Why did you decide to teach abroad with Reach to Teach in South Korea?
Anahita: I decided to teach in Korea and to use Reach to Teach for two reasons. One, I very much wanted to work abroad, teaching English was the best way to do that; also, Korea has enacted a massive country-wide program with the aim of getting a native English speaker in every public school, so jobs are thick on the ground. Once I had chosen Korea, I began searching for recruiters to help me with my application -- the application for Korea is not mentally taxing, but it is extremely complicated and requires a lot of different components. Once I began that search, I quickly found RTT and chose it because they were extremely easy to communicate with, had excellent reviews, did not require me to pay anything, and had programs in a number of countries.
What made this teach abroad experience unique and special?
Anahita: Korea itself is unlike any other country; the pace of life here is breakneck which is exhilarating and exhausting all at once. Furthermore, due to the nature of my program I am working with a Korean co-teacher, which apart from making my own job easier, also gives me someone to whom I can direct all my questions on Korean culture and etiquette -- and get thorough, accurate answers.
How has this experience impacted your future? (Personally, professionally, academically, etc.)
Anahita: On a personal level, I think ultimately being able to make a life for myself in Korea will prove so much about my confidence and endurance levels. Professionally, this job has set me down my anticipated career path -- I plan to teach in at least one other country before returning home to the United States and, I hope, starting work as an ESL teacher in a public school.
What is one piece of advice you would offer someone considering teaching abroad in South Korea?
Anahita: My advice to anyone coming here would be that you must be open to absolutely anything. If you're coming from the U.K. or North America (and you probably are), then you're coming to a country that is completely unlike your own. Be aware and respectful of that and Korea will give you so much in return.