Teaching at Young Jae Elite Academy has so far been nothing like I expected. Since I'm the only native English speaker here, I'm rather oblivious to what the other teachers are talking about or planning for the school; nobody has really bothered to fill me in on much, and for all I know they're all making fun of me when I think they're talking about text books and paper clips. I'm at a severe lack of material, as (from what I gather) the school is in the process of getting new workbooks for the students. So mostly I've been making up my own lessons and just drifting along with the assumption they'll start cluing me in at some point.
So while I'm still very lost in terms of what exactly I'm supposed to be doing as far as grades, testing, and curriculum goes, I find myself really enjoying--for the most part--my time with the kids in the classroom. With the exception of one class (out of my now seven) the kids are very attentive and participate way more than I'd hoped for. Maybe they do this out of fear, but I like to think it's because I incorporate humor and variety with my lessons. My goal for teaching is to be more of a friend figure to the kids rather than some sort of tyrant. I think back to the teachers I loved in school and what it was that made them special, and I try to emulate their qualities. And it helps that I've always been pretty good with kids--I'm just a big one myself, after all.
Seeing the proverbial "lightbulb" switch on as I'm guiding the kids through new material makes it totally worth it. The fact that I'm able to connect with them and know my time spent in the class is worthwhile fills me with a sort of giddy pride, as corny as that may seem. Walking out of the classroom surrounded by kids that want to continue chatting and using the new grammar and phrases they've learned is an amazing experience. What can I say? They like me :-)
The ONE class, however, that's a different story. It's like they've collectively decided I'm the spawn of Satan and to enter my classroom is like stepping into the depths of Hell. To compare teaching their class to pulling teeth would be a severe understatement. They don't say anything, they won't comply with what I ask them to do, they attempt to sleep, and so on and so forth. Thankfully, though, when I brought this up to another teacher she told me that's just the way that class is, and that I just need to start hitting them. I hadn't planned on ever using the bamboo stick of death Mr. Han gave me on day one, but if this keeps up you can bet there are going to be some nasty welts on the wrists of some of the little buggers. Mean? No, that's the way it is here. Would I feel bad? You bet your bottom, I would. But necessary? Mr. Han says so. So what must be done shall be done -- I'm just hoping I can get through to them before it comes to that point. Yowch.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Tall and White
The sense of detachment and alienation I feel here is almost surreal -- but by no means in a bad way. In fact, it's a breath of fresh air (figuratively speaking, of course; I hear the pollution here is quite high.) I walk through the city knowing I'm not going to recognize--or be recognized by-- anybody, and it fills me with a sort of liberation; I can be whatever I want to be here. Of course, I'm stuck with the "enormously tall and white" thing, but other than that I feel no restraints on what I can become. This is a rare chance to reinvent myself--a golden opportunity to deconstruct and reconstruct the foundations of my life. For the first time I feel in absolute control of my own destiny, and I plan on taking full advantage of this unfolding epiphany.
Yes, I miss certain things about America and my life there--especially my Madi ;-)--but there are so many new sights, sounds, and smells to soak in that I've barely had a chance to weigh the pros and cons of my coming here. In fact, it's not even something I care to do, because there's no point. The fact is, I'm here and can live fully with the purpose of bettering myself in so many different ways. The surrounding culture not only encourages this, but requires it if I'm going to survive in this alien land for a year.
---------------------------------------
Every time I step outside (yes Bob, the doorways are all tall enough, though my shower stall is not) I'm bombarded by a million new things to take in: the fish, squid, octopi, and eels of a thousand different types in restaurant-side tanks waiting to be hacked up and served raw and writhing; the old street vendors with countless types of fresh and colorful produce sending delicious scents up and down alleyways; the zillions of neon signs lighting up the streets with flashing rainbows of color; the constant sound of carhorns and whiney scooter engines as traffic weaves its way haphazardly to and from who-knows-where. It's a sensory overload at all times, no matter where I find myself. And, as far as I'm concerned, it's all mine -- my playground to explore and take new chances at every turn.
Yes, I miss certain things about America and my life there--especially my Madi ;-)--but there are so many new sights, sounds, and smells to soak in that I've barely had a chance to weigh the pros and cons of my coming here. In fact, it's not even something I care to do, because there's no point. The fact is, I'm here and can live fully with the purpose of bettering myself in so many different ways. The surrounding culture not only encourages this, but requires it if I'm going to survive in this alien land for a year.
---------------------------------------
Every time I step outside (yes Bob, the doorways are all tall enough, though my shower stall is not) I'm bombarded by a million new things to take in: the fish, squid, octopi, and eels of a thousand different types in restaurant-side tanks waiting to be hacked up and served raw and writhing; the old street vendors with countless types of fresh and colorful produce sending delicious scents up and down alleyways; the zillions of neon signs lighting up the streets with flashing rainbows of color; the constant sound of carhorns and whiney scooter engines as traffic weaves its way haphazardly to and from who-knows-where. It's a sensory overload at all times, no matter where I find myself. And, as far as I'm concerned, it's all mine -- my playground to explore and take new chances at every turn.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Anyong Haseo!
Greetings! It's been quite the first few days here in Haeundae, and I've barely had a chance to take some time to myself. But now I'm free, and I can get caught up on my new life.
Haeundae New Town is my new home. Part of Busan -- a tiny town of 14 million people -- Haeundae is the newest, wealthiest, and most modernized area in Korea. It's incredibly clean, and the locals take great pride in their city. I live in an area of Haeundae called Jangsan, and it's where many foreign teachers stay. There's a solid community of us, which is nice because everyone helps each other out. Todd (my buddy I graduated UW-L with) has been especially helpful, teaching me useful Korean phrases, showing me good restaurants, and filling me in on all I need to know to get by here. However, I'm finding that being an English speaker here will not be nearly as difficult as I'd imagined. I feel very welcomed by everyone -- Koreans have a great interest in America and the English language, as most of them feel it's their key to success. But while the culture in this area is definitely more Westernized than other parts of Korea, there are still ample opportunities to experience a completely different lifestyle.
I began teaching at the Yeongjaesagwon Elite Language Academy on Friday -- less than 24 hours after my arrival and with no training. I was to teach 5th - 9th graders. I have to admit, I was really nervous to take on classes with so little preparation, but that nervousness quickly disappeared once I realized how fortunate of a teaching gig I landed. I was imagining having classes of 25 students, all bouncing off the walls and not eager to learn. However, I guess I thought that way because it's what I'd experienced in the States. But the reality is much different: my average class size (I have only 6 classes) is a mere 7 students, the smallest class being 1 student and the biggest 13 students, and because it's an elite school, they're very well behaved and incredibly bright. I guess there were many other applicants for the position, but because of my English degree, the school director, Mr. Han (he doesn't speak much English at all), chose me above them. I'm the only non-Korean at the school, but it's fine with me because a few of the other teachers speak English well enough to explain things to me and help me converse with Mr. Han. Nobody here can pronounce my name -- the "r" and "l" cause them difficulty, so it comes out more like "ty-oo-ro", and after they struggled too much they decided they just want to call me "Anduhson" because it's easier for them. Fine with me. The students just call me "teacher". They're all impressed with my height -- they made me convert 6'4" into centimeters (193 or so, I believe) so they can tell their parents about the new giant teacher. And I've already made about 18 little girlfriends who seem to be completely infatuated with me. I can't walk past them in the hallway without them giggling or blushing. So all in all, teaching is going to be quite fun, and I'm hoping to be a big benefit to the school.
I'm having problems with my living situation -- apparently there was miscommunication between my recruiter and school, so I ended up in a room about the size of my dorm -- not acceptable around here for English teachers, and not what I was promised. So Su, my recruiter, is working on the situation and they're going to hopefully move me to a bigger apartment, more like what the other teachers have. If it doesn't happen, it's not the end of the world -- there's too much to see and do around here for me to want to spend much time in my room anyways other than for sleeping. Still, it would be nice to be able to stretch out a little bit more. We'll see what happens.
I have everything I could possibly need within 5 blocks of my apartment. I've never seen so many restaurants -- there are probably at least a few hundred within a 5 minute walk. I'm glad I'm not a picky eater, because some stuff I just have to eat and not ask questions. For the most part, the food is delicious and there are tons of new dishes to try. Todd introduced me to a meal called Galbi, which is fantastic. Basically it's grilling thin-sliced beef over coals built into the table, and you take the marinated meat and wrap it in some kind of large leaf with onions, garlic, peppers, radish, sprouts, shoots, and a delicious red paste. YUM. Last night we ate ourselves silly, and finished it off with some kind of pancake thing filled with gooey cinnamon sauce and cooked in hot oil. MORE YUM. And it's all very, VERY cheap. In the states a meal like that would cost probably 30 dollars -- for the two of us it's about 12. And that's on the expensive side for around here. I can get used to this.
Running up the mountain yesterday was amazing. There are outdoor exercise areas--with weight machines, free weights, hula hoops, gymnastics bars, etc.--along the trail, and they're heavily used. No wonder everyone here is so fit. (Hardly anybody is at all overweight). On our way up, we passed many couples young and old enjoying picnics together; family and togetherness is extremely important to the Koreans. It's fun to see so many older couples still so in love. The kids are hilarious -- they (and their parents) love it when we talk to them in English. They're always so delighted to receive attention from us. Anyways, the trail was pretty steep at parts, and running up it (at least 4-5 kilometers) left us exhausted. But the view from atop Mt. Jangsang is absolutely breathtaking. Here are some pictures I found online of the view we had (I don't have a camera so I have to rely on pictures others have taken):
These first two are of Hauendae new town, where I live. My apartment is smack in the middle.
http://www.naukorea.com/csfiles/d13objimg/1120_3_크기변환_p1010015.jpg - haeundae http://www.naukorea.com/csfiles/d13objimg/1120_25_정상에서본%20신도시.jpg
These two are looking farther west, toward the main part of Busan:
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1370/717921857_ca2e25a611.jpg?v=0 - busan
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/155/414459217_39416b1ac5.jpg?v=0 - busan
The pictures still can't capture the sheer size of the city. It's really amazing.
While there are many other things I could write about now, I'll save them for other days. Until next time!
Haeundae New Town is my new home. Part of Busan -- a tiny town of 14 million people -- Haeundae is the newest, wealthiest, and most modernized area in Korea. It's incredibly clean, and the locals take great pride in their city. I live in an area of Haeundae called Jangsan, and it's where many foreign teachers stay. There's a solid community of us, which is nice because everyone helps each other out. Todd (my buddy I graduated UW-L with) has been especially helpful, teaching me useful Korean phrases, showing me good restaurants, and filling me in on all I need to know to get by here. However, I'm finding that being an English speaker here will not be nearly as difficult as I'd imagined. I feel very welcomed by everyone -- Koreans have a great interest in America and the English language, as most of them feel it's their key to success. But while the culture in this area is definitely more Westernized than other parts of Korea, there are still ample opportunities to experience a completely different lifestyle.
I began teaching at the Yeongjaesagwon Elite Language Academy on Friday -- less than 24 hours after my arrival and with no training. I was to teach 5th - 9th graders. I have to admit, I was really nervous to take on classes with so little preparation, but that nervousness quickly disappeared once I realized how fortunate of a teaching gig I landed. I was imagining having classes of 25 students, all bouncing off the walls and not eager to learn. However, I guess I thought that way because it's what I'd experienced in the States. But the reality is much different: my average class size (I have only 6 classes) is a mere 7 students, the smallest class being 1 student and the biggest 13 students, and because it's an elite school, they're very well behaved and incredibly bright. I guess there were many other applicants for the position, but because of my English degree, the school director, Mr. Han (he doesn't speak much English at all), chose me above them. I'm the only non-Korean at the school, but it's fine with me because a few of the other teachers speak English well enough to explain things to me and help me converse with Mr. Han. Nobody here can pronounce my name -- the "r" and "l" cause them difficulty, so it comes out more like "ty-oo-ro", and after they struggled too much they decided they just want to call me "Anduhson" because it's easier for them. Fine with me. The students just call me "teacher". They're all impressed with my height -- they made me convert 6'4" into centimeters (193 or so, I believe) so they can tell their parents about the new giant teacher. And I've already made about 18 little girlfriends who seem to be completely infatuated with me. I can't walk past them in the hallway without them giggling or blushing. So all in all, teaching is going to be quite fun, and I'm hoping to be a big benefit to the school.
I'm having problems with my living situation -- apparently there was miscommunication between my recruiter and school, so I ended up in a room about the size of my dorm -- not acceptable around here for English teachers, and not what I was promised. So Su, my recruiter, is working on the situation and they're going to hopefully move me to a bigger apartment, more like what the other teachers have. If it doesn't happen, it's not the end of the world -- there's too much to see and do around here for me to want to spend much time in my room anyways other than for sleeping. Still, it would be nice to be able to stretch out a little bit more. We'll see what happens.
I have everything I could possibly need within 5 blocks of my apartment. I've never seen so many restaurants -- there are probably at least a few hundred within a 5 minute walk. I'm glad I'm not a picky eater, because some stuff I just have to eat and not ask questions. For the most part, the food is delicious and there are tons of new dishes to try. Todd introduced me to a meal called Galbi, which is fantastic. Basically it's grilling thin-sliced beef over coals built into the table, and you take the marinated meat and wrap it in some kind of large leaf with onions, garlic, peppers, radish, sprouts, shoots, and a delicious red paste. YUM. Last night we ate ourselves silly, and finished it off with some kind of pancake thing filled with gooey cinnamon sauce and cooked in hot oil. MORE YUM. And it's all very, VERY cheap. In the states a meal like that would cost probably 30 dollars -- for the two of us it's about 12. And that's on the expensive side for around here. I can get used to this.
Running up the mountain yesterday was amazing. There are outdoor exercise areas--with weight machines, free weights, hula hoops, gymnastics bars, etc.--along the trail, and they're heavily used. No wonder everyone here is so fit. (Hardly anybody is at all overweight). On our way up, we passed many couples young and old enjoying picnics together; family and togetherness is extremely important to the Koreans. It's fun to see so many older couples still so in love. The kids are hilarious -- they (and their parents) love it when we talk to them in English. They're always so delighted to receive attention from us. Anyways, the trail was pretty steep at parts, and running up it (at least 4-5 kilometers) left us exhausted. But the view from atop Mt. Jangsang is absolutely breathtaking. Here are some pictures I found online of the view we had (I don't have a camera so I have to rely on pictures others have taken):
These first two are of Hauendae new town, where I live. My apartment is smack in the middle.
http://www.naukorea.com/csfiles/d13objimg/1120_3_크기변환_p1010015.jpg - haeundae http://www.naukorea.com/csfiles/d13objimg/1120_25_정상에서본%20신도시.jpg
These two are looking farther west, toward the main part of Busan:
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1370/717921857_ca2e25a611.jpg?v=0 - busan
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/155/414459217_39416b1ac5.jpg?v=0 - busan
The pictures still can't capture the sheer size of the city. It's really amazing.
While there are many other things I could write about now, I'll save them for other days. Until next time!
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Jjim-Jil-Bang (Jim-jee-bahng)
Lots to write about, but this couldn't wait.
It's past three in the morning here, and I'm in one of the coolest places I've ever been, feeling probably the most relaxed I've ever been. "Vesta" Jjim-Jil-Bang is unlike anything I've ever seen in the states. Basically it's a public bath that never closes, up on the top of a hill overlooking the beach and downtown Haeundae. Absolutely breathtaking. Todd and I came here about 4 hours ago, and don't plan on going home for at least another few. There are at least another hundred people all around with the same idea -- but most of them are sawing logs on the floor. You pay about the cost of an Applebee's meal to get in, and then the place is yours for as long as you want to stay.
We first hung out in the nude (no other option--but there is a men's floor and women's floor) in the several hot and cold pools of different temperatures, kicked it in the saunas and steam rooms, and relaxed in the outdoor hot tub up on the roof's balcony with an amazing view of the mountains, beach, and city lights. Then we scrubbed down with special soaps and sponges that made my skin sing. When the workers kicked us off that floor for cleaning, we came downstairs (clothes now required) and were treated to a few under-a-buck, ten-minute massages that my body is now loving me for. Though I'm about six inches too tall for the beds, that didn't stop the butt massage from feeling absolutely glorious . There are igloo-shaped sauna things that we had to crawl through the entrance to get in in order to sweat our kahunas off (temperature 80 degrees celsius). Blankets and pillows are all over this place, and people take advantage of them to crash wherever they please. This means in order to grab the water I'm drinking, I had to step over and around dozens of people who don't seem to mind sleeping on a hard floor. There are also a couple bunk rooms -- it looked like people were piled on top of eachother in them, but I'm steering clear of those.
Alright well my computer time is up -- and just little bit before the pools open back up. So nap time now, then we'll take another dip, and then it's time to run the mountain trails in the later morning. Woooooooo.
It's past three in the morning here, and I'm in one of the coolest places I've ever been, feeling probably the most relaxed I've ever been. "Vesta" Jjim-Jil-Bang is unlike anything I've ever seen in the states. Basically it's a public bath that never closes, up on the top of a hill overlooking the beach and downtown Haeundae. Absolutely breathtaking. Todd and I came here about 4 hours ago, and don't plan on going home for at least another few. There are at least another hundred people all around with the same idea -- but most of them are sawing logs on the floor. You pay about the cost of an Applebee's meal to get in, and then the place is yours for as long as you want to stay.
We first hung out in the nude (no other option--but there is a men's floor and women's floor) in the several hot and cold pools of different temperatures, kicked it in the saunas and steam rooms, and relaxed in the outdoor hot tub up on the roof's balcony with an amazing view of the mountains, beach, and city lights. Then we scrubbed down with special soaps and sponges that made my skin sing. When the workers kicked us off that floor for cleaning, we came downstairs (clothes now required) and were treated to a few under-a-buck, ten-minute massages that my body is now loving me for. Though I'm about six inches too tall for the beds, that didn't stop the butt massage from feeling absolutely glorious . There are igloo-shaped sauna things that we had to crawl through the entrance to get in in order to sweat our kahunas off (temperature 80 degrees celsius). Blankets and pillows are all over this place, and people take advantage of them to crash wherever they please. This means in order to grab the water I'm drinking, I had to step over and around dozens of people who don't seem to mind sleeping on a hard floor. There are also a couple bunk rooms -- it looked like people were piled on top of eachother in them, but I'm steering clear of those.
Alright well my computer time is up -- and just little bit before the pools open back up. So nap time now, then we'll take another dip, and then it's time to run the mountain trails in the later morning. Woooooooo.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
...almost
So I:m in tokyo, typing on a keyboard very foreign to me. My plane had to make an emergency landing in Alaska (i think i saw russia) for a woman having heart problems. They also had to kick a drunk guy off who was becoming aggressive. Hes now making friends with the fbi. But all that meant I (and everyone else on board) missed our connecting flights, so NorthWest put us up in a hotel in Tokyo for the night. Not the end of the world -- at least I get a nice bed to sleep in and a few free meals out of it. Plus I get to see a bit of Japan much sooner than expected. Tomorrow I:ll catch the first flight to Busan. That:s it for now. SIANARA!?!?!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Here it Goes...
I'm moving to Korea. No matter how many times I've thought or said these words in the past few months, I can't believe they're true. Even now, less than 20 hours to go before I step on the plane, the reality of them still escapes me. But my bulging suitcases, my flight itinerary, and my freshly-stamped passport are real enough, and they say it's finally time; time to open the door to the next chapter of my life. And I say bring it on.
I have to laugh at myself when I think of how much I hated school at times, and now that I'm finally graduated from college, I'm going back to the classroom for at least another year -- though (thankfully) on the other side of things. What to expect from teaching, I'm not really sure, because it seems like everything I've read from others who've done the same is based on their individual situations, locations, and mindset. So I believe my experience will be what I make it, and I'm going in with my love for language, an open mind, and a willingness to learn and adapt. I think these are more important than any item I could put in a suitcase. Maybe my toothbrush.
This is the first time I've done any "blogging", but I'm going to update this site regularly during my time in Pusan, Korea. I figure it's probably the best way for those of you who are interested to see not only how things are going for me (there will no doubt be many crazy stories and experiences to follow), but also to learn about Korean culture and customs from the standpoint of an American. I just hope to use my objectivity and subjectivity appropriately. Regardless, the months to follow should provide for some entertaining reads.
Much love to all of you--especially Mom and Dad--who have helped me out (for some I would call it "pulling me out of the trenches"), whether emotionally, financially, or socially. I couldn't have gotten this far without you. So I'll be sure to post my address ASAP so you can continue to send love, money, and treats :-).
Alright, here it goes -- I'm off. Goodbye America, hello Korea.
I have to laugh at myself when I think of how much I hated school at times, and now that I'm finally graduated from college, I'm going back to the classroom for at least another year -- though (thankfully) on the other side of things. What to expect from teaching, I'm not really sure, because it seems like everything I've read from others who've done the same is based on their individual situations, locations, and mindset. So I believe my experience will be what I make it, and I'm going in with my love for language, an open mind, and a willingness to learn and adapt. I think these are more important than any item I could put in a suitcase. Maybe my toothbrush.
This is the first time I've done any "blogging", but I'm going to update this site regularly during my time in Pusan, Korea. I figure it's probably the best way for those of you who are interested to see not only how things are going for me (there will no doubt be many crazy stories and experiences to follow), but also to learn about Korean culture and customs from the standpoint of an American. I just hope to use my objectivity and subjectivity appropriately. Regardless, the months to follow should provide for some entertaining reads.
Much love to all of you--especially Mom and Dad--who have helped me out (for some I would call it "pulling me out of the trenches"), whether emotionally, financially, or socially. I couldn't have gotten this far without you. So I'll be sure to post my address ASAP so you can continue to send love, money, and treats :-).
Alright, here it goes -- I'm off. Goodbye America, hello Korea.
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