Decision Made

Today marks day 1 of what I hope will be a year of learning (more than teaching) in Korea. I accepted a contract with a Hagwon on the West Coast of Korea, about 2 hours from Seoul. I'm excited to be in a smaller city, near the coast of the West Sea (or the Yellow Sea, as it is known outside of Korea). I've heard the area is beautiful, and there are nearby National Parks to explore. I considered a job closer to Seoul, in Suwon, but decided to take my chances on the coast. I've added a link to the city's website (in English) for anyone interested in knowing more about the area.

Now that I've signed the contract, it's visa time. I have tons of paperwork to get processed and sent before I can make the move. Still, everything goes very quickly with the process of applying to and accepting positions, so I'm sure this will fly by as well.

While I wait on all of my paperwork, I'll be packing my life up again. I'm still not nearly finished unpacking from my move back to Wisconsin from New York, and now I have to rush through unpacking and repacking as quickly as possible. Even a month early seems like I'm cutting it close - though I'm trying to remind myself that I packed up my life in Ithaca in just under 72 hours, so I'm sure I'll manage. Besides, I have a couple of great lists I came across to help prioritze my packing, so that will make life easier.

All in all, I'm looking forward to the coming year overseas. I have had moments, just in the last 24 hours, of anxiety and fear, but those moments always pass and are replaced with anticipation and excitement. I'll try to keep this updated as often as possible, for myself as much as for all of my friends, family and the complete strangers who happen upon it. Here goes!