First Team Leader Meeting

My mind is in a swirl and I am home cooking tofu stir-fry. But about an hour ago I learned about what it will be like being a team leader next term and the duties that are going to come my way. The school basically wants to overhaul the English Department. Make it more standardized, meaning tests and homework should have a set grading system. It all makes sense, with it showing that we should be more unified and organized. The main goal is to boost the English Department's reputation. For years now, as it has been observed, the attitude was "Here you go, you can figure it out." A very easy going attitude that showed the Korean teachers we were likely lazy and can't be motivated.

But it has me wanting to run for the hills. I knew I was going to be a team leader but now it is just about 3 weeks away! It's becoming a reality. I mostly feel insecure and that I will be a failure at communicating well with the K-teachers and also won't meet whatever standards my English teachers have. I will have to juggle two departments and be the intermediary. It looks like a big leadership position and I don't know if I'm ready. I'm in denial already and need to skip to the acceptance stage.

Thankfully, we had the meeting and it outlined what to prepare for and ways to get everyone ready that first day. But first impressions are important and I will be jet lagged and tired that first day back. I am mostly thinking to just be, "nice" and "sweet." Don't let the stress of it all show and go with the flow.

I'm going to slowly look back at the handout I received with all the information on it over the next few days. And over my time in America spend some time familiarizing it at a pace comfortable. Right now I just need to accept this is going to happen, and see it is an opportunity.

Patiently

Back at work here doing the normal thing of classes and then break time. I would be lesson planning right now, but the current 2nd grade teacher asked for her books back. I think I have a copy of the Volume 2 book back at my house, so that can help me later. Just won't have the teacher's guide, however I didn't rely on it too much.

All I have left are November, December and bits of February for next year. I suppose I can get to those in time, as they are far away. Still there is the need in me to keep punching them out, however ridiculous that sounds.

Because I booked my vacation tickets through Hanatour I have to wait 48 hours before my flight to select my seats. I can't sleep without the window seat and so am trying my best to be patient. Hopefully, my flight will have a lot of, "I hate the window seat" type folks.

Things to do before heading off on my vacation:
- Get Tom to his brother's house for cat sitting.
-  Visit the Doc to refill meds
- Transfer more money to my American bank account.
- Organize my packing of (warm and cold clothes). Would like to make it so I have enough room to fill them up with new finds.
- Get the seats.

All right, I suppose I could go clean up my desk here and do more house cleaning in my classroom. ㅋㅋ

Fall Semester Comes

As I woke up semi-late this morning (7:45 AM) I knew tomorrow was going to be a work day. Usually I am woken by Tom nudging me or climbing on top of me to get a good petting in before the day starts. On work days I can only give him that good petting for a short little time. But I am not here to complain, just saying my lovely two weeks of vacation are quickly ending.

I feel this vacation was especially good for me because I feel balanced out. The free time allowed me to understand what transpired during the last semester and what I need to focus on for the next. I feel mentally ready to take on the challenges.

Of course, I am feeling nervous about going back to work. This is because I mostly want to find out if they will keep me for another year or not. I'm hoping I will get the casual email that asks if you want to stay or not and that will be that. I heard from a colleague this is what usually happens in November. But then I am wondering if I should start the FBI fingerprinting process just in case things don't turn out how I would expect.

What will be interesting for the start of this coming Fall semester is that the afternoon kids are switching with the morning kids. We have our theories, but we are hoping the afternoon kids (notorious for being rambunctious) will some how be more mellow in the morning. However, I have realized that kids are kids no matter what time of the day. So we will see. The Fall semester also has some twists in it like a Drama festival and no open classes.

With the new semester approaching already I know summer is on it's way out. The air is starting to get cooler (slightly) and I can tell the summer sunshine is changing.

In the end, I am grateful for this vacation and the many more I will have.

Unpack and Realize How Much Crap You Have

Yesterday I picked up two pieces of furniture from a dude on Facebook (thank you dude). A bookshelf and one of those TV stand tables. We didn't get that done till 8pm last night so this morning I spent my time emptying my boxes. I learned I have a lot of Lonely Planet books and a bunch of little stuff that doesn't have a place to go.

Before:

That was what the place looked like somewhere in the middle of my unpacking and arranging.

Here is what it looks like after I put it a bit more together.

After:

Until I get a desk and another bookshelf there is still quite some stuff left in boxes. I also seem to have too much toiletries and medicine, which won't fit in my current bathroom cabinet. 

So it is, we are here at the end of the weekend. Next week is likely going to be a whirlwind of craziness, but as long as everyone is along for the ride then I am okay with that. Maybe this is silly of me, but I keep wondering what it is like for the little first graders being in an Elementary school for the first time. I saw them last Friday as their homeroom teachers gave them a little orientation. They definitely look wide-eyed and dazed.

Goodness, I have been writing a lot about work lately. I hope this isn't bothering any of you. As things get into their groove I can go back to writing about other stuff...till then...

Bonus:

I also spent time today cleaning the "balcony" area, since it was caked in black dust. The following is the result of mopping and scrubbing.

Back on Korean Soil

My flight back was pretty good and I have to say Singapore Airlines is up there with Korean Air as my favorite. There was one slight issue during the flight, that was my cough. I couldn't help but do it while on the flight and apparantly the woman sitting in front of me did not find it amusing. Yet she alerted me of this towards the end of the flight. She asked me if it was contagious and I gave her an honest answer that I didn't know, since I didn't visit a doctor. Well, she didn't like that and expressed this quite forwardly. I didn't know what to say to her accept I was sorry.
JH picked me up from the airport and I have been staying at his house ever since. I will move in to my new place tomorrow around 4pm, and I am very excited. From what I gather it will be kind of spacious and in a good neighborhood.

In the meantime, I am visited a doctor. He said that the cough probably will take a while to go away but take the meds he recommends and if it persists to come back for x-rays.

Staying at JH's house is interesting because for one it is the size of a shoebox. His mom is staying at her boyfriend's house just to accomadate me. Yes I know how nice this is of her and should think of a way to genuinly thank her. (BTW if there are spelling errors it's because I am using my bf's computer and the spell check doesn't seem to be working.) His sister lives in his house too and she has been sweet with me here. Even helped me clean some of my sweaters and hang them up to dry.

Coming back to Korea after a 3 month stay at home, was long enough for me to feel like I hadn't been here in a while. Although I feel like I am having that "first time here" culture shock it is being blanketed by "oh yea...Korea is like that" feelings. I did miss Korea and all its greatness and pitfalls, though.

I am looking forward to starting the new job, but feeling nervous for the start of the semester with first graders. I know I just need to be myself and take things as they come along. But I am going to be really busy with moving in, unpacking and getting ready for work real soon. Actually I want to get busy with all this as I like to organize and prepare myself for stuff. Also I would like to get to the point where things are settled down so that I can start seeking out a Korean study group along with everything else I want to do.

:) Glad to be back.

American Bug

I have caught the flu, and it hasn't been fun. I managed to get a little planning done for my first week back at work but then this bug hit me. It's got me all paranoid I won't be able to fly back to Korea next week, but already I am showing signs of getting better.

All I have to say is I haven't had severe headaches like this in a long time. American flu's really kick your butt.

Up Against the Competition

Job hunting this time is bringing in some surprises. For one public schools are looking to hire people with teaching credentials or a degree in English or education. How do I know this? Well I have already seen schools in my area hiring teachers with these backgrounds, and today a recruiter told me that the positions I applied for all want someone with "real" experience.

Now, don't get me wrong. I do feel it is a good turn in the right direction to start hiring people with actual backgrounds in teaching. This might help teachers adjust here more and also bring new develops to school's English programs. But of course it also means that I am now up against a certain kind of competition that I can't do anything about. In my opinion, my two years experience at public schools should be equivalent to someone's teaching credentials. Mostly because I have learned what works in Korean classrooms and have worked hard through trial and error to get the students excited and learning. But I can see why a school would want a person with actual teaching experience as opposed to the regular just-graduated person.

I did ask the recruiter, whether I had a chance of getting a job next year and she did say yes. I am still going on the hypothesis that it is still too early for most independently hiring public schools. However, if most of the schools out there desire a teacher with an education background I have to wonder if there is enough in supply. But given the current job market in America and other parts of the world, I would say that there are probably a lot of applicants in that category.

I suppose this all means that I have to stand up taller and fight for a job out there and work harder at it. In the past, I think, most people are use to just kicking back and waiting for the recruiter to ring in with a position. I am definitely noticing, this time, that you have to call them up or email and remind them you are still out there. Of course not in an obnoxious way.

**Update: I want to say that this post is my nervous response to being on the job hunt. Knowing that I am not as qualified (credential wise) does make me worry. But I wanted to make the point that schools are starting to want more than just your "native" voice, which I actually feel is a good thing. My only wish is that no matter who they hire more proper training would be provided for the cross-cultural workplace. **

Well it isn't all gloom out there, and there are plenty of other schools. Also I have been considering going back to hagwons. Just thought this recent development was an interesting aspect of the job hunt.

Questions Over Tea (In-Person Interviews)

Last week I went to two in-person interviews at two completely different types of schools. From what I experienced I can see that the competition is fierce and schools have the upper hand.

The first interview was at a hagwon or private academy. I am not really looking to work at a hagwon since I have gotten use to not teaching kindy and I like the public school schedule. But I was sold by the ad and I knew the recruiter. He basically sold the school as one of the best. Indeed, as the interview developed,  I realized it really was a diamond amongst them all. The interview was on Thursday, after work, and I showed up on-time.

I was greeted by one of the head teachers and was told to take a seat, while she got me a cup of tea. Then she came back in along with another head teacher. I was told usually they conduct the interview with all the teachers and the director, but due to the timing that wasn't happening.

Their questions were really serious and a few took me by surprise. Although I was nervous I tried my best to answer honestly and to share points that I thought would show me as a good candidate. Here are some of the questions they asked:

• What are your strengths? 
• What are your weaknesses?
• What would you do if there was a bully in the class?
• What would you do if there was a shy student in the class?
• Are you comfortable teaching kindergarten? 

Then I met with the director who pointed out aspects of the contract and asked me a few similar questions. The other two left the meeting (I said thank you and shook their hands) and I was left with the director. He asked me if I had any questions about the contract and I just asked simple things like sick days.  Then he showed me around the school and I complimented him on how nice it looked, and lastly I was out the door.

Although I felt really positive and excited after the interview I found out today that they didn't pick me. There were 4 positions and the recruiter told me they interviewed 7 people. In a way I feel kind of left out of this "secret club" of well treated hagwon workers with amazing pay and an amazing house. But then I also feel relieved because it would have been a 40 hour work week (36 teaching) that included kindergarten kids. At this time, when I am thinking of upgrading to middle school kids, downgrading to kindy doesn't really make sense.

Then came Friday where I had an interview all the way up in Nowon, Seoul.

source

This was for a Private Elementary School, meaning it goes by the regular public school schedule and has within it all the usual benefits. But instead of using the national curriculum they give English teachers a subject to teach like Math, Science or Language Arts. One of the eye catching parts of this job was that you get to have your own classroom and own grade to teach. 

I was excited for this job but the hagwon left me excited to teach for them. However, I tried my best to show enthusiasm at the interview.

I had to leave work after lunch on Friday to get to the school in Nowon at 3:30. Indeed, it took me nearly two and a half hours to get there. I walked up a tree lined street with large apartments on all sides, which made me wonder where the teachers lived. Then I came to the school, which was like a public school but with a great make-over. The kids were running around wearing uniforms and matching little yellow backpacks.

I found the meeting room and was told to take a seat and the coordinator would be down soon. I waited for him over a cup of warm tea. When he came he looked tired and busy. In fact he told me that he has been having a lot of interviews and because of this has been busy. He told me he didn't really have the time to look over my details closely. I said "no problem" and that "he could ask me anything."

As he asked me questions and listened to me talk he looked over my resume and cover letter. Some of his questions were:

• How do you feel about teaching Math?
• Do you need the housing deposit? 
• What grades do you like most?
• Why do you like teaching?
• What are your best characteristics?
• Do you consider yourself a really organized person?

The "Math" question was due to that he noticed I have a degree in art and that he has gotten a lot of applicants with a degree in art. I told him honestly that I would never really imagine myself teaching math, but that doesn't mean I don't like it.  I expressed my happiness in the math classes I took in college. He was a bit surprised to hear I took math in college, so I explained to him that it was part of the basic requirements for getting the degree. Also I told him that in class there will likely to be students who don't like math so it will be up to the teacher's skills to make him interested. I was trying to make the point that a math major isn't necessary to teach math. He seemed impressed.

The "organized person" question was his way of indirectly asking me if I don't mind it when my manager asks me to do something at the last minute. In other words, how do I handle the Korean work environment? I first answered with the typical, "Yes, I am organized" and then switched into, "Yes I don't mind getting information at the last moment." Basically telling him that I have adjusted to the Korean work environment and understand it all. He smiled at this.

All I can gather from this interview is that the guy has a lot of candidates and so many number of positions. The school has 23 Native Teachers already teaching grades 1 - 6, so I suppose a bundle of those aren't staying on board. He told me he has to work out who fits where and will get back to me by the end of next week. On my way out there was already another guy ready for his interview. Oh, I forgot to mention that I brought with me a folder of my summer camp work to show him. He looked at it and seemed impressed.

I left feeling good about this interview, but at the same time unsure since the guy was a little out of it. I am excited for the school and it's program but not the location.

More opportunities come up every week on Dave's ESL job board and elsewhere. Plus I have a few recruiters on the job. But regular public schools are still too early to look for. In the end, I don't really want to move away from this area and feeling queezy about living in the cement-blockade that is Seoul. But I really want a good challenge next year and will apply to schools that I see could provide this.

Monday is coming ~ what opportunities are around the corner?

Coat and Scarf

Winter has introduced itself today by having the temperature drop down to 34F as I walked to work. That required me to take out my old winter coat and wrap a scarf around my neck. It takes me 30 minutes to walk to work and so I guess I enjoyed the chilly stroll.

From checking the weather report it looks like this cold snap will last till about Friday when things will slightly warm up again. Of course, though 34F is not as cold as 13F which is how it is in February.

Already I have gotten news about my attempt to work for the Gangnam Public Schools.

I regret to inform you that we will not continuing on to the final interview stage. We received a large number of highly qualified applicants and unfortunately you did not pass the final screening process. I wish you luck with your job search.

That final screening process is the "checking your references" section. My references were my current coteacher (male) and my ex-coteacher from the Sanbon school. I wondered who said what and how it affected me. After inquiring with my current coteacher, saying, "Oh the Gangnam schools decided not to interview me," he looked pretty shocked and sympathetic. Meaning it probably wasn't what he said. On Sunday I mustered up the courage and called my ex-coteacher from my previous school. I didn't reveal to her that they decided not to interview me, and instead fished around to see what her feelings were. I tried to tell her that if it is a burden to her I won't give out her number. Also I noted that usually I don't have to give two references but places like Gangnam and Universities request it, stating further that later on I probably don't need to give out her number when looking for a normal public school. All the while, she seemed okay with everything. However, her tone sounded kind of hesitant when she talked about the Gangnam recruiter. I know we didn't have a good past together but since moving on I have emailed her thanking her and telling her that I missed her.

Whether or not my ex-coteacher can't help but be honest on the phone is still a slight mystery. I came to the conclusion that Gangnam indeed had a lot of "qualified" applicants and whatever my coteachers said on the phone didn't bring me up to their status. I am ok with not getting offered a position, as the housing situation was going to be difficult, but it left me hoping my references won't get me in to trouble.

For now all that is left is a University I applied for, which is in Seoul. They will call around November 8th if they want to interview me. The interview will consist of giving a three minute demo based upon their materials. Already I am brainstorming a demo, even though I am unsure whether I will even be called for to interview.

My current job, which will end in about 38 days, is trucking along. Yesterday we had our open class with the fourth graders and it went well. It had to since my coteacher prepared them so much. People were impressed and pleased. I am just happy to get that duty over with. As for my plan to perk up and try to make "amends" with certain people in this office that has started to die off. I realized I can't make them feel anything no matter what I do, but at least not tip things in the wrong direction. I noticed that I was feeling unbearably insecure due to the new foreign guy at the office. He was getting the "new person" treatment and I couldn't help but reflect on all the crap I received. For some odd reason I feel myself getting over this today. Maybe everyone has finally cooled off.

I am trying really hard to just not care about the nuances at work,which is difficult when working in a tiny office with 4 other people. To do this I am focusing on my future, consisting of a holiday vacation with my family and boyfriend back in America and my future job.

All right folks! Take your Vitamin C and dig out those gloves...winter is here.

Notes From Camp: Week 3

Dear Camp Diary,
  I guess it is nearly time to say farewell, as it looks like there are just two more days left. What can I say? We had some good times there with the third graders and some bad times when things got a little nuts. Yet, the second week held up really well with the fourth graders enjoying the egg drop.

Here we are now with the 5th and 6th graders. They have been separated into two classes, which is probably for the best. I have the 6th graders, while the other foreign teacher has the 5th graders. But we get to sample both as the kids switch classes now and then. Seeing the 6th graders reminded me that the Fall semester is going to start next week, and it will be back to the regular grind.

Teaching the 6th graders is certainly less of a struggle since their English is way more advanced then the lower grades. I am trying to keep them active and to not get that bored look on their faces.

On Tuesday we did the drama activities and they really got into the "Create Your Own Roleplay" assignment.

I gave them a laminated handout where you pick out some characters then by the roll of the dice determine what the story will be like.

Then they wrote down the parts of their story on the accompanying worksheet. I was impressed with the amount of time they put into it and how well they worked together to come up with a creative story.

I guess I will mention that I designed these handouts and the lesson. If you are interested in using them just send me an email making your request.

There wasn't a whole lot of time left to actually practice their presentations, so if I were going to do this again I would have given them more time. Yet what mattered most was that I saw them having fun and using English.

I am glad that camp is at its end since three weeks is just too long. My biggest complaint is that our Korean coteachers presence in the classroom was minimal. Sometimes I would go back to the office to get something and I would see them browsing the internet. Sure I understand that we can do our job without them, especially if the students are 5th or 6th graders, but their attitude towards things has been very lazy. The frustrating part comes in that if I were to reflect the same attitude I would be the one in trouble. Despite feeling disappointed I let it go and tried my best to not let it bother me.

Positives Joy! The best part of camp was having my own classroom, even if it was just for 20 days. The other bonus of camp was seeing all the hard work and lessons I made come together and work really well with the students. I can see that I know now what works with Korean children and doesn't. Finally...seeing those egg drop creations fall and the children cheering in the background, was also spectacular.

The next semester is coming and Mrs.Kim will move on and we will get the Dude teacher. I hope Mrs. Kim and the other coteachers don't fill his head full of nonesense about me before we start teaching. I am going to talk to him before our classes start and let him know that I hope to have a good time and work well together. I am really dieing to say something like, "Whatever Mrs. Kim said about me...don't believe it." But I would rather him just figure it out as things move along.

Signing off from camp! ~BYE

Unsettling

Today came the news about whether or not my school would renew my coworkers contract. This is the other foreigner at my school. Let me just first state that we have become good friends and since we both have experienced our work place understand the deep problems. Throughout the year she has been saying over and over how she wants to stay at the school and hoped they would keep her. However after we got back from orientation the mood amongst our co teachers was cold and exclusive.

My coworker got the vibe that they weren't going to keep her, and since her contract ends in early October she became anxious to know the verdict.

Today they told her they would not renew her contract. The first reason she was told was because the Principal wants a male teacher. She seemed a bit upset at first but then buckled down and probably realized this school isn't the best anyways. She has a new boyfriend in Suwon and so now has the opportunity to live closer to him.

But we both recognized the changed feeling in the office and this decision of theirs validated our suspicions.

Yet then came the walk home after work where I learned there were deeper reasons to her non-renewal. She talked with Mrs. W (the middle coteacher.... not the oldest or the youngest) and what she was told doesn't really make sense. She was told that part of the reason they weren't renewing her was because how at the beginning (back in February) the office was uncomfortable and the environment not pleasant. What is strange is that the office wasn't like that because of my coworker it was because of me.

If you have been reading long enough you would know that I struggled with crap at the beginning of this job (in December) and then again when we got the new coteachers in February. Since the last great incident somewhere around March nothing bad has gone down. I became less sensitive to the things that bothered me and even found myself caring about Mrs. K (the older coteacher who I teach the most with). In my opinion, I felt like I was showing how I had changed and cared about the "group." That is why it comes as a surprise to hear they still hold this in their minds. But also more strange is that they attribute it to my coworker. Who actually has always been talkative and quite more friendly than me. Something tells me the Principal truly wants a male teacher and that also the coteachers just don't want us either.

The question is will they let me renew? From this evidence I believe their answer will be no. Renewing would mean that I can get extra vacation and not move or go through the hassle of finding a new job. For the most part I would only want to stay at this job because I love the house. However, I can feel myself saying that is a bad reason to stay at a school. To be honest I would rather work somewhere with a dedicated English department that has an English classroom. And I think I need to go back to just having one coteacher.

As I walked home today and around town I realized that I need to personally make my own decision on this job, whether they renew me or not. I came to the affirmation that I personally will not renew with this school. I will plan my mind and life on the reality that come December I need to move out and make my next move.

There are actually some positive things to this prospective future. Here they are:

• Finishing the contract rewards me with a free flight home. 
• I could use the flight home to go home. ;)
• I would go home (California) and stay from December - January. Resting and being with family.
• I would come back to Korea at the end of January and either live in Goshiwon or stay at a friends. Meanwhile looking for a new job. 
• While I am in America resting, JH could come out and visit me. So it would make things very flexible.

That is what I see in my mind, and I think I need to stick with this plan and just say goodbye to this school and house. It's been two years in Korea and something tells me it is time for a break. Sure I am going to America for my summer vacation but I know the 14 days won't be enough. 

All in all, inside I am fuming from all this secretive nonsense going on underneath the surface. Sure it doesn't surprise me that they don't tell us anything. But I end up feeling like a cheap thing. Yea I know I pissed them off several months ago but I have done my darnedest to accept the cultural differences and even let many things slip away.

So right now I am dealing with that anger, and I know I can't show it at work. I want to leave on good neutral terms so that the next school will accept me. It feels like a really hard thing to bury your inner nature, but that is what I am doing.

Yes I want to confront them and talk to them about my job position and future. Yet I fear they will dig up the past and I don't want to go there.

My final thoughts are that I still can't believe how I (the foreigner) try my best to understand and accept Korean culture. But that my Korean colleagues show little to no effort in accepting or understanding my culture or who I am. And instead use the differences as punishments towards my character and person. My coworker shares the same sentiments.

There is some faith in me, however, that there is a right place for me here in Korea. From now on that is what I am going to look for.

2011 GEPIK Rumors

My open class was today and it went pretty smoothly. Really, what can I say if the people who attended showed up late and left early?

As an English teacher working for GEPIK these are just some of the unexepected turns this job can take. In fact, usually we don't know what is going on underneath the surface at our own school. On a broader scale being brought up to speed on changes within the curriculum and such are also kinds of information that somehow doesn't make it to us. If you have taught and worked in Korea for a while you will know that being told about changes usually come at the last minute.

However, I feel that instead of waiting for the information to come to me I will just dig it out of my peers and coteachers.

Recently I posted a topic on the GEPIK teacher's Facebook group probing its members to respond to my inquiry about upcoming changes. I also posted this same topic on a forum-based website for teachers in Korea.

The Rumors:

I would like folks to please post any rumors they have heard from coteachers or other Native Teachers about changes for 2011.

What I have heard:
- Grades 3 - 6 will get new books.
- Schools will choose the material / therefore not everyone will use the same book / meaning we may not be able to easily share materials
- Grades 5 & 6 will increase to 3 times a week

What have you heard???

The responses I received were very interesting and ranged from the serious to lazy. Things have calmed down now and not many people are posting so I thought it would be a good time to anonymously share their responses.

Most people seemed to know about the book changes and were familiar with that, however there were a few that didn't know our schools will end up choosing the book. In fact, I heard from my coteacher that the local government will pick 4 textbooks and then schools can take their choice from these 4.

3 & 4 are getting new books again next year. They are seen 3 times a week, as well. It is supposed to be twice by the native teacher and once by the Korean teacher alone. 5 & 6 will change text books the following year. I am pretty sure they will still be seen 3 times a week like they are now. I am aware that some schools do not have enough native speakers to cover the 2 classes per week, but based on the cirriculums, that is what they are supposed to be having. That being said, schools will adjust accordingly. For example, 5th grade in my school does not see the native teacher, but 4 and 6 see us twice a week. 3rd sees us once and the Korean teacher alone 2x.

Not sure if that is helpful or not.

Increasing the classes means increasing the teaching hours of Native Teachers. However most of us are at our max and already doing overtime with after school classes. Keep in mind that we can only go to a limit of 28 teaching hours per week. Typically, 20 - 22 of those are with the normal classes. 

Getting rid of Native Teachers???

how about the fact that the GPOE ditched the 'intern teachers' even when schools wanted to keep them, in favour of bringing more crappy teachers here... I work my butt off to keep my job and the GPOE would rather have someone who is less competent and pay them more... and that in 2012 the GPOE is gonna start getting rid of native speakers bc they think that they have enough Korean teachers who speak English well enough to teach conversation.

there are more important things than changing textbooks that we should be looking at.

This writer brings up a curious point that many teachers don't know about. Personally, I don't know what to believe or make of this. I agree, though, that there probably are more important things to worry about than our books changing. Certainly, if you think about it, we can't expect the Korean government to permanently continue to import Native Teachers. One person replied to this by saying:

Here's a fun one for you... by 2012, the Korean government is planning to replace all English teachers with Korean English teachers who can TEE (Teach English in English). I've seen official documents, I've been to a lecture about it; but luckily it is not just GEPIK, but EPIK and all other English Teachers in Korea. Good Luck Guys. Keep on top of it!

Personally, I have to think whether it will affect me or not. By 2012 what will I be doing?

More responses:

... no they are not. I think you've gotten something wrong in translation. I'm pretty sure it would be impossible for them to do that with any good effects. they are STARTING to do this. my coteach went to some meeting and her english is excellent, this is what she said. I'm also fairly certain that its ONLY gyeonggi as 1)GPOE is a bit crazy and 2) EPIK is still supporting TALK... also to note the Gyeonggi Education minister was re-elected, NOT the one who made all the changed last year, bc this guy was brought in part way thru the year AFTER the annoying changes had already been made...

the Teaching English in English thing is absolutely true as I know of co-teachers busy with the training at the moment. I do not see this working as the material itself is full of mistakes, but this seems to be what they are aiming for. I do not see them however firing all the native speakers at once, I think it will be a systematic replacement if that at all, because I fail to see even some of the most competent co-teachers teaching on their own. They have too much of a struggle with pronunciation first off and secondly grammatical structure is a nightmare to them. So, the education department will either realize this halfway throught their "replacement project" and keep us around OR they won't and in another 10 years start bringing native speakers back in again. I won't worry too much about it, cause if all else fail and you are really deadset on being an ESL teacher, there are always the hagwons, I doubt those are going away anytime soon ;)

 Resolution:

I think you run the risk of wasting a lot of time and energy trying to figure out what is happening and obsessing about things you have no control over if you constantly try to keep up with what is happening internally at the education department. Also considering that each new minister changes things to his liking...

Bottomline: we are at the BOTTOM OF THE BOTTOM of the food chain here and we have no say. I have been with GEPIK for the last 4 years and if there is one thing I have learned it is not to worry about "what might happen".

Certain Native Teachers don't deserve to be here?

One individual made a complaint about how they see that some people don't deserve the job...take a look..

This brings about another topic...It may or may not be realated: I've met many foreign "teachers" who do not deserve to be teaching. The system needs to do better background checks and proper interviews and not choose teachers who "look" qualified. I have a friend who is leaving her middle school position at Byuk-jae middle school and when given two resumes (one a Vietnamese woman an impeccable resume and excited sounding cover leter and a Gyopo male with NO experience and dull sounding cover letter) to look over guess who the school chose?

 People responded like this:

As for people who are in jobs they don't deserve, ... I agree with Ji, I have lost count of the amount of people I have met who just not belong here.

The ONLY thing so many foreigners are here to do is drink as much soju as they can, go to work hung over as often as they can, in other words extend the life of being a student with just one more year. They take as little pride and show as little interest as is humanly possible in the job they are here to do. And this is one of the main reasons why foreigners have the reputation they do with Koreans/parents in general, because we have created it for ourselves and unfortunately the system is doing nothing to correct this.(nor is the behavior of some might I add)

I have to say I can agree with this writer here. One of the best places to experience this closely is the Orientation. There were people in the group who seemed to just snooze through everything so that they can get out and drink later. Certainly the aspect of teaching in Korea as a post-college party is a topic worthy of debate. Partying is cool and all, but let's not forget about the image we portray to our colleagues and neighbors. 

Back to the Books...is the change a sign of things to come?

One writer from the forum website wrote this insightful comment:

At an EPIK workshop last year, I heard that there would be several "approved" textbook programs, and the schools did indeed get to "choose" from the approved vendors.  The kickbacks and profits of the textbook publishers, and their relationship to the education ministry and the ruling party, as well as the local school districts, must be a factor in this.

As offensive, inappropriately suggestive, and just plain wrong the current textbook series is, from the Korean pedagogues point of view, it serves the function of keeping children away from English language based culture that has not been mediated by Korean translation.  Additionally, the tests designed around it have proven to be significantly obscure, allowing the testing to serve the historic gatekeeper function: That is, a test which helps to winnow a serviceable elite, not a test of actual ability or knowledge.  Notice how the tests measure the ability to relate certain Korean concepts to other Korean concepts in the "correct" way, with the English language keys thrown in as a tertiary check on "correctness".

The elementary part of the old curriculum was anarchic enough that rational approaches to grammar could be used effectively within its framework.  And for Korean teachers unfamiliar with, and quite possibly resentful towards, English, the old curriculum allowed the schools to spend a little more time honing the basics of Korean with their most recalcitrant charges, under the guise of studying English.  At the more advanced levels, the method of having to explain everything in Korean, the memorization of equivalents ad infinitum, and other methodologies, helped to prepare the students to invest further in the Hagwan and tutor industries, perhaps developing them into lifelong consumers of this commodity inappropriately labeled as English.  It's the Korean economy, . . . . .

Joybot0's suggestion that we pool our resources in digesting these changes is well received.  We'll be in a better position to exploit the upsides in what will hopefully be a mixed bag.  There may even be some evidence that the old Korean paradigm of focusing myopically on East Asian reference points is starting to shift.

 One of the regenerating topics that came up at Orientation was the influence of Native Teachers on not only the children but how they are receiving their education...

Leads me to my own topic:

What impact do Native Teachers have on Public School teaching methods?

It was told to me during Orientation that our presence in the classroom is a modern experience for the students. This is because we teach them using references from how we were taught back in our home country. Typically this contrasts greatly with how Korean children are taught in school. Just for example, it is typical for Korean teachers to stand in the front of class and direct the class with dictation and speech. Children listen and repeat. From what I know there is little Q & A going on. Basically what you need to do is imagine that a classroom in Korea is taught differently from that in the west.

I personally feel that I am not on a mission here to change the Korean classroom and oppress them with my ethnocentric ideas of how children should learn. However, I do believe that as we teach the classes in our natural non-Korean ways that things could rub off elsewhere. Even if English time is the only time they experience a different way of learning they are still having a different experience.

Some of the examples people at the Orientation talked about were that when we teach English we usually walk around the classroom. We look over the students shoulder and check their work. Or we ask them for their opinion and thoughts. I was told that nowadays the Korean coteachers are participating and going around the classroom getting personal with the students.

My conclusion is that Korean public schools will never really look and feel like they do in the west. Instead they will modernize and advance in their own way depending on the will of the Korean teachers and the materials they have at their disposal. So if the materials change, not just for English, then perhaps methods of teaching will reshape as well. I bet I could find someone who taught here a long time to tell me how much things have changed.

There you have it people a long and clustered post about rumors for changes within the GEPIK public school system. Remember this was focused on Elementary school teaching and I have no clue what could be happening with Middle or High.

In the end, I would really like to know more about this replacement program they have brewing and whether it will be a threat or not. Till then I am just going to whistle my way through summer and look forward to my vacation.

Reflection Room

I am planning my summer vacation travels. Booking airplane flights and reserving car rentals has me in a dizzy. But I can manage it! Certainly I hope my wallet will end up okay.

Today as I was trying to find out whether the San Francisco airport has a service where you can store your luggage in between traveling I found something quite peculiar.

It is a reflection room:

Berman Reflection Room

The Berman Reflection Room provides a center for quiet self-reflection and meditation. 
International Terminal, Main Hall, pre-security
hours: daily, 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

With the hustle and bustle of traveling this kind of space makes sense to have at an airport. I wonder if people know about it and use it. But maybe it is more of a memorial than a place to zone out.

This reflection room is dedicated to
HENRY E. BERMAN
President of the San Francisco Airport Commission

For his vision of the airport, his love of San Francisco, and his dedication to public service having served over 25 years on City and County of San Francisco boards and commissions.

I found this tweet:

at sfo berman reflection room. it's a super quiet room with a great view. awesome! #sfo

Doesn't seem like it is too hard to get to after you arrive, so I might try and check it out.

Location note: The GPS location is for the BART San Francisco International Airport Station. The reflection room is immediately inside the airport from the station on the left hand side.

Speaking of reflecting I thought I would take the time to give a little update on work. Things have finally petered down into a workable situation. Meaning I am not being attacked left and right anymore. Since those last disasters (back in late March - April) things have been steady. I have noticed that I am most vulnerable right before my period. PMS does a number on my ability to keep calm and collected. So when this time comes around I try extra hard to control myself and wear the "I like everyone" costume. Speaking of which, I am encountering that struggle today! Already I had a hiccup this morning with Mrs. K, which I thought was allright. Just spoke in a kind of direct tone to her. Then after lunch, out of no-where, the Princess (youngest coteacher) said to me:

Princes: "Joy today I think you made Mrs. K sad. I saw her face this morning and she looked upset. I care a lot about her and you should try not to make her upset."

Me: "Really, I didn't know she was upset."

Princess: "Yes she looks that way. And now she is not in the room. Maybe she is uncomfortable here."

Me: "No, she left the room because her computer has a virus (true) and I think she is looking for help." 

Priya: (other Foreign teacher) "Yea she has been upset lately about her computer."

Princess: "Really, hmmmm" (She makes a high-pitched hmm sound. Have you ever seen the Dark Crystal? Remember the bad characters that sucked the life outta the gelphlings. She sounds like them.

Me: "Well ok. I will do that and try to not make her upset. Maybe you should talk to her." 

And she went back to doing something else. Meanwhile I grabbed my stuff and headed to the next class I had to teach. I made sure to catch up with Mrs. K and apologize for this morning and tell her I "really care about her." Turns out she didn't even know why I was doing that and so I explained that the Princess seemed concerned about her. We hugged and all was right with the world.

Coming back from class I wanted to tell the Princess that things are okay between me and Mrs.K. But she was not here. I sent a lovely little text message to her computer citing that things are okay and that anytime she has a "problem" she can come and talk with me.

Let's just say I am glad I put this out before it blew up. 

Besides that crap I have been dealing with a little junk from "#2" coteacher. This is the middle aged one that is between the oldest and the youngest. I teach with her once a week. She coteaches with me so differently from Mrs.K that things were starting to bother me. 

For example, when #2 and I teach together she usually just stands in the back and paces around giving Korean translation now and then. But with Mrs. K she is always in the front or middle of the class giving lot's of translation (almost too much) and helps with the computer. Basically more real "coteaching". I probably should of handled this more gently, but last week I spilled the beans like this.

Walking to class

Me: Do you always stand in the back of class in Priya's classes? (The other foreign teacher ...they teach 3rd grade.)

#2: No....the 3rd graders have some song or role-play we do. (That sounded puzzling since the 4th graders do the same crap)

Me: Oh, I was just wondering. 

#2: If you want me to come up to the front I can.

Me: No I am fine, really. If I need you I will call you.

And of course I thought everything was fine after that conversation but I was wrong. It turned out she took that comment personally. I found this out after lunch when we were sitting around the table for tea-time. I mentioned stuff about North Korea to start a conversation but she didn't seem interested. Then I mentioned how it's okay if she is in the back of the classroom. She said, "You just think I do nothing back there. But I am helping the students...." I said: "No, no that is not what I meant. I know you do stuff back there. Just your coteaching style is different from Mrs. K." But she didn't really get it, got up and went back to her desk. 

I didn't dig into it anymore with her and let the powers of time take care of things. Once again they are so sensitive that work-related issues such as coteaching-styles can't really be brought up without someone's feelings on the line. However, if I were approached about my teaching style and took it personally I would be called out for overreacting. 

And so this leads me back to reflection. I do a lot of time reflecting on all this trying to figure out why and what I can do to make things better or at least tolerable. I end up worrying about what will happen when it is contract review time, and my mind spirals off. 

I know I am not perfect and make little mistakes along the way, so all I am trying to do is not make them blow-up like before. It is a fact that I cannot change their opinion of me by defending myself or talking to them about these issues. 

In a perfect world we would have monthly meetings to talk about these things and share our ideas on teaching and coteaching. But that has never happened here, and yes I have suggested it. 

After the summer break and when the new semester starts Mrs. K will be gone. Also the Princess may be whisked away by taking a missionary trip somewhere. The replacements have already been called (a male teacher and an ahjumma at the school). Both who are pretty cool. But #2 is going to be here the longest and so I know that despite how crazy she makes me I gotta play like everything is cool. 

That is work for you in a nut-shell. Thankfully planning for summer camp and my vacation has kept me busy. Still, I hope to get through this teaching year with no more craziness despite that all the crap that is happening around me makes me feel nuts.

Reflection room where are you?!!?

Open Class Tomorrow

Looks like this is my third post today. Had the day to myself since JH was under the weather.

Tomorrow is back to work time and I have my first open class at this school. It is for the Principal's to watch and evaluate.

I wasn't nervous about it until now, which means I guess I am realizing that it is really going to happen. But I am also confident and know that if I just try my best that it will be okay. I teach 6th and 4th grade tomorrow but requested that they come in during the 4th grader's class.

We will be starting Lesson 3, which is a new lesson in the book from previous years but still a pretty straightforward thing. On Friday, last week, my co-teacher suggested that we practice it out in someone's classroom. I was a little hesitant at first but went along with it, which turned out to be a good idea. I didn't really protest the idea just told her that it wasn't necessary if she didn't have the time.

I have been making the lesson plans 100% and then usually give them to my coteachers and talk about it with them and then we visit the classes. Usually my lesson plans have a lot to do in them since I like to have extra stuff just in case we run out of time. But I am also very detailed.

For example there is the "Look & Listen" part, which involves watching a cartoon on the TV and listening to a dialog. This is how I like to do this part of the class (including the prelude to the lesson):

• Give a little roleplay first of the main dialog in the lesson with the coteacher. (During our practice session we realized that instead of acting like other people we could use puppets.)
• Give out the lesson paper. This includes the written dialog of all the parts in the lesson and new words. After handing it out, I like to read the new words with the Ss (students).
• Turn to the "Look & Listen" page in the book. The book basically has just pictures in it with few text. So before listening to the dialog I like to get them thinking about what it will be like. So I ask questions about the picture.
• Listen and Look at the TV
• Ask questions about what they heard.
• Listen & Repeat (there is a section of this on the CD)
• Practice the Dialog with the teacher. We look at the lesson paper and practice parts. "You are the first person, and I am the second person." Then girls and boys take parts, and then they practice with their partner. Lastly, if there is enough time, we have a few partners come up and role-play the dialog in front of the class. 

That whole bit right there probably takes 15 - 18 minutes of classtime. Leaving roughly 20 minutes left. After the dialog practice there is game time. The book has it's own games which involve cut out cards from the back. My coteacher likes to do these games before I give out a supplemental game I found online or do a PPT game on the TV.

Usually when playing a game I first go over the target sentences on the cards or whatever they are using. Then I explain the rules and my coteacher explains it in Korean. Next we let the kids play.

The last part of class is of course review time which can be done with flashcards, PPT or a song/video.

I am pretty much set on knowing the content and what to say tomorrow it is just that I have to pump it up a bit with my execution. Need to make sure I am loud, cheerful, talking slowly, smiling and engaging the whole class.

At our practice session I actually practiced all that to a classroom of no children just to show my coteacher that I get how it should be and what I should do. At the end of it she seemed very proud of me and could tell I was ready.

You might be wondering what is so stressing about the open class? The reality is that my Principal's likely have no real training in what English teaching should be taught like. But they have their ideals and they did hire me. So they probably want to see if I am doing a good job. I know for sure that no matter what happens tomorrow it will be their job to find something to nit-pick about, and I am okay with that.

So I am going to keep up my optimism and also tell myself that a little evaluation would be helpful. :)

Readjustments

Public schools are not free of stress or frustrations. In comparison to hagwons I think the job itself is a whole lot different. Sure you are teaching English to kids but the goals of your superiors are different.

What I am talking about really here is how one's idea of how and what to teach often times is very different from the opinions of your coteacher. This is a good example of eastern thought clashing with western thought.

At my last school the mix was like water and oil, meaning we didn't get along. I gave up really and focused on the advanced class, which I was left to my own design. Now at my new school when I try to explain my opinion of why I want to teach selected materials I seem to get a lot of criticism.

Recruiters like to tell you that every public school is the same, and I think they are making this assumption based on the fact that at every elementary school the curriculum is the same. But not every public school is equal.

It comes down to their interpretation of how English should be taught, and there is no changing it. I guess that I still haven't adjusted well to the Korean education system since I find myself up against a wall this time.

Here's the situation:
Winter camp is next month and so all the preparations need to be squared away. I have experience teaching 4 camp sessions, so I know what it is like.  Or I think I know...

I will teach 4th and 6th graders while the other foreign teacher will teach 3rd and 5th grades. We will both teach the same subjects such as "World Culture" and "Sports Day."

The situation I walked into was that the previous teachers made a plan for winter camp but it was very lean and needed more. So I added more to it using stuff from last year.

The problem came today when my coteacher checked it and made the remark that my materials were too difficult for 3rd and 4th grades. There were a few worksheets with sentences and maps on it. I didn't make the material but was borrowing it.

Immediately I tried to explain to her that it doesn't matter what material you use as long as the teacher adjusts the way they teach. Meaning I was handed these same materials last year and said "Go~". So I learned to adjust myself to the students and not adjust the materials. This is a teaching method and philosophy I picked up from experience. Last year at mountain winter camp I used the same materials for the lower grades and it came out fine. They spoke, had fun and learned a thing or two.

But she frowned and said "No." At that point I did the thing that I should not be doing anymore, which is I got upset and took it personally. You would think I have learned by now.

Needless to say I tried to defend my understanding of how to be a teacher. Yet she stood her ground with what she thinks how English should be taught.

In the end, you have to yield to what they want. You are in Korea and it is their court. Logically you would think that they would try to understand where you are coming from but it is more that they want you to adjust to their ways.

So as you can see I need to readjust myself and create an image that they will be pleased with.

How to make this a positive experience:
It is my opinion that I need to stop thinking that they will someday understand it all from my perspective.

I have the choice of just giving up and becoming a non-creative and robotic teacher who doesn't care anymore. Or I could adjust to their ideals, yet find a way to be creative and still teach the "Joy" way.

In other words I understand where my coteacher is coming from. She demands that English be taught to the children with the goal that they speak. So speaking is a priority of theirs. That means my lessons should cater towards speaking as an objective.

They want to teach by talking slowly and clearly, as she put it "This is the most important thing." At first it was a little insulting to hear her ask this of me since I already do this. But I guess she wants to make sure.

An Example of Teaching Differences:
I made the mistake this week of giving out to my 2nd graders "The Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer" song lyrics with Korean next to it. My coteacher and the Korean 2nd grade teachers complained it was too hard for their students.

From my point of view I wanted to teach them the festive holiday song that was accompanied by a fun video. At my old school a similar method was used to learn a song. First you read the words and get use to them. Then you sing the song over and over till you know it.

My coteacher told me that it was too hard for them and suggested instead to focus on teaching them only a few sentences. And to repeat it over and over again. Not from the song, cut that out, but teach them a sentence like "The reindeer is brown" and make a lesson out of that. (You can do it like this: The____ is _____)

Initially, after hearing this I felt as if she wanted me to just be some kind of English Robot babysitter. Then I have thought about it some more and realized that her method is valid.

They are English Foreign Language students and should learn in a simple and easy format. This doesn't mean that my lessons have to be boring or that I as the teacher will end up looking like an English robot. It means I can make fun games and activities to help them reinforce those one sentences they are learning.

Readjustment Realization:
What I am trying to point out here is that I need to change and not them. As a westerner and independent woman this is something that is very hard.

But I know what happens when you don't adjust to what they want, and I don't want that to happen again. I want my coteacher to see me as useful, smart and a darn good teacher.

And so I started to think some more and realized that teaching is not only about relating content and how to say English words, but it involves catering to Multiple Intelligences.

I know they want me to plan for their level, but what about their intelligence? For example, some students may respond well to listen and repeat. While other students need more hands on activities like a craft or role play game.

What I wish I could do is talk to my coteacher about this teaching method and have a lovely conversation. But I am learning now that my coteacher is an older stubborn woman set in her ways. I respect that and so understand there is no point trying to shake up her roots.

Instead I will just plan my classes to teach them to speak a certain phrase or words but use materials and methods that will cater to different intelligences, without her really knowing that is what I am doing.

I feel like I am the only teacher out here who takes their job too seriously (but who knows). Wish I could be the teacher who just goes through it all without really caring and then hitting the bars in the evening. But unfortunately my nature won't let me do that. Yet I am sure I could try to take it a little less seriously~

Well I feel good for getting that out. My other foreign coworker talked to me on the way home about how she is dealing with the same things. I have to say I was skeptical about our relationship at first but now I am seeing that we have a lot in common. I hope we help each other out more ;)

Boxes, Tape, Scissors

How many times have I moved over the course of my adult life? In college I moved from dorms to roommate house-shared living.

So it is that I got good at packing my stuff and remembering where everything went.

Out here there is really only so much you can accumulate that will fit into your shoe-box sized home. Nevertheless, I have gathered quite a good chunk of books and other odds and ends.

I have packed up so far mostly the non-essential stuff using one of my three suitcases to store a lot of it.

JH is letting me store my stuff at his house's storage facility till I move into my new place in December. This weekend he helped me pack and take apart a desk I own.


Oh here is the MP3 player I won for that blogging contest. I haven't really opened it yet, but think it would be fun to turn it into like a "mix-tape" sort of thing and give it to JH every now and then as a treat.
After packing and watching Season 2 of Lost (I am catching JH up) we had lunch nearby at a typical Korean restaurant that serves the usual set of food.

We went to the park nearby and played Scrabble until JH won. He is getting really good at the game and although I let him use his cell phone dictionary I know it is helping him build his vocabulary.

Afterwards we went back to my officetell to rest. However, I spent the rest of the time hitting the panic button as I thought about everything that is to come.

Ah yes, you are probably curious about the goshiwon situation.

We found a suitable goshiwon in the Konkuk University area of Seoul, which is on line 7. If people have told you that a goshiwon room is very small believe them. Because a goshiwon room is indeed very small. Actually the ones we looked at were on the pricier end of the goshiwon spectrum.

The first goshiwon we checked out the rooms were very small but had a built in shower in the room. The floors were separated by sex. There were several kitchens but the bigger one being on the top floor. The location was semi-okay, with a love hotel nearby and a galbi restaurant underneath. They offered me a room with a window that looked out onto a neighboring roof top. However the window was kind of small.

We wanted to see a few more before making a decision and found another goshiwon in the area. This one was pretty much similar but I felt was in a somewhat cleaner part of town. The rooms were a bit bigger and appeared to be more clean. The room she showed us had a window that was big but it looked out onto a brick wall of the building that is adjacent. And yes it includes a built in bathroom.

There was a small kitchen on the same floor and a laundry room nearby as well. This one was actually more expensive, although they provided cooked rice and eggs for residents. I decided to go with this one since it seemed more comfortable and I guess a little bigger. I put down my deposit and will send the rest via wire transfer before I move in next Saturday.

I have to say that I feel sorry for anyone who has to live in a goshiwon for a long period of time. I am really grateful I only will be living in one for a month. I see now that if I did stick with my plan to wait till February that I would have gone insane staying in a goshiwon.

So anyways I started to panic a bit this afternoon as I realized that I am going to be moving. Thankfully JH is patient with me and talked me through how everything is going to be okay and end up better.

He really is a saint and I can't believe sometimes how well he handles my insecure tantrums. Thank you!

Well I have more packing to do and get everything ready to move out. I still haven't signed the Yongin contract so I can imagine they will be sending me some paperwork soon, actually I hope so!

All in all, at least this signals the last days in Sanbon and the start of my future. Since I will be living in Seoul for the next month if anyone wants to get together during the week or weekend lemme know ^^. Trust me I will not be wanting to spend all my time in my goshiwon room.

;)

Said Yes

It was a fun trip into Yongin today seeing the school. I was skeptical whether I would say yes or not until I saw the housing. I am just going to briefly sum up for you what I learned about the school and housing:

School:

• There is no English classroom, instead you go the homeroom class and teach there. They expect to build an English class room next year.
• I teach 2nd, 5th and 6th grades only.
  
• Teaching hours = 25 (3 extra hours of overtime)
• Schedule is heavier than I have been use to, but I can take on the challenge.
• No after-school programmed classes to plan for.
• New coteacher is a very experienced and focused person. She told me exactly what she will expect of me. Planning for classes will be done together and I should teach 80%. I agree with her and I believe I am capable of teaching more on my own.
• Location is about 20 minute walk from the housing.
  
• I share a teacher's room with another Foreign teacher and coteacher.
• Doesn't start till December.

Housing:

• Inside a modern building with a security Ahjusshi (man) at the entrance.
• I didn't see my exact room, but an example of what I will be getting.
  
• The officetel is separated into two rooms. One big living room type space with the kitchen in it, then the bathroom in the middle, then an extra small room near the entrance.
• The building is shaped like a triangle. One side looks out onto a busy street. The long side looks out onto a small river/creek, and the short side looks out onto a gas station. Guess which one I want?
• House includes a washing machine.
• Across the street is a huge Lotte Mart.
• Area is suburban with mostly housing surrounding it. Not much "Downtown" stuff until you walk a ways to where the subway station is.
  
• Seeing the house sold me the position and it was a done deal.

I haven't signed anything yet and am still in the process of figuring out the visa stuff. It's complicated since I extended my visa into November and the job doesn't start till December 5th.

For now it is time to start packing because no matter what I will be moving out of here on October 31st. Possibly moving into a goshiwon in Seoul, while my stuff is stored at JH's house.

I am nervous, excited and feeling anxious all at the same time. I just have to believe in myself and my choices and live them out.

Casual Weekend

This weekend has gone by and there isn't much that was eventful to report, just the same-oh same-oh.

In other words, I did stuff but didn't take pictures of what happened. Although, I wish I had but on the occasion I wanted to I was without my camera.

Saturday JH and I got up early to go visit my new doctor at the Yonsei Severance Hospital in Ewha, Seoul. We had to get up early so we could get to the hospital by 8am to do a blood test.

Yonsei Hospital is huge and also very accommodating place to wait for an appointment. Since I could not eat anything before giving some blood I was hungry after I finished the test. The hospital has a whole huge food court in it, with many restaurants to choose from as well as a few marts. We chose Burger King because I was craving a breakfast like item. It is rare for me eat to fast food, but I figured this one time wouldn't hurt.

We had a lot of time to waste waiting till 12pm for my appointment with the GI Doctor. The hospital has wifi and computers available for internet access. So I spent some time on the internet looking at the Yongin School's website and trying to figure out the classes schedule. I couldn't find what I was looking for, however I did figure out that there are a lot of class groups at the school.

I was so tired at that time, because I hadn't slept well the night before due to thinking about what to do with this Yongin offer.

It sounds good to take this offer because it is in area that is new and near Bundang. For those who don't know where I am talking about. You have Seoul, you know kind of in the center, then you have Bundang which is South underneath Seoul. This area is pretty new as far as development wise goes and is a popular residential area. Also there are many buses that go straight into Gangnam, Seoul.

But the school is at the end of the yellow line, and so is still kind of far out.

What are my real fears?

Whenever I am faced with these big decisions I fear that I will make the wrong choice. That after I sign the contract a few months later a better position will come up and I will regret my choice.

Yet, I am starting to realize that although every school varies that in general the job remains the same.

Fear is gripping though and when I can't get my mind out of it I start to second guess everything.

Thankfully the recruiter got me in touch with one of the teachers at the school. Apparently, there are more than one native teacher at the school but I am unsure of how many. I think there may be 4 of them and I am going to be replacing one.

Anyways, the recruiter gave me her email contact, and so I emailed her with my questions. She got back to me letting me know that most of the teachers live in the same building which have big and clean rooms.

Other information included that I might be teaching 2nd, 5th and 6th grade only. That was a bit of a red flag. Hearing that I would teach 2nd grade makes me worry a little. But she also said that they just read a story to the 2nd grade and the coteacher helps out with translation. Sounds simple.

Then she went on to tell me that classes finish at 2:30 and then we are left to plan till 4:40. That means that I would teach 6 classes a day. Four in the morning and two in the afternoon, which equates to 30 teaching hours a week. This is overtime due to that I am contracted to teach 22 hours a week. Of course it wouldn't be a surprise to have a few extra classes on a few days.

Basically what is going on here is that I have been working at a very small school, while it is typical for most schools to be bigger. So I would end up making a leap from a small school, where I was the only foreign teacher, to a bigger school with more Native Teachers, staff and kids.

Yet I realized that it is time to be professional and not whine or care about the schedule. Point being that I have the experience and knowledge now to be able to take on a bigger school.

However, this girl is new to the school so she may not entirely understand everything. She didn't tell me what my exact schedule is so I have to wait till I visit the school to see what it is.

If the schedule and the housing are agreeable, so far I can't see why I would say no. The area has two Emarts and a Lotte mart within the surrounding perimeter. On the map you see a lot of greenery and parks. JH says he is fine with this place even though he knows that if I took more time I could find a school closer to where he lives.

I guess this post became more about my job hunting than this weekend. In the mix this weekend was as you know a hospital visit (which went well -- everything is fine), a wedding ceremony for JH's coworker and just sitting around at home with JH pondering my future.

All together I am starting the last 2 weeks at my school and living in my shith*le. That second part is what I am so excited for.

Goodbye Beeping parking garage! Goodbye Stinky Seafood and Octopus Restaurant! Goodbye Shabu Shabu noisy-music-outside restaurant. Goodbye creepy neighbors. Goodbye!!

Job Hunt Update: Oct. 13

There are periods where I get notices back to back and my cell phone is buzzing like crazy. Then there are periods when all is quiet and I start to panic a little on what is going to happen.

But I have the time to let the right job come to me. Besides this is going to be another year or so of my life and I don't want to take something just because half of it looks good.

Some might say that you only need one or two recruiters when looking for a public school position. This is true if you are going the official route and applying directly to the GEPIK, EPIK and SMOE positions that hire only twice year (spring and summer). If you apply to more than one recruiter your application will be moot.

But you don't have to apply directly and can find a public school that is looking to a fill a position. There are some schools that operate independently and so hire a teacher personally instead of having a new Native Teacher dropped into their school.

With that said I am still faced with the fact that not a lot of schools go that route and if so they usually hire around March.

So this is a waiting game.

Anyways, let's take a look at what is on the table:

• Yongin position: Waiting to hear back about getting an interview. Starts in December
• Nowon position: At a private public elementary school. Offers 7 weeks vacation. They want someone ASAP so I am not sure they will consider me since I can't start till November.

That's it thus far. I had a position and interview for Anyang but after checking out the school and housing location made the decision of "no". Sure they wanted me but I still feel like waiting it out till I have more to chose from. It is always a gamble when you say no to a job opportunity, for you are betting that something better will come along.

But I am not in a desperate situation as I was last year and so feel I can be picky. Just don't want to be too picky that I am left with nothing.

In the meantime, I am nearly finished with TEFL certificate. Also I am rejoicing everyday that goes by as I know it means less and less time spent in my officetell-hell.

Anyways, we will see!

Your Green Card will Expire

I got a lovely little letter in the mail today telling me when my visa will expire and to get out of the country when it does.

This caused me to panic a little, even though I know it's what will happen.

So to make sure I don't end up violating visa regulations I researched what to do if you don't want to leave the day your visa goes "poof".

I found out that you can get an extension for 30 days on your visa. All you need to do is register for it early enough and provide proof of a plane ticket out of the country.

It states specifically that this is for staying in Korea for travel and pleasure after your original business is finished. That sounds exactly like what I want to do.

Of course this is for the scenario if I have no job lined up for November and need to wing it on a tourist visa. In which case, I would first get the extension, move my stuff and settle into a temporary housing situation, and then go to Japan to return on a tourist visa while I search for a new job. FUN!

Since as of right now I don't have anything lined up for November I am itching to buy a refundable ticket to Japan and get this extension just to be safe. Thankfully tickets are cheap because apparently November in Japan is not high tourist season, although it is a great time to see the leaves change color over there.

Well I am hoping one of those Yongin positions will pull through, but nowadays I am waiting it out.