Expat Mom Chronicles

07/04/2017

This week I began teaching at my second school! I teach there on Thursdays and Friday mornings. I have to say, it has been quite the relief to teach here. The students are engaged and excited to learn English. Better yet, they are quiet, listen, are respectful and happily participate in class activities. It gives me hope. I feel like I can actually teach and make an impact. But man am I tired when Fridays roll around. As a student I never realized the amount of time and energy it requires to be a teacher. And making materials...😧 I see a student wad it up, draw on it or even eat it and I'm like, "Do you know how long that took me to make"??!! Thank you to all of the teachers out there. I've been teaching for only a month and I have quickly learned how much work it takes. Teachers need more than a "Teacher Appreciation" Week. More like a "Teacher Appreciation" Month including trips to the spa, nap times and lots of wine.

02/04/2017

My first month teaching English in Korea has included gleeful moments, some face palm moments and a few frustrating moments. Here are a few reflections thus far.

It has been one month since I started working at my high school in Daejeon. Some days fly by while others feel like they will never end.

09/03/2017

Before beginning to teach each EPIK teacher is required to attend a 9-day orientation. If you or someone you know is interested in teaching English in South Korea through EPIK here is a concise overview of the orientation. It is an excellent program!

EPIK orientation helped ease the transition into life in Korea and as a new English teacher. It was a full and busy week with a lot of information.

08/03/2017

The much-anticipated apartment tour ;) I made a full video tour just for you guys. I've been saying I want to try out 'tiny house' living. Well, I got it. But I love it!

One of the benefits EPIK offers is free, furnished housing for all teachers. This is a tour of my furnished studio apartment in Daejeon, South Korea.

07/03/2017

A break from orientation, and a very short trip into Korea's history, culture and traditions.

Hanok Village is nicknamed the "Slow City". Although the rest of Jeonju has industrialized the village still retains its traditions, culture and history.

06/03/2017

Guys, I am loving my current situation! Albeit the slow start at work everything is going perfectly. I love where I live, my assignment and this new city I call home.

I successfully finished EPIK orientation, moved into my new apartment and completed the first days at my school. I am assigned two vocational high schools.

06/03/2017

I still haven't started teaching yet, but I did get up to my classroom to start cleaning and organizing. Isn't it an incredible space?! It's huge and completely hooked up.

27/02/2017

While in Jeonju on Friday the new EPIK teachers participated in a cooking class as a part of the cultural field trip! We made the local, traditional dish of Bibimbap. Although mine didn't turn out as aesthetically appealing as the instructor's, it still tasted amazing! It's a fairly simple dish and one I think, after time, I can try to cook again myself. Goal while in Korea: learn to cook a few Korean dishes.

http://bit.ly/2mk9yq1