School Changey!

I have been in Korea for almost 5 months. Not to long ago, the board of education of our town held a teacher staff meeting which required all the native English teachers (net) to gather up for a discussion about what currently was going to happen in the near future. 

Apparently every year in my town the net change schools. I learn something everyday...I don't know why this happens but we were allowed to voice are opinions by sending an email but their was still a slight chance that we were still being moved around. It seems like they want students to see different foreigners every year but I find this very bothersome. 

After finally figuring out my situation, understanding my students, figuring out my transportation and most importantly knowing all my students names I will be leaving to another school the following year. I went through all that trouble for nothing...I really don't know what the reason is behind this situation but I feel like this is not a good idea. I feel like the net should be able to know your students well and have a teacher that teaches at the school for as long as their employed or requested differently from the school board. This will let the teachers understand their school schedules and events that re-occurrs every year instead of trying to figure out different schools cirumstances over and over again.

I feel like this puts a lot of pressures on the teachers and it is abit frustrating. As of now I teach at three different schools and the class sizes are small so I really like that about it. I get to understand my students more on the personal side. 

But the following year I will be teaching at one school and it is a much larger school. I recently talked to a teacher that worked for that school and she said the average class size is 27. o.O That is like triple the amount of students that I teach right now. I'm excited but nervous for this new upcoming challenge next year. So I will have to wait until next year to see what the next teaching adventure is all about. 

The new semster of the new school year has started on March 1st for my main school. This semester had several changes. I taught at 3 schools from July 2014- March 2015 but currently I am teaching at only 2 schools.

My main school stayed the same but I don't teach at San-nae and San-nae Nammyung Elementary school anymore. :( Thoses were my favorite schools that I taught at. The students were very nice, friendly and cute.

The office of education had hired a new GET for thoses 2 schools. When I was teaching at 3 schools, it was a bit complicated in the beginning but after a month in, I got the hang of it. Then here goes another change, I moved to a larger school, Miribeol teaching only 6th graders. There are 6 classes of 28- 30 6th graders a class.WOAH!! It was a drastic change for me. From only 10-12 6th graders to about 30 6th grade students per class.

Since I am backtracking on my blog since I fell off the bandwagon I am catching up with my blog, so much for my new year's resolution. >< For the new massive school, Miribeol that I teach at now, I have a great co-teacher who particular does all the work and all I have to do is illicit some words, phrases, sentences and prepare a game.

It seems quite relaxing compared to the other school that I have to teach at since I have no co-teacher therefore I teach alone, which I don't mind as much. The teaching styles are a bit different. The one school, I actually teach alone and the other school I have a co-teacher taking the lead.

So far I have been teaching for almost about 2 and 1/2 months at the larger school, Miribeol.

However I do miss my students from my other 2 schools. The last day at San-nae Nammyung and San-nae, I had the last review game with them and I also had a reward system going on. Since it was my last day teaching there, I had the students calculate there stamps for each grade. Students with the most stamps I've treated them to ice cream of there choice. It was about 6 students ranging from each grade starting with 1st to 6th graders.

LIFE IS FILLED WITH OBSTACLES, THAT WE MUST BULLDOZE ARE WAY THROUGH!!

Getting Contacts & Glasses in South Korea

It is about that time of the year for my eye check up and I did it in South Korea while I was in Haeundae for the weekend. I went to Eye One Optic and the service was pretty amazing. I didn't really speak much Korean and it was totally fine. The staff was very helpful and friendly. The Ophthalmologist helping me knew English pretty well. First, I was captured by there sales on glasses frames' for only $10. This deal is definitely much cheaper than in America. They are not designer brands but are decent. The check-up was considered the free service for purchasing there glasses. There are different pricing for the lenses. 

Base: 60,000 Won (Lenses are thicker, the more expensive the lenses the thinner the lenses)

Average: 110,000 Won

Best: 200,000 Won

Before I left to go to Korea I purchase brand new glasses and they cost around $200 US dollars (not including the check up fee) and the glasses was not a designer brand either. I was able to purchase a black frame glasses with my prescription lenses for 110,000 Won ($100 US dollars). I also looked at the Freshlook circle lenses and I was able to sample the 5 different types. My eyes were so red from putting on so many different contact lenses.

There is a large selection prescription circle lenses that is available but most of the brands do not have it for astigmatism, which I happen to have, a fancy word for deformed distorted eyes. (irregular shape of the cornea)

 

The circle lenses has 30 pairs, one box for the left & the right eye that are use once a day only, but can be use more than once for me. Each box cost $40 dollars. They have been very comfortable just like contacts, make your pupil just slightly larger but it is very natural looking. I did not get the ones that look like alien eyes, made be for Halloween. 

For service, I received contact solution & another case to hold my other glasses. In total it cost 190,000 Won ($180 USD) for a month supply of contacts and a pair of glasses. What was really surprising is that, my glasses and contacts were ready in ONE hour. That is how fast the service is. In America, I have to wait at least two weeks to get my contacts and glasses. So I was really amazed. 

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, Busan

This weekend was exploring Busan with several of my friends that I haven't seen for awhile. One of the amazing places, we went to see was Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, it's in the Northeastern region in Busan. It is also one of the few temples that is along the coast. It was so pretty.

While walking up towards the temple, there were many vendors that sold miscellanous things, street food, and also religionous items. The temple had many parts, they had a pagoda, statues for each zodiac lined up, a buddhist carving, and  they had an underground fresh water pit that you can drink. It looked more man-made than natural. I was looking at the infastructure and was disappointed. As I knocked on the side of the walls, I immediately knew it was a fake underground cave.

The temple had the amazing spot to see the sun set rise too. It is such a pretty and well kept temple that one should visit while in Korea. Here are some of my pictures:

My next adventure, I would like to visit the 3 jewel temples in South Korea. Here are some of the information I have gather for my next adventure.

http://travel.cnn.com/seoul/visit/33-beautiful-temples-enlightenment-857401

THREE JEWEL TEMPLES OF KOREA (GYEONGSANG)

TONGDOSA- REPRESENTS THE BUDDHA

HAEINSA-REPRESENTS THE DHARMA/BUDDHIST TEACHING

SONGGWANGSA-REPRESENTS THE SANGHA/BUDDSHIST COMMUNITY (SOUTH JEOLLA PROVINCE)

Taejongdae

Taejongdae was a really nice place to relax and enjoy the beach. I have attached the link about the park. Beware that you are walking on an incline so be prepared to wear sneakers or comfortable shoes. My friends and I decided to go on a whim and I wore flats that day but there were women in heels and men in nice leather shoes. I was surprised the women's were able to last that long. It is a great escape from the city life or country side. 

I went on a Saturday and it was a bit crowded. There is an option to take a tourist train ($2-3 USD) to the park but we decided to walk since we were up for the adventures. The train looks like the one in a theme park all deck out and colorful that attract tourist but, It was not a far walk, we were so busy talking and catching up with each other that we nearly past the turn that lead to the beach. Taejongdae is known for their rock beach which has a beautiful view of the ocean and lighthouse. This park was also in a Korean Drama, Pinocchio. It was the suicide scene of the mother for all of those who watched the drama. Don't mind me with that awesome hat, I have misplaced my sunglasses so the sun is shining right at me. The sun was beaming hot that day and I was able to pick up this hat for only 5,000 won. ($5 USD)

 The rocks are very smooth and slipper if it's wet. It is such a nice view from the rocks. There were many people eating at this area. It was like a picnic area with a great view.

We had a picnic with delicious kimbab and juice while enjoying the scenic view. It was also very breezy once you reach this side. I would definitely like to come back to this place, but there is so much to see in South Korea that I haven't explored yet.

-chuieeglam

About Chuiee's Adventures

Come along with me on my journey and adventures while in South Korea. It's my first year teaching English and living abroad away from my home country. 

Opening my Bank Account NongHyup

PLACEHOLDER FOR PICTURE OF NH

The week that I was getting paid, one of my co-teachers finally decided to make a bank account for me... They didn't really ask for my preferences, for which bank I would like. That would have been better, but I didn't know any better at that time. My co-teacher was also rushing to make the bank account which I really didn't like at all. One of my pet peeves: being rushed when doing something important!!!
The card that I received was only a withdrawal card. I ended up going to the bank by myself the following to ask for a check card which is a debit card. The tellers were very helpful and with my broken Korean I was able to get my point across. It cost 1000 won for the card. 

Korean's check cards are basically debit cards. The teller told me to change my check card to a credit card. She explained for every 1000 Won I spend, I get a discount of 300 Won so I will only be spending 700 Won. I thought it was great and there I signed some papers that I could not read to get my new credit card. It arrived 2 weeks later in the mail.

After receiving my second paycheck, I went to the bank to transfer money from NH to Chase. The surcharges were a bit hefty from both banks. It costed me $100 bucks to transfer 2K back to the States. I was trying to find another alternative way and Citibank had great reviews for transferring money from Citibank Korea to Citibank America. 

But I came across a problem, I don't have a Citibank account in America. However, I talked to customer service and said I was able to open one while I'm in South Korea. I booked my ticket to Daegu, and that was the closest Citibank from where I lived. It took me an hour to located that darn Citibank in Daegu. I had assistances from another bank representative. I was out of luck because I left my passport in my apartment. Grrr... Now, I am waiting it off until I really need to send money home. Those darn sallie mae bills are creeping in next year.

xoxo-chuiee

Chinese Food in S. Korea

Chinese food in Korea, I heard is really delicious but I have not found a place to try any Chinese cuisines. So this post will be updated once I come across Chinese food in Korea.

Exploring My Town

 The first month in Korea I explored my small town. It has quite the view. The park is one of my favorite places to take a light jog. It has a lot of hiking areas which I will take advantage. I love hiking.

My park has pretty 3 D drawings on the floors of the park. It is quite breath taking. Super detailed and the work looks amazing.

 This was a bit daring. I decided to hop on the bus and see where it takes me. I found out that taking the bus no. 1 and 2, it takes me to the train station in 15 minutes or less for 1100 Won and I passed by my local library, other schools and places around my town. So if I am a bit lazy that day, I'm taking the bus. Also taking a bus no. 1 or 2 from the train station takes me near my apartment...win-win. 

 A Temple near my house is about a 5 minute walk. It is really pretty but I didn't have the chance to check it out yet. It is on my to do list. 

My park view:

xoxo-chuiee

First Day in South Korea!!! Yay!

Backtracking from July ><....I have been m.i.a lately because I have been busy and adapting to Korea life...For real tho...lol

When I arrived to Korea in Seoul I had to transfer to Busan (PUS) so I had to wait for another 2 hours. I was so excited at that point. I felt like a little kid receiving a giant lollipop but even better. 
In Seoul's Airport, they have a Hello Kitty Cafe. It was sooo cute!!! I love Hello Kitty!!!! <3 <3 <3 

Alistair had told me in the previous email that he will be picking me up from Busan International Airport (PUS) and I should not worry to much. As I am an over-thinker. In my head, thoughts were scattered in my brain. What happens if this is a scam?, What happens if Alistair doesn't pick me up? What do I do? Yes, I am that kind of over-thinker. But thank goodness everything went well. 
When I finally arrived in Busan (PUS), it was late, I was walking out of the gate and was looking up to see if I can find Alistair. I stand about 6'3 so I was expecting Alistair to be tall. hahaha I heard my name being called but I didn't know where it was coming from so I was scoping around up and down. There I saw Alistair for the first time ever. He was short and a petite man with doctor looking glasses. If you went through Alistair you know, that you don't see Alistair at all, there is only audio.
Alistair helped me with my bags and he drove me to a hotel in Changwon were I would be staying for the night. He told me while he was driving that I will have a roommate at the hotel. 
After arriving at the hotel, Alistair just told me to take the bag that I need, to dress business formal to meet the office of education officers tomorrow morning. But my instances kicked in again, should I trust him with my bags, I literally just meet him today in person. What happens if he runs away with all of my things. hahaah..

I was expecting a hotel that looked like the ones in the States like Holiday Express or something. I was expecting to much but I have to say my standards are a bit high and I had to remember that I am in a different country. It looked more like a motel. I didn't mind at all. I was a bit jet-lagged and really didn't care at this point. I meet my roommate that I would be spending the night with but I literally woke her up. She was a familiar friend. We actually meet a couple weeks ago taking the 20 hours in-class TEFL course in NYC.... Small World...We ended up talking for hours catching up with each other. I barely sleep that night because the time zone difference.

Next Morning....

We went down to eat breakfast. I meet another person who went through Korean Horizon and he has been here for 2 weeks already. He mentioned that he wanted to visit some friends before teaching begins. We went to the office of education in Gyeongsangnam-do to review and sign are work contracts with are co-teachers. Mr. Oil was another teacher from my school that came to get me. He was not my co-teacher. His english was not perfect but he was able to get his point across sometimes, without me getting confused that is. lol He was really nice and talked a lot. After an hour in the Gyeongsangnam-do Office of Education, we departed to go get other important documents done such as are Alien Registration Card (ARC) and a full check up at the hospital. It took us awhile to get are ARC card because Mr. Oil was also very unfamiliar to Busan. We were walking a lot in this blazing hot sun around Busan. Don't get me wrong but I was still very exhausted, tired, jet-lagged and spacing out. We were finally able to get lunch after figuring out my ARC card and check up. It was my first Korean meal, Black bean noodles in Busan. Yummy!! Mr. Oil also took me to my main school to meet all the my future colleagues and Principal from there I was passed on to my real co-teacher, Mr. Kim. He does not speak English at all..very minimal. Mr. Kim took me to a grocery store at this point I was not thinking straight at all as I was still very exhausted. He told me to buy things I needed for apartment. I haven't been to my apartment so I don't really know what I need...hahaha I just ended up buying instant noodles and water. 

Finally I went to my apartment, it was nice. 

After a couple of days and weeks in Korea, I was thrown into teaching not knowing what to do, so far I got my bank card eaten by the atm machine...and yes it ate it!, I got lost in my own town at night. I did not know where anything was at that time, since I was still very new and mind you I had no cell phone...literally I was on the verge of crying. There was a city wide summer camp held in July 28- August 1 and it was summer vacation for us after. I also meet other cool foreigners in my town. There is only 15 foreigners in my town so you can see how small my town is. Life was rough in the beginning...now I am a bit better off. 

XOXO-Chuiee