Of course there were the other streets with shops and businesses. But around the school it was mostly residential. It really felt like I was far away from Seoul. But all in all I got a homey kind of feeling.
We parked next to the school, which was this 6 story building made of bricks. In front of the school was this large dirt field with a playground. It was still early in the day so the kids were inside in their classes.
Walking inside I immediately caught site of the classrooms. Behind closed doors with little windows I saw rows and rows of children doing their lessons. I could here the kids laughing and crying.
We had to go up 5 flights of stairs. As we went past each floor I took a glimpse of the classrooms. It seemed as we went up each level so did the age of the students.
On one floor the students were all sitting up straight and quiet. I saw a teacher walk around the classroom and his hands was what looked like a stick. Immediately I recalled the discussions of how Korean teachers here discipline children by hitting them. But to see this kind of image face to face, was a little shocking.
Yet, I accepted it as what it was.
On the fifth floor I was taken to the English learning room, which had bright posters on the walls with English words and sayings. I met my coteacher who appeared nice. We all sat down and they went over my contract.
Next was the interview.
We all went back downstairs and entered the principles office. I didn't really expect this, but quickly realized that it made sense. Inside the room were plush cushioned chairs. We all sat around a coffee table.
To my right was the Principle and in front of me was the Vice Principle. I didn't do much talking. Instead my recruiter talked to everyone. But they did have specific questions for me. I would answer the questions and then the recruiter would translate.
It felt professinal and also very official. I was of course feeling achy because of my flu, but tried not to show this.
They were mostly concerned with these things:
- Will I stay for a whole year.
- Housing
- Starting in November
I was fine with everything and said I would stay a whole year.
As of now they don't have any housing yet, because they only have a week to find it. But they said that if they can't find something decent they will let me live in a hotel or do a
homestay, before I move to my
permanent residence. I was okay with this, too.
After the meeting we went to a room where we went over the contract with the
coteacher. I agreed and signed it.
Then we went to the fifth floor again and I was shown my office.
A real office! With a desk, computer and chair! Not the square inches I have at the
hagwon, I was really excited!
Anyways, it was time to get going and so we said our goodbyes and left for Seoul.
All in all, I am still mystified by the experience and hope that when I start it goes well and I make the right impression first.
Read more...
