You're in SOUTH Korea, right?
Ha! Of course. I will admit that I would love to visit North Korea, if it was safe for tourists. However, given the current political situation, I will be staying in the South.
Why Korea?
After deciding that Asia would be the next part of the world I wanted to live in, I had to consider where I could actually get a job. Being African American, I had to come to terms with the fact that some places would be less likely to hire me. I asked around my alumni network, and South Korea stood out as being the place where most African Americans can work and live comfortably. I also found out that it's the place where you can make the most money! That sealed the deal for me.
How long will you be there?
At the moment, it looks like 2 years. Of course, I could always change my mind about that...
What are you doing?
I am teaching English as a Second Language in an elementary school.
Have you decided where you want to travel?
Yes. All of Asia, South East Asia, Australia and New Zealand.
What program are you doing?
I don't know if program is this right word for it. I signed up with a recruiter (basically, a head hunter) that parleyed with other recruiters and schools and helped me to a get a job in a public school. I'm not doing any sort of US college/university/other organization program that will be paying me to teach. I will actually be getting paid by the Korea government! My recruiter, Teach ESL Korea, is awesome. They are amazingly helpful and on top of their stuff. I highly recommend them.
How long did it take to get your job?
The actual job hunting process? About a week. I got lucky, and applied right when my school was looking for a new teacher.
How long have you been planning this?
I have been planning on making this move for over a year. Actually, I was gong to do this last summer, but I needed to stay in Boston to take care of some personal medical issues. This actual move though, I have been actively working on (assembling paper work, doing research, etc.) since about March.
What time is it in Korea?
Good question! Korea is 13 (or 14) hours ahead of EST. So, the nights and days are reversed from the US.
Do you speak Korean?
I'm learning it now, slowly. I arrived not knowing anything, but I can now read, write, and navigate daily life without too much difficulty.
Do you like it?
Most days. Like every job, teaching has its ups and downs. Living in Korea has its own peculiar set of cultural quirks, just like any country. But the whole point of moving was to experience something new, and that's what I'm doing. So I like that.
