Highlights: My favorite teaching highlight has to be all the hugs I get from my kids! They brighten even the most stressful days and make the job worth it day in and day out. The things that kids say, especially when English isn't their first day, make me laugh! They try so hard to speak and always seem to enjoy being in my class. Being able to plan my own lessons and incorporate games into their learning has helped me develop myself as a teacher and professional. My situation is also very unique as I have co-teachers for all my classes; having them there to translate questions or conversations is incredible! I feel that I get to know my students on a more personal level this way.
Living in Korea is anything, but boring! Every day there's something new to see, a corner vendor to shop from, or food to try. Highlights from my year living in this small Korean town include: making new friends, befriending cafe and restaurant owners, giving lessons to adults, running a half marathon along the beach, attending festivals for fireworks and cherry blossoms, and much more! Busan’s Haeundae beach is only an hour and a half commute by bus and subway, the world's largest department store only an hour, and countless temples, parks, and markets in between.
Getting to Seoul is just 4.5 hour ride by bus departing from the local terminal or 3 hours by KTX departing from the closest city, a ten minute taxi ride away. The transportation system is amazing here! Buses, cabs, and subways are so convenient; but even walking around is easy too! I was able to travel to Jeju Island over Christmas break and Namhae Island over summer. Its comfortable living and depending on your budgeting skills, it is possible to save upwards of 1000 USD per month. My adventure in South Korea has been unforgettable and life changing- the country is so welcoming and I could not be more thankful to the amazing people I have met along the way!
Morning: A typical morning as a TEFL teacher in Korea begins rather late compared to life in the United States. Coffee shops usually do not open until 10 or 11 a.m. I take yoga classes or go running on the paths along the river. My teaching day does not being until 12:30 so I have all morning to sleep, relax, meet up with friends for late coffee or lunch. If I have to commute to my second school then I wait for the bus at 10:30. The commute is only 30 minutes, but I like to get there early to walk around or read in a café.
Afternoon: A typical afternoon as a TEFL teacher is busy! I work for a company as an after school program teacher in two separate elementary schools. One is a 5 minute walk from my apartment; the other is a 30 minute commute to a neighboring town. My 5 to 6 classes are back-to-back with 10 minute breaks in between. I arrive at the schools between 12 and 12:30 for an hour of prep; and I finish my day between 5:00 and 6:30 p.m. depending on the school. Classes are between 40 and 50 minutes. Each class is a different level; phonics, beginning conversation, and advanced conversation. I prepare the lessons, activities, and games. My situation is slightly different from most as I have co-teachers in each class to translate the material or handle disciplinary problems. Overall, the class is my responsibility and they give me full credit for my lessons.
Evening: A typical evening is spent unwinding from my jam-packed afternoon. I usually explore my town, visit with friends, research different games or activities. I have found that it is so important to find activities that I once enjoyed back in the states, to enjoy in Korea. Doing yoga, learning “Hangul,” finding interesting places to eat or relax have made this teaching experience well-rounded..