Tuesday, May 1, 2007

South Korea bound!

I'm finally graduating with my Masters in International Studies, and just accepted a job! I am leaving in less than 3 weeks to teach English in South Korea for a year. Even though I have experience living abroad, I have never been to a country where I don't speak the language so i'm pretty nervous! Luckily I am going with two people I know, so that should make things a little easier. I have been assigned to a school on the outskirts of Seoul, South Korea. Seoul is the capital and is a huge city...different than anything I have ever experienced.

Mary, a friend I am graduating with, told me about this opportunity and luckily we were both offered positions. The website for the organization we were hired by is http://www.korjobcanada.com for anyone that's interested! It was started by a guy who taught for three years in Seoul, just like we are doing, then came back and started this organization to make easier and more affordable for recent graduates to teach in South Korea. It's an awesome opportunity. The school at which we are employed pays for our workers VISA, round trip air fare, a furnished apartment, travel within the city and medical insurance. On top of that we get paid a pretty good monthly salary, so hopefully this will give me a chance to save some money and travel even more.

I have joined groups on Facebook for people teaching in South Korea and have talked to several people about their experiences so far. They all seem to love it and have given me some great advice about things to know before I go, and what to pack etc.

Here are a couple pictures of the school I will be working at. It is preschool and lower elementary school grades, and supposedly one of the more ritzy schools in the area. I am so excited and will keep everyone posted on how things go! Wish me luck and I will miss you all!

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Hi Christi,
I just saw your Korea Blog, and can't wait to hear about all your experiences and see your pictures.
Wish we could go with you!
Love,
Mom and Dad