A time for firsts......

As mentioned in my previous post, my coworker and her mother encouraged me (cannot say no here) to do a whitening face mask... I was pretty terrified I would look like a chubby pale leopard when I pealed the mask off. Can't you see the fear?

On a less dramatic note, I have moved into my apartment! It is so nice and spacious..... but before I tell you about that, let me tell you about all of the firsts I had this weekend. Saturday was move-in day. My coworker, her boyfriend, and I all came over to the apartment with cleaning supplies in hand. The former tenants left and we cleaned fairly quickly. Then we went back and got all of my bags. It was nice to officially be in my apartment, although I miss my coworker's mom and really appreciated how well she took care of me. I spent several hours unpacking my belongings before venturing out onto the streets alone in search of food. I managed to get some and headed back to my less confusing and intimidating apartment. A couple hours later the former tenants returned and took me out to La Festa (the large shopping/nightlife area outside my apartment) for drinks and to meet other foreigners. It was a lot of fun just talking and drinking and not wondering what people were saying! I left to go home around 3 am and much to my dismay it was POURING rain. I didn't bring my purse so of course I did not have an umbrella. Within 5 minutes I was soaked from head to toe. That was fine except that I am already pretty tired of the humidity, so my clothes sticking to me when they were wet made it even worse. Regardless, Saturday was very fun and I was glad to meet some fellow foreigners. It might sound bad, but I think they will keep me sane here. Sunday I was woken up by the phone. I nearly died creeping down the steep stares. The former English teacher and her fiance invited me to Sinchon with them for the day. I was all excited until I found out that I had to get the bus by myself. My knowledge of the Korean language is essentially non-existant so this was a very intimidating exercise. Luckily I was given great directions and managed to meet up with everyone in the right place. We had delicious Chinese lamb and lots of beer and soju for supper and then headed off to a theme bar for hours. We left Sinchon around midnight and took a cab back to Ilsan. It was nice to not think about where we were going. Everyone agreed that "hangover soup" was necessary at that point, so we went to a 24 hour soup restaurant across the street from my apartment and ate the bone soup. It was pretty good and I didn't have a headache when I woke up, but I don't know how well it cures hangovers.

So over the weekend here were my firsts:
- saw my apartment for the FIRST time
- got food by myself for the FIRST time
- rode in a bus alone for the FIRST time
- rode in a taxi in south korea for the FIRST time
- hung out with BUNCHES of Canadian and British people and of course a kiwi and a few Americans and Koreans ...... for the FIRST time

Today was the biggest first of all (or so I thought). I was to become Angela Teacher today. The students were going to be taught English by yours truly. It was so exciting I could barely stand it. Once I got to school though, they asked me to write 10 essay questions about Toy Story 3. They decided that the students deserved a day off and I needed a day or two to get my affairs in order. I was a little disappointed I did not get to teach really today and won't get to tomorrow either, but at least now when I do get to teach I will not look like a fool. I did have a nice and sweaty walk to and from school between huge apartments. It was pretty calming even though sweat was dripping in my eyes every now and again. So I recently have had several big firsts. The last first I will show you is the video I took of my apartment. It is a beautiful apartment and I am terrible at taking vido. Regardless, I hope you enjoy the insight. The link is below for you to enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDZ46G-aOVw

The departure through Day 2 in S. Korea

I left New Hampshire on Tuesday and it was absolutely beautiful outside. The sun was shining, it was somewhat cool, and there was a slight breeze. The closer we drove to Boston and the Consulate and International airport though, the worse the weather got. In Boston it was raining and very windy. Mom drove very quickly and got me to the Consulate an hour early. We were lucky and did not run into any traffic on the way. I picked up my visa and then mom drove like a true Masshole (i.e. terrible and aggressive driver commonly found in New England but originating in Massachusetts) to the airport.

After an waiting in one line only to be redirected to another during check-in, United Airlines gave me my ticket and the family and I walked to security. I quickly said goodbye. I was already pretty emotional, secretly shedding a tear or two in the car ride to Boston so I wanted to make it as painless as possible. I feel bad about it now, but it had to be done or we all would have been puddles on the floor of Logan. Security was about 25 minutes.... not bad I figure... and the plane began boarding 20 minutes after I got to the back. United made the announcement before boarding began that anyone who wanted could check their carry-on for free because there would not be enough room on the plane for everyone's bags. I asked if it would be free for a transfer to another airline, specifically Asiana, and they said yes because they have some alliance with the airline. The flight was very smooth and I talked to a girl sitting next to me who was going to Japan to teach English. I arrived in LAX and took a nice walk to the international flights building. When I checked into Asiana they told me it would be $110 for my additional checked bag (the carry-on I would have carried no problem). I said that I would like to get my bag back then because I could not afford that. They lowered the price to $30 which I was still miffed about, but accepted as a bargain.

Asiana Airlines has a great Trans-Pacific service for anyone who is looking! I walked onto the plane and they had pillows and blankets waiting on our seats. Almost immediately after taking off they gave us drinks and steaming hot towels to clean our hands. The drinks (including red/white wine and beer) were free! They also gave all of the passangers complimentary headphones for TV watching and cheap slippers to wear on the plane. I did not wear mine then, but am wearing them now. About an hour and a half into the flight the crew served us supper. I chose the Korean meal Bibimbop. It was very good, and is very common in Korea. The dish includes many vegetables, rice, and a spicy pepper paste. During the flight I watched five movies and slept for about 2 hours. Before landing we were served breakfast. Again I ate a traditional Korean meal. This time it was octopus and rice. I loved this! It was very spicy and completely alien as far as breakfast food goes!

By the way, I snuck a granny smith apple into the country. At customs they inquire as to weather you have any fruits. I did not mention my solitary apple because I did not want to give it up. There was a taxi driver waiting for me at the airport. He drove me to Ilsan to my school. I met my director and she took me to her home to rest for about 3 hours. After resting I found out that I would be unable to move into my apartment until Saturday or Sunday. She told me I would be staying with a coworker named Jessica. We picked Jessica up around noon and drove around Ilsan. We drove to my apartment complex and then to the school. Then we drove back to my apartment and wandered around La Festa, which is a large shopping and nightlife area right outside my front door. I cannot wait to live in my apartment!

After La Festa, Helen, Jessica and I went to the school so they could teach and I could observe for the first time. I met the now former English teacher, Jo. She was great and managed to show me a lot of stuff for school. Hopefully I can take over without too much disruption for the students. Jo explained a lot to me about how the school works and also described my neighborhood in great detail. She explained a lot about the apartment as well because she currently lives there.

At around 9:30 pm Helen, Jessica and I went to Jessica's house. I dragged my bags upstairs and met Jessica's mom and brother. Her mom has been very kind and is making sure I stay comfortable. Jessica's brother is also very cute! I don't know most of what he is saying, but I know he said I have a small and pretty face. I guess I appreciate that. For dinner my first night I ate Korean BBQ. It was pork that we cooked over coals right at the table. VERY GOOD! After dinner (which was massive and overwhelming) the ladies wanted Baskin Robins so we got some icecream. I couldn't stand the idea of eating any because I was so full. I went to bed at nearly 1 am in Korea, or noon in New York on August 26th. I slept about 5 hours in over 2 days and was exhausted. It was nice to sleep.

When I woke up on Friday, the whole house was quiet. I got dressed and pretty and was reading my Korean language book from Alina when Jessica woke up and her mom came home from the store. Jessica's mom made a huge foreign/Korean feast for breakfast. We had puffed rice cereal and milk, 2 fried eggs, 2 large slices of white bread toast with lots of strawberry jam, kiwis, apples, grapes, and some sort of soup. Again, I do not know where Koreans put all this food, but I know that Jessica had nothing on her plate and I still had leftovers. After breakfast, Jessica's mom and brother made sandwiches for us to bring for lunch. Koreans do not eat sandwiches typically. I really appreciate that they went out of their way to make them.

Again today I observed Jo at school. She had 3 classes today. They were all sad to see her go. We went to the same Korean BBQ place for dinner tonight with the whole elementary English team. It was nice, although some of my Korean coworkers to not try to talk to me really at all. We said goodbye to Jo and her fiance and I drank soju (Korean vodka). It wasn't nearly as painful as American vodka to drink because it has about half the alcohol. I liked it somewhat, but might just become a beer girl while in Korea.

Jessica and I went back to her house (right across the street) and watched TV with her adorable mom for a couple hours. They gave me a face mask that was for whitening skin. How white you are is a symbol of your status in Korea so most all Korean women use whitening products for their skin. Anyway, I put the facemask on for the 20 minutes it says to. I took a picture that I will upload tomorrow when I am at my own apartment, but let me tell you I was nervous I would come out spotty! I think I am okay for now!

As I just mentioned, I am moving into the apartment tomorrow. There are only a few things I will need to pick up immediately because Jo is leaving so many things (awesome!)!!! Tomorrow I will post the face mask picture and maybe some of the treasure I buy after moving into the apartment. Maybe I will also post pictures of the apartment for you to enjoy! Until then, take good care of yourselves and I will do the same.

Sloooooow, quick, quick......

Sloooooow, quick, quick. The process of finding a job after graduation has been this unbearably repetitive waltz. Let me explain:

Slow - I applied to HUNDREDS of jobs before and following graduation. I even went to North Carolina for 2 job fairs during my spring break! I heard next to nothing from these endeavors, and I was always careful to call the schools and inquire about the status of my application, re-express my interest in the position, etc....
Quick - A friend suggested I apply to teach in Abu Dhabi because of an episode of "House Hunters International" she saw. I found footprintsrecruiting.com and applied to teach in South Korea.
Quick - I was contacted the next day for an interview appointment, had an interview two days later, and my application was forwarded to a placement coordinator!

Slow - My placement coordinator contacted me with several potential positions throughout Korea. I heard nothing for about a month.
Quick - I applied to one job (Posting #1589) and the next day received a call that they wanted an interview. I had a phone interview with the director of the school.
Quick - Two days after the interview, I had a job offer and contract to review and return. I mailed out my stuff two days after the offer!

Slow - My documents got to Korea on a Thursday. Then, I waited. I waited the typical 10 business days. Then I waited another 7 days with little to no word about any progress.
Quick - My visa arrived on Wednesday and I scheduled my interview with the consulate. I had my interview and it was super easy and awesome.
Quick - The last fast step to Korea is in the works right now. I have to pick up my passport and visa at 4:00 pm on Tuesday. My flight LEAVES Boston at 6:00 pm on Tuesday. There is a possibility I might not make my flight. If that happens, I don't know what the next step is. I believe I will make it. I will have about 1 hour and 30 or 40 minutes to get on the plane.

Like I said, finding a job after graduation has been like a waltz. Luckily, the song is almost over. Coming up next, during my year in Korea, is a great tango. It will be smooth and easy punctuated by fast and thrilling inserts. I am glad the waltz is ending. It is a bit overwhelming!

Once things start rolling

they really start rolling! I will be leaving for Korea on Tuesday at 6 pm from Boston! Just this morning I was in a terrible mood because I wasn't sure I was ever going to leave. Then, within an hours time I found out what my visa number was, when my interview was, and that I could leave as soon as my visa was available. It's amazing how quickly things take off! More updates as they come... I will probably have more to share on Friday. Can't wait to get there!

Things are moving again!

Twenty seven days after my school received my documents, I finally have my visa number! I am so happy that the process has started to move again. My interview at the consulate in Boston is scheduled for Friday at 10 am. Then my passport (with visa stamped in it) should be mailed to me on Tuesday. Hopefully it will get here by Thursday or Friday and I can leave a few days later. I am way behind and might not actually start teaching until September 1st or something, but at least things are moving again!

Anyway, mom and I will be headed out bright and early on Friday for the trip to Boston. Hopefully we won't encounter much traffic on our way. I don't really know what the interview entails, but I have a feeling I will do great! I was made for this sort of stuff. The only thing that could make me feel better right now would be if I were boarding a plane tomorrow, but sometime late next week or early the following week is pretty spectacular too!

Yay visa numbers!!!


Ilsan - Where I will be living!!!

Obsessed...

When I get something in my head, I become obsessed! Since the day I applied to the recruiting company (www.footprintsrecruiting.com) all I have been studying and thinking about is how it would be to live in Korea. I wonder what will be different, the same, scary, embarassing, inappropriate, rude, completely strange but acceptable... I have stalked my school, random expats, video bloggers, plain old bloggers, bought Korea books, been gifted Korea books, and had a panic attack or two. Overall, I feel like I am ready to tackle the adventure that awaits me. I would like to share some of the things I know about Korea that I didn't know before with you all... just in case you want to visit. Hopefully I will follow these rules and not look even more like a fool when I arrive.

Things not to do in Korea:
1. Blow my nose in public
2. Wear my shoes inside (including some restaurants and all homes/schools, etc...)
3. Expect a closed shower in my 250 square foot apartment
4. Introduce myself
5. Pour myself a drink
6. Eat my noodles first
7. Pass food, accept drinks, or offer gifts with one hand
8. Spear my food with my chopsticks
9. Lay my chopsticks across my plate or bowl
10. Hug, pat someone on the back, or physically touch people

It's going to be weird. I LOVE blowing my nose. It is such a great feeling. And shoes.... I have shoes I have been saving for years so I could show them off when I got my first teaching job. Too bad the students won't get to enjoy them and the other teachers won't see them in order to compliment me on their awesomeness. As for not introducing myself, that is like my most favorite thing to do. What if the person who does introduce me does a really lame job?!?! What a tragedy that would be! Someone told me that if you eat your noodles first the Koreans will joke about you getting fat. I don't need any of that nonsense. Using two hands is always a good thing in my book, so I am down with the not using one hand rule. Also, I have a pretty good handle on chopsticks and we get to use spoons for rice, so there shouldn't be any spearing issues. The worst rule of all though - the no hugging or other physical contact. Anyone who knows me even a little knows that I am a crier and a hugger. That will be tough, but once I make some nice expat friends I should be able to get a hug or two. I am sure after a little while I will NEED one.

No update yet on the visa situation. Hoping it is soon. First teaching/training day is hypothetically in 1 week!!! More to come when I know more.

The waiting is killing me!

I honestly feel like I could die with anticipation. I still do not have my visa number, but my recruiter said that the school is hoping to have it very soon. They better because I am supposed to start on August 23rd! On a brighter note, I do have all of the paperwork filled out and am ready at an evening's notice to head to Boston for my interview. My recruiter also asked what airport I would like to leave from, so hopefully the plane tickets will be purchased immediately following the issuance of my visa. I am still anticipating leaving next Thursday - Saturday (at the latest!). I will keep you updated as soon as I know more! Pray I start to hear things soon though. I could use it!

Visa number

It is taking a bit longer than normal to receive my visa number. My recruiter explained the delay is because this is the busy season for applications. I should be leaving in just around or under 2 weeks so hopefully I will know soon... I will keep you all updated.

On a side note, I am really enjoying my time with my family in New Hampshire. We have gone swimming and of course done a lot of driving. The extended family is up from New York this weekend so that is a nice treat too. I will try to post a couple family pictures in the next day or two.

Hope I get my visa number soon..... we will see!

The preparation

for teaching English in South Korea is grueling. I applied to teach abroad at the end of June and since then all of my activities have been centered around filing paperwork, looking for job opportunities, interviews, and just mentally preparing to sell all of my stuff and leave! The job I accepted is going to be great! I will be teaching in a suburb outside of Seoul. The suburb is called Ilsan. It is a newer suburb and is the home of the largest man-made lake in South Korea. There are several perks to teaching ESL in South Korea. First and foremost, I will be making 2.1 million won a month. This converts to between 1600 - 1750 USD a month. On top of that, my school will be paying for my furnished single apartment. Granted, the apartments are VERY small, but that just means cheaper utilities. In addition to the free apartment, I also get my plane ride paid for roundtrip. I get two weeks of paid vacation, two weeks of unpaid vacation, and 14 national holidays off of school. My students will be elementary and middle school students and I will be teaching six classes Monday through Friday. It's going to be fabulous.

Now for a bit about Ilsan. The city is outside of Seoul and was created to alleaviate the housing shortage in Seoul. As I mentioned earlier, the city is home to the largest man-made lake in the country. Surrounding the lake are a variety of walking and jogging trails. The park has a cactus arboretum, botanical gardens, and a toilet museum. I have no idea what the toilet museum involves, but I am definitely going to check it out! Ilsan is also the home of the National Cancer Center.

I do not know much about my school or my apartment. Most of that is because the website is in Korean and google cannot translate it. I know that my school is called run by a group called Youst. The name of the school is Youst - Lingua Language Institute. It is a private language school and my hours will be from 3:00 - 10:30 pm. I will be teaching extra language classes to students and have my office hours at night! It will be a change from the daytime schedule in the US. My apartment will be between 10 and 15 minutes walking distance from my school. It will be a furnished single apartment. Most of the apartments for ESL teachers (and Koreans) are approximately 250 square feet. It will just be me so that is fine, but I hope I have a loft apartment. That will give me a separate area for sleeping!

All that is left now is to get my visa number, head to Boston for a face-to-face interview at the Korean Consulate, receive my passport with the visa stamped inside, and schedule my flight. My first day of school/training is August 23rd. It's going to be fabulous! I cannot wait to meet my students and get a feel for where I will be living for the next year. A lot of people are asking if I am worried that I do not know Korean. I am not worried at all! I will figure it out as I go along and probably make some embarrassing mistakes along the way. Such is life. I cannot wait!