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Published: November 6th 2007
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The kids
The one in the middle, Helen is my favorite. Remember when I said, “if I get screwed in the process, at least I’ll have some stories to tell”? Well, I’ve got some stories to tell. I have no idea where to begin, so I guess I’ll begin with work. Actually, let’s back up and begin with where I am actually living. When I finalized plans to come to Korea, I was under the impression that I would be going to Daegu, well I’m not actually in Daegu. I’m in a town called Hayang. Hayang is about 45 minutes away from Daegu by bus and then subway. According to Koreans I’m living in the country and I agree. And now work. I love my co-workers, they are all friendly and all Korean. I am the only foreign teacher in my school and it is at times difficult as no one, not even the teachers, speak any English. But none the less we all share a common interest in that we like to have a good time and hate our boss. He is an awful, stingy man. He is unfair and closed minded and I often feel sorry for my co-workers as they stay at their job out of respect and insecurities
My co-workers
My-coworkers at the Hayang school that they will not be able to find another job. The children are adorable but hate to learn, they are there just because their parents want them to be and as long as they pay the money the teachers and my boss will pass them onto the next level, although they shouldn’t. At times I feel that I am very vulnerable in this situation and my boss has so much control over me and what I can and cannot do. I have to teach his son one on one twice a week. I have to work outside of my contracted hours. I have to travel to another school, once a week to teach at his brother’s school, which I’m finding out is illegal for me to do. And I have no insurance and have yet to register with immigration. If I quit, I have to leave the country. I’ve enjoyed being here in Korea for the past week, but it’s been hard as I feel that I have been lied to and tricked into coming into a situation that I would otherwise not have agreed to come into.
None the less, I’ve learned some things about myself and this country
My co-workers
My-coworkers at the Jillyang school in the past few weeks. First, family is important. I do not think that I would survive without them here. To my family back in America, I appreciate all your support and listening ears, every time I call crying. And to my family in Korea, I appreciate all the encouraging words and just your presence to assure me that things will be ok. This past weekend, I went to Cheonan to visit my cousin and her family and it was so nice to be able to get away and not think about work. I was able to spend time with them and get to know them and practice my Korean while I was there. When I look at the up side of things, I realize that things are not as bad as they seem. I am still able to do the things that I came to Korea for.
Second, in Korea it is all about respect. Respecting your elders and not doing anything to disrespect them even if it means you suffer. When I think about my co-workers, men and women working in their twenties and thirties in a dead end job, not leading anywhere, I wonder why they are still here. They tell me they are unhappy, but yet they choose to stay. I tell them they are better and should leave. Now I understand that it is out of respect. He is their boss and elder and they respect that as much as they dislike him.
Third, for all of you that think that I’m an alcoholic or a lush or that I just drink a little too much, IT’S NOT MY FAULT. It’s in my blood. I’ve been so surprised to meet the people that I meet and find out that they are just as much of a lush as I am. It’s the culture and almost an unspoken expectation that you will drink at meals and if you are offered a drink by an elder. :P
Fourth, Nyquil can be the best thing in the world. It really works.
Fifth, Korean buildings are kind of lame. My walls are so thin I can hear everything. And squating is ok in Korea. At my school there is just a ceramic bowl in the bathroom and you have to squat to use it. Just pee fast and you won't get wet.
When it comes down to things, I’m ok. A bit frustrated, but trying to make the best of my situation and hope to look back in the future and laugh at this whole experience. I’m healthy, well I’ve got a bit of a cold, but overall ok. I will survive.
Thanks for your emails and updates. I hope you are all doing well. Keep in touch.
Peace and love
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Heidi B
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You are amazing!
Hi Susan! Korea sounds interesting! I totally admire you for being so strong!!! Take care!