Another week!

We are always so busy here, with long days at work and tired nights. I am finally settled into my apartment, with working internet and everything! I finished my first summer school class which was really demanding and have started my second which won't be as bad. Now I will have a little more time to enjoy things! Daily schedules are falling into place at school and it is getting easier to remember everything that has to be done. I love my kids, although there will always be some that are a challenge! Just like in America, there are the kids who don't listen and the class clowns and others who like to act out. The school as a system of giving out stickers for good behavior and other things, and when they reach a certain number the kids get a prize (or a present as they call it). If my kids are being crazy or talkative I just have to give one or two of the good ones a sticker and everyone else follows suit. The kids are so loving, bringing notes or pictures they drew at home. Even kids I don't have in my class come up and hug me and say "Christi Teacher!!!" It makes you feel good, and the kids really seem to like coming to school.

At LCI (Language Club International), which is the name of my school, the afternoon classes, who are older kids, have monthly tests on everything they learned that month. This week was so hectic because we have to put the tests together and make copies for every student. There is so much that goes into these tests, and each one is at least 10 pages long, so by the end of the week I was exhausted. It was pretty confusing this first time, but hopefully making the tests will get easier now that I know what to do for each class.

I am continuing to learn new things about the culture every day. I just learned that it is not appropriate for you to pour your own drink at the table. The youngest person in the group must pour everyone's water, or whatever you are drinking. We are urged to be strict in the classroom, because at home and at the elementary schools where the younger children will start soon, corporal punishment is used for bad behavior. Seems so backward for a culture that is so loving in public, holding hands and always giving hugs. Also, you must bow ALL the time. Haha, I'm not sure when exactly, but pretty much any time you talk to someone or go into a store you bow, just as a sign of respect.

As most of you know, there are a lot of American military bases in Seoul, so when we go out at night there are usually a lot of them, as well as other teachers. We have met other teachers and it is interesting to hear stories about the different schools. No two are alike, and I think we are working at a very good one. Also, there are Korean laws that require foreign military people to be out of the bars and out of sight by 1:00 AM. This came after a lot of the military guys continuously started problems and fights in the Korean bars. It's interesting though, and the American government enforces the laws.

I have posted more pictures so take a look if you have time! Hope everyone is well and I will write more soon!