There's much to be updated since my last Debby Downer-like entry. In summary: my situation has been increasingly improving.....and thank goodness for that! My entire day on Friday was spent at the school, mostly sitting in my, now, cleaned out office.
Here's a run-down of the cute/hilarious moments:
1. Two 1st graders knocked on my door and delivered me a small cup of Korean (aka instant) coffee at the very beginning of the day, giggled and ran off to their classrooms.
2. A group of 5th grade boys came down to work as slaves for the principal. He ordered them to clean out my office. There was lots of standing around and looking at things, moving things out, then moving them back in.
3. I walked past a 1st grade room on my way to my office and one girl saw me through the window and yelled, "HHHELLO!!" Next thing I know there's a chorus of "HELLOOOOS" and the entire class is in the hallway waving at me despite the teacher's yells for them to sit down.
4. In a meeting with the principal he mistakenly called me "virgin". After an explanation by my co-teacher and lots of laughter, he correctly called me "young lady".
All my frustrating moments occurred when I spent time with my stern, "adjussi" (term for older man) co-teacher. Having 30 years of teaching under his belt I highly respect him, but the generational and cultural gaps between us are HUGE. After Friday I know he is going to be my biggest challenge of my new job. Assigned to help me with opening a bank account and apartment hunting, I spent a good part of the day with this challenge. Through conversation I find out that he, most seriously, thinks Korean students' attitude are getting increasingly worse "because they are becoming Westernized". Also, due to "Western influence and Western styles of teaching" it is now officially illegal for teachers to use corporal punishment in the public schools (which, believe me, is overlooked at a lot of schools). Because of this, teachers have no power and students have no respect for the teachers. Beating the students who misbehave or score low on a test apparently is the only way to breed respect.
Wow. I began to understand his rude, you're-the-scum-of-the-earth treatment to me. Western=evil. Kelly=Western. Therefore, Kelly=evil. I listened to his opinions, asked questions and kindly offered my opinion about student attitudes, behaviors, and learning styles (even though he didn't ask for my opinions). Learning can happen with both Western style and old Korean style teaching. There must be some reason that most parents who want their children to succeed in Korea send them aboard to study in the U.S. Western educators must be doing something right, right? I told him I was hopeful there could be a compromise in the two styles and I could change the students' attitudes about learning English. He was just silent. Thus is my relationship with Teacher Adjussi. Sigh. I could go on and on about conversations with this man but I regress. I will not give up on him!
We looked at one apartment in Jangsan, a part of new Haeundae. My principal's friend is a realtor and offered one place available immediately. One year old apartment building, in a great location, Starbucks on 1st floor, department store directly behind, a block from the subway station, restuarants everywhere, 2 stops from the beach or a 15 minute bike ride away....YES, I ACCEPT (duh). It's much smaller than my place last year and an hour bus ride from my school but it's worth it to me.
Friday night was spent with Kate and Chaz, who graciously let me stay with them rather than another night with my other co-teacher. Friends, meat, flavored soju...mmm it was all good. Saturday I met my nice co-teacher to sign the housing contract and go shopping for apartment goods. I've never had to pick out furniture before so it was harder than I thought. I think my non-pickiness was frustrating to my co-teacher. Eventually a bed and a table was ordered for me. To be delivered Tuesday evening. Then came the shopping for things like bedding, dishes, other houseware items. Simple, plain colored bedding (or dishes for that matter) are not an option in Korea. Seriously you all would just shudder. I picked out the least hideous bedding available (basically the only one without pink) and pressed on.
I spent the night deep cleaning the apartment, unloading all the new goods, and FINALLY unpacking my bag and suitcase. It felt great even if I did miss all the Halloween outings. Today Kate and Chaz travelled across town to see my pad and help explore the area. I really love my dong (neighborhood) and can't wait to host friends here. Tomorrow is my first official day of work! Since I have no schedule yet, I was told on Friday that I would be observing classes to see how things are run. I don't entirely trust this will be the case, too good to be true, so I'm nervous. Speaking of school, I have to be up early (alarm set for 6:30) like a real teacher this year so I best get some rest tonight.
<3 <3
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Hmmm. Oooh Korea.
I've arrived! The journey was pretty typical.....delays in San Fran resulted in just making my flight out of Tokyo, which also meant me being labeled with an alert sticker and escorted through the Tokyo airport to ensure I made my flight in time. I felt like a 12 year old child. It was pretty hilarious. Since I barely made the plane, my luggage most definitely did not. No biggie as I am now a pro at reporting lost luggage. And Koreans are much more helpful/concerned than the people in Costa Rica were which made me feel good about things.
I was greeted by Kate, Chaz and Jung Won at the airport. Glorious!!!! Simply glorious. But no person from my school. Hmm? After calling my recruiter I was informed that nobody arranged for my school to meet me. Even though I was told someone would be there the night before I left Iowa. Good thing I have amazing friends who came to greet me! No school greeter also meant no home. Thank goodness again for my amazing friends.
Jung Won drove me back to Ulsan, the city I stayed in last year, so I could crash with/spend some last remaining hours with Kat before her departure from Korea. I arrived just in time for a meat night with many old Ulsan friends. Kat had arranged it for her going away meal and I surprised a bunch of people with my appearance. I should have been exhausted after very little sleep and 30 hours of traveling but the excitement of being back in my old hood was ridiculous. I was skipping and grinning and wanting to hug EVERYTHING. Sooooo great.
Wednesday was spent shopping with Kat, eating delicious foods that my body has been craving for months, helping her clean, and an appearance at my former school. It was nice to see the people of ELC again. Students also. I think I royally confused some of the lower level students as they just assumed I was back to teach at their school again. Not the case buckos, sorry! One of my old students, Jenny, just stood in the lobby and repeated my name over and over again in a state of shock when she saw me. Her new teacher was trying to drag her into class but she wouldn't budge.....bahaha.
At some point in the evening we started looking up information about my school (since I was finally given the name of the school). Google map showed it being located far from the beach. Well, it wouldn't be far if there wasn't a mountain in between! Gah! In order to get to the beach, without climbing a mountain, it estimated around an hour by public transportation. Rrrrats! In fact there looked to be not much "happening" around the neighborhood/village at all with only a bus system connecting this area to the rest of Busan. Hmmm.
I arranged to meet someone from my new school at 2 pm on Thursday, after traveling back to Busan with Kat to see her off at the airport. The email sent said I would be able to look at 2 or 3 apartments before I had to choose my home. Perfect! And I was asked to meet the man at the beach subway stop. Perfect...optimistically thinking maybe the aforementioned apartments were located there.
Jung Won was bad and woke up late to take Kat to the airport, causing (fair enough) Kat much stress. We made him speed along the highway and THEN he missed the exit for the airport. We could have killed him! Kat's flight was already boarding when we arrived but luckily she got all checked in and zoomed off to get through security. The goodbyes were fast; it was so sad to see her go. I hope January comes soon!
My luggage had arrived the day before. It was waiting for me at the airport, thank goodness. It was soothing to see it once again. We loaded it up in Jung Won's car and set off to meet the person from my school. We had time to walk along the beach for a bit before the arranged meeting. 2 pm comes and no sign of the school person. Hmmm.
A call confirms that we had a misunderstanding about meeting locations. Probably not a great way to start things off. The young, friendly voice who I'd talked to on the phone (with excellent English) turned out to be a middle aged, nervous man who spoke a few words to me in English and the rest of the time in Korean to Jung Won and Ji. Ugh. Jung Won informs me that they have no apartment for me and I would homeless. I figured it was just another case of Jung Won giving me a hard time so I brush off the comment. Not possible. Or is it?
I depart with the last bit of familiarity as I drive away with what turns out to be my co-teacher (the native Korean English teacher at the school) and wave goodbye to Jung Won and Ji. Mr. Co-teacher didn't speak without me first prompting with a question for the entire 30 minute drive to the school. Yes, not to go apartment hunting/choosing but to the school. Hmm. It was exhausting making conversation but I tried not to let my deflating enthusiam show. He seemed very sweet and his English was far better than anybody at ELC, just not much for chit-chatting. I asked him about the students and he told me that most children at the school are poor so their English abilities are not so good. Like most other children in Busan, many there cannot afford to go to English academies after public school each day. Hmmm.
At the school I was briefly introduced to a few people, immediately followed with what seemed like heated/worried discussions in Korean. La di da di da. No explainations were offered for me in English. I sensed it had to do with me. Next, I was taken to the foreign teacher's office. In the darkest, furthest corner of the school mind you. And filled with the most random things you could ever imagine. A school nurse's bed, rolled up curtains, a high chair (?!?!), a bookshelf full of Korean textbooks, etc. No desk, no computer, no anything of use or office like. My co-teacher looked embarassed as I scanned the room offering, "Uhh, of course, we'll have to clean this out for you." Uhh, that'd be appreciated.
I had some instant coffee with my co-teacher while drilling him with more questions and waiting for the principal to come in to greet me. I learned that indeed there were no apartments picked out for me. And they did not know when anything would be prepared. Maybe I would stay in a hotel for a while? I would need to use my settlement money for that. Which I couldn't get anyway until I opened a bank account. "You don't have a bank account?" he asked shocked. No, I just arrived 3 days ago and still don't have a home! Why/where would I open up an account? Silly Koreans. Or I could stay at his apartment with his family. He seemed stressed. I told him not paying out of my pocket for a hotel room would be ideal (duh). Hmmm.
The principal arrived and seemed very sweet judging by his very typical Korean greeting translated through my co-teacher. In a long winded way he said he hopes I will enjoy everything in Korea while asking that I love the children. Good man. Next I was introduced to the other English teacher at the school who I will be co-teaching with. An older, very stern looking man whose English was nowhere near as good as the other one's. In a 10 minute conversation with him I gathered that he didn't seem to enjoy teaching, the students were not excited about learning English and my young age and lack of teaching experience in the States bothered him. Hmmm.
Finally, the original Mr. Co-teacher decided that I would stay with his family. However, due to the perceived poverty (aka lack of movie theaters and department stores) in the school's neighborhood we must drive over 30 minutes to the more upscale skyscraper apartments to find his home. For those of you who are familiar with Busan, I am referring to the Centrum City 'hood. We unloaded my bags and I was greeted by his cute, 2nd grade son and wife who looked angry/embarrassed to have a surprise foreigner guest. I can't blame her. Mr. Co-worker told me to get some rest and closed the door to his 13 year old daugther's room on me, who unbeknownst to her was kicked out of her room while she was away at English academy. Awww.
It was all pretty awkward until a few hours ago when the daugther returned from academy. She speaks English almost perfectly and is just the sweetest thing ever. I shared some of my American candy as a peace offering and that seemed to win the 2 kids over. Easy enough. I have no idea what tomorrow will bring other than I will be dropped off at school where my disapproving co-worker is going to take me to get a bank account and my "host dad" co-worker will be gone all day at some conference. Lack of knowledge about where I'm at and how to get places may damper Friday night plans but I hope that's not the case. *crosses fingers*
At some point (I hope rrreal soon) I'll be put up in some apartment next to my school. Bonus: it's right next to my school. Un-bonus: It's a least an hour bus ride to anywhere cool. Can I survive this? Absolutely. But I may be whiney.
Things could certainly be worse and with that in mind I have high hopes for better things to come. Oooooooh Korea. And so it is, the adventures this far in Round 2.
I was greeted by Kate, Chaz and Jung Won at the airport. Glorious!!!! Simply glorious. But no person from my school. Hmm? After calling my recruiter I was informed that nobody arranged for my school to meet me. Even though I was told someone would be there the night before I left Iowa. Good thing I have amazing friends who came to greet me! No school greeter also meant no home. Thank goodness again for my amazing friends.
Jung Won drove me back to Ulsan, the city I stayed in last year, so I could crash with/spend some last remaining hours with Kat before her departure from Korea. I arrived just in time for a meat night with many old Ulsan friends. Kat had arranged it for her going away meal and I surprised a bunch of people with my appearance. I should have been exhausted after very little sleep and 30 hours of traveling but the excitement of being back in my old hood was ridiculous. I was skipping and grinning and wanting to hug EVERYTHING. Sooooo great.
Wednesday was spent shopping with Kat, eating delicious foods that my body has been craving for months, helping her clean, and an appearance at my former school. It was nice to see the people of ELC again. Students also. I think I royally confused some of the lower level students as they just assumed I was back to teach at their school again. Not the case buckos, sorry! One of my old students, Jenny, just stood in the lobby and repeated my name over and over again in a state of shock when she saw me. Her new teacher was trying to drag her into class but she wouldn't budge.....bahaha.
At some point in the evening we started looking up information about my school (since I was finally given the name of the school). Google map showed it being located far from the beach. Well, it wouldn't be far if there wasn't a mountain in between! Gah! In order to get to the beach, without climbing a mountain, it estimated around an hour by public transportation. Rrrrats! In fact there looked to be not much "happening" around the neighborhood/village at all with only a bus system connecting this area to the rest of Busan. Hmmm.
I arranged to meet someone from my new school at 2 pm on Thursday, after traveling back to Busan with Kat to see her off at the airport. The email sent said I would be able to look at 2 or 3 apartments before I had to choose my home. Perfect! And I was asked to meet the man at the beach subway stop. Perfect...optimistically thinking maybe the aforementioned apartments were located there.
Jung Won was bad and woke up late to take Kat to the airport, causing (fair enough) Kat much stress. We made him speed along the highway and THEN he missed the exit for the airport. We could have killed him! Kat's flight was already boarding when we arrived but luckily she got all checked in and zoomed off to get through security. The goodbyes were fast; it was so sad to see her go. I hope January comes soon!
My luggage had arrived the day before. It was waiting for me at the airport, thank goodness. It was soothing to see it once again. We loaded it up in Jung Won's car and set off to meet the person from my school. We had time to walk along the beach for a bit before the arranged meeting. 2 pm comes and no sign of the school person. Hmmm.
A call confirms that we had a misunderstanding about meeting locations. Probably not a great way to start things off. The young, friendly voice who I'd talked to on the phone (with excellent English) turned out to be a middle aged, nervous man who spoke a few words to me in English and the rest of the time in Korean to Jung Won and Ji. Ugh. Jung Won informs me that they have no apartment for me and I would homeless. I figured it was just another case of Jung Won giving me a hard time so I brush off the comment. Not possible. Or is it?
I depart with the last bit of familiarity as I drive away with what turns out to be my co-teacher (the native Korean English teacher at the school) and wave goodbye to Jung Won and Ji. Mr. Co-teacher didn't speak without me first prompting with a question for the entire 30 minute drive to the school. Yes, not to go apartment hunting/choosing but to the school. Hmm. It was exhausting making conversation but I tried not to let my deflating enthusiam show. He seemed very sweet and his English was far better than anybody at ELC, just not much for chit-chatting. I asked him about the students and he told me that most children at the school are poor so their English abilities are not so good. Like most other children in Busan, many there cannot afford to go to English academies after public school each day. Hmmm.
At the school I was briefly introduced to a few people, immediately followed with what seemed like heated/worried discussions in Korean. La di da di da. No explainations were offered for me in English. I sensed it had to do with me. Next, I was taken to the foreign teacher's office. In the darkest, furthest corner of the school mind you. And filled with the most random things you could ever imagine. A school nurse's bed, rolled up curtains, a high chair (?!?!), a bookshelf full of Korean textbooks, etc. No desk, no computer, no anything of use or office like. My co-teacher looked embarassed as I scanned the room offering, "Uhh, of course, we'll have to clean this out for you." Uhh, that'd be appreciated.
I had some instant coffee with my co-teacher while drilling him with more questions and waiting for the principal to come in to greet me. I learned that indeed there were no apartments picked out for me. And they did not know when anything would be prepared. Maybe I would stay in a hotel for a while? I would need to use my settlement money for that. Which I couldn't get anyway until I opened a bank account. "You don't have a bank account?" he asked shocked. No, I just arrived 3 days ago and still don't have a home! Why/where would I open up an account? Silly Koreans. Or I could stay at his apartment with his family. He seemed stressed. I told him not paying out of my pocket for a hotel room would be ideal (duh). Hmmm.
The principal arrived and seemed very sweet judging by his very typical Korean greeting translated through my co-teacher. In a long winded way he said he hopes I will enjoy everything in Korea while asking that I love the children. Good man. Next I was introduced to the other English teacher at the school who I will be co-teaching with. An older, very stern looking man whose English was nowhere near as good as the other one's. In a 10 minute conversation with him I gathered that he didn't seem to enjoy teaching, the students were not excited about learning English and my young age and lack of teaching experience in the States bothered him. Hmmm.
Finally, the original Mr. Co-teacher decided that I would stay with his family. However, due to the perceived poverty (aka lack of movie theaters and department stores) in the school's neighborhood we must drive over 30 minutes to the more upscale skyscraper apartments to find his home. For those of you who are familiar with Busan, I am referring to the Centrum City 'hood. We unloaded my bags and I was greeted by his cute, 2nd grade son and wife who looked angry/embarrassed to have a surprise foreigner guest. I can't blame her. Mr. Co-worker told me to get some rest and closed the door to his 13 year old daugther's room on me, who unbeknownst to her was kicked out of her room while she was away at English academy. Awww.
It was all pretty awkward until a few hours ago when the daugther returned from academy. She speaks English almost perfectly and is just the sweetest thing ever. I shared some of my American candy as a peace offering and that seemed to win the 2 kids over. Easy enough. I have no idea what tomorrow will bring other than I will be dropped off at school where my disapproving co-worker is going to take me to get a bank account and my "host dad" co-worker will be gone all day at some conference. Lack of knowledge about where I'm at and how to get places may damper Friday night plans but I hope that's not the case. *crosses fingers*
At some point (I hope rrreal soon) I'll be put up in some apartment next to my school. Bonus: it's right next to my school. Un-bonus: It's a least an hour bus ride to anywhere cool. Can I survive this? Absolutely. But I may be whiney.
Things could certainly be worse and with that in mind I have high hopes for better things to come. Oooooooh Korea. And so it is, the adventures this far in Round 2.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
The Great Return 2009
Since I haven't been overseas this last month or so, I've felt my life has not been "exotic" enough to blog about, hence the lack of blogs during my time at home. As I am reflecting on my time in the States, I must admit, shame on me for thinking like that. Iowa is not "exotic" by any means but it is certainly worthy of some blog space and appreciation. And full of its own adventures.
The time has come for The Great Return 2009. I am flying out in just a few hours to begin the 28 hour journey to my one of my most of favorite places: Korea! This time I'll be teaching at a public school with better hours, more vacation time, in a better city and hopefully a lot more little perks like trainings and outings throughout the year. I'm amazed at how all the things for the job fell into place. And so quickly! That's how Korea operates though....fast.
It's such a strange feeling being home after a long time away because I came back and everything was generally the same. Things carry on much like they did when I had a break during college. In that regard, it's so easy to take for granted the time I have at home, picking on the fam, being ungrateful and bored. But on the other hand, it's wonderful to be able to experience the same old routine of life at home. Regardless, I feel pretty good about how I spent my time.
I made a trip out to see Dan (and Abs!) in North Carolina. I saw the beautiful mountains of western NC and camped in them. I saw lots of football games of Peter and Caleb. I saw Lana tie the knot. I saw a piece of KP's new life. I had several mega friend hangouts with high school buddies. I got fitted for Annie's wedding and gave opinions on wedding dresses. I rode bikes a lot. I road tripped to Columbia, MO. I got in some solid runs with Kitty. I had a few shopping trips with my mom and lunches with my dad. And I had many hilarious nights in with the sibs, mattress sliding, rollie chair street challenges, hallway soccer, etc.
It's. been. good. Just what I needed to renew my spirits and vigor.
Now on to another year of experiences in Korea. I'm pumped! Pumped to see old friends in Ulsan (but not to say goodbye to Kat right away...), pumped for a new city, students, friends. AND SUPER UBER PUMPED TO SEE KATE AND CHAZ who are in the same city as me!!!!!!! What a glorious reunion that shall be!!!
Now, I expect people (yes, you who is reading this) to remain faithful in promises of better efforts to stay in touch. As I too expect to be held accountable in that department. You can expect to hear about my flight experience (there's always something interesting that happens) in the next blog....so long, farewell, auf wiedersehen adieu....
The time has come for The Great Return 2009. I am flying out in just a few hours to begin the 28 hour journey to my one of my most of favorite places: Korea! This time I'll be teaching at a public school with better hours, more vacation time, in a better city and hopefully a lot more little perks like trainings and outings throughout the year. I'm amazed at how all the things for the job fell into place. And so quickly! That's how Korea operates though....fast.
It's such a strange feeling being home after a long time away because I came back and everything was generally the same. Things carry on much like they did when I had a break during college. In that regard, it's so easy to take for granted the time I have at home, picking on the fam, being ungrateful and bored. But on the other hand, it's wonderful to be able to experience the same old routine of life at home. Regardless, I feel pretty good about how I spent my time.
I made a trip out to see Dan (and Abs!) in North Carolina. I saw the beautiful mountains of western NC and camped in them. I saw lots of football games of Peter and Caleb. I saw Lana tie the knot. I saw a piece of KP's new life. I had several mega friend hangouts with high school buddies. I got fitted for Annie's wedding and gave opinions on wedding dresses. I rode bikes a lot. I road tripped to Columbia, MO. I got in some solid runs with Kitty. I had a few shopping trips with my mom and lunches with my dad. And I had many hilarious nights in with the sibs, mattress sliding, rollie chair street challenges, hallway soccer, etc.
It's. been. good. Just what I needed to renew my spirits and vigor.
Now on to another year of experiences in Korea. I'm pumped! Pumped to see old friends in Ulsan (but not to say goodbye to Kat right away...), pumped for a new city, students, friends. AND SUPER UBER PUMPED TO SEE KATE AND CHAZ who are in the same city as me!!!!!!! What a glorious reunion that shall be!!!
Now, I expect people (yes, you who is reading this) to remain faithful in promises of better efforts to stay in touch. As I too expect to be held accountable in that department. You can expect to hear about my flight experience (there's always something interesting that happens) in the next blog....so long, farewell, auf wiedersehen adieu....
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