But...the highlights of orientation was going to a Nori Bang I believe its called. Basically its a Karaoke bar! We sang lots and drank soju it was a fun night!
We had our field trip day! Finally we were out of the classroom. We visited Jeonju which was about an hour away from Daejeon. It was such a cute and busy town! We first took part in a drum class that wasn't my favorite. Afterwards we made these cute little paper boxes and had a delicious bibimbap lunch. nom nom nom! We were allowed free time in the town which was so nice! There was so much going on tho! I have a few pics below but as usual, no picture will justify what the actual experience was like and showcase everything I saw!
Orientation continued, had to present a lesson plan with my group, more scandalous activity ensued, I went downtown Daejeon which was a blast! It was so busy!
Finally, the night everyone was stressing about and waiting for....placement time! Jeju folks met in a separate room where we signed contracts, were given out schedule, and vaguely shown where we would live on a map. That night was exciting since we finally (after months and months) knew the who, what where, and whens of being in Korea. haha! But it was also a bit sad since I had made so many great friends at orientation that would be going to another province. I suppose it gives me all the reason to make trips to the mainland!
As far as my schedule goes, I teach at 3 different school. Shinchon, Sehwa, and Ara Elementary schools. I teach 20 classes a week to 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th graders.
In the morning, Jeju folks set off on what would quickly become a giant shit show. (Literally-see pic below HAHAHA) It was hectic loading 15 people on one bus and 15 on the other including all of our luggage. And no, half of our luggage did not make it under the bus so we had to carry giant suitcases onto the bus. We were given these box meals which I hope is the worst food I try in Korea. (food has been amazing) The bus was about 3 hours to the ICN airport in Seoul. From there, it was a mess getting us on the flight, paying for baggage, and so forth. (no need for more details- just know it was nuts and very tiring) The flight with Korean Air was exciting! Seeing Jeju from the sky was amazing! It was such an incredible feeling to know that after months and months of planning, researching, and preparing that I was finally landing at my final destination.
Upon landing, the shit show continued. We were loaded on more buses. One bus took those staying in Jeju City and the other took a group going to Seogwipo. Seogwipo is on the southern side of the island and more known for its beaches and honeymoon destination. From my understanding, Jeju City is perhaps the bigger city on the island.
The bus took us to apply for our Alien Registration Card and then to meet our co-teachers. I was a bit shocked to learn that I don't really have co-teachers like everyone which added to my stress. I was told at 8pm, I would have to make my way at 7am the next day across the island to teach 6 classes...YIKES!!!! Mind you, I had no internet, can not make phone calls, its dark out, havent been to my apartment yet, hungry, and well I'm new here. Pretty daunting huh?
I made it to my apartment by 9pm. I live in a great area with 3 other EPIK teachers I was at orientation with. Jess, Jason, and Amy are great! There are also a few other teachers in my building. The day continued to be a shit show when I discovered no fridge, no toilet seat, and no water heater. I was also told to prepare to teach 6 classes on my own the next day and had no idea where I was to go. I took a icey cold shower (more like washed my hair and sponged my body) hahaha and went to bed.
I made the bus ride to Sewha Elementary school with a Korean teacher. The two day shit-show continued as I wasn't introduced, had no attendance, was given the wrong schedule, had no idea when the kids got out, had no book, no computer, and it was just me and 20 kids. hahaha!!!
Yes, this was a struggle of a day but I got through it on a positive note. I'M SO HAPPY TO BE HERE!!!!! Most of the kids were a joy and really brightened everything up. I have alot of work to do as far as setting things up and pretty much learning how to live in a completely different setting than I'm used to. This is all part of my exciting experience! That evening I went out with Jess and Jason to explore and grab dinner. We ended up at a lovely Korean bbq place. So yummy and the owners were so kind and welcoming to us. We also found some markets where we split a huge peach!
My 2nd day of teaching I went to another school about 30min away called Ara Elementary. This school was huge! I was kindly greeted by 3 other Korean English teachers and 1 other EPIK teacher. I taught 2 classes of 6th graders and they were a joy! Such well behaved and very smart kids.
Since I have far too much to explain about my experience so far, I have made a list below of my observations:
- I have learned very basic Korean and I'm learning Hangul
- I introduced myself in Korean to two principles and the VP's
- The buses are insanely overcrowded and the drivers are NUTS
- The range of English level from high to low is varied in each class. Some students can have a conversation with me while others can not say hello.
- Most kids are very respectful to me, bowing and greeting me in English or Korean
- Don't forget to grab toilet paper before you go in the stale...you wont find any by the toilet so grab enough or you are screwed
- I'm always given milk at lunch and Koreans seem to not drink water at all
- The school lunches are decent and consist of rice, soup, kimchi, fish, and a vegetable
- My floor is heated in my apartment
- most people are very skinny here but I have seen some people with a little meat on their bones. I have hope now to find some clothes.
- I found a condom and the wrapper under my bed (Good god help me with cleaning hahaha)
- Everybody is so fast moving- it's alot to process
- I'm already losing weight. I live on the 5th floor and I take the stairs. My classroom is on the 4th floor and I climb too. Not to mention its super hot and humid.
- The views are beautiful so far! I live right near the beach!
- My principle at Ara told me I am beautiful and to love the kids.
- The buses dont really stop...they slow down, you hope on, and hold on.
-People have been so kind to me!
- I have Saturday, Sunday, and Monday off!
My first day off (Saturday) consisted of going to the traditional market with a few other teachers which was amazing! It was huge and so much to look at! I bought some basic items at the store and we had a quick lunch. Afterwards, we ventured to the nearby trail/park! THIS WAS SUCH A WORKOUT! The stairs went on and on! What a beautiful park though...I can see myself using this trail frequently! ...The running water in our building hasnt been working so we have been taking baby wipe baths or using little dribbles that do come out of the faucet. Hopefully this gets fixed soon. In the evening, we took an hour bus ride to one of the nice beaches for an amazing dinner and a salsa festival! The beach is so lovely!
Dance group at the salsa festival!
My brain is pretty fried from my new life here on Jeju. I'm happy, positive, and enjoying this experience so far. Yes, I'm stressed but things will work out in time. I need to learn hangul and more Korean to get by better. I tried to include as much as I could in this post as I've been getting many questions, messages, and emails that ask the same things. I will continue to keep you posted! Please email, text, Whatsapp, Kakao me, or MAIL me (soon enough) with any questions, letters, or fan comments! Thank you for tuning in. Now....off to find some yummy food and soju! :)
