Blogs from Daegu, South Korea, Asia - page 7

Let's first start discussing my current teaching situation, because while I've talked quite often about my weekend adventures I haven't talked nearly as much about lecturing; of which I spend the vast majority of my time. Teaching started off great, but I have quickly found that I am no longer valued like I once thought. At the end of the day the Hagwon (English private school) is a business, and in Korea, everything is shallow, superficial, and appearance-based. I mean, for example, I would say at least 50% of the population has undergone at least one plastic surgical procedure; albeit mostly a minor double-eye lied fix. Still however, most of my Korean co-teachers have asked me, or discussed something about their face or bodies they want to change. Even more, every single item of food you ... read more

This is proving to be much more difficult that I initially thought. A weekly blog takes commitment, and without people actually inquiring about the happenings of my time here, I don't think I could keep them up. So continue to push me, because I know in the end it will definitaly be worth the time and effort. It's been about three weeks since my last blog and there is much to write about! First off, I've received my first paycheque! Although its not a full pay, it's about 2/3rds at has at least given me a little padding in my account. I have made a trip to Seoul, I've scaled a large mountain, I've used outdoor batting cages, I've taken a ride on the high speed KTX train across Korea, and I've begun to really understand ... read more

Yet another week has passed and I'm finding it difficult to keep up with these blogs! I apologize I'm a few days late again this time. It has certainly been an interesting week that's included yet another trip downtown, several galbi (Korean bbq) meals, and culminated with what had to be the highlight of my weekend: a trip to Seomun market Sunday afternoon. Its funny because despite the sheer size of Daegu, going out Friday and Saturday has already begun feeling extremely small and familiar. Downtown is a fairly large place with hundreds of little shops, cafe's, and restuarants, but there are only three or four bars where foreigners like to frequent. I suppose I could try and visit a Korean bar or nightclub, but I've heard strange things regarding these places, and the language barrier ... read more

It's kind of remarkable how much I've learned from my students. Each student in each of my classes seems to want to take on the unofficial role of "Cultural Instructor" in an attempt to get me in-the-know in Korea. No, really. I can honestly say that without my Korean kids, I would have no idea how to count in Korean. Now I can count from 0 - 100 without any problems, though sometimes it takes me a minute to remember 5, 6, and 9. Don't believe me? 영 일 이 삼 사 오 역 칠 팔 구 십 십일 십이 십삼 십사 십오 십역 십칠 십팔 십구 이십... and so on. That's right. I can count. I also learn some really random Korean words from them. They try so hard to teach me! lol For example: ... read more

Well it's the start of my third week, which means I've officially been here 2 weeks. I feel like I've been here months. It's amazing how when you experience new things, learn new things, feel new things every day, time goes by so slow because every day presents a new joy, a new challenge. I can honestly say I think all of 2009 went by faster than the first two weeks of 2010. So I started teaching this week. My first day was spent getting oriented to my new building and attempting to learn my particular school's system. While the building is brand new and beautiful, the system itself takes a bit of time and patience to learn. This is one thing that is frustrating...I believe in Korean Hogwan's (private schools) directors and your superiors enjoy ... read more