Visa Issuance Docs Ready To Go!

I am so excited, because today I got a lovely surprise in the mail. My FBI check returned several days early with its Apostille on it. This means I can go ahead and FedEx my document package off to my school so to get the visa issuance number. After I get that little thing I then can proceed to the Korean consulate and get my visa stamp. Of course this is my third time doing this, but it seems like this round was a bit more complicated.

Here is a list of the documents I am sending to get the visa issuance number for 2011:

·      2 Photos

·      Copy of my Passport ID page

·      Application for Visa

·      Copy of the employment contract

·      Health statement

·      FBI Check with Apostille

·      Apostille copy of my BA degree

·      Apostille copy of my AA degree

·      2 Letters of recommendation

·      TESL/TEFL certificate

·      Resume

·      Certificate of Employment from previous employer

I think a few of those things might be in excess, but I definitely feel it is better to send more for safety sake.

Below is a scan of the Apostille paper that is attached to the FBI check. You will note the difference between this one and an Apostille from your State is that this one isn't that flashy.

Once again I hope all of this comes in handy for those getting a new visa within this new year. 

Let's recap. 

• FBI received documents on 10/18/2010. Documents were completed and returned on 12/23/2010. About 9 weeks.
• Time for FBI doc to come back with Apostille from the Secretary of State in Washington DC. About 1.5 weeks. 
• Total time to complete FBI Background check with Apostille = 10 - 11 weeks. 

I'm so happy!

 

FBI Christmas Present

I haven't mentioned it, but when I got back from our vacation in SF my FBI background check was waiting for me. It was a great Christmas present as it put my worries to rest. As soon as I got it I packed it up with a cover letter and sent if off to the Secretary of State to get the apostille seal.

Since this was my second time doing this process I thought I would share with you guys the results. The result page is kind of different from last time,  since I requested the FBI to put their seal on it. The new FBI background check result page looks very official. Below for you is my scanned copy, with of course the naughty bits blurred out.

As you can see it looks very official and certainly a lot better than what they use to give out, which was your fingerprint page with the stamp "NO RECORD".

Along with this document was a letter telling me about their new process and why they don't issue an apostille, but where I could get one.

In "official" speak they basically tell you to send your document off to the Secretary of State following their guidelines to get the apostille.

The big question for some is, "How long does it take to get the FBI Background Check back?" To put minds at ease this part of the process, from FBI receiving to coming back in my hands, took about 9 weeks approximately. Keep in mind this was during the holiday season so they likely had a few days off here and there.

I still feel it is important for anyone who is at a point in the Korean job market, whether thinking of renewing or transferring, to go ahead and get this document. You really never know if your school will 100% resign you or whether transferring will go smoothly. If you know your job is coming to end in say 2 - 3 months go ahead and work on getting this document. (It's good for 6 months anyways!) For sure it will make things easier if you get into a situation where you have to get a new visa.

Anyways, I hope this stuff helps other folks out there and I will let you know when I get the whole thing back with the apostille (about another week and a half).

Apostilled Degrees Arrived Today

In accordance with the new E2 regulations I had copies of my University Degrees apostilled. All that is left is the FBI check returning to me with "no record" and sending it off for an apostille. Oh the joy's of immigration!

The Details

Actually, I don't want to give you all the details that are on the contract. For one I think next year I would like to try and be more discrete about my workplace. Of course, I still want to share classroom happenings and lesson ideas.

The Location
I will give you a good look at what the job is like from looking at the contract and the school. For starters let's begin on the location. Like I said before it is in the Nowon area of Northeast Seoul.

Then once you are in that area you get off at the Jungye station. I am not going to tell you which school but it is in this area, along with the housing. (You have to walk up a particular non-straight road.)

When getting a glimpse of the area it is mostly apartments near the school. But tucked in other places are "downtowns" with shopping. Nearby is a Lotte Mart and further down a Homeplus.

The School:
The school is fairly large and is a private elementary school, so the kids wear uniforms. Looks like there are many extracurricular activities at the school.

The classrooms, for English, were ample with all the supplies one needs. They are situated across from the kid's homeroom classes.

The Job:
Work is from 8:30 - 4:30 with classes starting either at 8:50 or for the second period after 9. You get your own classroom. Every teacher gets just one grade to teach and a particular subject, either Math, Science, Reading and Literature or Extracurricular.

There will be 3 weeks of camp in the summer and winter.

Vacation is deemed at 8 weeks (I think), including a vacation around Christmas. Overtime and all that is in there.

They do require the teachers to make yearly lesson plans, tests and quizzes along with other essential teaching materials.

The Challenge:

I am excited because this is going to be a different game than the usual public school. I will get a chance to advance and grow and really define myself as a teacher. I know I don't have the "background" but would like to pick up some books and start getting my mind prepared.

My Concerns:
Mostly I am concerned about whether my FBI document will come in on time. I was told to have everything ready to submit for a visa issuance number by mid-January. If my FBI Doc takes the longest amount of time (12 weeks) it would be completed by January 18th. Then it still has to get the apostille, and then everything has to go to Korea. Where 2 weeks later I get the visa issuance number and then can get the Visa and hop on a plane.

My gut feeling is that it is going to be real close and down to the wire. Tomorrow will be exactly 1 month from when the FBI received it, so I will inquire with them as to the status.

Other concerns right now aren't that big. Just working on moving out and getting ready for going back home.

In the meantime, I have been a scratching post for Tom and I am not enjoying that. Since the little guy has no one to play with while I am gone he certainly has a lot of energy by the time I get home. Just need to get his claws clipped and then the playfulness will be tolerable.

I'm tired and going to rest now. Looking forward to the new Year! oh yea~

Signed

Yep I signed it. The contract was pretty basic with a few oddball things, but nothing to panic about. I would like to share the details but gotta take care of Tom and myself.

I am excited but also amazed I got a job this fast. Also looking forward to the new challenge.

All right more to come.

I Want Nowon But You

A few weeks ago I went to an interview at a Private Elementary School all the way up in Nowon. The northeast part of Seoul.

I felt good after the interview but knew the guy needed some time to figure out who to pick. Well last week I got an email requesting I come in to go over the "contract details".  That is what I will be doing tomorrow after lunch.

At first my thoughts were, "Nowon is so far and what would the housing be like?" Then I fished around Facebook and found teachers currently working there. I politely asked them about the school and housing and got a positive response.

Now all I am trying to do is hope nothing jinxes me before I get there tomorrow. Anyways, if it all works out I could become a Seoul gal next year. :)

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.

The Next Place

Before I talk about places I have been looking at to work for the next year, I thought I would update you about the "G20 Readiness" issue I raised. Chris did a good job on his blog citing his own answers and just recently Rob took a punch at it. Rob points out that the readiness of Korea should be thinking that goes beyond the bus stop or cleanliness of the restaurant but how expats (of all types) need more rights and protection. Certainly, I couldn't agree more and would hope that as dignitaries visit this country they could get not just a look at the tourist attractions but a briefing on how their citizens are treated in Korea.

We'll see!

Back here at my school I haven't really hit the tracks on my whole "make amends" plans. A little bird told me to not drastically change my behavior. I wouldn't want my co-teachers to feel like saps. So I have been just trying to be in a good mood and take whatever opportunities I can to keep relationships either neutral or positive.

Yet, today we are having an after-school dinner to celebrate the new guy. Personally, I don't enjoy these dinners as they all speak Korean and don't bother to translate. (Come on... 3 Korean English speaking teachers...not a single word to let us know what their saying?) But as I have learned you just got to go with it or if you feel like it pester them for it.

It's October and February is a long way off, but of course I am still thinking about what my next job will be. Places like Universities start their hiring now for the new season and so I am giving those a shot. I applied to one and we will see what happens. Otherwise, I have applied to Gangnam Public Schools, which do their own hiring. Thankfully, I know a few people who have worked for them or went through the process and so have a better look inside.

Applying to Gangnam Public Schools puts you through a process of first sending your information, then sending a lesson sample and (where I am at now) having your references checked. If you make it past that then you get to schedule an interview. We'll see if I get that far, if so I am unsure if I would take the position. They only offer housing money and no deposit (which are both high in Gangnam). But I figured why not get to the point when I really have a choice and could possibly see what school they would give me.

Other than that I got my ticket home from my current school and am excited that I will be home for Christmas. I do plan on coming back in January, possibly with JH who might be coming out for a visit.

For now it's that time of the year where I am getting out my sweaters and transitioning into the colder weather. Ahhh winter is coming...

New E2 Visa Regulations

Just wanted to put this out as a notice. I am going to copy and paste what I found from the Korvia recruiting site. (They are pretty reliable). Most of these changes mean that it will take longer time to obtain the proper documents. I know for sure just getting things notarized and apostilled can be a pain in the butt.

The debate of whether these changes were necessary is certainly enthralling. Here they are:
***UPDATE: Check this blog because it has a more precise take on the dates these new laws will take affect.

"New E2 visa regulations (applied by 15 July 2010)

Korean Ministry of Justice (Korean immigration office) decided to updating E2 visa application regulation and it has been applied since 15 July 2010. Currently EPIK or any of education board is not making official announcement regarding strict E2 visa regulation but somehow applicant will have benefit by suffering apply national level of Criminal background check such as FBI or RCMP.
Major change of E2 visa application regulations

1. Criminal Background Check.

Current E2 visa regulations and office of education (including EPIK, SMOE and GEPIK) accepts apostilliezed state level of criminal background check but now applicant must obtain "National Level of Criminal Background Check" such as FBI and RCMP.
Current (State or above Level of Criminal Background Check) ------- Now (National Level of Criminal Background Check)

2. Apostillized Academic BA diploma

Public school teachers must obtain Apostillized copy of BA diploma but Hagwon teachers didn't have to until yesterday. Now immigration office wants Apostillized Academic BA diploma (please find more about apostille stamp)

Current (Original BA Diploma is acceptable / Education board is not accepting Original BA DIPLOMA) -------- Now (Copy of BA diploma must attach Apostille Stamp)

3. Medical Test (Including Cannabinoid test)

Marihuana or any of hard drug is forbidden in South Korea and your employer can terminate your contract if you will smoke Marihuana or found record that you did. In 2007 Korean government started medical check up including Cannabinoid test but it was excluded since 2009 but now you must take a medical test at designated hospital after arriving in South Korea in order to applying Aliens Registration Card.
Current (Medical test including TBPE and HIV) ----- Now (TBPE and Cannabinoid + HIV)

4.Visa Validation Period

E2 visa was valid only 12 month after first date in South Korea. Now we will have 13month valid E2 visa and your visa issuance record will be valid for 3month after you leave South Korea so if you want to apply new E2 visa no later than 3month passed then you don't have to provide national level of criminal background check.
Current (12 month valid E2 visa upon arrival) ------- Now (13 month valid E2 visa upon arrival)
Current (New CRC must be submitted if you apply New E2 visa) -------- Now (New CRC is not required up to 3month after expiration of your old E2 visa)

5. E2 visa for Indian

Currently only 7 country citizen can apply E2 visa (U.S.A, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa) but Korean Government decided to hire 100 Indian teacher for year 2011. Indian teachers will be placed by Korean government and there is not recruiting agency can place Indian teacher for hagwon or public schools. Government will not issue working E2 visa no more than 100 for 2011 and depends on case study of 2011, Korean government may increase number of Indian teacher for public schools in South Korea.
Current (Only 7 countries can apply E2 visa) -------- Now (7 countries + Indian but limited by 100 teachers per year)"

*NOTE: It is not clear whether these changes are only for Public School positions or for all positions that cover the E2 visa (including private, public and after-school public programs). Something to ask your recruiter.

Links that will help you in this situation:
FBI Fingerprinting
California resident Apostille info (Other State members will have other processes)
Official notice

Follow these guidelines to Apostille.

*Something warm and fuzzy to help you cope.

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.

How Many Recruiters?

There are a plethora of recruiters out there to help us Native Teachers find our job. But I had a question come up in my mind whether using more than 3 would be a bad idea.

So I did what anyone would do and I googled the question. I came upon this website gone2korea, which is a recruiter themselves but one I am not using.

They listed their answer as such:

Using Multiple Recruiters - When applicants start using many recruiters (5+) to secure a job it has a negative affect on the overall success of their placement. Recruiters and schools quickly hear about such applicants and they often label them as difficult to work with. Recruiters feel that it's not worth their effort to source a school only to have these applicants say that they have gone with another recruiter, and schools feel that these people are very unstable to have as an employee. Doing your research and then deciding on 2 or even 3 recruiters that you trust is the best approach to getting a job you want. We are not exaggerating!

This sounds like a big red flag. Logically I would assume that a school receiving an application twice from two different recruiters would think that this person is merely just using multiple resources. But then since I know that logic tends to flow backwards here I was starting to believe that what these guys are saying might be true.

I took the next step and contacted a reliable recruiter that I have been using on my job hunt. They are honest with me and I know would provide me with a real-time answer.

Within minutes after emailing I received this response:

There is nothing in Gyeonggi

We have literally nothing until February in GEPIK

Contact as many recruiters as possible

Simple and to the point. It also reflects the growing new trend these days, which is that of competition. The demand for jobs is higher than the supply. So why not put your name out there with other recruiters?

Just another part of the whole process. As you can see this job hunting thing has pretty much taken over my life.

Cake Decorating

Your birthday comes once a year, as we all know. In my opinion if my birthday isn't on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday then I don't expect it to be a big occasion. But no matter what one is doing I believe it is important to have a cake and blow out candles.

JH is away in Italy on a business trip so he can not join me on my actual birthday (Sept. 30th). I knew about a cake decorating place in my neighborhood and so decided we should go there. It was our first time at such a place. I recall seeing something about it on my TV and thought it would be a lot of fun.
Entering you are greeted with tables set up for cake decorating. There were a few people working on their cakes and I couldn't help but wonder what special person they were making it for.
What you do is order a basic cake, either a small or a large sized one. They frost it up for you first so to make the base for your decoration. Next you choose your piping cone that you will use for the piped icing around the cake. After you have all these items you can go over to a fridge where you can choose any topping, plus extra colorful icing.

We got to work first putting down a ring around the bottom of the cake.

They supply lots of pictures of people's decorations for you to get inspiration from. But I wanted to do my own thing. Mainly I didn't want to overcrowd the cake with too much decoration, but JH didn't have this concept. He really liked the fruity cakes with the fruit on top.

So I started out making this circle, but I think next time I will opt out of this design.

We both started to argue over where to put things, while at the same time JH made a mistake and accidentally punctured the cake. I fixed this boo-boo by putting a mandarin orange inside.

At this point the cake was a mixture of both our ideas.

We added kiwi fruit and more candy.

I have to say it certainly looks creative and overall the experience was a lot of fun. I have been trying to get my local pals into this place but they seem nonchalant about it.
Tomorrow I don't know whether to share the cake with my after-school class (and watch a movie) or share it with my friends for dinner. So far I am leaning towards sharing it with the kids since it would be a lot of fun, and would be a kind of mix of birthday / going away party.

Job Hunt Update: It's a ghost town out there folks, and mostly because I am being picky. One of the Yongin positions went to an F4 visa holder. I am still waiting to hear back on the other Yongin position. As for any new jobs popping up it seems the pickins' are slim. I have a feeling though that as the days ease into October more offers will come up.

In the meantime, I am making preparations for if I don't have a job which includes extending my visa and looking for a place to stay.

Every now and then as I read the job boards I see hagwon positions that look enticing. But I immediately get a bad feeling inside and realize that no matter how "good" they advertise the hagwon I don't know if I could go back to teaching kindy kids.

This whole darn thing has me kind of anxious, but thankfully JH has been supporting my effort to find a decent job. Once again.....we will see.

Hongik Roamings

Since JH has a car I spend a lot of time on the open road instead of inside the steel box of the subway car. But Korea's roadways are typically clogged and you often find yourself waiting to get through certain parts. Saturday we went to a job prospect area in Seoul to scope it out. I will update more about this at the end of this post. On our way I found myself under two subway train bridges that made a great clickity clack sound when a train passed.

We also passed the 63 building, which had put me the closest ever to it's front door.
After checking out a prospective school we went to Hongdae or the Hongik University area. Mostly because I was craving Mexican food from Dos Tacos and sometimes you need that Hongdae hip art fix.

Driving into Hongdae the streets were crowded as usual with young pedestrians. There was an art street festival going on as well. We passed one promotional thing happening with these guys wearing boxes on their heads. It was a sight to see, indeed.
Lunch was well worth the drive around to find a parking spot. We played little peek-a-boo games while waiting for the food.

That's an avocado chicken burrito for me!

JH had a burrito too but ate it before I took a picture. We shared a nacho plate with a 3 dipping side.

After lunch we walked around and took in the scenery.

Every time I go I see more graffiti and I bet it changes weekly.

I'm unsure if I miss the subway rides but it certainly makes going home more comfortable. I still ride the subway sometimes and it isn't all that bad.

Job Hunt Update: Boy oh boy! There are still slim pickings to be had. I have a job interview Friday for a position in Seoul. (The one I scoped out.) Now this one is in Guro, which as I saw on Saturday isn't the prettiest part of town. In fact it is close to a lot of industrial stuff. The school's neighborhood is a typical Korean family 'hood. Small "villa" type houses squished next to each other with narrow streets. The nearest Emart or Homeplus seemed a bus ride away. The job position is an after school gig at a public school (12pm - 6pm). The only thing I am crazy about this job is that it is in Seoul. But to be honest I wasn't too excited about the area. I couldn't figure out what decent kind of dwelling they would give me. I think I have been spoiled living out here in suburbia in Gyeonggi-do. Also the school isn't nearby any main subway station, so that would be a lot of bus riding for me.

Also I am a morning person and have been enjoying getting off at 4:40pm, so I am hesitant to get off work at 6. The thing is I am really being stubborn here and am not going to take a new job unless I am for sure it is what I want. Once you sign that contract your ability to take it back is gone.

Still waiting for the interview for Paju, and keeping on eye on any new jobs that come up.

Tourist Visa

Here's the deal, if I do not obtain a job that starts in November then I will have a certain time period after my E2 Visa expires to find a way to stay in Korea.

I figured that I will leave Korea and stay a few days in Japan and come back on a tourist visa. Right now I am doing research as to whether or not I have to get a special "tourist" visa when I am abroad before coming back into Korea. Or if I can just come back into Korea and have my passport stamped stating something that I have 30 days to be here. After getting that I am under the assumption I can go to the immigration office and get an extension for 90 days. Since I don't want to find out about all this at the last minute, I am doing my research now.

From the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Website:

1. Visitors who plan to stay in Korea for longer than 90 days must obtain visas before entering Korea.

2. Nationals of those countries with which Korea has signed a visa waiver agreement can enter without visas, on the condition that they do not engage in remunerative activities during their stay.

Nationals of Countries allowed for visa-free entry
United States (90 days)

Nationals of the above countries are allowed up to 30 days of visa-free sojourn for tourism or visitation
- Exceptions: Canada is allowed up to 6 months, and United States, Australia, Hong Kong, Macau, Slovenia and Japan are allowed up to 90 days.

Okay so what this is telling me is that I can enter the country "Visa free" meaning no extra stamp in my passport and live here for 90 days as a "tourist".

Hmmm Let's go to the Korean Immigration website since ultimately it is them who I will be dealing with. I remember going through this last year when I was leaving the hagwon, but I know these things change over time so I want to be sure I know what to do this time.

The section for tourists lists the visa type and it's conditions.

Tourism/Transit(B-2)

• Foreigner who enters Korea without visa for the purpose of tourism or transit

Those that fall in the following categories will be allowed to enter Korea without a visa.
Countries under visa waiver agreements
Designated visa-free entry
Re-entry Permit holders

Nationals of visa waiver countries can enter Korea without a visa as long as the purpose of their visit is tourism or temporary visit. If they want to engage in profitable activities such as employment, they must apply for a Korean visa suitable for their purpose.

It basically continues with the same stuff from the Ministry website. So I feel like I haven't really confirmed whether I can just leave the country and come back without any "tourist" visa in my passport. But since it says "Visa-free" I guess that is what it means.

Oh Korea Sparkling confirms this by stating:

Any foreign visitors wishing to enter the Republic of Korea must have a valid passport and obtain a Korean visa before coming. However, people of 99 countries who want to visit Korea temporarily are permitted to enter without a visa according to visa-exemption agreements (Table 1), or in accordance with principles reciprocity or national interest (Table 2).

A google search is necessary to make sure there isn't any hidden agenda I don't know about. I came upon this from EFL-Law Korea website.

If you are entering Korea on a tourist visa, you must have a round trip ticket. You will not be allowed to board the plane to Korea, or enter the country, if you do not have a round trip ticket.

There is no paperwork necessary to obtain a tourist visa. As long as you have a valid passport with at least 6 months before expiration date, and a round trip ticket, you will be given a single entry 3 or 6 month tourist visa once you enter Korea.

I'll need a round trip air ticket?? hrmm Ok so the Korea Sparkling website continues to say that:

Visitors from countries not under Visa Exemption Agreements must apply for a visa extension if planning to stay for more than 30 days. Depending on the situation of the consulate, the visa extension will be issued 1 to 3 days from the day of application. Applicants require a completed application form, a recent passport-sized colour photo and the application fee. Visitors do not require the outbound flight ticket. Visa extensions are usually for 90 days.

After thumbing around on these websites with all their official jargon I couldn't find the exact answer I was looking for. But my google search came up with "Ask the Expat's" answer I will have to assume his procedure is correct.

I don't see any problem with this except for the fact that tourist visas are issued only with proof of through travel or a departing ticket. In most cases, you will not be issued a tourist visa without your departing ticket. That's easy to get around though. All you need to do is buy a refundable ticket to show to immigration. Once you're through customs and legally back in the country on a tourist visa, all you'll need to do is cancel the ticket and you're gold. There shouldn't be any problems if you follow those simple steps.

So I just need to purchase a ticket to somewhere out of the country that I know will be refundable and show it to the immigration services when I enter the country. Sounds pretty reasonable to me. Just another thing to put on my "To-do" list for getting through this whole ordeal.

I am sure some of you probably knew the answer all along but I bet there are a few out there that have no clue what to do if faced with this situation, so I hope this post will be helpful to those in the future.

If you have direct experience with entering without a visa from a visa free country then let me know how it went. If you have any other suggestions for taking care of this one small detail lemme know too.

OR should I get a C-3 Visa....which I think must be obtained at a Korean Consulate abroad. ><>If you are going to be in Korea less than 90 days then you should apply for the C-3 short-term visa. This visa is generally called a tourist visa or a visiting visa. Students who are planning to study at KLI for only one term (10 weeks) may apply for the C-3 visa. This visa is good for 3 months and can be issued immediately upon application at either a Korean Embassy or a Consulate office.
Thanks!

Q & A: Coming to Korea

Since I have lived here for a year now I would like to think that I have a lot of experience. Of course I humbly think I don't know everything about living here and I admit I still haven't seriously studied the language.

But for those thinking of, or are on their way, coming to this other world then there are likely a lot of questions that need answering.

I know before I came out here I did my best to get different opinions and point-of-views about life here before I came. Certainly it didn't prepare me for everything but it did make me feel like I could meet the challenge.

A reader of my blog recently sent me many questions pertaining to her anticipation on coming here. I was kind enough to answer and thought that my information would be useful to other people.

So for you are the Q & A's I have from our emails.
Questions & Answers on coming here and life in Korea:

Q. When you first arrived, it seems you didn't know the language was it difficult to pick up? It seems that hangeul is a bit difficult to read. How is your reading now?

A. Before I left I studied reading it and a few phrases. I also watched a lot of Korean movies and dramas to get a feel for how it sounds. But nothing really prepares you for being in another country. It is not difficult to pick up since you are around it all the time. I can read it easily now but I have very little vocabulary. I have gotten by with just knowing phrases. I would like to learn and hope to do more soon. I would recommend getting the hangeul down as it will make life a lot easier.

Q. Which age groups have you taught and which ones seem the easiest?

A. I have taught kindergarten to first year of middle school (at the hagwon). I mostly teach elementary kids now since I work in an elementary school. The difficult thing for me is the younger kids...say kindergarten to 2nd grade. They have no patience, cry and well act like children. I like to kind of be serious so they don't buy it. Really it depends on the person. From what I hear teaching middle school kids is the hardest since they are dealing with puberty and changes like that.

Q. When you were packing and when you arrived...what did you regret not taking with you? As well as what did you pack that you might have decided otherwise if you found it in Korea?

A. Ok lemme think. I packed a lot of stuff actually. 2 big suitcases worth. I took a lot of American medicine.. .like over the counter stuff and deodorant. Yes you can find deodorant here but it is hell-of expensive and usually you just find one brand. You can find practically everything modern society has to offer and more here. But if you are taken to particular American brands then bring a lot of it. For me I brought a lot of maxi pads since I only like a certain kind. Also my Dad still ships me hair products that I can't find here. What I regret not taking are precious memorable things I left at home. And would have liked to burn more copies of movies onto my hard drive. But you can find a lot of stuff here.


Q. How has it been with homesickness? Have you visited your family on vacation?

A.The hardest part about living here is the homesickness and loneliness. You can't avoid it no matter how many friends you have. This is because you live in a foreign land and everything is still foreign. But the way to get through it is know that it passes and that it brings you closer to the people back home. I haven't been back since I got here but plan on going for vacation in August.

Well that is the Q & A in a nutshell for now. She asked a whole lot more questions in more emails which I would like to detail and will do in a follow up post.

If you have any questions about my experience here then give me an email I would be more than happy to answer. (email is located in my profile)

Leadership

Finally expats here in Korea have some new leadership.

Where are we to go when we are struggling at a hagwon?

How can we know for sure our rights are being upheld?

Can we say that we belong to a community? If so who will be our leader?

ATEK is the answer. A new organization that promises to deliver. Besides I think it is time we got ourselves off of Dave's ESL for answers, if you haven't already done so.

You can join them and receive benefits. So far the benefits I find that will be the most useful to me are the statistics. I love statistics!

Access to English teacher statistics, including average salaries and weekly hours by region and type of teaching job, average level of satisfaction with various job types, average length of stay of foreigners working in Korea, average pay and benefit increases when re-signing for a second year, and much more. Want to know if your contract offer is above or below the average salary for someone in your city and education level? Get access.

This kind of stuff will be useful when I consider resigning with my current school or getting a new contract.

So for all you lost expat souls out there look towards the light my friends. For there is a way~

Stepping In

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.

Criminal Background Check

Zen Kimchi posed an inquiry about whether I have to get a fresh criminal background check or not.

So here is the deal (so far).

I am doing a visa transfer, instead of canceling the Visa and going to Japan and getting a fresh new one.

This means you keep the same Alien Registration number but it is sponsored by a different company.

For the criminal record check I was told by my recruiter that for now they don't need a new one, but will take a copy of the one I did first.

When my new one comes in they would like to have it, but it is not critical right now.

What is critical is getting a whole bunch of documents from my current school. This takes some finessing from my supervisor, because I think she is reluctant. So I am hoping the recruiter can speak with her and get her to do it.

Basically though if I take the job, I have a week to get all these docs processed and have my visa transferred. So there isn't much time for my current supervisor to play hokey.

That is it so far in a nutshell.