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So the last time I went was in 2004. It doesn't seem about 4 years ago, feels much shorter than that. I'm 19 now and I'm actually going for 2 months because of a job.
Here's the thread from 2004 when I was still very much into progaming, it was a great experience:
http://teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?currentpage=1&topic_id=14090
Originally I was going for 3 months with a friend that I've never actually met irl but have known through vent for, oh...I don't know say around 4 years. He's a white guy and older than me but very interested in Korean culture. I have a really close relationship with a lot of people in my vent server because we've stuck together for years and anytime I've met someone irl it's been a great experience.
We were basically going to go to chill and have a fun time going to tourist attractions that even I hadn't been to in a while. I wanted to go with him to re-live my heritage through visits to historical places. Anyway, this plan fell through because of real life things he had to take care of.
At that point I wasn't really going to go to Korea anymore simply because I had so many built up expectations that had been crumbled. Going alone would have been boring, I thought because my family in Korea are all extremely busy and few are well-off so I would just have been a bother. There were some other things that ruined my summer plans before they even began but I won't go into that here.
Anyway, my oldest uncle lives across from an elementary school and I got a job for 2 months there teaching English to the children. I'm probably gonna get a lot of rekrul-inspired comments in the replies but tbh I don't really care. If you really wanna know how I feel, I think Rekrul has a really skewed view of Korean life even if he's lived there longer than I ever have. Just an opinion, if you wanna give me the English teacher jokes I'm all for it.
I wasn't going to do it simply because my heart was really into going to Korea to meet up with my friend but after consideration it actually provides valuable experience for me in what I want to hopefully do as a career. You see, originally I wanted to go into the field of law, maybe something like corporate law where I would be able to travel or work for a Korean company. The undertone was that I was a Korean-American who could translate. But the more I thought about it, I really enjoyed being able to translate.
I'm not gonna lie, I'm not the most proficient in Korean. I'd say I speak at a highschool level and read/write at around a middle school level [if we were to compare it to schooling system in the States ] This is why I didn't do translations for TL as much as I would have liked to in the past. I also only just completed my freshman year at college so it's not like I'm really accredited either. I'm doing this because I have the opportunity.
You know people say that you should try to find what you really enjoy doing in life, and try to make that your job/career? For the longest time I always thought it would be something like games or computers but recently enough I realized my choice would probably be translating. Even when I was a little kid and I translated between fob children and my teachers I loved that feeling of being able to connect two people who previously couldn't understand each other without me. I also feel like I'm above-average at bodily/emotional perception and because of this I can deliver nuances better while translating.
To answer the question of why I'm posting this in blogs....well I guess that can be traced back to a few weeks ago when I ordered the TL shirt [ which is awesome btw ]
I thought to myself, I never really connected with any of the ' known ' people in TLnet or really got along with a lot of members. I'd say I've been around for a while and I have a lot of posts compared to most but I never felt like I really belonged at TL. But I guess when I bought the shirt I questioned myself as to whether I would ever really wear it. The answer was yes because 1 the design was awesome and 2 because....well TL has always been the only forum I've visited and also allows me to look back at myself through old posts and replies. It's pretty awesome.
I would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous. I don't really know what to expect of this job. I have no idea what English curriculum is like for Korean elementary school students...my best guess is ABC's and stuff like that. The thing is though, korean schooling is really rigorous so I should probably overpredict. Either way I see it as hit or miss. I don't know if I will be provided with textbooks or if I will have to come up with my own lessons for the kids. I mean granted, some of these questions will be answered when I get there and meet the teachers/principal but I still feel nervous.
At the moment I'm thinking that I don't have enough 'dress/nice' clothes to come to school every day as a teacher LOL. Also korean school is 6 days a week, although I hear saturday's are now becoming bi-weekly.
I'm also going to try and get in better shape and just basically reset my life a bit while in Korea. Because of things I'd rather not get into I have been depressed the past 6 months more than I have ever been in my life. I think getting away from my daily schedule of getting online to play games and not really doing any hard labor will do me some good. I don't really see visiting starcraft matches as a priority anymore like I did back in 2004 simply because I've not followed the scene much at all and it just seems way too daunting nowadays. There isn't really a personal connection that I felt with players before like Yellow, Nal_rA, Nada, Boxer, Oov, Reach etc... I mean more than likely I'll probably end up going to some live matches...but not if it's really out of my way. I'll be depending on you guys to help me with the schedules!
Anyway, if you actually read all of this you're probably bored, but I appreciate it.
 
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nice blog. i hope you have fun teaching and it un-depresses u. your korean will probably get a lot better too.
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Thanks, that means a lot.
I'll also have a digital camera this time!
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take pics & have a good time! ^^
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"If you really wanna know how I feel, I think Rekrul has a really skewed view of Korean life even if he's lived there longer than I ever have. Just an opinion, if you wanna give me the English teacher jokes I'm all for it."
I actually really agree with that too even though hes been there for so long. Enjoy it over there sir. GL / HF~
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Good for you for becoming an english teacher. Hope to hear more insights and more PIX when you get to Korea. GL!
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nevergg_ is a teacher in Korea too, you should ask her about the curriculum and stuff. She also goes to pro matches so you could ask her about those too :o
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Well good to know you are going. When I have time I'll post a much longer rep...
I'm going to Korea as well, but I'm going for some hakwon... Someone convince my mom. (9-5 every weekday)
Yeah I also second Rekrul's post is enjoyable to read, but very biased.
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I wish you a lot of luck in Korea. I have a friend named Sunny who is also going there to teach English, but he is a substitute teacher professionally.
It sounds like you have a clear goal in mind, and this trip can only bring you closer to that goal. Take in some Starcraft and some booze for me!
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Pics pics pics!
Sigh no korea effect on SC skill for you :-(
Speaking on a similar topic, I was originally going to teach English to kids in some Chinese school this summer, but instead I'm working for a software company LOL. Oh!! You MUST go to any FBH + Savior game with a camcorder. Home videos of FBH dancing around poor savior gogo!
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Good luck, and more importantly have fun.
I really hope you enjoy it more this time around.
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Bring some Gatby and then sell me some through ebay (make it the purple one). K?
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On May 22 2008 11:11 thoraxe wrote:
Bring some Gatby and then sell me some through ebay (make it the purple one). K?
LOL!! this made me laugh..because i entirely agree with it!! PURPLE GOGO! =D i think grey/pink is ok too? maybe not i forget actually but purple is 100%
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set up hidden cameras and bang Hot Korean chics.
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On May 22 2008 09:52 nevergg wrote:I shouldn't worry at all about the teaching - elementary level here is the basics and as long as you dress decently, are polite to your co-workers and stick to the syllabus then you'll be fine. Normally you don't have to provide any teaching materials (except yourself.) It varies from job to job, but it's only two months so don't stress overly about it and ruin your trip. I came to S.Korea with no teaching experience (except helping out at my Mum's kindey school.) and no knowledge of Korean and I've done pretty well for myself ^^ Also if you need any help with schedules feel free to ask. I usually have a pretty good idea of other events like fan-meetings and who's doing what, where and when 
Haha thanks so much for sharing. I'll probably end up asking you a few questions in the future, hope it won't be a bother!
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Valhalla18444 Posts
i still remember you, DoubleStorm
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NeverGG
United Kingdom5399 Posts
On May 22 2008 16:17 Ack1027 wrote:Show nested quote +On May 22 2008 09:52 nevergg wrote:I shouldn't worry at all about the teaching - elementary level here is the basics and as long as you dress decently, are polite to your co-workers and stick to the syllabus then you'll be fine. Normally you don't have to provide any teaching materials (except yourself.) It varies from job to job, but it's only two months so don't stress overly about it and ruin your trip. I came to S.Korea with no teaching experience (except helping out at my Mum's kindey school.) and no knowledge of Korean and I've done pretty well for myself ^^ Also if you need any help with schedules feel free to ask. I usually have a pretty good idea of other events like fan-meetings and who's doing what, where and when Haha thanks so much for sharing. I'll probably end up asking you a few questions in the future, hope it won't be a bother!
I don't mind at all
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Bring me some souls to eat. just don't be too surprised if I start yelling azn pride.
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Please don't result to Korean fashion - which is kiddy as fuck and looks absolutely stupid.
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On May 22 2008 20:01 FakeSteve[TPR] wrote:
i still remember you, DoubleStorm
?
If you were referring to me I think you have the wrong person in mind.
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On May 23 2008 01:56 XDawn wrote:
Please don't result to Korean fashion - which is kiddy as fuck and looks absolutely stupid.
lol angry much? I've lived in the states for the majority of my life so it looks different to me too. It's just 2 months.
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CA10828 Posts
On May 23 2008 01:56 XDawn wrote:
Please don't result to Korean fashion - which is kiddy as fuck and looks absolutely stupid.
some korean clothing looks really good
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I hate how everybody in Korea wears the same clothes, have the same accessories, and girls all look the same cuz they go to the same doctor to get plastic surgery -.-;;;;;;;;;;;;;
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wow. 19-year-old native english teacher
great :D
gl with your career :D
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I leave this Tuesday so whenever I get a hold of a computer there I'll try and update. Thanks for the kind words everyone.
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Valhalla18444 Posts
On May 23 2008 06:02 Ack1027 wrote:? If you were referring to me I think you have the wrong person in mind.
haha oh right you used to be bahamut something not doublestorm
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Hey guys I'm in Korea now.
This is actually the first time I got a hold of a computer. I'm in Pyeongtaek at my g-ma's house atm. I start my job on Monday and I had a meeting with the principal at the school I'll be working at. It went pretty smooth I guess. I have to admit, even though I know how to respond to people I still find myself being nervous because back in the States there are very few people I actually speak strictly Korean with.
Anyway, I'm pretty excited about starting work, the schedule they gave me isn't so bad. I figured I would probably be assisting an existing teacher but they actually put me in charge of 17, third and fourth graders and 18 fifth and sixth graders. I don't really have experience as a teacher, but my mom was a Korean school teacher in the states for 20 years and I did work at a kids daycare for a few months. Hopefully it won't be too bad, I'm just having some trouble thinking of ideas of how to make class fun for the kids when I'm teaching by myself. Apparently, the last teacher they had spoke English well but knew close to no Korean so the kids were bored and didn't learn anything.
Btw I fucking love lan centers here. $1 an hour, sup?
I haven't taken that many pictures so far, but I'll be sure to include them in the next post I can. I don't actually have a computer at my grandma's house because well...let's say my family in this part of Korea survives on the basics. The house doesn't even have warm water for showers etc. I don't mind it too much though, I actually wake up in the mornings and shit with ice cold water splashed on me. [Imagine Rocky in Russia training for Draco -___- ] I'm probably gonna visit Seoul next weekend because I'm just gonna stay here and prepare to start work on Monday. I'm gonna meet up with some friends and maybe even meet up with Susie from TL!
I guess I'll end with a semi-funny/debacle story:
So my plane arrived at Incheon about an hour early, which is extremely rare. I mean planes never fucking arrive early. Anyway, I'm sitting there waiting for my aunt to come meet me but she's about 50 minutes away so she says just to chill for a bit. I call up some friends, take a short nap and listen to some music etc. After about 40 mins I call her again to see where she is and to tell her where to meet me. She arrives shortly after, while I'm on the pay-phone calling her. I recognize her and because I waited so long I was happy to see her. I gave her a hug and she thought I would be hungry so we went downstairs to the food area and bought dinner. Anyway while waiting for food I feel around in my pockets and I can't find my cell phone.
To clarify, I was using my cell phone to look up Korean numbers and actually using the airport pay phones to make the call.
So after thinking for about 5 min I finally figure out where I must have left it and I dip upstairs to try and find it. Of course, it's not there. So I run around asking people nearby and this lady says she saw some airport employee pick it up and says I should check lost and found. I go to information desk and ask where lost and found is, shit WOULD BE at the other side of the airport. So I run over there and talk to the lady and she's says nobody has turned in a phone yet.
Anyway, to get to where I am now, Pyeongtaek it takes about 2 and a half hours by bus and since it was getting late I couldn't really wait around for my phone to show up. My aunt bought me the bus ticket and said she left her number with the lost and found office so if my phone showed up she said she would let me know.
So there I am sitting on the bus, kinda pissed because I'd like to say I'm pretty organized and when I lose important stuff like my phone I get really annoyed and it's all I can think about. I'm thinking wow this bus ride is fucking long. Eventually I fall asleep....I get woken up by the loudspeaker and the driver saying that the bus has arrived at Pyeontaek-Songtan. So in my hazy state I get off the bus and take out my luggage. Anyway, the bus leaves and I carry my bags to the station and when my eyes finally refocus I realize I got off one stop too early and I'm at some really shady bus station. At this point it was like 10:30 PM or some shit and I was afraid there would be no more buses coming to take me to Pyeongtaek. I had some spare change so I decided to call someone but THEN I REALIZED I LOST ALL THE NUMBERS RELEVANT TO KOREA IN MY CELL PHONE.
Anyway, after about 15 minutes of guessing I figured out my aunt's number because I had called her 3 times at the airport and asked her if there were any more buses coming, and OF COURSE as soon as I ask her the bus for Pyeongtaek arrives at the station.
When I met my uncle he said my aunt called and found the person who found my phone and that she would be mailing it to Pyeongtaek.
Sigh....other than that my trip so far has been ok the jet lag and stuff hasn't effected me yet. This post turned out a lot longer than I thought but hey I figured you might as well get a chance to laugh at me since I probably posted boring stuff before that haha.
Later TL!
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Cheers for the update! I kept thinking the story would end with "AND LOL THE PHONE WAS IN MY BACK POCKET THE ENTIRE TIME!1" but at least nothing terrible happened. I am considering doing some English teaching as well so please keep blogging!
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Korea (South)17174 Posts
My view is not biased it's just one view of one part of korean culture.
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Korea (South)17174 Posts
Also, from my experience planes arrive early more often than late.
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Korea (South)17174 Posts
And my english teacher comments were directed towards the average white male teaching english in Korea. Not all of them either, but most. You'll probably learn soon enough.
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thedeadhaji
39489 Posts
On May 23 2008 22:59 FreeZEternal wrote:
I hate how everybody in Korea wears the same clothes, have the same accessories, and girls all look the same cuz they go to the same doctor to get plastic surgery -.-;;;;;;;;;;;;;
at least they dont all look the same + are butt ugly + all have dyed brown poop-colored hair as in Japan!
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3861 Posts
On May 30 2008 20:49 Rekrul wrote:
And my english teacher comments were directed towards the average white male teaching english in Korea. Not all of them either, but most. You'll probably learn soon enough.
Average white male working in Seoul are also different from the ones who teach out in the boonies. =/
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Ack play some dota with me gogo uswest
I can't really give any advice on teaching english in Korea since I've never done it myself but a close friend of my taught college students english for 2 months and from what I could tell getting everyone to participate > actually teaching english makes you a better teacher.
Yea, fuck Korean fashion  Shopping at places like 동대문 is such a bitch because the shop owners try to sell you really gay looking shit, passing them off as trendy. Just last week I went to get a pair of jeans and that bitch kept trying to get me to where tight ass jeans that make you look tall and skinny but faggy as hell -_-
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Hey I'll be in Korea again too! we should hang out.
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EPT
