TODAY (MAY 2007), I am living in South Korea, 20 minutes outside of Seoul. I have been here for 14 months (Since February 2006) and will probably be here until February or March of 2008 (I just re-extended my contract again).
I AM TEACHING ENGLISH to kids age 6 to 12 (Kindergarten through Elementary School). Coming to Korea was one of the best choices I have ever made in my life. It is hard to describe, but it really helped me grow up, and puts a lot of things in perspective. Being so far away from home, and friends and family can be hard, yet is liberating at the same time. For me teaching is a totally new work experience. It has allowed me to learn about myself and gain some great perspectives on teaching kids, and on humanity in general. I will say this, kids are kids no matter what country you are in. There are challenges living in a totally new culture and adapting to a situation where absolutely everything in your immediate world has changed.
I needed the change. Honestly I had made a lot of bad choices about things personally and professionally in the last couple years. I was a bit lost and needed a bit of a "timeout" to get my head on straight. I am glad I did. Coming to Korea saved my life in some ways, or at least my sanity. I faced a lot of personal demons, and did a lot of growing up, did a lot of soul searching and self reflection. Being in another country and away from home and your "problems" helps give you some perspective and it helped me refocus and re prioritize my life.
Most people who come here are trying to find something, adventure, new experiences, a chance to grow up, or even a little space to put off making the "big decisions" about life. You will find answers even if you were not asking any questions. Coming here is a sort of "DAILY LIVING" adventure, unlike wild crazy adventures to live with 3rd world tribes or joining the French Foreign Legion. But here even trips to the store can be a bit of an adventure with all the language and cultural differences. Every day becomes a little mini adventure, sometimes you really don't know what you will encounter. The whole experience helps you get the space you need to sort things out and to plan your next move in life. Some people who come overseas to teach decide to stay on longer, others stay on permanently and make it a life choice.
AS FOR TEACHING, WELL...It can be one heck of a challenge, I love working with the kids for sure. I think they have taught me to be a more open, loving, kind, understanding and above all PATIENT person. Then there are the days I can't stand the sight of sound of children, though I still adore 'em, don't get me wrong. As a teacher I find I need those child free days. Weekends doing things where hopefully there are little to no children around. But yes, the little beggers ARE cute. I still want to have my own kids someday, so that is a good sign I think.
The active part of teaching is great, but then I did direct sales and promotions of a sports energy drink before coming here. I love people, I am comfortable in front of people. Kids are different, they are WAY MORE demanding. But I love em! I love leading and directing the class. But I will never become a 'regular' teacher as I loath paperwork and administrative B.S., report cards, writing tests, grading, and general prep stuff. I like to get in there and engage with the kids. Get them fired up, talk, debate, joke, play, etc. Well, unlike a lot of folks here I have no interest in going back home and being a teacher or doing this as a career. But I do enjoy it, I have a LOT of respect for professional teachers to be sure. They do NOT get paid enough or get enough respect.
Becoming a teacher wasn't planned but I HAVE DONE A LOT IN MY LIFE.
My first job was as a pizza cook and deli sandwich maker (I prefered the title, Sandwich artist).
I have been a bookstore clerk/supervisor (maybe 4 years of that, I love books), Music Store slacker (Tower Records, haha WHAT Insanity!)).
I have been a Landscaper assistant, a construction laborer and worked with concrete.
I have done security work at an International Airport, as well as tended bar, and been a bouncer and door man at a Latin Dance club, and a doorman and a bellhop at a hotel.
I worked as a dishwasher, prep cook, busboy, barback and a waiter.
I was a personal trainer at the YMCA in Honolulu(no joke), and a front desk person at Gold's gym and 24 hour fitness.
I was a circulation desk clerk at my university library.
I even spent a couple years as a "tea master" at a fine Asian tea house (The Tao of Tea in Portland, I was there when they first Opened).
In the last few years I was a regional promoter and a sales man for a sports drink company as well as a wildland firefighter.
Right before coming to Korea I went off to join the French Foreign Legion.
I am now a kindergarten teacher! Life can be surprising :) I plan to do a LOT more before my time is up...
As for the future? Well...THE FUTURE IS WIDE OPEN.
I have eight more months here in Korea. I was hoping to travel a little around Asia. I especially wanted to see Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand.
But I might put that off till I later (may well come back for one last year of teaching). I have a lot to take care of at home. I want to visit friends and family. I especially want to see my mom as her health isn't that great. I have to see her while I can, she means the world to me. I do plan on visiting Hawaii to see some old friends and to spend some time hanging out with my brother. Of course I intend to hit the beach as much as possible. :)
When I get back home I need to take care of some personal 'matters', old debts and a few other things. Then I will decide on my next course of action. Perhaps I will come back to Korea or teach elsewhere in Asia. I could join the Peace Corps, the Legion, the Army, or go back to University for a Masters Degree. Being who I am I have a few crazy ideas to push life's boundaries and drive my friends and family sick with worry. :) I just don't do "normal" very well.
Whatever I end up doing, I am interested in new challenges, pushing my limits and hopefully doing some good along the way. Time will tell ... But, you can pretty much count on the fact I won't be settling down to a nice quiet life anytime soon. :)
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