Still here...

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Who's idea was it to move here....Oh yea, it was mine.

It was rough in the beginning, but I have accomplished a lot since my first week. I went on two interviews. Both schools really wanted to hire me. They love Americans and women, so I was in high demand. My email was overrun with requests for interviews. I didn't go on many because I really liked the first school I visited (kid's college). At this school, I would teach a wide range of classes, like math (my favorite), computers, gym, science..etc. And the salary was bigger then other schools as well. Typically, schools have the native English teacher just teach English classes and to many children.

So, I took the job at Kid's college. And when I told my agent that I would take the job, he had the school call me, they immediately wanted me to come by to sign the contract and moved into my accommodations. So that very day, I packed all my things and moved to a different area of Seoul and had a two-bedroom apartment waiting for me. WOW! And no more expensive small guesthouse!

I signed the contract. This was intimating, but I did it. I signed my life to Seoul for a year. What have I done? I will find out.

I started work the very next day. My 3 1/2 month jobless venture is now over, good timing too, because I am broke.

The first day I observed mostly, I just watched other foreign teachers in action, that’s all the instruction I received. I met my kids as well. I have 8 children in my kindergarten class, and I teach them everyday of the week. On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday I teach elementary children from 3:00 to 7:00. I teach the Kindergarten from 10:00 to 3:00 everyday.

So the next day, I started teaching. I walked into my kindergarten class and while the principle just closed the door as she left. Don't they realize I have never taught! So there I was standing in front of 8 Korean children with no idea what to do or say. Help!
I was disorganized, and the kids overran me. It was completely overwhelming. I didn't know how to keep them in their chairs and entertained. Two boys really took advantage of this, and went wild. So most of class I tried to keep Louis and Brian in control (the children have Korean and English names) and while I was trying to do this, a little girl named Angie started crying. I had no idea why, and she would not tell me. I got through it somehow.

I taught for 40 minutes, and then got a 10-minute break, at this time the kids are with a Korean teacher and are allowed to speak Korean. Somehow I made a plan to teach about planets (their theme activity for a month) for the next class, and it went much better. There was no crying or fighting.

My elementary classes that day went a lot smoother. They are older and mostly just bored, at least they stay in their chairs. I find myself a better teacher to them, since I can focus on teaching and not discipline.

Well its the weekend, and its been a nice break. I am already exhausted from school and everything being all new. I wake up and can't believe I live in Seoul, how different my life was a year ago.

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Photos

Seoul
On my B day, I went to the observation tower.

Seoul
Seoul is huge...

Happy Birthday to me
I bought myself popcorn. It was fantastic, I haven't had it in months.

On my birthday
I met two girls from steamboat. I didn't know them, they are much younger than me. The girl in the middle is also named Maggie.Its a small world.

my apartment
My accomdations are free. Its great being a teacher here, many benefits.

my apartment
I also have a washer and dryer, but its in Korean. So I don't know how to work it yet.

my classroom
The children are not allowed to speak Korean during class. They still do, and I don't understand what they are saying. It makes this new experience of teacher much harder.

my classroom
My kindergarten class and I are working with the planets. The know that Pluto is the smallest and Jupiter is the biggest of the planets. I taught them that.

Jisun
One of my new friends here.

Dinner
I am still not a big fan of the food here. Many dishes, and fatty meat, its work to eat out.

Richard
I met Richard through Darren. He has been a great friend. He is also from England (Leeds) and works here as a transport planner.

new year in seoul
The city became very quiet this past weekend. Many places were closed for the new year.

The hammering man
thats all I know...???

buddist temple
At the end of my hike, I came across some buddist temples.

Comments

[Uncle Tom]

Finally
I am very relieved that things are working out for you in South Korea. Certainly your mother got more than a few laughs out of the tales you tell about beginning teaching. We did NOT celebrate the year of the Pig here at all - sorry to disappoint. Keep yourself well and fine tune those lesson plans girl. Love you - Uncle Tom

[Aunt Gail]

you're getting through!!
You'll be glad to know that your blog is working. I'm at Steph and Jim's place on Long Island for a week to take care of Mia and Jakks. They have no school this week because of winter break. Steph went to Dallas last weekend to visit Tom, Tracy, and Zac. Kim and Melissa flew in from Rochester. They had a sibling reunion. I heard it was filled with wine, food, and lots of laughs. I'm not surprised! I'm glad you are finally settled in your new teaching career. Every day will get a little easier, but the kids will always throw you a curve when you least expect it. That's par for the course. Just stay positive and all will be fine. You don't have to do this for the rest of your life, so there is some consolation in that. By the way, Pluto is no longer considered a planet, but a new one has been discovered. Check the internet on this info, I'm not all that certain. Have fun and stay safe!!! I love you! Aunt Gail

[Nige and Deb]

Happy Year of the Pig
Dear Maggie We are so glad that you have found a fantastic job with a free apartment!! Does it get any better? Seoul looks amazing! but cold. We are still sweltering away in Phnom Penh but enjoying it more than ever. Keep in touch. Deb