Advice and reflections

So I have been teaching English in South Korea for seven months now, and I thought I would offer advice to those who are pursuing a career teaching English in another country, based on what I've experienced so far. 

1. Do your research: I unfortunately did not, and I have to deal with many issues in the workplace that I have not adapted to very well. 

2. Start a budget: When you are in another country, it's easy to spend a lot of money traveling, buying food and watching your money disappear. 

3. Learn the language: I'm still working on this one, due to time and money, but it's important to talk in the country's language if you live there for a while. 

4. Be yourself: Yes you will have to adapt to cultural norms in a new country, but that doesn't mean you have to change completely. You're amazing the way you are, and no one should tell you otherwise or try to change you.

 

5. Try new things: I'm braver now that I've stepped out into a new corner of the world. Being away from the familiar is an opportunity to be a bit more daring. I don't recommend doing something too crazy, but take a few steps out of your comfort zone for a bit. See what happens. 

6. Keep up with your hobbies: If you love writing, painting, drawing or anything crafty, keep it up while you're here. There will be weekends where you may want to chill. 

7. Enjoy it! Even if you are homesick, or having a rough time, do your best to enjoy being in another country. You're almost a long term tourist, and it's a lot more fun to go to other places on weekends. 

Living in another country is quite an experience. There are times that you'll want a piece of home, especially during difficult times, and then there are times that you feel lucky to be in another country, and able to travel to other places so far from home. 

You'll meet people from all around the world, and you'll learn so much about who you are and what you're able to do. 

Like everything in life, there are ups and downs, but a positive attitude can help you get through anything. 

It really is a life changing experience, and an important step in anyone's journey, regardless of their major or goals. 

Christmas in South Korea: A photographic experience

A journey through Christmas Decor around South Korea ^_^

강촌유원지 - Gangchon Waterfall

Not far from Chuncheon, a short train ride away, a picturesque hike and a quaint little village awaits weary travelers in the mountains. Fall is a great season for hiking, and many people gathered at the entrance to this area, as my friends and I made our way up the steeper trail. 

When we went, the weather was perfect, and it was an ideal opportunity to see the leaves change. 

Since I'm from Colorado, this trail felt closer to home, and it reminded me of Kenosha pass near Breckenrdige. This was the perfect area to admire the trees and the beautiful view on the way up the mountain. 

One difference between this hike and many hikes in Colorado is the fact there are stores, restaraunts and many other attractions at its entrance, a pretty rare find in Colorado. 

You can also make a wish before you go on the trail by picking a rock, and balancing it on piles of rocks in difference areas marked "Wisdom", "Heart", "Wealth", "Professional" and so on. I found a rock and made a wish: 

It was pretty cool seeing these tributes everywhere: 

The trail itself isn't very long, and you can choose from an easy trail or a more difficult one. We went up the steep route, because we were hikers. I ran into one of my students, who was happy to see me as we hiked up the hill. A few fellow hikers spoke to us in English, saying things like, "Beautiful Day!" and "Hello there," which made the hike more fun. After we reached the top, we stopped at a nice restaurant in the village and ate chiken stew and acorn jelly salad. All of which was delicious! 

On our way back, we reached the waterfall, and took a picture at the balcony overlooking the leaves, waterfall and the giant rockface. 

It felt good to go hiking again, and this place felt more like home. My poor phone almost ran out of room becase I took a lot of pictures! 

Adjustments

Hello! I'm still alive, and yes I realize that I haven't blogged in quite awhile. Here's my excuse: adjustments. I've been adjusting to the time difference, my new schedule, a new culture and a new mindset. That's a lot to get used to! But the point is, I'm still enjoying it here. 

I'm trying not to beat myself up when I make mistakes, (I am human after all) and I'm starting to understand the school system. 

So, before I made this blog, I made a rule. No complaining! This rule keeps me focused on the good, and it reminds me to avoid any bad things that would usually haunt my mind. (My new mindset.)

For the past week, I've gotten to know my students better, and I'm getting to know the area. Chuncheon is lovely. It reminds me of Colorado and Kentucky all at once. The mountains surround the city, but there are large rivers and lakes that compliment the tall buildings and highways. I went to the park last weekend, along with many other foreign teachers, and I've decided that I may bike there once I set my schedule straight. The park features a wavy bridge, and they even have swan paddle boats! We went to a pancake place on one of the docks, and we drank rice wine from bowls! 

Most of my schedule revolves around teaching English, and since I have had little teaching experience, it's a process. Like any class, some students are well behaved, while others really test your patience. I'm learning the system, and adjusting to the enviornment of the classroom and the teaching life slowly but surely. I tried explaining smores the other day to one class, because the topic was camping, but it was hard to describe graham crackers.

 I haven't really experienced too much culture shock yet. In fact, I'm enjoying a lot of the day to day details that I wouldn't find in America. 

For example, on the way to work, one shop blasts music that I actually own on my ipod. They play Kpop hits and Kdrama soundtracks. Also, on nearly every corner is a convinent store or CVC. They have really cheap iced coffee, (my new best friend) and they carry many cool Korean snacks, including a dark chocolate version of cocoa puffs shaped like stars. They also have Oreos of every flavor, and really good hamburgers with pinapple slices. Tables and chairs are set up outside, and they stay open really late. If I have a break at work, the CVC is my favorite place to grab a snack and write. 

I'm currently in a language swap with two of my fellow teachers. We meet at Cafe Bene, a cafe that has book shelves, on Fridays at noon and practice speaking. I haven't made a list of all the places I want to go yet, but once I get used to my surroundings, I will start exploring more. 

My most recent find was the bookstore across the street from work. They had many popular US books in Korean, and classics that are famous around the world! I found The Hobbit, Pride and Prejudice, Sherlock Holmes and Jane Eyre. They also sell Disney books, teen books and novels that have inspired Korean drama! I was lucky to find The Moon That Embraces the Sun, a Korean novel that inspired the T.V. drama of the same name. I don't know if my Korean will ever be that advanced, but I plan on buying it while I'm here. 

Aside from my discoveries, I've also noticed that some things that are popular in America are really popular here too! My students love Frozen, to the point where they will burst into one of the songs randomly (usually Let it Go). The Little Prince is a big deal here too. They have a comic book, T.V show and of course the theme park that I plan to visit soon. I've also seen stickers, stationary and toys based on the Little Prince. The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter and Game of Thrones are also a big deal. They had a display for each in the book store, and they sold several different versions. 

My adventure here has only just begun, but I have much more to do and see before I will feel adjusted. This is my first major step away from home, so my reaction to the time difference is common and normal, still I look forward to the days that I won't feel so tired and I can explore more of this city and country.