My visa interview was this morning. It was supposed to take 2hrs and 15min to get to the office in Chicago. It took 3hrs and 30min. I was 30min late because we sat for 50min waiting for an accident between two semis to get cleared from the road. Right after the semi accident was cleared away, we hit 25mph-45mph traffic in a construction zone. Luckily we'd left an hour early, or I would have been even later. After that looong trip, my visa interview took 5 minutes! My visa will be ready to pick up on Tuesday. We'll leave 4hours for the trip!
I also have my final assignment for my work. I will be working in the Saha district of Busan, instead of Changwon. My friend Jinmee will be glad, because she told me that Busan would be a better place to live and work, and I'm hoping she'd right! I think I'll still be teaching older elementary and middle school students, but I'm not positive. I'll start teaching on the 14th of September, and I'll be in training before that.
Next Tuesday will be a hectic day, because I'll have to head to the consulate to pick up my visa at 3pm, and then I'm getting a flight for that evening from Chicago so that I can arrive in Korea by Wednesday evening, their time.
I was so excited and relieved that everything was in place, that on the way back I fell asleep in the car and took a nap when I got home. I've been having such a hard time getting a good night's sleep with all of this uncertainty hanging over me, and once I knew things were coming together, I think my brain finally decided it could rest! Now I'm refreshed and ready to work on packing and reading more about my academy and neighborhood! I already finished a book on Korean customs and etiquette this week, and I'm ready to start dedicating myself to learning Survival Korean! Here's hoping the next few days go smoothly before I travel, and that everything goes well on Tuesday!
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
Back on Track
Just as I was starting to despair (ok, not really) everything started to come together again! The Seoul office called me tonight for my second interview, which I think went well. It was to determine my salary and placement, because I already signed the contract (though I suppose they could have reneged if I failed miserably). They want me in Seoul by Wednesday, so I can start training next Friday. That means leaving Tuesday - the same day my visa should be ready! I have my visa interview in the morning, so I'm hoping they'll tell me one of two things: either that I can get my visa sooner than Tuesday, or that it will work to pick up my visa on the way to the airport!
My interview is at 10:30am, and I should be asleep, but I had so much to get together, not to mention taking a shower and pulling outfit options out of my semipacked luggage. We have to leave to drive to Chicago at 6:30am (groan) but luckily I am clever and invited my parents to join me for a fun day in Chicago, which is really just a rouse so I can sleep while they drive - mwahahaha! Just kidding (well, partially). It will be great to have them along, to hang out for awhile in Chigago instead of just driving down by myself -with all of my nerves and sleepiness - just to interview and turn back around to Madison.
As a side note, I was up at the Bullfrog Fish Farm (where all the coolest people in Wisconsin go to catch Rainbow Trout and eat Hobo Chefin' grilled fish) to visit my brother and his fiancee. It was a short visit, but it is always great to see them, and it's so relaxing around the pond. Anyway, I decided to try a little bit more trout this time (I tried a miniscule piece last time I visited). The piece I ate was still small by any meat eater's standards, but I felt very brave nonetheless. So far, I don't feel sick, either, which is a good sign. It's definitely nothing like the fish I'll face in Korea, but hopefully this step will help me in case I have to eat fish, or food prepared with fish. Unfortunately, it also means I can't honestly say I've never intentionally eaten meat before, which was always such a doozy for people. If my brother or his fiancee are reading this, they're probably laughing at me for making it such a big deal. The piece really was quite small, but I know some of you (assuming anyone reads this, ha) will be surprised that I even went that far!
My interview is at 10:30am, and I should be asleep, but I had so much to get together, not to mention taking a shower and pulling outfit options out of my semipacked luggage. We have to leave to drive to Chicago at 6:30am (groan) but luckily I am clever and invited my parents to join me for a fun day in Chicago, which is really just a rouse so I can sleep while they drive - mwahahaha! Just kidding (well, partially). It will be great to have them along, to hang out for awhile in Chigago instead of just driving down by myself -with all of my nerves and sleepiness - just to interview and turn back around to Madison.
As a side note, I was up at the Bullfrog Fish Farm (where all the coolest people in Wisconsin go to catch Rainbow Trout and eat Hobo Chefin' grilled fish) to visit my brother and his fiancee. It was a short visit, but it is always great to see them, and it's so relaxing around the pond. Anyway, I decided to try a little bit more trout this time (I tried a miniscule piece last time I visited). The piece I ate was still small by any meat eater's standards, but I felt very brave nonetheless. So far, I don't feel sick, either, which is a good sign. It's definitely nothing like the fish I'll face in Korea, but hopefully this step will help me in case I have to eat fish, or food prepared with fish. Unfortunately, it also means I can't honestly say I've never intentionally eaten meat before, which was always such a doozy for people. If my brother or his fiancee are reading this, they're probably laughing at me for making it such a big deal. The piece really was quite small, but I know some of you (assuming anyone reads this, ha) will be surprised that I even went that far!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Delays
When I accepted the job, today was the day we were hoping I'd be getting on a plane to leave. Instead, I have a visa interview in Chicago on Friday, I won't get my visa until next Tuesday, and the main branch of my school has to do another interview with me before I leave, but that might not happen until next week. So, I'm still here. Don't get me wrong - that's a good thing because I'm spending qualit time with family and friends, but it's also frustrating to think about missing the first days of class with my students and having to play catch up, and generally being uncertain about my travel plans. I don't like uncertainty, or surprises. I can't help but feel like this uncertainty will lead to: surprise! Get a ticket and get on a plane within a period of 24 hours! I'd like to at least know a few days in advance so I can get a ticket and be planning for that departure. Hopefully that will work out, but I guess if it doesn't, there isn't much I can do other than go with the flow.
I packed all of my clothes on Monday, because I thought maybe they'd want to expedite everything and still have me out by today. Nope. So now there is a huge suitcase of clothes in the middle of my room. It's looming there. It will keep looming until sometime next week, because I don't have the energy to unpack and repack everything. I feel great animosity towards it's intrusion on my otherwise neat room. I feel a similar animosity towards the other piles of papers and things to sort through that are currently surrounding me on my bed as I write this. They were sitting on my desk, but with the suitcase on the floor I couldn't bear the sight of more of my clean surfaces covered, so tonight I will sort through these and get them out of my sight at least.
I think that's been the hardest part of the prepartions for me - making a mess in order to clean and pack. Anyone who knows me knows how much I hate it when my space is out-of-order. It literally feels as if I can't use it when it's in this condition, and it makes it harder for me to sleep because I don't like to fall asleep when my room is disorganized. On the bright side, I've been sorting and cleaning for about three weeks now, and am nearing the finish line. My material life is packed away in boxes, or sitting in piles to be sorted and packed in the next few days. When it's done I will be free! I have labeled the boxes. I have recorded the contents of the boxes in Word documents. I have set up my room so that it can be used as a guest room, and neatly shelved books, movies, photo albums, etc. It is the most thorough and fulfilling sorting I have done in five years. I have gone through everything I saved over the years, and it was very cathartic. I have given away or thrown away enough "stuff" to fill many boxes - boxes that used to just sit around, waiting for me to get home from Interlochen or Ithaca to deal with their contents. Finally, I have dealt with the layers of "memories," thrown away notes I saved from friends in middle school, given away clothes I haven't worn in years, and recycled magazines I won't ever read. Ok, the last one isn't totally true. I saved a lot of magazines in case someday the news I'm living through turns out to be worth something to someone else...but the more frivolous ones are gone.
Anyway, I've gone on long enough about my cleaning streak. The point is, it feels amazing to know exactly what I "own" and to know exactly where everything is. I can't wait for the last piles to diminish, leaving behind only clean surfaces, so I can leave behind a clean slate.
I packed all of my clothes on Monday, because I thought maybe they'd want to expedite everything and still have me out by today. Nope. So now there is a huge suitcase of clothes in the middle of my room. It's looming there. It will keep looming until sometime next week, because I don't have the energy to unpack and repack everything. I feel great animosity towards it's intrusion on my otherwise neat room. I feel a similar animosity towards the other piles of papers and things to sort through that are currently surrounding me on my bed as I write this. They were sitting on my desk, but with the suitcase on the floor I couldn't bear the sight of more of my clean surfaces covered, so tonight I will sort through these and get them out of my sight at least.
I think that's been the hardest part of the prepartions for me - making a mess in order to clean and pack. Anyone who knows me knows how much I hate it when my space is out-of-order. It literally feels as if I can't use it when it's in this condition, and it makes it harder for me to sleep because I don't like to fall asleep when my room is disorganized. On the bright side, I've been sorting and cleaning for about three weeks now, and am nearing the finish line. My material life is packed away in boxes, or sitting in piles to be sorted and packed in the next few days. When it's done I will be free! I have labeled the boxes. I have recorded the contents of the boxes in Word documents. I have set up my room so that it can be used as a guest room, and neatly shelved books, movies, photo albums, etc. It is the most thorough and fulfilling sorting I have done in five years. I have gone through everything I saved over the years, and it was very cathartic. I have given away or thrown away enough "stuff" to fill many boxes - boxes that used to just sit around, waiting for me to get home from Interlochen or Ithaca to deal with their contents. Finally, I have dealt with the layers of "memories," thrown away notes I saved from friends in middle school, given away clothes I haven't worn in years, and recycled magazines I won't ever read. Ok, the last one isn't totally true. I saved a lot of magazines in case someday the news I'm living through turns out to be worth something to someone else...but the more frivolous ones are gone.
Anyway, I've gone on long enough about my cleaning streak. The point is, it feels amazing to know exactly what I "own" and to know exactly where everything is. I can't wait for the last piles to diminish, leaving behind only clean surfaces, so I can leave behind a clean slate.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Busan, not Seosan
Well, the last few weeks have been tumultuous. First, I found out that the job in Seosan, where I'd accepted the contract, couldn't hire new staff after all because of low enrollment. I took that chance to try applying outside of Korea as well again, because I figured I may as well try all of my options. Thus, my last post about Ukraine, Poland, and Ghana. Well, Ukraine offered me a job the same day as a school near Busan did. I took two days to decide, all the time weighing whether to continue with my Poland application and waiting for Ghana to set up an interview (they said they would, then never called...).
In the end, I chose Busan, because the school there seemed more professional and because I'd gotten so used to the idea of going to Korea (not to mention I'd spent hours pouring over Korean guidebooks, cookbooks, language books, plus the hours spent online looking up folk music and national parks, and reading other FTs' (Foreign Teachers) blogs). Now I'm two weeks away from hopping on a plane to Seoul for training before moving down south. Busan is a port town, with lots of Russian immigrants. It has a huge outdoor market, and there is a ferry there to visit the Jeju Islands (the Hawai'i of Korea). I'll be living in a suburb, which I'm glad of, as I've never lived in a city as large as Busan! I am glad that I'll be near enough to explore the metropolitan area, though. I think I'm most excited for this, though, right in my suburb: http://eng.changwon.go.kr/tour/top.jsp
I still have to get through my interview at the consulate in Chicago, and I'm still dealing with paperwork, but I'm really excited and looking forward to getting on the plane...okay, actually, the plane is my least favorite part, and I'm not looking forward to it at all (though I've heard Korean Air is lovely). I'm looking forward to getting OFF the plane in Korea : )
In the end, I chose Busan, because the school there seemed more professional and because I'd gotten so used to the idea of going to Korea (not to mention I'd spent hours pouring over Korean guidebooks, cookbooks, language books, plus the hours spent online looking up folk music and national parks, and reading other FTs' (Foreign Teachers) blogs). Now I'm two weeks away from hopping on a plane to Seoul for training before moving down south. Busan is a port town, with lots of Russian immigrants. It has a huge outdoor market, and there is a ferry there to visit the Jeju Islands (the Hawai'i of Korea). I'll be living in a suburb, which I'm glad of, as I've never lived in a city as large as Busan! I am glad that I'll be near enough to explore the metropolitan area, though. I think I'm most excited for this, though, right in my suburb: http://eng.changwon.go.kr/tour/top.jsp
I still have to get through my interview at the consulate in Chicago, and I'm still dealing with paperwork, but I'm really excited and looking forward to getting on the plane...okay, actually, the plane is my least favorite part, and I'm not looking forward to it at all (though I've heard Korean Air is lovely). I'm looking forward to getting OFF the plane in Korea : )
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Change of Plans...
Well it's been a strange 24 hours. Last night I received a delayed message from a teacher who just recently left the school I accepted a position with. The teacher told me the school was a difficult work environment and that I shouldn't take the job. I asked the teacher to elaborate on specifics so I could be prepared, and am waiting on a response...
BUT
In the meantime, I received a call from my recruiter that the school had low enrollment and couldn't hire new faculty, so I'm off the hook for the "difficult" work environment! I love when issues work themselves out without me doing anything!
Now it's back to the drawing board, though it seems very likely that I'll be overseas very soon regardless. I'm looking at other schools across Korea, and this evening I applied to Ukraine and Ghana, and I'll keep looking. I wanted to be in Eastern Europe from the beginning, so if Ukraine works out, I may have wasted money on my online Korean language program!! Oh well, Russian is spoken in more countries, so it could pay off in the long run. Whatever happens, I'm still excited about the whole thing, and the job hunting is coming more easily now after a month of reading forums and blogs, and going back and forth with recruiters.
I'm sure things will work out in the end, and I'll wait as patiently as I can to find the right fit!
BUT
In the meantime, I received a call from my recruiter that the school had low enrollment and couldn't hire new faculty, so I'm off the hook for the "difficult" work environment! I love when issues work themselves out without me doing anything!
Now it's back to the drawing board, though it seems very likely that I'll be overseas very soon regardless. I'm looking at other schools across Korea, and this evening I applied to Ukraine and Ghana, and I'll keep looking. I wanted to be in Eastern Europe from the beginning, so if Ukraine works out, I may have wasted money on my online Korean language program!! Oh well, Russian is spoken in more countries, so it could pay off in the long run. Whatever happens, I'm still excited about the whole thing, and the job hunting is coming more easily now after a month of reading forums and blogs, and going back and forth with recruiters.
I'm sure things will work out in the end, and I'll wait as patiently as I can to find the right fit!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Preparations
With each day I get more excited about this decision. I went clothes shopping yesterday (an activity I generally despise) and actually enjoyed picking out a wardrobe with Korea in mind. I spent more than I meant to, but it was fun nonetheless, and, knowing me, I'll probably return a few things.
I also got my documents back from the Secretary of State, where they authenticate them for international visa processing. Now I'm just waiting on my transcripts and I'll send all my paperwork to Korea to get rolling on my visa. They want me to start in mid-August, but I'm hoping that I'll be here at least until August 22nd, for various reasons. I guess it will depend on how long the paperwork takes once they receive it.
I've signed up for an online Korean language course, but sadly I've not taken real advantage of it because I tend to forget during the day at work, and by the time I think of it at night I'm too tired to learn a new language! Work ends on Friday, though, so after that I'll probably download the audio lessons, print the others, and take them in the car with me for my solo camping trip across the state. I plan to visit my foster sister's family, my brother and his fiancee, two or three friends, and my sister and her family. I don't know when I'll see them all again, especially if I have to leave earlier in August than I'm expecting. None of them know about the trip, but I'm sure they'll understand : )
I wish I could say goodbye to so many other people as well. I feel as if graduation went by so quickly, I barely had time to say hello to everyone that day, let alone say goodbye, before leaving for WI. I really miss people from Ithaca, and it's unnerving and saddening to think I may not see some of those people for a very long time, if ever. I miss them already, so I guess in that sense being in Korea won't change much.
I also got my documents back from the Secretary of State, where they authenticate them for international visa processing. Now I'm just waiting on my transcripts and I'll send all my paperwork to Korea to get rolling on my visa. They want me to start in mid-August, but I'm hoping that I'll be here at least until August 22nd, for various reasons. I guess it will depend on how long the paperwork takes once they receive it.
I've signed up for an online Korean language course, but sadly I've not taken real advantage of it because I tend to forget during the day at work, and by the time I think of it at night I'm too tired to learn a new language! Work ends on Friday, though, so after that I'll probably download the audio lessons, print the others, and take them in the car with me for my solo camping trip across the state. I plan to visit my foster sister's family, my brother and his fiancee, two or three friends, and my sister and her family. I don't know when I'll see them all again, especially if I have to leave earlier in August than I'm expecting. None of them know about the trip, but I'm sure they'll understand : )
I wish I could say goodbye to so many other people as well. I feel as if graduation went by so quickly, I barely had time to say hello to everyone that day, let alone say goodbye, before leaving for WI. I really miss people from Ithaca, and it's unnerving and saddening to think I may not see some of those people for a very long time, if ever. I miss them already, so I guess in that sense being in Korea won't change much.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
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!
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!
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