On Thursday on my way to school I ran into the high school English teacher. For weeks we've been trying to get coffee after school is over, but every time we make plans she gets to go home early. Thursday we discussed coffee plans on the bus. I sat down at my computer and began finding things to occupy me for the day. Around 10:30 my friend walked in with her things. I started laughing and she just smiled and said, I guess making plans with you helps me get out of school early. We had a little chat and my co-teacher walked into the office. He shook her hand and said hi to her and then asked her plan. She took the opportunity to say the high school let her out early and I should be able to go too so we could get coffee. His facial expression was hilarious. I think he was shocked that he just kept saying "yes go early, yes go ahead!" I made sure he was okay with it and he just kept staring at her, shocked, saying yes. I quickly gathered my things (and in the process forgot things behind...oops!) My principal then walked in. He had already said his goodbye's to my friend. So he began giving me the same speech. Have a great vacation, be safe, enjoy your time off, Happy New Year and ended with... please take tomorrow off, too! Clearly this has been an awesome start to my month long vacation.
I spent Thursday cleaning my apartment in preparation for my vacation. I then headed to Gwangju in the evening to have a movie night with a good friend. We ended up watching 4 movies, which seems a little crazy now but at the time we weren't tired so we just kept watching. On Friday we met up with 2 other friends to see, yes you guessed it, another movie. We watched Sherlock Holmes 2, it was a really good movie!
I came back to my apartment so I can get as much rest as possible since I won't be sleeping in my bed for the next 2 nights... or a bed at all! I will head to Gwangju this evening to ring in the new year with all of my friends (well the ones who are here and not on vacation). On Sunday I'll make my way back to Naju to rest up for the day and make sure I have everything for my trip. Then I'll head back to Gwangju. I'm going to have dinner with a friend and wait for my bus to Incheon airport. My bus leaves at 2 am. My flight to Shanhai leaves at 9 am and I'll be to Singapore by 6:30 pm. I'm so excited and hoping that it won't be storming for my week there!!
Happy New Year everyone. New post after vacation!
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Christmas and School Festival
Christmas in Korea, of course, is just not the same as being at home with friends and family. There isn't the same hype, decorations, FOOD, and it just doesn't have the same feel. Last year I felt more like Christmas to me. I'm not sure why, maybe it was because on Christmas morning I watched a Christmas movie and had a big breakfast (like is traditiona for my family) with a close friend. I'm not much of fan of Christmas to begin with, but I still enjoy the presents (or surprise packages.. thank you mom and Linda!) This Christmas several (17 of us to be exact) headed to a friend's in Damyang, a 30 minute bus ride away to her very spacious apartment. As friend's began arriving, we set up the tree, began preparing food and enjoyed some all time favorite Christmas movies. Around 11 the food was finally finished, everyone had arrived and we were ready to eat some delicious homemade food. Unfortunately, most of us had been snacking on a delicious taco dip so we weren't that hungry, but we managed to stuff more food into our bodies in true holiday fashion. The wine was flowing along with the conversations. It was off to a great start. After eating we all decided we were too impatient to wait until morning for presents. After some convincing, we decided to spend 20 minutes singing Christmas carols together waiting for midnight and officially Christmas day. The secret santa gifts were all fun and it was an overall great evening spent with some great friends.
On Monday at Bannam was the school's winter festival. The winter festival is for all the student's to sing, dance or do little skits together. There were snacks, tea and coffee, door prizes and lots of parents plus the artwork the students' had been working on for the past few months. As soon as I walked into the gym my 7th graders were surprised and excited to see me, all running and yelling my name. One of the Korean teachers' likes to joke with her students, when they asked her if I will come to the festival she told them no. So, they too were surprised to see me (and she got a good laugh about their reactions). The festival was long but really funny/cute. I stupidly forgot my camera though. The 7th grade girls were really into the dancing and did lots of dances to their favorite KPop songs, several students played intstrumets, sang, many danced as a class or with their friends. The 7th graders did a really cute skit where they dressed up in traditional clothing, played grandmothers and grandfathers begging for money (and fighting over chewing gum), they even pulled the principal on stage to dance for money. The 9th graders did a skit, although no one was around to tell me the plot, it had something to do with fairies, spells, the boys dressed as girls, and a wedding. In the afternoon the students' participated in sports' day. It was fun to watch them and hang out with the other teachers.
On Tuesday the students had to attend a closing ceremony. I sat in the office during this time and made some more plans for my 3 week winter vacation. Around 12:30 the teachers began packing up, so I followed suit (there is a serious lack of communication sometimes!) I got into the car with my co-teacher and we headed to a restaurant in the neighboring county of Yeongam. Some of the parent's of the students wanted to have lunch with the teachers and I. So, we joined them for a meal. We went to a bbq place that had the most delicious tasting beef I've had in awhile. It was so juicy and perfect! We had so much to eat and I enjoyed a nice time talking with the teacher's. My co-teacher and I were driving back to Naju when the principal called her. He wanted to invite me for dinner if I didn't have any plans. I said I would love to join and he was happy. I had 2 hours at home before heading to Gwangju with my co-teacher. All the teachers plus 3 of the office workers were getting together for a going away dinner. 2 of the office workers are moving to other schools. Mrs. Im (my co-teacher) thinks the school is in trouble since both of these men do all the landscaping at the school and they are being replaced by a female who doesn't do her job properply now. Of course dinner was at a seafood restuarent where we had "high quality" abalone (also known as 'ear-shells' 'muttonfish' or 'muttonshells). I'm not going to lie, it was terrible. I ate 2 of these hard things. The had a big place of raw ones, and then boiled ones, and then grilled ones (coming out as a different course each time). I slowly muched on the lettuce, broccoli and breaded fish. I didn't think the courses would ever stop and honestly I couldn't wait to get home to eat some chocolate or something to get the terrible taste out of my mouth. At the table behind me consisting of a few teachers and the leaving office workers, their soju was flowing pretty heavily. Luckily, I was not offered any soju and only had one glass of beer that my prinicpal poured me. As we left the restaurant, the 2 office workers called my name and we bowed to each other. They shook my hand and one told me his favorite song is Hotel California (or that he wanted me to sing it to him, not sure)... It was such a great day!
I sat at a table with my principal and the art teacher Ms. No, my co-teacher sat at a different table to force both of them to talk to me. The principal is really shy, but so friendly. On Monday he was asking my co-teacher about my vacation and if I would spend it with my family. He asked me on Tuesday my plan (after some coaxing from my co-teacher.) He was shocked when I said I was going to Singapore and Malaysia alone for 3 weeks. I told him next year he has to join my English workshop. On the ride back to Naju, Mrs. Im told me that the principal really likes me and is always asking about me and concerned for me (as is she, she's so worried for my safety with my upcoming vacation!) It really makes me happy hanging out with the teachers and principal and just talking to them. They are so friendly and welcoming, more so than Geumcheon. I love Geumcheon, but there is NO comparison between the 2 as far as how kind the teachers/students are!
My week's always start off so great when I am at Bannam. And then I come to Geumcheon. Today I found out I have 20 days of winter camp, which is approximately 2 weeks longer than it should be. I also only have 2 students for the entire 4 week session. Unneccessary to have it this long! Then after lunch my co-teacher starts telling me about the 2 day, 1 night teacher's workshop that will take place tomorrow and what time I should be there and that I can take a bus. Hold up. Nope, no way, not happening. First of all, it's all in Korean. Strike one. You tell me the day before about an overnight trip. Strike 2. I have to take a bus there, you won't even give me a ride. Strike 3. I'm out. I said I had plans tomorrow night (I don't, I just don't want to go) and then I asked if it's all in Korean and he said yes and he said "you don't want to go?" And I said no, I'd rather not and he said okay. I don't really know if it is truely "ok" but I don't care. One thing that bothers me is how I find out everything LAST MINUTE! So annoying!
Look for a new update sometime in February about my 3 week's of sun, beaches, food and adventures in Sinapore and Malaysia!
On Monday at Bannam was the school's winter festival. The winter festival is for all the student's to sing, dance or do little skits together. There were snacks, tea and coffee, door prizes and lots of parents plus the artwork the students' had been working on for the past few months. As soon as I walked into the gym my 7th graders were surprised and excited to see me, all running and yelling my name. One of the Korean teachers' likes to joke with her students, when they asked her if I will come to the festival she told them no. So, they too were surprised to see me (and she got a good laugh about their reactions). The festival was long but really funny/cute. I stupidly forgot my camera though. The 7th grade girls were really into the dancing and did lots of dances to their favorite KPop songs, several students played intstrumets, sang, many danced as a class or with their friends. The 7th graders did a really cute skit where they dressed up in traditional clothing, played grandmothers and grandfathers begging for money (and fighting over chewing gum), they even pulled the principal on stage to dance for money. The 9th graders did a skit, although no one was around to tell me the plot, it had something to do with fairies, spells, the boys dressed as girls, and a wedding. In the afternoon the students' participated in sports' day. It was fun to watch them and hang out with the other teachers.
On Tuesday the students had to attend a closing ceremony. I sat in the office during this time and made some more plans for my 3 week winter vacation. Around 12:30 the teachers began packing up, so I followed suit (there is a serious lack of communication sometimes!) I got into the car with my co-teacher and we headed to a restaurant in the neighboring county of Yeongam. Some of the parent's of the students wanted to have lunch with the teachers and I. So, we joined them for a meal. We went to a bbq place that had the most delicious tasting beef I've had in awhile. It was so juicy and perfect! We had so much to eat and I enjoyed a nice time talking with the teacher's. My co-teacher and I were driving back to Naju when the principal called her. He wanted to invite me for dinner if I didn't have any plans. I said I would love to join and he was happy. I had 2 hours at home before heading to Gwangju with my co-teacher. All the teachers plus 3 of the office workers were getting together for a going away dinner. 2 of the office workers are moving to other schools. Mrs. Im (my co-teacher) thinks the school is in trouble since both of these men do all the landscaping at the school and they are being replaced by a female who doesn't do her job properply now. Of course dinner was at a seafood restuarent where we had "high quality" abalone (also known as 'ear-shells' 'muttonfish' or 'muttonshells). I'm not going to lie, it was terrible. I ate 2 of these hard things. The had a big place of raw ones, and then boiled ones, and then grilled ones (coming out as a different course each time). I slowly muched on the lettuce, broccoli and breaded fish. I didn't think the courses would ever stop and honestly I couldn't wait to get home to eat some chocolate or something to get the terrible taste out of my mouth. At the table behind me consisting of a few teachers and the leaving office workers, their soju was flowing pretty heavily. Luckily, I was not offered any soju and only had one glass of beer that my prinicpal poured me. As we left the restaurant, the 2 office workers called my name and we bowed to each other. They shook my hand and one told me his favorite song is Hotel California (or that he wanted me to sing it to him, not sure)... It was such a great day!
I sat at a table with my principal and the art teacher Ms. No, my co-teacher sat at a different table to force both of them to talk to me. The principal is really shy, but so friendly. On Monday he was asking my co-teacher about my vacation and if I would spend it with my family. He asked me on Tuesday my plan (after some coaxing from my co-teacher.) He was shocked when I said I was going to Singapore and Malaysia alone for 3 weeks. I told him next year he has to join my English workshop. On the ride back to Naju, Mrs. Im told me that the principal really likes me and is always asking about me and concerned for me (as is she, she's so worried for my safety with my upcoming vacation!) It really makes me happy hanging out with the teachers and principal and just talking to them. They are so friendly and welcoming, more so than Geumcheon. I love Geumcheon, but there is NO comparison between the 2 as far as how kind the teachers/students are!
My week's always start off so great when I am at Bannam. And then I come to Geumcheon. Today I found out I have 20 days of winter camp, which is approximately 2 weeks longer than it should be. I also only have 2 students for the entire 4 week session. Unneccessary to have it this long! Then after lunch my co-teacher starts telling me about the 2 day, 1 night teacher's workshop that will take place tomorrow and what time I should be there and that I can take a bus. Hold up. Nope, no way, not happening. First of all, it's all in Korean. Strike one. You tell me the day before about an overnight trip. Strike 2. I have to take a bus there, you won't even give me a ride. Strike 3. I'm out. I said I had plans tomorrow night (I don't, I just don't want to go) and then I asked if it's all in Korean and he said yes and he said "you don't want to go?" And I said no, I'd rather not and he said okay. I don't really know if it is truely "ok" but I don't care. One thing that bothers me is how I find out everything LAST MINUTE! So annoying!
Look for a new update sometime in February about my 3 week's of sun, beaches, food and adventures in Sinapore and Malaysia!
Friday, December 9, 2011
Kindness
Woah! 2 blog post in one week? Guess I have much to say.
Koreans are really kind people. Sometimes I'm amazed at the kindness they show to foreigners. I know at home I've seen plenty of kindness. Sometimes I question what I would do if the roles were reversed or even what any American would do if the roles were reversed. Last year when I first got to Korea, I attempted to visit Danielle and got lost. Several Korean middle school boys stood with me for an hour, offering me their cell phones and waited with me until they knew I was okay. Would that ever happen at home?
Yesterday as I stood waiting for the bus, freezing, a van pulled over in front of the bus stop. This is normal, I always see my students getting into this van on their way to academy. This time one of my students, a 9th grader, jumped out and said hi to me. She then proceeded to tell me that she was going to academy in Naju (my school is across the bridge from town). I smiled and said that was nice to which she responded "no teacher! Academy in Naju, bus driver said come on!" I'm pretty sure my students told their bus driver that I was their English teacher and he told them he would drop me off at my apartment. It was really thoughtful (and thankfully my students know my apartment complex name since I don't!). The students enjoyed having a 10 minute conversation with me and the bus driver smiled the entire way to my apartment as he listened to them speaking English to me (and him telling me I'm beautiful). Won Min was in the van and as I've already mentioned, he is one of the most entertaining students I have and I always look forward to what he might have to say.
Today as I stood freezing again waiting for the bus, the academy van pulled over this time to pick up one of my 7th graders, Min Geun, who I really like. The bus driver noticed me and rolled the window down and nodded at me to jump in the van. Min Geun is a great English speaker, but his ability to translate is not that great yet. The bus driver had a lot to say (perhaps to me, although I am not too sure). He kept smiling at me and speaking Korean to me. I was again thankful and amazed at the generosity of this man. It saved me from freezing waiting for the bus, plus I saved a dollar in bus fares two days in a row!
I hope when I eventually go home I will be as helpful and giving to foreigners as the Koreans have been to me.
To close, here is a great video that I saw from the Gwangjublog, really great and worth watching!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90Y4jx38DF4&feature=youtu.be
Koreans are really kind people. Sometimes I'm amazed at the kindness they show to foreigners. I know at home I've seen plenty of kindness. Sometimes I question what I would do if the roles were reversed or even what any American would do if the roles were reversed. Last year when I first got to Korea, I attempted to visit Danielle and got lost. Several Korean middle school boys stood with me for an hour, offering me their cell phones and waited with me until they knew I was okay. Would that ever happen at home?
Yesterday as I stood waiting for the bus, freezing, a van pulled over in front of the bus stop. This is normal, I always see my students getting into this van on their way to academy. This time one of my students, a 9th grader, jumped out and said hi to me. She then proceeded to tell me that she was going to academy in Naju (my school is across the bridge from town). I smiled and said that was nice to which she responded "no teacher! Academy in Naju, bus driver said come on!" I'm pretty sure my students told their bus driver that I was their English teacher and he told them he would drop me off at my apartment. It was really thoughtful (and thankfully my students know my apartment complex name since I don't!). The students enjoyed having a 10 minute conversation with me and the bus driver smiled the entire way to my apartment as he listened to them speaking English to me (and him telling me I'm beautiful). Won Min was in the van and as I've already mentioned, he is one of the most entertaining students I have and I always look forward to what he might have to say.
Today as I stood freezing again waiting for the bus, the academy van pulled over this time to pick up one of my 7th graders, Min Geun, who I really like. The bus driver noticed me and rolled the window down and nodded at me to jump in the van. Min Geun is a great English speaker, but his ability to translate is not that great yet. The bus driver had a lot to say (perhaps to me, although I am not too sure). He kept smiling at me and speaking Korean to me. I was again thankful and amazed at the generosity of this man. It saved me from freezing waiting for the bus, plus I saved a dollar in bus fares two days in a row!
I hope when I eventually go home I will be as helpful and giving to foreigners as the Koreans have been to me.
To close, here is a great video that I saw from the Gwangjublog, really great and worth watching!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90Y4jx38DF4&feature=youtu.be
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Winter vacation plans
I've been in Korea for 3 months already. 3 months! Danielle and Josh have returned to Korea this past week and I'm really excited for them to be back and for us to be (semi)close to each other again. It feels like they never left. It's already December and Christmas is quickly approaching, although it doesn't look or feel like it. Last Monday I went for a walk with my co-teacher at Bannam. I had a long sleeve shirt on, a sweater and my jacket for the walk. I got so hot I was taking my sweater and jacket off! It was around 70 degrees at the end of November! Although, I'm not complaining. I do enjoy the warm weather and rather hat the cold. By the end of the week the temperatures were back at a normal level for the beginning of December.
With December comes the start (well for me at least) of planning Winter Vacation. Last year I really didn't get a winter vacation, so this year I'm overwhelmed with a month long vacation! Yes, a month. I am so excited. I wish I had some friends to join on my excursion, but most of the other public school teachers have vacation 2 weeks later than me (due to winter camps). I've decided on going to Singapore and Malaysia. I really did want to visit Thailand, but I feel like that is a place to visit with friends. I'm going to fly into Singapore, bus to Malaysia and perhaps hit up the Southern most part of Thailand (I'm so looking forward to sun and beaches and FOOD! ahh the food options are endless...)
Last week was a normal week at school. I usually have to sit in on my co-teacher's classes. It's painful to watch and experience. He is a TERRIBLE teacher. Class usually starts 20 minutes late, it takes him forever to turn on the computer and then he stares at it for awhile. Then he puts some things on the board and has the students write the translation or repeat things. He always speaks in Korean and the students really don't pay attention. Sometimes they turn around and watch me and talk to me. I tell them to pay attention, but really, they learn more talking to me then listening to that man. So, on Wednesday I decided to learn the student's names in my 9th grade class (class 1). Thursday while the students did NOTHING again, I spent more time learning their names. On Friday I arrived to class. The students got quiet (this is my day to teach) and said, teacher test! I went through and said all of their names. They were very impressed and excited that I got them all right. After that they were all ears and excited to talk to me and listen to me! They decided they didn't want to learn and we should have English conversations all class. I was not going to turn that down for a lesson they will get bored with... it was a great class!
Then 9th grade class (class 2). These kids are not so good, they always ignore me, talk amongst themselves or sleep. My co-teacher sits in the back and sleeps with some of the students. It's ridiculous. So, Friday my students come into class and sit down. Won Min, one of my favorite students starts talking to me. He usually walks into class and says "hi Megan... Fox. I love you!" Today he was feeling very talkative. For about 5 minutes he told me why I should marry him (he already tells the student's I'm his girlfriend.) He had valid reasons and I was impressed with the way he expressed these points. "Megan, I'm very rich we should marry! I'm very smart and in the future I will work for the U.N. then I'll be richer and important! I play soccer and I'm very good, so I'm healthy too!!" Later in the day I was teaching about manners and customs in America. Korean's love to ask your age when they first meet you. I told them that in America age isn't important. Won Min raises his hand and says "oh! Megan, age isn't important in America... so, we can marry!" I'll hand it to him, he is a bright boy.
My favorite 9th grade class (class 1) will tell me how they "expect" me to do things. Like the "expected" me to have a nice manicure on Friday (which I did just for them). Then they told me that the next week they will have hamburgers. They said "teacher expect hamburgers!" I wasn't sure if they wanted me to give them a hamburger or they were going to give me a hamburger. Those students just walked into the office with hamburgers for all the teachers! Yay for cooking class!
Until next time...
With December comes the start (well for me at least) of planning Winter Vacation. Last year I really didn't get a winter vacation, so this year I'm overwhelmed with a month long vacation! Yes, a month. I am so excited. I wish I had some friends to join on my excursion, but most of the other public school teachers have vacation 2 weeks later than me (due to winter camps). I've decided on going to Singapore and Malaysia. I really did want to visit Thailand, but I feel like that is a place to visit with friends. I'm going to fly into Singapore, bus to Malaysia and perhaps hit up the Southern most part of Thailand (I'm so looking forward to sun and beaches and FOOD! ahh the food options are endless...)
Last week was a normal week at school. I usually have to sit in on my co-teacher's classes. It's painful to watch and experience. He is a TERRIBLE teacher. Class usually starts 20 minutes late, it takes him forever to turn on the computer and then he stares at it for awhile. Then he puts some things on the board and has the students write the translation or repeat things. He always speaks in Korean and the students really don't pay attention. Sometimes they turn around and watch me and talk to me. I tell them to pay attention, but really, they learn more talking to me then listening to that man. So, on Wednesday I decided to learn the student's names in my 9th grade class (class 1). Thursday while the students did NOTHING again, I spent more time learning their names. On Friday I arrived to class. The students got quiet (this is my day to teach) and said, teacher test! I went through and said all of their names. They were very impressed and excited that I got them all right. After that they were all ears and excited to talk to me and listen to me! They decided they didn't want to learn and we should have English conversations all class. I was not going to turn that down for a lesson they will get bored with... it was a great class!
Then 9th grade class (class 2). These kids are not so good, they always ignore me, talk amongst themselves or sleep. My co-teacher sits in the back and sleeps with some of the students. It's ridiculous. So, Friday my students come into class and sit down. Won Min, one of my favorite students starts talking to me. He usually walks into class and says "hi Megan... Fox. I love you!" Today he was feeling very talkative. For about 5 minutes he told me why I should marry him (he already tells the student's I'm his girlfriend.) He had valid reasons and I was impressed with the way he expressed these points. "Megan, I'm very rich we should marry! I'm very smart and in the future I will work for the U.N. then I'll be richer and important! I play soccer and I'm very good, so I'm healthy too!!" Later in the day I was teaching about manners and customs in America. Korean's love to ask your age when they first meet you. I told them that in America age isn't important. Won Min raises his hand and says "oh! Megan, age isn't important in America... so, we can marry!" I'll hand it to him, he is a bright boy.
My favorite 9th grade class (class 1) will tell me how they "expect" me to do things. Like the "expected" me to have a nice manicure on Friday (which I did just for them). Then they told me that the next week they will have hamburgers. They said "teacher expect hamburgers!" I wasn't sure if they wanted me to give them a hamburger or they were going to give me a hamburger. Those students just walked into the office with hamburgers for all the teachers! Yay for cooking class!
Until next time...
Friday, November 25, 2011
Really random ramblings
Today when walking to lunch I had a conversation with one of the Korean teachers.. in my head. You might ask why it was in my head and not an actual conversation. Well folks I'll tell you, because we don't speak the same language. I'm working on it, I'm slow and no one is helping me learn. So, our hypothetical conversation went like this:
me: Hey, so remember that time I had no idea what your name was and this is my 3rd month at this school?
Korean teacher: I know your name, why don't you know mine?
me: oh I don't know, no one told me I guess.
(the walk to the cafeteria is really long... making the silence kind of awkward).
me: So, it's pretty sunny and nice out today.
Korean teacher: it's cold and sun is bad.
me: well, I like the sun, it warms me up. And let's be honest that school is freezing. It's colder in there than it is outside.
Korean teacher: yeah we do that on purpose, keeps the students awake.
me: really? that's odd. It makes me do less work.
Korean teacher: haha, you seem to have it pretty easy anyway
me: touche!
I'm not lying when I say it is a long walk to the cafeteria, totally seems longer when we can't communicate. If we were in America I know how this would go.
"You're in America speak English!" -all the ignorant Americans
Luckily, Koreans are pretty nice people and so they understand. Although, I'll never understand why they do the things they do. Like setting a foreigner up with a bank account at the "Farmer's Credit Union" when they don't allow foreigners to send money home. Instead said bank will send you to another bank. Cue headache, stupid extra paperwork and when the hell am I going to have time to set up a new bank account when the banks close at 4:30 and I'm at work until 5?(plus they open at 9 and I'm at work by 8:30). I think they get enjoyment at watching us try to jump through these silly extra hoops. (For the record, I attempted to send money home, to which they said no go to a different bank. gah!)
My co-teacher just came to me and said that my building owner is going to sell my apartment building. And then he told me if I'm not going to be home tomorrow to leave my key with some officer. I've never seen a building officer before. I've only seen the ajummas (old ladies) sitting outside in a huddle hanging out chatting. I feel like they are the unofficial building watchers. As I get near they stop talking and watch my every move. It was awkward at first and then I gave them rice cakes and I'm pretty sure I'm their favorite foreigner now. I also bow to them and say hi (in Korean). Luckily, I will be home tomorrow so I'm suppose to let some stranger in my apartment to "have a look around." Just a guess, but I'm pretty sure ALL of the apartments in that building are the SAME. Maybe they just want to see how a cool American girl lives? Yeah, that's it. I hope I don't have to move apartments. I've come to love my spider infested place. I decorated the walls with tacky stickers in hopes of being more Korean-ified. I've covered my bedroom window with cardboard in hopes of keeping the cold air from coming in. I've made it my home and have no intention of moving to a new place (unless of course the new place is just as big BUT cleaner, then I'll totally be okay with that!)
Speaking of being Korean-ified. I may or may not own an i-phone and carry a mirror in my purse at all times. Occassionally, I pull both of them out. While checking myself in the mirror, I can send text messages. Koreans, turns out, are brilliant. Don't judge, it's all in good fun. Although, I think I've become more Korean-ified then I am letting on. It's okay, really.
Anyway, so my Korean teachers are totally cool. At lunch today it was not at all awkward while they surrounded me speaking in Korean to each other, while I tried to slump in my chair to finish eating my rice, meat, weird lettucey thing, mini hard boiled eggs and seaweed soup. And then they began to tell me that my chopstick skills are impressive (they have to be our else I'd starve or have to use my fingers which is gross unless you are eating pizza or sandwiches, Koreans don't believe in that for lunch. They aren't like Americans who think pizza is a vegetable, Koreans eat healthy. America, learn a thing or two!)
Did I tell you I'm not teaching today? 3 of my studens went to a speaking competition at the Office of Education. They were going to be interviewed in English and given a writing test. The winner gets a free tour of... China. This totally doesn't make sense to me, so you're telling me these kids are getting interviewed in English for a tour of a country that doesn't speak English? They need a new event planner, take the students to America, England or Canada. That seems more fitting. Anyway, so on Wednesday I asked my co-teacher if there was after school English class that day. He gave me his usal half laugh "um, I don't... I don't think so" This is the regular answer I get. Finally I asked him why not? "The students are bad, they don't feel like speaking." Oh good (I'm getting to the point I promise). So then he asks me to help him. We go upstairs to the English classroom where 2 girl students are waiting. I interview the first one, she does well, but needs improvement (plus she totally just memorized the random questions, that's not helpful). Then I interviewed the 2nd girl. She spent more time trying to have perfect answers. What I don't understand (like many of the things that happen here), if this is such a huge deal why are you asking for my assistance 2 days before the competition?! These 3 students should have been working with me for weeks getting comfortable speaking and having a conversation. So they come back from the competition, I try to have small talk with my co-teacher, so I ask how it went. He shakes his head no and walks away. Dude, this is why your English is horrible and your students. too!
One of my students at Geumcheon has no idea how to speak English. Well, okay he has a basic knowledge of "hello, how are you?" But beyond that, like a response from me, he's totally lost. A few weeks ago we walked together, he eventually parted from me on to his apartment and I kept going across the bridge. We had a basic chat where I tried to teach him how to answer 'how are you" - It was actually fun walking with him and he is really quite cute. He found a walnut on the ground, picked it up, examined it, found a large rock broke it open and offered it to me. I refused and he ate it while we tried to chat. Everyday since then he asks me how am I. Wednesday in class the students were given a worksheet of vocab words. Some kids were smart and came to me to ask for my help in pronunciation. After 10 minutes of doing nothing this kid calls my name. I go to sit by him and he just said "I don't know, Megan!" We spent the rest of class reading the words together. Hey, at least he asked for him... I'll get through to him soon!
Welp, back to reading hilarious blog entries at Thebloggess.com <--- seriously, I read an entry and mid way through I burst out laughing. I'm pretty sure the Korean teachers think I'm insane.
me: Hey, so remember that time I had no idea what your name was and this is my 3rd month at this school?
Korean teacher: I know your name, why don't you know mine?
me: oh I don't know, no one told me I guess.
(the walk to the cafeteria is really long... making the silence kind of awkward).
me: So, it's pretty sunny and nice out today.
Korean teacher: it's cold and sun is bad.
me: well, I like the sun, it warms me up. And let's be honest that school is freezing. It's colder in there than it is outside.
Korean teacher: yeah we do that on purpose, keeps the students awake.
me: really? that's odd. It makes me do less work.
Korean teacher: haha, you seem to have it pretty easy anyway
me: touche!
I'm not lying when I say it is a long walk to the cafeteria, totally seems longer when we can't communicate. If we were in America I know how this would go.
"You're in America speak English!" -all the ignorant Americans
Luckily, Koreans are pretty nice people and so they understand. Although, I'll never understand why they do the things they do. Like setting a foreigner up with a bank account at the "Farmer's Credit Union" when they don't allow foreigners to send money home. Instead said bank will send you to another bank. Cue headache, stupid extra paperwork and when the hell am I going to have time to set up a new bank account when the banks close at 4:30 and I'm at work until 5?(plus they open at 9 and I'm at work by 8:30). I think they get enjoyment at watching us try to jump through these silly extra hoops. (For the record, I attempted to send money home, to which they said no go to a different bank. gah!)
My co-teacher just came to me and said that my building owner is going to sell my apartment building. And then he told me if I'm not going to be home tomorrow to leave my key with some officer. I've never seen a building officer before. I've only seen the ajummas (old ladies) sitting outside in a huddle hanging out chatting. I feel like they are the unofficial building watchers. As I get near they stop talking and watch my every move. It was awkward at first and then I gave them rice cakes and I'm pretty sure I'm their favorite foreigner now. I also bow to them and say hi (in Korean). Luckily, I will be home tomorrow so I'm suppose to let some stranger in my apartment to "have a look around." Just a guess, but I'm pretty sure ALL of the apartments in that building are the SAME. Maybe they just want to see how a cool American girl lives? Yeah, that's it. I hope I don't have to move apartments. I've come to love my spider infested place. I decorated the walls with tacky stickers in hopes of being more Korean-ified. I've covered my bedroom window with cardboard in hopes of keeping the cold air from coming in. I've made it my home and have no intention of moving to a new place (unless of course the new place is just as big BUT cleaner, then I'll totally be okay with that!)
Speaking of being Korean-ified. I may or may not own an i-phone and carry a mirror in my purse at all times. Occassionally, I pull both of them out. While checking myself in the mirror, I can send text messages. Koreans, turns out, are brilliant. Don't judge, it's all in good fun. Although, I think I've become more Korean-ified then I am letting on. It's okay, really.
Anyway, so my Korean teachers are totally cool. At lunch today it was not at all awkward while they surrounded me speaking in Korean to each other, while I tried to slump in my chair to finish eating my rice, meat, weird lettucey thing, mini hard boiled eggs and seaweed soup. And then they began to tell me that my chopstick skills are impressive (they have to be our else I'd starve or have to use my fingers which is gross unless you are eating pizza or sandwiches, Koreans don't believe in that for lunch. They aren't like Americans who think pizza is a vegetable, Koreans eat healthy. America, learn a thing or two!)
Did I tell you I'm not teaching today? 3 of my studens went to a speaking competition at the Office of Education. They were going to be interviewed in English and given a writing test. The winner gets a free tour of... China. This totally doesn't make sense to me, so you're telling me these kids are getting interviewed in English for a tour of a country that doesn't speak English? They need a new event planner, take the students to America, England or Canada. That seems more fitting. Anyway, so on Wednesday I asked my co-teacher if there was after school English class that day. He gave me his usal half laugh "um, I don't... I don't think so" This is the regular answer I get. Finally I asked him why not? "The students are bad, they don't feel like speaking." Oh good (I'm getting to the point I promise). So then he asks me to help him. We go upstairs to the English classroom where 2 girl students are waiting. I interview the first one, she does well, but needs improvement (plus she totally just memorized the random questions, that's not helpful). Then I interviewed the 2nd girl. She spent more time trying to have perfect answers. What I don't understand (like many of the things that happen here), if this is such a huge deal why are you asking for my assistance 2 days before the competition?! These 3 students should have been working with me for weeks getting comfortable speaking and having a conversation. So they come back from the competition, I try to have small talk with my co-teacher, so I ask how it went. He shakes his head no and walks away. Dude, this is why your English is horrible and your students. too!
One of my students at Geumcheon has no idea how to speak English. Well, okay he has a basic knowledge of "hello, how are you?" But beyond that, like a response from me, he's totally lost. A few weeks ago we walked together, he eventually parted from me on to his apartment and I kept going across the bridge. We had a basic chat where I tried to teach him how to answer 'how are you" - It was actually fun walking with him and he is really quite cute. He found a walnut on the ground, picked it up, examined it, found a large rock broke it open and offered it to me. I refused and he ate it while we tried to chat. Everyday since then he asks me how am I. Wednesday in class the students were given a worksheet of vocab words. Some kids were smart and came to me to ask for my help in pronunciation. After 10 minutes of doing nothing this kid calls my name. I go to sit by him and he just said "I don't know, Megan!" We spent the rest of class reading the words together. Hey, at least he asked for him... I'll get through to him soon!
Welp, back to reading hilarious blog entries at Thebloggess.com <--- seriously, I read an entry and mid way through I burst out laughing. I'm pretty sure the Korean teachers think I'm insane.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Happiness all around
On Friday October 28th, my middle school students and teachers were headed on a field trip. I was told that I would be desk warming. Upon arriving at school my students were sitting in front of the main entrance listening to the Korean teachers speaking. I tried to go in through the side door, but since there weren't any slippers there I decided to stand behind the students. The principal finished speaking and came over to me and said "Megan, field trip, good experience, want to go?" Uh YES! So, I jumped on the bus with my students and off we went. The first stop was the Agricultural Festival. It was... interesting, as everything in Korea is. My 8th grade girls grabbed my hand and spent the morning talking and walking with me. There are so cute. After wondering around checking out the sites we sat down to watch something happening on the stage. Of course, my Korean is terrible so I was completely lost of what was going on. At one point a man walked over and gave me a bag of Traditional Korean snacks. I guess it pays to be the only foreigner. We continued to sit there and the man with the microphone came over, handed me tomatoes and told me to yell "Nampyeong Phighting!" So, I did. He then went and got eggs, gave them to me and told me to yell "Phighting" again. He then proceeded to say a few of the only English words he knows including "good morning and Barack Obama" After lunch we headed to Hampyeong for the Chrysanthemum festival. I spent this time walking with the female Korean teachers. It was a glorious day surrounded by flowers!
I spent 8 days living in a hotel for teacher Orientation in Gwangju. I learned some useful things, though it would have been more helpful 2 months ago. I also met some really great people who just arrived in Korea. I expected to have Monday afternoon off, but alas, I was driven to school to spend the afternoon there. I went to one class to give a speaking test. My favorite student Won Min asked me why I was there and then told me to get out. I told him that was rude and he said "just kidding. I love you! We both have hollister, couple set. I love you! Last week no Megan, so I cried!" hahaha
Tuesday I was back at my country school. My students were excited to see me and I was told they missed me last week. Walking around the school I couldn't help but have a smile on my face, for many reasons. The obvious that I'm genuinely happy with life, my job, my friends, my family, my Korean teachers. The drive to school (my co-teacher is amazing, she drives me to and from school) is about 30 minutes. Once we are out in the country the roads are lined with Chrysanthemums. It's so beautiful. Once I get to school the doors and windows are always open letting in the fresh air. The best part the hallways and stairs are lined with beautiful mums as well. There's bees flying from flower to flower. You can't help but be happy when you are surrounded by wonderful smelling flowers, fresh air and positive people at work even.
Life is good.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
School Field Trip
On Monday I joined my students and fellow teacher from Bannam Middle School on a field trip to Suncheon. Suncheon is a little over an hour away from Gwangju (a bit farther from where our school is in Naju). The plan was to visit 2 different temples and a traditional folk village and hike a mountain at the one temple. Unfortunately, Monday turned out to be a chilly, rainy day. The kids were still excited and so was I. I got on the bus and one of my 2nd graders (by 2nd grade I really mean 15 year old) asked me to sit with her. I was about to until the Korean teacher called my name to the front of the bus. The principal wanted to sit with me so we could talk and he could practice his English. I was fine by this, my principal is a pretty great man. We had some good talks about the upcoming Chrysanthemum festival in Bannam, the Yeongsanpo boat festival, about the temples we were going to visit and the folk village.
We arrived at the first temple. I got off the bus and forgot my camera, but luckily had my iphone to use for picture taking. As I was looking around I was bombared my 6 of my 1st grade girl students (the 14 year olds). They started asking me questions and would clap when they hit their 3 mark. Mrs. Im, my co-teacher gave them all homework to ask me more than 3 questions on the field trip. I was excited that they were coming to talk to me and that they were practicing the things I taught them the week before! Some of the girls' walked up to the temple with me, talking the whole way. This was a big step for my students' who are usually too shy to answer me in the halls. The temple was really beautiful and there was music and monks praying while we were there. It was really colorful with lanterns hanging everywhere. Ms. No, the art teacher who joins my teachers' workshops and I climbed the mountain a little bit with some students'. These kids were all but crawling up the hill and complaining about how tired they were. I started walking fast and ahead of them and told them keep up with me. They all looked up and me and started saying "wow Megan is strong!" Some of the students crowded around me to ask if I like to hike and who I hike with, etc. One of the 1st graders (14 yrs old) ran up to me and said "Megan, I love you! But, I'm not a lesbian. I like men." I was impressed by how well she said this and also a little shocked, not by the comment, but that her English is pretty good. This girl always covers her face when I call on her in class and tries to get out of speaking, usually gets to nervous and I skip over her.
We headed back to the bus around noon and were off to the traditional folk village (I would write the name, but I forget it! ooops). When we arrived we found a dry place to have a picnic. I sat with a few 2nd grade girls, who were very kind as to share some of their lunch with me. I had kimbap for lunch, so as the girls' shared some of their food with me, I gave them some kimbap. They were too shy to take it, but I put it on their plate and insisted. I then walked around the village with Ji Sue, a very kind 2nd grader. We had some good talks. She kept telling me how beautiful I was and how she was fat and ugly. It made me kind of sad, I don't doubt that her family tells her that she is ugly and fat (she already mentioned that to me previously). She really isn't either. I told her she was beautiful (because she is) and told her she should tell herself that everyday. We then met up with her classmates and she bought me ice cream and insisted on carrying my umbrella (I had been sharing it with her carrying it, but then she didn't want me to have to hold it anymore). Seriously, these students are so respectful and awesome. I love it.
We then headed to the next location of Seonggwangsa temple. It was gorgeous there. There were lots of colorful trees that just made it wonderful. I took several pictures of the students or the ones that would let me take their picture. It was really muddy there because of the rain. But, it was still great.
We then jumped on the bus to head back to Bannam. They stopped in Yeongsanpo at the bus terminal for me to head back to Gwangju, so I was home around 4 ish instead of 5:30. Overall, it was an awesome day with my students'. I hope it helped them feel more comfortable with me, since they were able to get to know me.
Today was my short day at Bannam. I only had the 1st grade class and my teachers' workshop with Mrs. Im. Around 2 pm, Mrs. Im asked me to help her set up some pictures for the students' performance tomorrow at the Naju Performance Center. Some of the 3rd grade students painted some amazing pictures! It took about 10 minutes for us to carry the stuff in and set it up. I was at home by 3 pm. This is turning out to be an awesome week! I went to the bank to take care of some bills and decided since it was a beautiful (but chilly) day, I should go for a hike! I headed out to the mountain near my apartment and started to hike up. I am not sure how far the hike is or where the actual top of the mountain is located. I hiked to where my co-teachers took me 2 weeks ago. I took a few pictures of Naju with Gwangju in the distance and started to freeze so I headed down. It was probably a total of 3.5-4 miles. Some great exercise and it was fun!
Check out the rest of the field trip pictures at my picasa page!
We arrived at the first temple. I got off the bus and forgot my camera, but luckily had my iphone to use for picture taking. As I was looking around I was bombared my 6 of my 1st grade girl students (the 14 year olds). They started asking me questions and would clap when they hit their 3 mark. Mrs. Im, my co-teacher gave them all homework to ask me more than 3 questions on the field trip. I was excited that they were coming to talk to me and that they were practicing the things I taught them the week before! Some of the girls' walked up to the temple with me, talking the whole way. This was a big step for my students' who are usually too shy to answer me in the halls. The temple was really beautiful and there was music and monks praying while we were there. It was really colorful with lanterns hanging everywhere. Ms. No, the art teacher who joins my teachers' workshops and I climbed the mountain a little bit with some students'. These kids were all but crawling up the hill and complaining about how tired they were. I started walking fast and ahead of them and told them keep up with me. They all looked up and me and started saying "wow Megan is strong!" Some of the students crowded around me to ask if I like to hike and who I hike with, etc. One of the 1st graders (14 yrs old) ran up to me and said "Megan, I love you! But, I'm not a lesbian. I like men." I was impressed by how well she said this and also a little shocked, not by the comment, but that her English is pretty good. This girl always covers her face when I call on her in class and tries to get out of speaking, usually gets to nervous and I skip over her.
We headed back to the bus around noon and were off to the traditional folk village (I would write the name, but I forget it! ooops). When we arrived we found a dry place to have a picnic. I sat with a few 2nd grade girls, who were very kind as to share some of their lunch with me. I had kimbap for lunch, so as the girls' shared some of their food with me, I gave them some kimbap. They were too shy to take it, but I put it on their plate and insisted. I then walked around the village with Ji Sue, a very kind 2nd grader. We had some good talks. She kept telling me how beautiful I was and how she was fat and ugly. It made me kind of sad, I don't doubt that her family tells her that she is ugly and fat (she already mentioned that to me previously). She really isn't either. I told her she was beautiful (because she is) and told her she should tell herself that everyday. We then met up with her classmates and she bought me ice cream and insisted on carrying my umbrella (I had been sharing it with her carrying it, but then she didn't want me to have to hold it anymore). Seriously, these students are so respectful and awesome. I love it.
We then headed to the next location of Seonggwangsa temple. It was gorgeous there. There were lots of colorful trees that just made it wonderful. I took several pictures of the students or the ones that would let me take their picture. It was really muddy there because of the rain. But, it was still great.
We then jumped on the bus to head back to Bannam. They stopped in Yeongsanpo at the bus terminal for me to head back to Gwangju, so I was home around 4 ish instead of 5:30. Overall, it was an awesome day with my students'. I hope it helped them feel more comfortable with me, since they were able to get to know me.
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| some of the 1st grade girls |
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| a few of the boys |
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| Traditional Folk Village |
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| Seonggwangsa temple |
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| beautiful |
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| favorite place! |
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| Mrs. No and I |
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| Mrs. Ahn, the social studies teacher |
Check out the rest of the field trip pictures at my picasa page!
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