TravelBud - Teaching in Korea and Renewing

I've been teaching in Korea for about 3 years now. Travelbud was very helpful in helping me prepare and getting me settled with the in-country placement team. Saskia and Kim have helped me so much and always answer my questions. Over these years Kim has been a great support. I appreciate her help and guidance especially when it came to considering where to teach. No matter how much time has passed since our last chat it always refreshing and comfortable to speak about anything. :)
Korea has been such an amazing experience and I'm forever changed from my time here.
I've made lifetime friends. Understand that Korea is really small, so trust everyone will know each other somehow some way! In Korea, there are activities and events for the outgoing and even more chill type of people. While the pay could be a bit better it definitely is enough to live an average lifestyle here.
I lived in a REALLY rural town (even some Koreans haven't heard of it) but the community was so welcoming. Locals get to know you and aren't afraid to help you or invite you to eat with them, do traditional crafts etc. even if they can't communicate in English well. Rural placements can offer you more heartwarming opportunities with locals. I had times where a parent would see me walking and offer me a ride. Or farmers I see on the way to work offer me some of their harvest. Getting a free invite to a enjoy some BBQ and local foods. Koreans do really show their love with food. Rural areas get tons of government funding. After getting more involved with the locals I was able to join programs like the multicultural family center. They would do monthly trips or Korean crafts, language and cooking classes all for free! It was a great way to be surrounding by others who were trying to learn and appreciate daily Korean life. The local art center would offer free guitar, dance, and art classes. It was all in Korean so the language barrier was there, but it helped me understand that really communication is about 20% spoken 80% body/facial expression. My friends in the city don't have theses kind of connections. Of course, your options for eating or shopping are limited. In my town we can't even order food delivery service and that's one of the big things you hear about, ha. While getting to the city is possible it can be hard with bus times and the travel time on buses/ trains can add up. If you enjoy more younger and hip scene you may find the rural place boring. As it seems most Koreans want to live in the city for their youth. However, I say take what you can from it. You never know who you get to meet and what you get to do by just being you in a new place!
When you get to Korea I think the biggest headache you'll have is getting everything set up. Phone, bills, wifi and banking in Korea ALL have to connect with your information EXACTLY. The issues comes with our names. The name in the system has to match your ID card. I recommend no matter where you go or what account you make ALWAYS set up your name in the same way. Next, is understand that without a Korean phone number you can't have access to any of the apps or do things like online banking. Once you have your official number making sure its is update with the school, bank and on Kakao. Once you are connected to the world here everything will flow much better. If you get lucky with you co-teacher they may evening be willing to help you set up these things. Thank them with a small gift if you can.
After being here for some time you'll notice it can also be hard to find things you enjoyed back home, like deodorant or snacks. Korean food is great but beef, dairy, fresh fruits and vegetables can be pricey. I looked up Korean food beforehand and knew I would like it, but friends who don't like spicy food or don't eat pork have had a hard time here (especially if they aren't near a city.)
I taught at elementary and middle public schools as well as an English Center during my time. It really depends on your luck with your placements, how your students will be and your fellow teachers. Although, you can expect a lower level of English in the countryside.
In general, Korean students are very hesitant to use their English in front of others; they want to be perfect. Elementary students are very sweet and energetic, but as they enter middle school they are much less likely to be willing to speak. Games are a great way to engage them. They study often for other classes on weekends and after school, so they can be overwhelmed/ stressed at times. At a Center you will teach classes that are more hands on and experience based like cooking and PE. It can be fun to plan but you see new students every few days, so you don't get to create a strong bond with students. The classes at times can be tiring to teach back to back as well.
Overall, I 100% recommend this program to people who can come here with no expectations and are willing to involve themselves with the community and try new things. I got to meet people from all the around the world. I was able to expand my interests and knowledge. You will gain a new understanding of the world after living (not just traveling but LIVING) away from home. If you want that kind of experience and change, just go for it.
All the best on your journey!