Ok, so if you're considering teaching abroad, specifically in South Korea, here are a few things you need to know, and a few things I wish someone had told me before I arrived.
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I visited my first Korean school on Thursday. We were asked to "micro teach" a lesson to middle school students whom we knew nothing about. Each lesson was to be ten minutes. I prepared a lesson on emotions or feelings, but when I arrived at Eonyang Middle School, my teacher instincts took over and I decided to wing it. I arrived in Korea on Saturday, August 18, having braced myself for some changes in culture. I knew it'd be much different than the United States, but I didn't know just HOW strange I would find some of the practices to be. Here's a few things that I found ODD:
*I'll ADD to the list later* 1. Toilet Paper is located outside of the restroom stalls in SEVERAL locations (not all). Yes, if you're in line, people are judging how much toilet paper you're using, and it ain't because they're concerned with the trees. 2. Running Red lights is a standard practice. If the light is red, and there is no oncoming traffic, the red light disappears, and the road is yours...TRUE STORY 3. Everyone drives a KIA, Hyundai, or Daewoo. If you're lucky, you'll see a Chevy. The super wealthy obviously drive the German Cars. Buses, Trucks, Motorcycles, and commercial vehicles are ALL one of the above. Ulsan happens to be the port city where Korea ships out the Hyundais... 4. There is a McDonald's delivery service---Need I say more? 5. Coffee shops typically open at around 10am and stay open until 11pm. I'm sorry, but, 10am is a little too late for Round 1 of coffee. Despite these occurences, I LOVE Korea so far... The people are friendly, the city is safe, and there's LOTS to do. |