Korea in a Flash

Ratings
Overall
5
Benefits: 5
Support: 4
Fun: 4
Facilities: 5
Safety: 5
Review

Wow, where do I begin... I have been back in the US for about 10 months now and I am just beginning to wrap my head around what just happened. My decision to leave America for a full year was a difficult one but spending a large amount of time overseas was something I had always wanted to do but honestly thought I would never have the time or opportunity, but it came. I spent all night one evening laying awake in my bed mulling over my decision. Everything was telling me that now was the time if there was ever going to be one and if I didn't do it may regret for a lifetime. I made my decision and was on a plane in less than a month. I landed in Busan, South Korea to a man who barely spoke any English holding a sign that stated my name. "Ok, let this journey begin" I thought to myself. Poor guy helped lug my 2 massive suitcases through the airport and in the car. I was beat tired from the flight but my intuition told me I was safe. As the neon lights flashed through the car window I realized I had made the right decision and was so excited for the next year of learning, even though I was one the one who was doing the teaching. Teaching…I had never taught before. Definitely spent my fair share of time with little ones but the act of actually teaching was a whole different ballgame. On my first full day in Korea I was shuttled to my new school. As I walked through the doors the kids peeked out of their classrooms to get the first look at Amy Sam. I arrived after the semester had already began so the administration was ready for me to get to work. Without any real preparation I was brought into a classroom full of rowdy 8-year-old boys and there I was at the front of the class about to teach my fist class. The boy’s English skills were pretty good, thank goodness because at that time I couldn’t speak a lick of Korean. I realized my years of charades really came in handy. The boys easily convinced me into playing games and died laughing while attempting to teach me to count to 5 in Korean. After a couple of weeks I got the hang of things and settled into my role as Seonsaengnim (teacher). Don’t be fooled, kids are kids and they are the same all over the world they just speak a different language. They love to be rowdy, play games and laugh. You definitely have your disrespectful ones but to balance it all out you have your favorites. I’m not going lie and say Koreans are the most welcoming and friendly culture. On a whole, there is a lot of staring. Staring on the subway, staring when you are out to dinner, staring when you walk out of your apartment, pretty much any time you are in public you are being watched. This didn’t bother some of my co-teachers but for some reason I never could get used to it. I tried to tell myself it was because I was beautiful but most of time it made me feel self conscious. On an individual basis I feel that Koreans are an extremely loyal and caring culture. Expats on the other hand, were extremely easy to meet. Most all teachers are somewhat new to Busan and are always looking to meet new people. I met my crew around my 3rd weekend in Busan. Once I met this group of Canadians, Americans and our one token European we were inseparable. In my group of friends I even met Eric, whom I will be marrying next summer! The nightlife alone is something I miss terribly. The bars never close, the neon lights never turn off and there is always a nori bong (karaoke room) to hit up. We painted the town of Busan red weekend after weekend. I am happy to be back in America and beginning a “normal” life but what I wouldn’t do for just one weekend back in Busan. Every weekend there was something new to do or see. Whether it was a different part of town to see, a new temple to visit, heading up to Seoul, heading down to Jeju or just spending all weekend on Haeundae Beach under the blanket of umbrellas. So many new things to see and do. You can’t possibly do everything but it is super fun trying. My time was amazing and I would highly recommend teaching in South Korea. It can definitely be tough at times but remember, before you know it you will be back in your home country and your overseas experiences will just be a cherished memory.

Would you recommend this program?
Yes, I would