The Beginning

written Friday- 2.29.08

This is my last weekend here in the States. Not that the "weekend" really means anything to me as I'm not currently working full-time. At present, I am relying on the kindness of my good lady mother who is graciously allowing me to live in her house rent free.
Though very soon, I will no longer be able to call myself a free loader because...

I am going to teaching English in South Korea at Moon Kkang Foreign Language Academy (Chilgok location in Daegu) on a one year contract beginning March 10, 2008 and ending midnight March 9, 2009.

Apparently, no knowledge of the Korean language is required in order to teach English to Korean children, as they are supposed to use only English in the classroom. This will be a fun experiment as, despite that my father was born and raised in Korea, I speak not one lick of Korean. My vocabulary is strictly limited to such basics as: Hello, good-bye, thank you (deferential) and 'Yo-Bu-Say-Oh', which my phrase book informs me is used "to attract someone's attention". Hmmmm.
On the whole, I am excited, terrified, and thrilled at the prospect of this departure from the norm.

While in South Korea, I look forward to...

• The structure of a routine and classroom schedule.
• Interacting with the children. (although I'm sure this will be a source of stress as well...)
• Having my own apartment (woo!)
• Eventually, having money in the bank.
• Possibly, having money to enjoy recreational activities (yoga, dance, etc.)
• Seeing the gym on the side of the mountain (?)
• Becoming more familiar with the language.
• Enjoying the simplicity of the life that I will be living.
  

At the end of one year, I would like to have...

• a deeper appreciation of Korean culture and heritage.
• better Korean language skills (really, there's nowhere to go but up...)
• a stockpile of experience and information.
• more money in the bank.
• a lighter debt load.
• ...become a better teacher, writer, and musician.

Tall order I know, but why not dream big?
Thanks for stopping by!