FAQ about my JOB

So in the midst of leaving and realizing I only have a week and a half to go (Yikes!), I have gotten an array of questions thrown my way and have decided to publicize the most frequently asked questions about my leaving to S. Korea.

So where are you going to be living?
Pyeongtaek, South Korea (not too far from Seoul, the capital, ~1 hour subway ride)

Where will you be living?
A one bedroom fully furnished apartment that's a maximum ten minutes away from the school.

Do they pay for your flight?
Yes, plural actually

How did you hear about teaching abroad?
Word of mouth and research

How long have you wanted to do this for?
About three months

Is your family going to miss you?
I find this question the hardest to answer because:
1) I am not the members of my family and therefore cannot control what/how they feel
2) I hope they do, but again see #1
3) I have this realistic philosophy that in order to miss someone then that person has to go away first (I also understand that this is how it works in the mind)
4) They have seen firsthand the lengthy process I have gone through to get in this program and therefore have had more fair warning that anyone else about my departure

Do you know anyone is South Korea?
Yes and No. There are other people in my program, but since I am one of the first ones coming in this year, I am sure I will meet with them later on. I also know people from here that are from Korea, one from my department who will actually be in Korea when I get there, so that worked out nicely. Also, the Humphrey base is S. Korea has a Murrey bowling alley, a company of whom I know two of heirs and have known them for a while, so take that!

Do you speak Korean?
No, nor am I expected to. So much of Korea is wanting to become westernized that people are integrating English into all facets of their lives. The children I will be teaching have been learning English their whole lives, and I will have a Korean co-teacher who will assist me in the classroom. Side note: this does not mean I do not want to learn the language as I am incorporating learning podcasts into my life as well as an ipod course and handy dandy dictionary.

How long is your flight?
13 hours, no stops

How long will you be gone?
One year. I can renew my contract if I choose to do so.

What grade will you be teaching?
10th, 11th, and 12th grade high school students, my favorite educational demographic. When I taught these grades at South Gate HS I had such a blast doing. Teaching these grades is my calling. Also, it is my duty to prepare these kids for their TESL (I believe that's what it's called) test that determines if they can speak English well enough in order to succeed in American universities as Korean students coming to the States is becoming a big part of the educational reform over there.

Where will you be teaching?
At a private prep high school.

Why did you decide to do this?
Because unlike America, the rest of the world cares about education. That is a fact.