Hey, what's up?
Life is cool...
I'm getting used to the way of life here: using chopsticks mainly, seeing only Korean faces, learning how to travel via public transportation (alone), words and phrases here and there (mo hai?)..I love it. One huge plus is that the cost of living is fairly inexpensive. I shop at grocery stores and get enough food for two weeks for around 80,000 won (80 USD). Given, my dormitory doesn't allow microwaves or fridges sooooooo...canned items such as tuna, fruits, drinks, and a college students meal of choice- NOODLES!
Here lately, I've traveled around Korea EVERY weekend. In recent weeks, I've been to Itaewon, Busan, Sangju, and Andong. Let me tell you a crazy story...
I decide to travel to Seoul alone for the very first time to watch my friend perform at a show. I take my time and translate the Korean on the website to buy a train ticket. After the strenuous effort, I arrive at the train station the next day ready to board the train ONLY to realize that I had a standing ticket. This means, I would have to stand the entire way to Seoul (which is about 3 hours by train). I passed on that offer and decided to take a later train (2 hours) and have a seat. It turns out, I boarded the wrong train, and it ended up taking around 5 hours to get to Seoul! This did not kill my vibe though, I was determined to have a great time despite a few setbacks. Arriving in Seoul, I realize my destination is in a place called Itaewon. I didn't imagine it being too far away, so I decided to walk there instead of taking my chances via public transportation. Using the GPS on my cell phone, I navigated to my destination by foot. I had no clue it would take 2 hours to get there BUT I had a great tour of the city :)
As I arrive to my destination, I bump into a guy and glance at him to say "Excuse me". Coincidently, I recognized him as my distant cousin who is also a teacher in Korea. What are the chances? I hung out with him the rest of the day and me, him and his GF went to my friend's show together. What a great night!
University classes are going well as predicted. As I've said, they are mainly discussion and given that I love to think about issues and debate them, it's right up my alley.
Teaching is going ok too. I'm getting better with each day. I absolutely love the kids and they are teaching me just as much as I am teaching them. I think it's so cool how kids are so blunt. If you ever want the truth about anything, hang around a kid.
Love you all, thanks for reading..
Monday, May 13, 2013
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Growing pains and Uni
It's late Sunday night and I'm relaxing after a long weekend.
Growing pains don't always have to be a bad thing. Growing is the essence of life, without growth, there is death. Pain follows the same path; without pain we wouldn't know pleasure. The fact that I best describe my current state as 'growing pains' is actually one of my purposes for coming to Korea: to develop as a person.
I'm learning more and more everyday that effort released to its fullest potential brings rewards, small and big. Effort opens the door for random happenings which can benefit you. I've given effort to becoming a better teacher but I do not see the fruits of my labor ..Yet. Maybe the fact that I have 'growing pains' is my reward in disguise: becoming a better Eric. One that is more patient, one that gives more, one that works hard.
It is becoming harder and harder to manage the classroom. I will not give up though, I just have to be more creative. Outside the classroom, my students are fine. I think them hearing a foreign teacher speak a weird language for 40 minutes is overwhelming, on top of structured classes all day. I gotta give em a break huh? Lol.
Anyway, university life is school. I love my classes. As I may have mentioned in previous posts, my classes are mainly discussion. I'm getting an entirely new perspective about America. I honestly feel like I've learned more about my home country here than when I actually lived there. Crazy right? But yea, uni is cool, the folks are cool, the food is cool, life is cool.
I'm out. Till next time.
Growing pains don't always have to be a bad thing. Growing is the essence of life, without growth, there is death. Pain follows the same path; without pain we wouldn't know pleasure. The fact that I best describe my current state as 'growing pains' is actually one of my purposes for coming to Korea: to develop as a person.
I'm learning more and more everyday that effort released to its fullest potential brings rewards, small and big. Effort opens the door for random happenings which can benefit you. I've given effort to becoming a better teacher but I do not see the fruits of my labor ..Yet. Maybe the fact that I have 'growing pains' is my reward in disguise: becoming a better Eric. One that is more patient, one that gives more, one that works hard.
It is becoming harder and harder to manage the classroom. I will not give up though, I just have to be more creative. Outside the classroom, my students are fine. I think them hearing a foreign teacher speak a weird language for 40 minutes is overwhelming, on top of structured classes all day. I gotta give em a break huh? Lol.
Anyway, university life is school. I love my classes. As I may have mentioned in previous posts, my classes are mainly discussion. I'm getting an entirely new perspective about America. I honestly feel like I've learned more about my home country here than when I actually lived there. Crazy right? But yea, uni is cool, the folks are cool, the food is cool, life is cool.
I'm out. Till next time.
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Past weeks in Korea
It's been a while since I've posted. Sorry about that..
This post is a summary of the past 3 weeks. It will not be detailed.
As far as teaching, it's an adventure EVERYDAY. I'm learning to keep an open mind when it comes to running the classroom. Even though I spend a lot of time making a "perfect" lesson plan, chances remain high that things will not go exactly as I imagine them. My students are students, and if their minds have an opportunity to wander for a split second then I lose the classroom, especially if it's the alpha male who gets bored. There's usually one kid who the rest of the students look up to. If this kid is quiet, everyone else is quiet and vice versa. I must focus on keeping that one student on task which is very difficult. The language barrier is a lot harder than I expected even though I have a Korean assistant teacher.I love my students though, inside and outside of class. They like to ask me basic questions like, "Teacher, girlfriend?", "Teacher, married?", "Teacher, you are very handsome. "
Open class is the day my mentor teacher, principle, vice principle, and representatives from the TaLK education office observe me as I teach. It was not as bad as I thought. Thankfully they came during my 6th grade class-they are well behaved.
Life outside of teaching is well also. I am always doing something, whether it's university classes, lesson planning, or out with friends. I also joined the baseball club. (YES!)
Basically, it's a lot of meeting new people and drinking, to be honest.
This post is a summary of the past 3 weeks. It will not be detailed.
As far as teaching, it's an adventure EVERYDAY. I'm learning to keep an open mind when it comes to running the classroom. Even though I spend a lot of time making a "perfect" lesson plan, chances remain high that things will not go exactly as I imagine them. My students are students, and if their minds have an opportunity to wander for a split second then I lose the classroom, especially if it's the alpha male who gets bored. There's usually one kid who the rest of the students look up to. If this kid is quiet, everyone else is quiet and vice versa. I must focus on keeping that one student on task which is very difficult. The language barrier is a lot harder than I expected even though I have a Korean assistant teacher.I love my students though, inside and outside of class. They like to ask me basic questions like, "Teacher, girlfriend?", "Teacher, married?", "Teacher, you are very handsome. "
Open class is the day my mentor teacher, principle, vice principle, and representatives from the TaLK education office observe me as I teach. It was not as bad as I thought. Thankfully they came during my 6th grade class-they are well behaved.
Life outside of teaching is well also. I am always doing something, whether it's university classes, lesson planning, or out with friends. I also joined the baseball club. (YES!)
Basically, it's a lot of meeting new people and drinking, to be honest.
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Mountains, Teaching, University Classes, Partying...Living life..
I conclude this week on a cold Sunday morning in my dorm room...Oh how eventful it was..
Instead of boring you with words, I'll show pictures, beginning with last weekend's trip to the mountains..
We are chillin' (literally) waiting for the bus to arrive. Mountains here we come!
Personal space did not exist on this 1 hour bus trip. It consisted of standing, carrying a backpack, and cute old ladies stepping on my shoes.
We came about 30 students deep! The climb was so steep. It was very hard to keep, my breath. If I fall from this mountain, death. I felt like I hiked at a 90 degree angle!
"The fruits of my labor, I enjoy em' while they're still ripe"- Lil Wayne..
It was hard work climbing the mountain, but the view put my aching legs at ease.
Good ol' Eric, in need of a haircut (at the time) feeling victorious.
Everyone did prayers and bows to....
THIS GUY! I want to say Buddha but I'm not 100% sure about it. Make a wish, it comes true.
This little fellow kept me hydrated, and gave me a couple of laughs as I glanced at the bottle..
My university classes started. They seem to be very interesting. I am taking Global Economic Issues, International Relations and Diplomacy, and Communication and Culture in Southeast Asia. **Note I was quite embarrassed at the lack of information I know about American History...tssk tssk..
Then, life during my free time this week...
Movie night- Warm Bodies...
I met these cool teachers at English Club Round 2..
St. Patrick's Day Beer..
Met my friends (also TaLK Scholars) in Daegu
The first time I've ever seen a BMW 760 in person. You know I had to do it..
Waiting in line for the club, this guy loved my look with the glasses: So, why not share some love?
What my last 2 nights/mornings consisted of..
This week has been a great one. I love and miss everyone back home.
Instead of boring you with words, I'll show pictures, beginning with last weekend's trip to the mountains..
It was hard work climbing the mountain, but the view put my aching legs at ease.
Then, life during my free time this week...
Movie night- Warm Bodies...
The movie theater was huge. And the gun..relax folks, it's a pellet gun I used to shoot targets while waiting for the movie to start.
This week has been a great one. I love and miss everyone back home.
Friday, March 8, 2013
Teaching: First Week
Kids are kids..
Wednesday was my second day of teaching. I felt confident teaching these classes today as these children were older and behaved a bit better. I had a 6th grade, a 5th grade, then a mixture of 4th and 5th grade.
I'm learning to be a bit quick on my feet and hopefully it will develop more over time. I expected to be teaching different students in each class but one of my classes contained students from a previous class. I didn't want to bore them with the same lesson, so I improvised by playing a game with information from their previous lesson with me.
Friday concluded my first week of teaching. This day was very difficult. I had two 1st grade classes(one all girls, the latter all boys), and a 3rd grade class. My girls were adorable and listened very well. They were also very smart, as they knew their ABC's, shapes, and could write them. My boys were, well, my boys. I didn't get too much teaching done here. This class consisted of attempting to get them to chill, they were bouncing off of the walls, literally. One student began to cry because he missed his mother, and another bumped his head while running under tables. It's safe to say that me and my coteacher's patience was running thin! During the time between classes, I met another English teacher. He gave us some advice on how to manage a class: Smile less, have rules, and be firm. My 3rd grade class was my final one of the day. Being worn out from the previous classes, I was determined not to have a repeat. I think I caught myself smiling once or twice. As I say, kids will be kids. After studying all day at school, then extra activities such as studying at a hagwon after school, Tae Kwon Do, and piano lessons, these kids barely have time to play.
I hope to find a way to allow them to have fun learning English.
Proud moment: I rode the bus alone to my elementary school on Friday. My Yeungnam University Buddy translated the bus route into English for me and wrote it in both English and Korean. *Shoutout to Jeongheon Heo. I felt like a little kid carrying a note home from the teacher. If I got confused on where to go, I would ask a Korean at the bus stop. Everyone was so understanding and eagerly helped me.
Wednesday was my second day of teaching. I felt confident teaching these classes today as these children were older and behaved a bit better. I had a 6th grade, a 5th grade, then a mixture of 4th and 5th grade.
I'm learning to be a bit quick on my feet and hopefully it will develop more over time. I expected to be teaching different students in each class but one of my classes contained students from a previous class. I didn't want to bore them with the same lesson, so I improvised by playing a game with information from their previous lesson with me.
Friday concluded my first week of teaching. This day was very difficult. I had two 1st grade classes(one all girls, the latter all boys), and a 3rd grade class. My girls were adorable and listened very well. They were also very smart, as they knew their ABC's, shapes, and could write them. My boys were, well, my boys. I didn't get too much teaching done here. This class consisted of attempting to get them to chill, they were bouncing off of the walls, literally. One student began to cry because he missed his mother, and another bumped his head while running under tables. It's safe to say that me and my coteacher's patience was running thin! During the time between classes, I met another English teacher. He gave us some advice on how to manage a class: Smile less, have rules, and be firm. My 3rd grade class was my final one of the day. Being worn out from the previous classes, I was determined not to have a repeat. I think I caught myself smiling once or twice. As I say, kids will be kids. After studying all day at school, then extra activities such as studying at a hagwon after school, Tae Kwon Do, and piano lessons, these kids barely have time to play.
I hope to find a way to allow them to have fun learning English.
Proud moment: I rode the bus alone to my elementary school on Friday. My Yeungnam University Buddy translated the bus route into English for me and wrote it in both English and Korean. *Shoutout to Jeongheon Heo. I felt like a little kid carrying a note home from the teacher. If I got confused on where to go, I would ask a Korean at the bus stop. Everyone was so understanding and eagerly helped me.
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
First day of teaching at Namsan Elementary..
Today was interesting..
Since I did not have university classes today and did not have to teach until 1, I slept in. I woke around 9 and tried to prepare myself for the day ahead. Many thoughts ran through my mind as I attempted to iron my clothes in our dormitory lounge. The iron would not get hot! I basically went to teach with wrinkly clothing lol. It wasn't too too bad though..
I met my coteacher at the international center to ride the bus to Namsan elementary. I am still unable to ride the bus alone as the bus system can be a bit complicating.
We were both hungry so at a bus stop, we decided to grab bread at Paris Baguette. After doing this, we continued our journey to the elementary school. I could barely eat my bread because I was so nervous. Bus 399 stopped at Namsan and we made our way into the school..
"Obama, Obama!"..Who is this?
This is your new English teacher..
"Oooh, handsome!! Teacher handsome!"
Way to start my adventure as I entered the elementary school. Upon entry, I was given a stylish pair of slippers to wear around the school
I met my principal today. In a nutshell, principles are kings in Korea. We walked into his office and I bowed at least 3 times upon entry. I didn't catch his name, but he was a sweet, gentle fellow. He spoke little English but managed to pronounce my name correctly. Afterward, it was all Korean speaking, and I did as I was instructed-smiled LOL. I gave him tea as a present and he gave me 2 cases of Korean Red Ginseng Drink which is a very healthy drink. My coteacher translated the conversation, saying the he hopes that I love their school and Korea. He will also give me a bike to ride from my dormitory to the bus stop. PAUSE...
Thank you Mr. Principal, as I love exercising but the 20 minute trek in dress pants and loafers isn't the most pleasant in 35 degree weather :)
Press PLAY: after meeting the principal, it was showtime- teaching.
I had two 2nd grade classes and one 4th grade class today. One was all boys, one all was all girls, and the latter was a mixture. In a nutshell, KIDS are KIDS! They were very energetic, excited to see a new teacher, and a bit hostile towards each other, at first. They fought a bit, threw shoes and pencil sharpeners, but SOMEHOW I remained cool, calm, and collect. I was told to only play games and get to know the children these first two weeks so you can guess what our lesson was about: Eric Teacher. It was all in all a fantastic day, as the experience was not as bad as it seems through my writing. We will see what tomorrow holds..
I have gained much greater respect for all teachers. You are amazing and should all be paid salaries like athletes..
Here is my coteacher and I after our first day: BOTH EXHAUSTED..
Since I did not have university classes today and did not have to teach until 1, I slept in. I woke around 9 and tried to prepare myself for the day ahead. Many thoughts ran through my mind as I attempted to iron my clothes in our dormitory lounge. The iron would not get hot! I basically went to teach with wrinkly clothing lol. It wasn't too too bad though..
I met my coteacher at the international center to ride the bus to Namsan elementary. I am still unable to ride the bus alone as the bus system can be a bit complicating.
We were both hungry so at a bus stop, we decided to grab bread at Paris Baguette. After doing this, we continued our journey to the elementary school. I could barely eat my bread because I was so nervous. Bus 399 stopped at Namsan and we made our way into the school..
"Obama, Obama!"..Who is this?
This is your new English teacher..
"Oooh, handsome!! Teacher handsome!"
Way to start my adventure as I entered the elementary school. Upon entry, I was given a stylish pair of slippers to wear around the school
I met my principal today. In a nutshell, principles are kings in Korea. We walked into his office and I bowed at least 3 times upon entry. I didn't catch his name, but he was a sweet, gentle fellow. He spoke little English but managed to pronounce my name correctly. Afterward, it was all Korean speaking, and I did as I was instructed-smiled LOL. I gave him tea as a present and he gave me 2 cases of Korean Red Ginseng Drink which is a very healthy drink. My coteacher translated the conversation, saying the he hopes that I love their school and Korea. He will also give me a bike to ride from my dormitory to the bus stop. PAUSE...
Thank you Mr. Principal, as I love exercising but the 20 minute trek in dress pants and loafers isn't the most pleasant in 35 degree weather :)
Press PLAY: after meeting the principal, it was showtime- teaching.
I had two 2nd grade classes and one 4th grade class today. One was all boys, one all was all girls, and the latter was a mixture. In a nutshell, KIDS are KIDS! They were very energetic, excited to see a new teacher, and a bit hostile towards each other, at first. They fought a bit, threw shoes and pencil sharpeners, but SOMEHOW I remained cool, calm, and collect. I was told to only play games and get to know the children these first two weeks so you can guess what our lesson was about: Eric Teacher. It was all in all a fantastic day, as the experience was not as bad as it seems through my writing. We will see what tomorrow holds..
I have gained much greater respect for all teachers. You are amazing and should all be paid salaries like athletes..
Monday, March 4, 2013
Anxiety before the first day of teaching...
It was once said that life begins outside of your comfort zone..
I must be living right now because outside of my comfort zone is my new residence. I teach three classes tomorrow: Two second grade classes and a fourth grade class. I do not think there is a word that has been created to express the feeling I have right now. Nervousness, anxiety, afraid, I do not know exactly. I've never had the feeling in my life. It's time to grow..
I will look back at this post one day and laugh my pants off but for now, pray for me folks.
I must be living right now because outside of my comfort zone is my new residence. I teach three classes tomorrow: Two second grade classes and a fourth grade class. I do not think there is a word that has been created to express the feeling I have right now. Nervousness, anxiety, afraid, I do not know exactly. I've never had the feeling in my life. It's time to grow..
I will look back at this post one day and laugh my pants off but for now, pray for me folks.
Yeungnam University Exchange Student Orientation
Today I woke around 7 or 8. This week is officially the first week of classes BUT this week is also "optional". Classes are optional because students are deciding whether they want to stick with the classes they signed up for. I thought my schedule was fine but I realized that I have to change it to fit my teaching schedule at Namsan Elementary.
We met at the International Center at 10:30am to begin orientation. I met many people from many different countries. I learned a little Dutch, Japanese, more Korean, Thai, and French, I love it. Don't be surprised if I come home knowing many languages. After a slight lecture, we were split into groups to tour the giant campus of Yeungnam University. I learned that Yeungnam has the largest campus in Korea and many prominent figures in politics, law, and education attended Yeungnam University.
My Korean name is "Tae Ba"...the spelling is incorrect I know; it means "cool".
I also met my Yeungnam University buddy today. This person serves as a friend that will help me with anything I need. They are similar to Lander University Presidential Ambassadors. My buddy's name is Jeongheon Heo, she took me out for coffee and chatted. She is pretty cool and very helpful. We had an agreement to help each other learn our languages.
Short post today, I am currently listening to music and washing clothes. I will go for a run to relax and then prepare for my first day of teaching tomorrow. Pray for me, I'm a bit nervous
We met at the International Center at 10:30am to begin orientation. I met many people from many different countries. I learned a little Dutch, Japanese, more Korean, Thai, and French, I love it. Don't be surprised if I come home knowing many languages. After a slight lecture, we were split into groups to tour the giant campus of Yeungnam University. I learned that Yeungnam has the largest campus in Korea and many prominent figures in politics, law, and education attended Yeungnam University.
My Korean name is "Tae Ba"...the spelling is incorrect I know; it means "cool".
I also met my Yeungnam University buddy today. This person serves as a friend that will help me with anything I need. They are similar to Lander University Presidential Ambassadors. My buddy's name is Jeongheon Heo, she took me out for coffee and chatted. She is pretty cool and very helpful. We had an agreement to help each other learn our languages.
Short post today, I am currently listening to music and washing clothes. I will go for a run to relax and then prepare for my first day of teaching tomorrow. Pray for me, I'm a bit nervous
Saturday, March 2, 2013
First all-nighter in Daegu
My first night in downtown Daegu was amazing, it didn't start off that way though...
During the day, I met more international students as they arrived to the dormitory.
I was a bit tired earlier in the day from a morning workout. I napped quite a bit throughout the day as I spoke to my Korean co-teacher about lesson planning. I met my roommate today also. Jack from Wales, is an international business major. He has stories for days that will have you clutching your stomach and slapping your knees.
Around 7 o clock, everyone in my room went to Orange Town for dinner. The best thing about this place was that my favorite sport was on the television- BASEBALL!
After dinner, we looked for a place to party. We walked around an hour looking for a place to dance, but our area didn't have much to offer. Some of the dance places were Korean ONLY!
Tired of searching, we decided to travel to Daegu by cab because by this time the subway stations were closed. Our cab driver was very cool and tried to understand where we wanted to go. I whipped out my translator and typed in 'club' and let him read it. He knew exactly where to take us and about 15 minutes later, we stood outside of this club in Daegu....
Unfortunately, we had to hustle our way into the club. There are a lot of Korean ONLY clubs here. The door man was going to charge us 40000 won to enter, when the entrance fee was free for everyone else. I was annoyed at first, but I had to understand this is their club, their rules. Eventually, he let us in for free but we didn't stay at this place long.
Wandering around Daegu, we found an American who told us where all of the clubs were. Thanks to this information, we found a place called Frog and danced all night..literally.
As I mentioned earlier, Subway stations close around 11:30pm and don't open until 5:30am. When 5:30 rolled around, we walked to the subway station and made our way back to Yeungnam.
*Congratulations baby for winning Lander Homecoming Queen. I love you
During the day, I met more international students as they arrived to the dormitory.
I was a bit tired earlier in the day from a morning workout. I napped quite a bit throughout the day as I spoke to my Korean co-teacher about lesson planning. I met my roommate today also. Jack from Wales, is an international business major. He has stories for days that will have you clutching your stomach and slapping your knees.
Around 7 o clock, everyone in my room went to Orange Town for dinner. The best thing about this place was that my favorite sport was on the television- BASEBALL!
After dinner, we looked for a place to party. We walked around an hour looking for a place to dance, but our area didn't have much to offer. Some of the dance places were Korean ONLY!
Tired of searching, we decided to travel to Daegu by cab because by this time the subway stations were closed. Our cab driver was very cool and tried to understand where we wanted to go. I whipped out my translator and typed in 'club' and let him read it. He knew exactly where to take us and about 15 minutes later, we stood outside of this club in Daegu....
Unfortunately, we had to hustle our way into the club. There are a lot of Korean ONLY clubs here. The door man was going to charge us 40000 won to enter, when the entrance fee was free for everyone else. I was annoyed at first, but I had to understand this is their club, their rules. Eventually, he let us in for free but we didn't stay at this place long.
Wandering around Daegu, we found an American who told us where all of the clubs were. Thanks to this information, we found a place called Frog and danced all night..literally.
As I mentioned earlier, Subway stations close around 11:30pm and don't open until 5:30am. When 5:30 rolled around, we walked to the subway station and made our way back to Yeungnam.
*Congratulations baby for winning Lander Homecoming Queen. I love you
Friday, March 1, 2013
Introduction to the English Club
Today was pretty amazing...
Well, after waking at 10:30 a.m. feeling refreshed I decided to try and possibly get my ARC (Alien Registration Card) from the immigration office. The only problem, well two problems, were these: Today was a Korean holiday (Samiljeol) which is Independence Movement Day, so the immigration office was closed. Also, I speak very little Korean so it would be very hard to communicate that I need my ARC. Oh yea, a third problem: I do not know how to use the buses or subway YET. It is a goal of mine. After finding I will not be able to get my ARC today, I decided to roam the streets of Orange Town until I got tired. I looked for a way to buy a cell phone but all 5 stores I entered did not have an English speaker....
The employees were very understanding, so there were no hard feelings, just a bit of laughter.
I go back to my dorm and check Facebook finding that a fellow Lander student, Rachel Piper, messaged me. She asked if I wanted to have dinner and go with her to English Club. Of course I accepted and around 6 o clock we hit the town. We ate at a place called Princess, which was amazing. I'm still not too good with the names of foods, I know what my taste buds can't get enough of though...
After this fulfilling me, we walked 2 minutes to the English club. Today was a party for their 100th meeting. I met a lot of international students and we enjoyed ourselves. There was a talent show, dancing, drinking (of course) and an overall amazing experience. Thanks Rachel, you always keep me entertained.
Well, after waking at 10:30 a.m. feeling refreshed I decided to try and possibly get my ARC (Alien Registration Card) from the immigration office. The only problem, well two problems, were these: Today was a Korean holiday (Samiljeol) which is Independence Movement Day, so the immigration office was closed. Also, I speak very little Korean so it would be very hard to communicate that I need my ARC. Oh yea, a third problem: I do not know how to use the buses or subway YET. It is a goal of mine. After finding I will not be able to get my ARC today, I decided to roam the streets of Orange Town until I got tired. I looked for a way to buy a cell phone but all 5 stores I entered did not have an English speaker....
The employees were very understanding, so there were no hard feelings, just a bit of laughter.
I go back to my dorm and check Facebook finding that a fellow Lander student, Rachel Piper, messaged me. She asked if I wanted to have dinner and go with her to English Club. Of course I accepted and around 6 o clock we hit the town. We ate at a place called Princess, which was amazing. I'm still not too good with the names of foods, I know what my taste buds can't get enough of though...After this fulfilling me, we walked 2 minutes to the English club. Today was a party for their 100th meeting. I met a lot of international students and we enjoyed ourselves. There was a talent show, dancing, drinking (of course) and an overall amazing experience. Thanks Rachel, you always keep me entertained.
Thursday, February 28, 2013
First day at school: Namsan Elementary School
Yesterday, Mrs. Eugene (a 2nd grade teacher at Namsan Elementary) and her friend picked me up from my orientation in Gumi. They were extremely pleasant and even carried all of my luggage for me. After about an hour long car ride, we finally arrived at Yeungnam where they dropped me off.
Today my Korean Talk Scholar, Jung Hye Jang, and I made our first trip to Namsan Elementary. Mrs. Eugene told us to come by so we could create our lesson plans. Jung Hye and I left around 1 to make the trek and it was a bit confusing. I made sure I paid close attention as she showed me which buses I needed to take to get to my workplace. Even she got a bit lost though, lol. After 1 hour and three buses, we finally arrived at our destination, and it was amazing. I met a few of the teachers, who were very pleasant by the way. They were very eager to teach me Korean, which is pleasing because I am just as eager to learn it.
After being shown my classroom, Mrs. Eugene informed us of our daunting task: to create a lesson plan for the duration of the semester- 6 months! To say the least, I was VERY, VERY, overwhelmed at first. Thankfully, Jung Hye remained relaxed and, feeding off of her energy, I became relaxed too. 4 hours later, we had completed our lesson plan and left the school feeling accomplished. To thank Jung Hye for her hard work, I treated her to dinner: she didn't let me buy the ice cream though....
After walking back to the dormitory, I bid Jung Hye farewell and headed to the track for a run.
Overall, it was a pleasant day with learning experiences..
Thanks
After being shown my classroom, Mrs. Eugene informed us of our daunting task: to create a lesson plan for the duration of the semester- 6 months! To say the least, I was VERY, VERY, overwhelmed at first. Thankfully, Jung Hye remained relaxed and, feeding off of her energy, I became relaxed too. 4 hours later, we had completed our lesson plan and left the school feeling accomplished. To thank Jung Hye for her hard work, I treated her to dinner: she didn't let me buy the ice cream though....
After walking back to the dormitory, I bid Jung Hye farewell and headed to the track for a run.
Overall, it was a pleasant day with learning experiences..
Thanks
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
A month of TaLK Orientation
I didn't blog during the orientation. This post will not have much written substance but there will be many pictures from the TaLK orientation..
It has been a little less than a month and orientation is finally over.
I actually had two orientations. One was in Jochiwon, South Korea and lasted 20 days. The second one was in Gumi, South Korea and lasted 6 days. During this time, my 12 hour days were filled with lectures and practicums. It was very challenging but I learned a lot.
Here are some pictures...
My class dancing to a song I created
Pre-Departure- Last day home *Repost
This blog will basically highlight my experiences in Korea. I plan to
share EVERYTHING, both good and bad, in hopes that you, the reader, get a
taste of my life as I embark on this journey.
You would think my mind would be going insane around this time.
I'm leaving for Korea tomorrow night (Well, Sunday 1AM) and I do not really feel much. I will miss my amazing family and friends very much. Their support and belief in me makes leaving a little bit easier. Right now, I'm just going with the flow of things. As of Feb.1 5:20PM, I still have not finished packing, or really began for that matter.
This is my very first flight and what a flight it will be (15hrs!)..Well, go big or go home right?
I'll be flying from Atlanta on Korea Airlines Flight 34. It may be a long flight BUT I hear each passenger has their own TV; the time should pass quickly. Also, (I'm not sure if this is good or bad, haha) I hear beer is served for FREE. We will see how this plays out.
This is all I have for now, I'll keep you posted.
*Repost on February 28, 2013
You would think my mind would be going insane around this time.
I'm leaving for Korea tomorrow night (Well, Sunday 1AM) and I do not really feel much. I will miss my amazing family and friends very much. Their support and belief in me makes leaving a little bit easier. Right now, I'm just going with the flow of things. As of Feb.1 5:20PM, I still have not finished packing, or really began for that matter.
This is my very first flight and what a flight it will be (15hrs!)..Well, go big or go home right?
I'll be flying from Atlanta on Korea Airlines Flight 34. It may be a long flight BUT I hear each passenger has their own TV; the time should pass quickly. Also, (I'm not sure if this is good or bad, haha) I hear beer is served for FREE. We will see how this plays out.
This is all I have for now, I'll keep you posted.
*Repost on February 28, 2013
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)