Arriving in South Korea

Well, I was hoping for another adventure and it looks like one is starting. I arrived here in South Korea on Monday, April 12th at about 9:30pm.

The flight was long but not terrible. I didn't sleep much which I was glad for because it has allowed my jet lag to be minimal. I was picked up at the airport by the local recruiter. I had never met or talked to her before and only heard her name once that night so I can't recall it here for you. She was very sweet and brought me right to my (furnished) apartment where my director was waiting to meet me. The apartment was a small studio but it has it's own bathroom, kitchen (minus the oven), and washing machine located about 10 minutes by foot from my school. It's been a pleasent place so far, though I still need to buy groceries, and is aparently packed with foreigners. I don't forsee any issues.

I went to work the next day after lunch which I was treated to by the director. It was at a tiny restaurant on the second floor of a nearby building. Hidden around several corners, a flight of stairs and a doorway which faded into the surrounding wall, it would have been difficult to find on my own. The lunch was delicious and the conversation was nice. Afterward, we walked back to school so I could shadow a few classes that afternoon. The classes should actually go pretty smoothly. All of the classes have a predetermined curriculum with readings and workbooks. I'll have some autonomy in exactly how I present the material but I won't have to develop anything on my own. Even the lower level students seem to be lightyears ahead of the students I had in Chile (with many exceptions on both ends) and the school is complete English immersion. The level of English is already impressive. Hopefully, I can help advance a few more students. The next day I took care of medical/dental check-ups and spoke with my supervisor about his expectations and job description and requirements. It's been nothing but shadowing since then. I start teaching on my own tomorrow and I'd be lying if i said I wasn't nervous. I'm sure there'll be some speed bumps but all in all it will be fine.

My social life is actually doing quite well. I ran into another foreigner on the street after work on the first day. I had been in South Korea less than 24 hours at that point and this stranger's first words to me were: "Are you new? Are you the Chile guy?" Apparently, word spreads quickly among the foreigners here. We went out for a few beers and I was quickly invited to 2 more get togethers this week. It's a very friendly and inviting crowd here.

I should be getting internet in my apartment soon and will then be able to post pics. For now I hope this suffices. I hope all are well! Talk soon!

Zach