My plane ride was easy as can be. I was a little nervous and turned off with the 12.5 hour plane ride, but quickly adapted to a schedule of movies, sleep and eating. I sat next to an older Korean man who gratefully talked me through the correct way to eat bi bim bap,
a special dish with rice and vegetables. This older Korean man and I got to talking and I found out that he was a professor at SKK University in Seoul and taught Botany. I later came to find out after revealing I was from Ohio that he got his masters at Kent State University, it must have been fate. He guided me through customs and luggage and I was set to go on my adventure.
I am living in Dongtan, a new city built only two years ago….
This city is filled with restaurants, bars and a huge park called “central park.” The park has everything-a skate rink, tennis courts, hiking trails, a pitch and putt golf course, you name it, it probably has it. It is nice to live in a place where it feels like a community. I can really see myself coming to love this neighborhood.
I just completed my second day of school, and its more than I could have expected. I met the foreign teachers from Canada over the weekend, and they have been nothing short of wonderful. They really have helped us adapt to life in Korea whether it be at school, or ordering food in a restaurant.
I have really enjoyed my first days of school. I am currently training and observing classes right now. Everyone at the school is as wonderful as the foreign teachers. I will be teaching reading to ages 3-5 and will have a homeroom class to the 5 year olds. I have already started to create a special bond with them, so I am really looking forward to a great year ahead.
My thoughts and perception of South Korea so far:
•I am stared at all the time, to say the least. Since I am not living in a huge city like Seoul, they are not used to foreigners in their neighborhood. The first couple of days I found it to be uncomfortable, but as time goes on I am beginning to accept it.
•After going out to restaurants a couple of times, during the meals there is very little water and it’s usually drunken out of a tiny glass. This has been a problem for me because I tend to drink a lot of water during meals
•I have spotted numerous Cleveland Indians hats so far, there is a player from South Korea on the Indians!
•At school, the kids ask me very personal questions. It’s completely normal for them, but shocked me at first. Some questions like “what are your parents names?” “are they still together?” “are you married?” “how old are you?” Its not rude in Korean culture to ask such blunt personal questions.
•Korean people are very friendly but many feel uncomfortable speaking English in front of me
•Education is the (if not the…) top priority for South Koreans.
As it turns out, those kids in the "dont stop believing" video are my class! They are even more adorable in person!
Until next time...
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