I've generally been feeling a little down this weekend. I think it has to do with the weather (it's been rainy and cloudy all weekend and the fact that I was exhausted from the week). Nothing too serious, but this weekend was relaxing and in about a week I will have ten days off from school. I am looking forward to this a lot. I will write a bit about this weekend and then recount the rollercoaster that is Korean language class and the inspiration for this blog title.
Friday I was able to sleep in a little, but I got up to have breakfast with my host fam. because I feel bad if I don't eat with them. Usually the mother or grandmother leaves food out for me and then heats other food for me. I try to avoid this and ate with the fam. and then went back to sleep- a little. I walked to school and met my co-teacher who was kind enough to contact and drive me to a place where I will start volunteering every Friday. I really wanted to volunteer at an orphanage, but it turned out that places did not need anyone on Fridays. I did not understand this until he told me in the car- I would have worked on the weekends to work in an orphanage, but am excited to be where I am- I think I might be needed more. It's an after school center for children who have lost one parent and/or are having financial problems. I think there are only 22 children who come to the center and they are all elementary age. The range is pretty sweeping and there is a good mix between girls and boys. Apparently there are a few orphans who live above the center and might come and attend my class. I think I am teaching the children English- which isn't all that interesting, but hopefully I can make it fun for them. I am excited to meet the kids, I start this week. The woman at the center who met us told me that some of the kids are rude and might not treat me that well, but it is because of their situations. I told them it was the same as in the states.
After I went to language class and then got together with two classmates for dinner- at a Mexican restaurant!! I had a lime daquari and a taco with real sour cream and guacamole! It was super exciting. I haven't been craving anything really, but it sure tasted really good. It was also really nice to talk with other native English speakers and got to meet new people. One of the women I went out with is from Canada and the other from Florida. They are both really nice and are English instructors at the university. Sara, the Canadian, has been in Korea on and off for four years teaching and loves it. She also has a cat! Which I got to hold and pet! I really miss kitties- they don't like them in Korea and no one really ever has them as pets. They're are like rats in America. Chris has been here for three weeks and she's pretty cool too. It was my suggestion that we go and get a drink and I had a nice relaxing time.
Saturday morning I met up with a friend for coffee and that was really nice. We walked around Daegu and found this really interesting outdoor market. Lunch wasn't the best, but it was edible. 국밥 not my favorite thing! Then I came home and just hung out with my host family. I really don't think I did too much of anything really- it was nice. Today I woke up and had a delicious breakfast! It was a fried rice omelette!! Man it was tasty- I can't wait to try and make it myself. My host family invited me to go hiking with them today, but were cool that I wanted to go to church instead. Church was pretty good- this time, the pastor's wife helped translate. I missed a lot, but the service was pretty good and I liked the worship music again. We sang, "God is good all the time, all the time God is good"! It was exciting. Then I went to Bible study and that was good- I still feel bad for disturbing everyone and making them translate things for me. But everyone was excited to see me again and one girl in particular really wants to be my friend- which is really exciting. Then I came home. I was going to go to the gym, but forgot that my host sister wanted to make brownies. So I helped her instead. Dinner was interesting- sushi and a hotdog. :)
Korean language class is difficult. But I am glad I am taking it. Really I think I could just hit myself over the head with a baseball bat over and over again and I would feel the same. Monday night I started in the beginner 1 class, but it was really really easy. I somehow convinced my teacher to let me try beginner 2- but the beginner 2 teacher was less than happy to let me in. Mainly because she thought I wouldn't understand anything. It was really frustrating, I brought my little certificate from Korea University and everything too, but she didn't even read it. Wednesday night she asked me a question in class (part of the grammar we were learning) "how long have you been studying Korean?" I answered correctly "2 months" my teacher nearly had a heart attack and exclaimed "what?!" but really rude. It made me really mad! If I had a different personality I think I would have gone home and cried and changed classes. Instead I was really mad and am now determined to do really well in class- which means I need to study a lot. I left class on Wednesday night and got on the bus angry and then five minutes later my bus broke down. I got off and followed the other Koreans and hoped another bus would come because I had no idea where I was or how to get back home. As bad as this sounds, I am happy I am in class and that it is challenging. Teaching has been pretty easy and it is nice to be challenged. My co-teacher told me the Korean proverb to describe Korean language class. It is because my class is only 50 minutes, but I have to ride the bus for about 2 hours (one hour each way). So, I think the proverb translates to something like "a wash" in English. The bus ride isn't all that bad- except for the fact that Korean bus drivers and driving in general is really scary. I like the time to myself.
I have to go study Korean now! I think I might post again before Sunday as there are a few things about Korean culture and such I want to blog about.
Stay tuned!
-me
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Hi all,
I am going to try and get back to the schedule where I post every Sunday. Hm, this is longer than I expected... :)
Last week my schedule was changed. I had to teach on Friday. It wasn't that big of a deal, I just figured I would be uber tired on Friday because I had to teach all the classes I normally teach on Thursday. I teach 5 classes on Thursday and then had to teach another 5 on Friday. Which really meant that I had to plan a lot on Wednesday. But I made a really fun lesson about contractions and pop songs. How do they relate you might ask? Well, I reviewed what a contraction is with the students and explained how native speakers use cotractions all the time when speaking. We did a few activities with that and then I played two pop songs. I printed out the lyrics and then had the students find teh contractions in the lyrics. They really seemed to like it. It was fun and I had a good time. I even tried to make them sing! I get to teach the lesson 7 more times and then I have to plan a lesson for Thursday's class. I am thinking about a lesson around articles. Many Korean tend to leave out articles of speech when they speak. I have to figure out a way to make it fun.
Friday a really nice teacher took me to sign up for language class! Thankfully it looks like everything will work out and I will go to class every day (sort of a bummer, but I want to learn!). So, I will leave straight from school- hopefully get on a bus in a timely manner, go to class, and then come back home. I should be home around 8:30 every night. I need to remember to take a snack with me.
Friday night was fun as I met up with Ray, Ariah, Amber, David, and Amelia. We went out for dinner and just got to hang around. Then I met up with Alison on Saturday and that was a lot of fun! I showed her around downtown, we had a "picnic" in a park with kimbap and mandu. Then we walked to the traditional market and then to Daseong Park- which has a zoo. The park is really pretty, but the zoo is really depressing. The animals do not have any toys in their cages and generally do not look very happy. Some looked a little underweight as well. The most astonishing thing to see was the fact that people kept trying to throw food to the animials- completely unheard of in America. The moneky cage had a whole bunch of trash at the bottom of the cage from people throwing food in bags. Some of the monkeys were even gnawing and trying to eat the plastic bags and such. It was pretty ridiculous.
Anyways, later Alison and I went to a resturant that had an outdoor area. We ordered a bottle of white wine and a cheese plate!!! It was soooo good, even if I did get bit by 20 mosquitos. We hung out there for a while until Ray, David, and Luke met up with us. Then Amber, Ariah, and Amelia found us and we all hung out at a bar. Ariah, Amber and I stayed at a jimjilbang Saturday night and woke up for Dunkin' Donuts Sunday morning. :) I then went back home to drop stuff off before going to church. I forgot that Sunday was a "holiday" of sorts and when I got home my host mother's sister was there. I was told to eat food- so I sat around and tried to hang out. Then I left for church and when I came back home there were moe relatives. In fact, there must have been about 10 relatives or so who came for this holiday. It's really an observance of the ancestors. It's a mini-observence compared to Chusok, which will happen in two weeks. It was interesting to meet the family- no one spoke english, so I just sat around trying to smile. But the family did the whole thing where they set out food and drink for the ancetors and bow and such. It was interesting.
Church was interesting on Sunday- but good too. I met up with the young adult pastor who speaks really good English. Again, he reiterated the fact that there is no English service, so he was not sure how the church could serve me. But while we were meeting the worship band was practicing for service and they were practicing songs I recognized! I was really excited. The songs were in Korean, so I could try and sing the Korean or sing the English I knew. It was cool. The pastor sat with me during church and tried to write down parts of the message, but it was hard for me to understand everything. Apparently the head pastor really wants me to come to the church. I feel bad because everyone has to bend over backwards to translate for me. So, after service I went up and introduced myself (not as scary as it sounds, there aren't a whole bunch of people at the young adult service and I only said about 2 short sentences in Korean). I was about to sit down, but they were no! wait! We are going to sing a song for you. So, that was nice, I did not know what it was about and if they sing songs to visitors or what- but I felt very welcome. :) Afterwards I got invited to a Bible study and got a book. They are going through the Purpose Driven Life group series. But the book is in Korean. There really wasn't a Bible study yesterday because the group had me introduce myself and they introduced themselves. Everyone is older than me, but very nice and helpful. Some were very eager to speak English and others were very shy. I am going to try and go back next week. After Bible study we went to get food and I got to talk some more about myself and Colorado. Then I went home- turns out a few of my new church friends (hopefully they'll be friends) live in the same apartment complex as me. So, that's cool.
Okay, I have to go and teach! Hope all is well with everyone! If you want some more to read check out my friends' blog- he ate dogmeat soup the other day. I haven't had it yet! http://koreanexperience.blogspot.com/
-me :)
I am going to try and get back to the schedule where I post every Sunday. Hm, this is longer than I expected... :)
Last week my schedule was changed. I had to teach on Friday. It wasn't that big of a deal, I just figured I would be uber tired on Friday because I had to teach all the classes I normally teach on Thursday. I teach 5 classes on Thursday and then had to teach another 5 on Friday. Which really meant that I had to plan a lot on Wednesday. But I made a really fun lesson about contractions and pop songs. How do they relate you might ask? Well, I reviewed what a contraction is with the students and explained how native speakers use cotractions all the time when speaking. We did a few activities with that and then I played two pop songs. I printed out the lyrics and then had the students find teh contractions in the lyrics. They really seemed to like it. It was fun and I had a good time. I even tried to make them sing! I get to teach the lesson 7 more times and then I have to plan a lesson for Thursday's class. I am thinking about a lesson around articles. Many Korean tend to leave out articles of speech when they speak. I have to figure out a way to make it fun.
Friday a really nice teacher took me to sign up for language class! Thankfully it looks like everything will work out and I will go to class every day (sort of a bummer, but I want to learn!). So, I will leave straight from school- hopefully get on a bus in a timely manner, go to class, and then come back home. I should be home around 8:30 every night. I need to remember to take a snack with me.
Friday night was fun as I met up with Ray, Ariah, Amber, David, and Amelia. We went out for dinner and just got to hang around. Then I met up with Alison on Saturday and that was a lot of fun! I showed her around downtown, we had a "picnic" in a park with kimbap and mandu. Then we walked to the traditional market and then to Daseong Park- which has a zoo. The park is really pretty, but the zoo is really depressing. The animals do not have any toys in their cages and generally do not look very happy. Some looked a little underweight as well. The most astonishing thing to see was the fact that people kept trying to throw food to the animials- completely unheard of in America. The moneky cage had a whole bunch of trash at the bottom of the cage from people throwing food in bags. Some of the monkeys were even gnawing and trying to eat the plastic bags and such. It was pretty ridiculous.
Anyways, later Alison and I went to a resturant that had an outdoor area. We ordered a bottle of white wine and a cheese plate!!! It was soooo good, even if I did get bit by 20 mosquitos. We hung out there for a while until Ray, David, and Luke met up with us. Then Amber, Ariah, and Amelia found us and we all hung out at a bar. Ariah, Amber and I stayed at a jimjilbang Saturday night and woke up for Dunkin' Donuts Sunday morning. :) I then went back home to drop stuff off before going to church. I forgot that Sunday was a "holiday" of sorts and when I got home my host mother's sister was there. I was told to eat food- so I sat around and tried to hang out. Then I left for church and when I came back home there were moe relatives. In fact, there must have been about 10 relatives or so who came for this holiday. It's really an observance of the ancestors. It's a mini-observence compared to Chusok, which will happen in two weeks. It was interesting to meet the family- no one spoke english, so I just sat around trying to smile. But the family did the whole thing where they set out food and drink for the ancetors and bow and such. It was interesting.
Church was interesting on Sunday- but good too. I met up with the young adult pastor who speaks really good English. Again, he reiterated the fact that there is no English service, so he was not sure how the church could serve me. But while we were meeting the worship band was practicing for service and they were practicing songs I recognized! I was really excited. The songs were in Korean, so I could try and sing the Korean or sing the English I knew. It was cool. The pastor sat with me during church and tried to write down parts of the message, but it was hard for me to understand everything. Apparently the head pastor really wants me to come to the church. I feel bad because everyone has to bend over backwards to translate for me. So, after service I went up and introduced myself (not as scary as it sounds, there aren't a whole bunch of people at the young adult service and I only said about 2 short sentences in Korean). I was about to sit down, but they were no! wait! We are going to sing a song for you. So, that was nice, I did not know what it was about and if they sing songs to visitors or what- but I felt very welcome. :) Afterwards I got invited to a Bible study and got a book. They are going through the Purpose Driven Life group series. But the book is in Korean. There really wasn't a Bible study yesterday because the group had me introduce myself and they introduced themselves. Everyone is older than me, but very nice and helpful. Some were very eager to speak English and others were very shy. I am going to try and go back next week. After Bible study we went to get food and I got to talk some more about myself and Colorado. Then I went home- turns out a few of my new church friends (hopefully they'll be friends) live in the same apartment complex as me. So, that's cool.
Okay, I have to go and teach! Hope all is well with everyone! If you want some more to read check out my friends' blog- he ate dogmeat soup the other day. I haven't had it yet! http://koreanexperience.blogspot.com/
-me :)
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
"Come and I will make you fishers of men"
Hm, after attempting to fish this weekend, it appears that I should not give up everything and become a fisherman- or woman for that matter! My host family took me to Kampo (Gampo) on Sunday afternoon to fish. Kampo or Gampo is located on the South East coast of Korea. We fished in the sea- the water was pretty gross and polluted. I did not manage to catch anything. However, Han Soong caught a few fish and my host father caught many. Na Kyung even caught one. I was worried we were going to have sushi from the fish we caught, but instead my host mother cooked a few of the fish into a soup we had for breakfast on Monday (I did not eat much of it!). Before the great fishing adventure we had sushi at a restaurant near the sea. Apparently the family eats there every time they go fishing. I was a little worried about the fish and decided to drink lots of soju to try and kill anything on the fish! I'm feeling fine- so do not worry!
Before all this we went to Bulguksa Temple, a famous Buddhist temple, another UNESCO World Heritage site, and to see a famous statue of Buddha, another UNESCO site. They were very nice. Sometimes I think all Buddhist temples look the same, but it was really pretty and a little different than the last Buddhist temple I visited. The statue of the Buddha was pretty cool. It was huge (I forget how tall) and carved out of granite. The sign said it is the best Buddhist artwork in the world. I am not sure how much stock I put into UNESCO site designations, but it was still nice to see.
Saturday night I went out to dinner with a teacher from my school. She invited me out to meet a friend of hers, another native English speaker. Linden turned out to be a Kiwi; he's from New Zealand! He was very nice and it was really interesting to talk to him about the cultural differences between America, New Zealand, and Korea (he's been here four years)! We went to an Indian restaurant- it was Korean-Indian, but still yummy. I even had naan! Afterwards we went and played pool- that was fun too.
Teaching this week had been good so far. The students are speaking a lot better than I initially thought- which is great. Next week I am going to make class a little more difficult. My dad gave me a great idea for a lesson and I am going to try and somehow work it in for next week's class. The idea is around the t.v. show American Idol. I never watched the show and actually do not like it at all, but a lot of my students are interested in learning American pop songs and like to sing, so maybe I can create something around this idea.
Some things that are coming together this week- an orphanage in which to volunteer, a university in which to take Korean language classes, and a church to attend! I am very happy and excited that these things are coming together. I have been trying to be patient and not too pushy and they all seemed to happen at once. My plan was just to work on a place to volunteer this week.
Check out the pictures, I've updated them! I updated Kangwon de Hakyo too! One of my favorite pictures is on the right hand side of this page. I have been teaching my host siblings how to pop snacks up in the air and catch them in their mouths! Hahaha, I'm such a good cultural ambassador!
-Jenna :)
Before all this we went to Bulguksa Temple, a famous Buddhist temple, another UNESCO World Heritage site, and to see a famous statue of Buddha, another UNESCO site. They were very nice. Sometimes I think all Buddhist temples look the same, but it was really pretty and a little different than the last Buddhist temple I visited. The statue of the Buddha was pretty cool. It was huge (I forget how tall) and carved out of granite. The sign said it is the best Buddhist artwork in the world. I am not sure how much stock I put into UNESCO site designations, but it was still nice to see.
Saturday night I went out to dinner with a teacher from my school. She invited me out to meet a friend of hers, another native English speaker. Linden turned out to be a Kiwi; he's from New Zealand! He was very nice and it was really interesting to talk to him about the cultural differences between America, New Zealand, and Korea (he's been here four years)! We went to an Indian restaurant- it was Korean-Indian, but still yummy. I even had naan! Afterwards we went and played pool- that was fun too.
Teaching this week had been good so far. The students are speaking a lot better than I initially thought- which is great. Next week I am going to make class a little more difficult. My dad gave me a great idea for a lesson and I am going to try and somehow work it in for next week's class. The idea is around the t.v. show American Idol. I never watched the show and actually do not like it at all, but a lot of my students are interested in learning American pop songs and like to sing, so maybe I can create something around this idea.
Some things that are coming together this week- an orphanage in which to volunteer, a university in which to take Korean language classes, and a church to attend! I am very happy and excited that these things are coming together. I have been trying to be patient and not too pushy and they all seemed to happen at once. My plan was just to work on a place to volunteer this week.
Check out the pictures, I've updated them! I updated Kangwon de Hakyo too! One of my favorite pictures is on the right hand side of this page. I have been teaching my host siblings how to pop snacks up in the air and catch them in their mouths! Hahaha, I'm such a good cultural ambassador!
-Jenna :)
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
You're not good at chopsticks until...
-You can eat buffalo wings with them (substitute buffalo wings for any meat on the bone)
-You can de-shell a shrimp with them (substitute shrimp for any shell fish)
-You can pick the seeds out of watermelons with them
-You can transfer food from one set of chopsticks someone is holding to your own set of chopsticks
Interesting things I have heard this week:
"You are the smartest foreigner I have ever met." In regards to the fact that I memorized my cell phone number. Apparently everyone else has just handed the phone with the number showing to this teacher.
"Teacher you are very beautiful." A student, or multiple students.
"Because you look like us, you should wear a name tag so people know you are the English teacher." My principal being concerned that people might not treat me right because I look Korean.
"Teacher, you and my brother are predestined. He's 26!" Student trying to tell me that her brother and I are "meant to be together" aka married.
"The students are behaving very well because you are a beautiful stranger." A teacher at the school explaining why the students are well behaved in my classes.
"You are very smart, because you can understand my English." The gym trainer guy talking to me about how poor his English is. It's actually not that bad.
Interesting things I have seen written this week:
"I love you teacher!" Written by a student.
"I want to learn about sexy girls bodies." In response to my question- what do you want to learn about in this English class?
"Teacher you and my brother should meet!" Same student trying to get me to date her brother.
"Jenna could make friends with a brick wall." A friend's mother's comment about how easily I can make friends.
Nicest thing I have read this week:
Jenna, like I said, you did a great job!
I think they'll learn a lot from you.
I was writing about how I "enjoyed" watching your class but the bell rang~ I'll talk about it more later~ OK?
Have a good day and see you tomorrow~
From the teacher who sat in on my class today. I didn't notice the quotes around enjoyed until I was posting it here. Oh well- I'm sure it's okay. This is from the teacher who made me feel self-conscious about my lesson plans last week. So, I'm a step ahead.
Now, into the long blog. I haven't written in a week- I missed the Sunday deadline because I posted later in the week.
I had a great time this past weekend. The weekend starts for my on Thursday night- I know, everyone already hates me. But regardless I met up with the friends here for dinner and Ray came down from Gumi. We had a nice time. Then I met up with two other friends to get our nails done on Friday morning (I got a French tip manicure and I actually really like it! Who knew!) Then I hung out with Amber and Ray the rest of the day. Saturday I lazed around and went to my co-teacher, Mr. Choi, daughter's one year birthday party. It's a huge celebration here. They rented out a room in a seafood buffet restaurant. They had an album of professionally taken pictures and party favors for the guests. I bought the little girl a cute dress. I was very happy to be invited to such an event. After the party I went and saw D War with Ray and his host brothers. It was a horrible movie! Aw man- it was terrible. I went to church with Jess and Ray in Gumi on Sunday- that was cool.
Monday was the first day of teaching- I had three classes. I was a little nervous at first, but it went really well. Most of the students are really excited to see me and I think it is the reason why they are well behaved. I had the students ask me questions to see how comfortable they felt speaking English and to hear their pronunciation. It went pretty well and then I went through the rules with the students. Pretty much the same as in the states- no cell phones, no mp3 players, no talking and no sleeping. The sleeping rule has to do with the fact that most students study until 12am every night and are way over worked. I promised that I would try my best to make lessons interesting for them so they won't want to sleep.
It's Wednesday and that means I've taught seven classes this week- I have five classes to teach tomorrow! I am happy that my biggest class load falls on Thursday- since I've taught seven of the same classes thus far, I feel comfortable with the lesson- they should go really well. I am also treating teachers to lunch tomorrow. I'm excited because they all kept buying me lunch last week. So Korean-Chinese food it is! Woot- it's also because I got payed yesterday!
I am excited to finally start teaching. :) It's really been neat to be here, because I am constantly talking about teaching strategies with other people. It's been great to be in that mindset again. I really enjoy it. I am also thankful that my classes will be "easy" for my students, compared to the Korean classes they take. I made it very clear to my students that they can come and speak to me whenever they want about English- whether it's just to talk or if they have questions. I had one girl come in today and talk to me about what I thought about Condeleza Rice and Hilary Clinton. :) Students here have it much harder than in the states. They study extremely hard- long hours too. Their academy teachers can hit them (as a form of punishment) and schools can use all sorts of punishments not allowed in the states (corporal punishment was outlawed here a few years ago- but it still happens sometimes). One of my host sisters told me the other night that her teacher at academy hit her hand because of a low test score and how her hand was still hurting her. I couldn't believe it!
I don't have any plans for this Friday or Saturday. A friend of mine was going to come visit on Saturday, but plans were changed last minute- which is cool. I'm sure I'll think of something. My host family is going to take me to a Buddhist Temple, some other thing, and then fishing. Very full Sunday. Mr. Choi found a church that has English services- I'm going to try and start going to church in two weeks. We'll see. Mr. Choi thought it was ironic that my family was taking me to a temple on Sunday- even though I'm trying to start going to church. I thought it was an astute observation and that it showed he had a good command over the language if he can identify things that are ironic.
I'm still setting into Daegu- but am feeling pretty good still. There are a few more things I would like to know about while I'm here, but we'll see. I want to take language classes and I also want to volunteer in an orphanage. I have been trying to bring it up here and there to Mr. Choi and he tells me that he's looking into it. There's also a teacher at my school who is a Christian and volunteers at an orphanage. Hopefully I can go with him one time and then start going on my own. :)
Thanks again to everyone who is supporting me while I'm here!
-Jenna
P.S. I've updated my pictures. There's a new album called Daegu, but I also updated pictures in Kangwang University- check 'em out!
-You can de-shell a shrimp with them (substitute shrimp for any shell fish)
-You can pick the seeds out of watermelons with them
-You can transfer food from one set of chopsticks someone is holding to your own set of chopsticks
Interesting things I have heard this week:
"You are the smartest foreigner I have ever met." In regards to the fact that I memorized my cell phone number. Apparently everyone else has just handed the phone with the number showing to this teacher.
"Teacher you are very beautiful." A student, or multiple students.
"Because you look like us, you should wear a name tag so people know you are the English teacher." My principal being concerned that people might not treat me right because I look Korean.
"Teacher, you and my brother are predestined. He's 26!" Student trying to tell me that her brother and I are "meant to be together" aka married.
"The students are behaving very well because you are a beautiful stranger." A teacher at the school explaining why the students are well behaved in my classes.
"You are very smart, because you can understand my English." The gym trainer guy talking to me about how poor his English is. It's actually not that bad.
Interesting things I have seen written this week:
"I love you teacher!" Written by a student.
"I want to learn about sexy girls bodies." In response to my question- what do you want to learn about in this English class?
"Teacher you and my brother should meet!" Same student trying to get me to date her brother.
"Jenna could make friends with a brick wall." A friend's mother's comment about how easily I can make friends.
Nicest thing I have read this week:
Jenna, like I said, you did a great job!
I think they'll learn a lot from you.
I was writing about how I "enjoyed" watching your class but the bell rang~ I'll talk about it more later~ OK?
Have a good day and see you tomorrow~
From the teacher who sat in on my class today. I didn't notice the quotes around enjoyed until I was posting it here. Oh well- I'm sure it's okay. This is from the teacher who made me feel self-conscious about my lesson plans last week. So, I'm a step ahead.
Now, into the long blog. I haven't written in a week- I missed the Sunday deadline because I posted later in the week.
I had a great time this past weekend. The weekend starts for my on Thursday night- I know, everyone already hates me. But regardless I met up with the friends here for dinner and Ray came down from Gumi. We had a nice time. Then I met up with two other friends to get our nails done on Friday morning (I got a French tip manicure and I actually really like it! Who knew!) Then I hung out with Amber and Ray the rest of the day. Saturday I lazed around and went to my co-teacher, Mr. Choi, daughter's one year birthday party. It's a huge celebration here. They rented out a room in a seafood buffet restaurant. They had an album of professionally taken pictures and party favors for the guests. I bought the little girl a cute dress. I was very happy to be invited to such an event. After the party I went and saw D War with Ray and his host brothers. It was a horrible movie! Aw man- it was terrible. I went to church with Jess and Ray in Gumi on Sunday- that was cool.
Monday was the first day of teaching- I had three classes. I was a little nervous at first, but it went really well. Most of the students are really excited to see me and I think it is the reason why they are well behaved. I had the students ask me questions to see how comfortable they felt speaking English and to hear their pronunciation. It went pretty well and then I went through the rules with the students. Pretty much the same as in the states- no cell phones, no mp3 players, no talking and no sleeping. The sleeping rule has to do with the fact that most students study until 12am every night and are way over worked. I promised that I would try my best to make lessons interesting for them so they won't want to sleep.
It's Wednesday and that means I've taught seven classes this week- I have five classes to teach tomorrow! I am happy that my biggest class load falls on Thursday- since I've taught seven of the same classes thus far, I feel comfortable with the lesson- they should go really well. I am also treating teachers to lunch tomorrow. I'm excited because they all kept buying me lunch last week. So Korean-Chinese food it is! Woot- it's also because I got payed yesterday!
I am excited to finally start teaching. :) It's really been neat to be here, because I am constantly talking about teaching strategies with other people. It's been great to be in that mindset again. I really enjoy it. I am also thankful that my classes will be "easy" for my students, compared to the Korean classes they take. I made it very clear to my students that they can come and speak to me whenever they want about English- whether it's just to talk or if they have questions. I had one girl come in today and talk to me about what I thought about Condeleza Rice and Hilary Clinton. :) Students here have it much harder than in the states. They study extremely hard- long hours too. Their academy teachers can hit them (as a form of punishment) and schools can use all sorts of punishments not allowed in the states (corporal punishment was outlawed here a few years ago- but it still happens sometimes). One of my host sisters told me the other night that her teacher at academy hit her hand because of a low test score and how her hand was still hurting her. I couldn't believe it!
I don't have any plans for this Friday or Saturday. A friend of mine was going to come visit on Saturday, but plans were changed last minute- which is cool. I'm sure I'll think of something. My host family is going to take me to a Buddhist Temple, some other thing, and then fishing. Very full Sunday. Mr. Choi found a church that has English services- I'm going to try and start going to church in two weeks. We'll see. Mr. Choi thought it was ironic that my family was taking me to a temple on Sunday- even though I'm trying to start going to church. I thought it was an astute observation and that it showed he had a good command over the language if he can identify things that are ironic.
I'm still setting into Daegu- but am feeling pretty good still. There are a few more things I would like to know about while I'm here, but we'll see. I want to take language classes and I also want to volunteer in an orphanage. I have been trying to bring it up here and there to Mr. Choi and he tells me that he's looking into it. There's also a teacher at my school who is a Christian and volunteers at an orphanage. Hopefully I can go with him one time and then start going on my own. :)
Thanks again to everyone who is supporting me while I'm here!
-Jenna
P.S. I've updated my pictures. There's a new album called Daegu, but I also updated pictures in Kangwang University- check 'em out!
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
"For the Jenna!"
Hm, well it is sort of late, but I do not need to go into school tomorrow until the afternoon. So, I will write about my random-interesting day.
I got up a little before 7- around 6 (I went to bed early last night) and was officially awaked with a knock at my door at 7am. I think the family thought I had to be up that early, since I had to be at school at 8:10 am on Monday. However, I did not have to be at school until 10am. Regardless I ate breakfast with the family and then hung around until my host mother drove me to school.
I arrived at school, entered the teacher's office and awkwardly said hello to all the teachers and waited for Mr. Choi to tell me what to do (I was supposed to get my bank account- that's why I went to school this morning). Turns out he had a class then, so I went to my office and did some work (mostly chatted on g-mail and tried to figure out where I actually am). And, even though it might be a suprise, I finally figured out where I am! There are two subway lines that run through the city and I am about a 20 minute walk from the nearest stop. It is a huge relief to finally know where I am. It's such a humbling experience not to know anything about where you are and what is going on. This is also helpful since I am supposed to meet friends in Daegu for dinner on Thursday night.
Mr. Choi came back and we left for the bank- where I signed my life away on about 20 different documents. But I have a bank account and I even deposited money! Supposedly I will get paid soon- although I am unsure how much and why. Typically we don't get paid until we actually start to teach. Since I haven't started I am not sure why they are paying me. Maybe it is an advance? Some of us started teaching this week and their pay will be adjusted for the time they teach this month. But, I am happy I have a bank account- I am slowly beginning to feel like an actual member of society again. Nevertheless, the simple act of opening an account led to an interesting foray into Korean culture. It went like this:
Mr. Choi: "Jenna have you heard about the Korean custom for when a person receives their first salary?"
Jenna: "No" (shakes head)
Mr. Choi: "It is customary to give underwear to one's parents. I think, it would be a very good thing for you to do- especially for the grandma of your homestay."
Jenna: "Really?" (Tries to play it cool- although is trying not to laugh and wondering if this is a joke.)
Mr. Choi: "Yes. Traditionally the underwear is red."
Jenna: "Red? Where do I get it?" (still in disbelief)
Mr. Choi: "Hm, a store like EMart- nothing expensive" (similar to Target)
Jenna: "Okay, thanks" (Makes a mental note to ask her Korean friends about this later.)
And before this interesting conversation...was lunch! Where I proceeded to sniffle and tried not to blow my nose. We had chee-gae, which is a spicey soup with ramen, hot dog pieces, ham (spam), rice cake, cabbage- etc. It wasn't all that spicey- but you know my nose. I felt really bad, because the teachers I went with were all very sad that they had picked the restuarant. I do really like it and it wasn't all that spicey- but my nose couldn't handle it. I swear it will be the death of me in this country. It is REALLY rude to blow your nose in public (anywhere outside a bathroom- pretty much) and I just can't do it sometimes. My host family thinks I'm sick and since I have to sniffle all the time I cough too. It's an intersting situation.
So, back at school Mr. Choi and I try to set up my internet banking and it doesn't work. It looks like it will take awhile to figure it out and we decide to work on it another day. Around 3:00 I am inundated by a whole bunch of students who are curious about me. Some are brave enough to enter the office and others wait outside in the hallway. I think I get some new students because I made a few signs that say "Welcome, Please Come in! and English Zone" I also have a group of five boys that come in with Mr. Choi. They are here to clean my office. Apparently 3:00-3:20 is cleaning time and I have five boys assigned to sweep, mop, wash my windows, etc. in the office. Students in Korea, like some other Asian countries, are required to clean their classrooms, the hallways, offices, take out the trash, etc. It's a good idea that American public schools should pick up. I think it helps build pride in the school- plus it cuts down on maintence costs.
At 3:30 I have to call my host mother and the fun really begins. To begin with the call last all of 2 seconds in which she answers her phone, says "Jenna" and a few other things in Korea. I quickly gather all my things and am out the door to meet her in front of the school. From what I garnered earlier this morning I am being taken to a nearby university where my host brother takes English class. It turns out that she is trying to sign my up for Korean classes- which is great. Although there are no Korean classes available this month. I have to wait until next month and even then it is sketchy- the times might conflict with my teaching schedule. I really hope they do not, because I really do want to learn.
After that my host mother looks disappointed in not being able to help me get what I want. However, she says a few other things and the only word I pick up is "Costco" and I get the gist that we are going there. Now, Costco is a huge thing in Korea for Americans. Not that I have been missing much American food, but for most American's it's a huge treat to be able to go. It turns out that my family has a Costco card- and not only that, but my host mother is a VIP member (which I'm pretty sure just means she buys a lot- it makes sense since the family is so large). Costco is the same as it is in America- save for the different types of Korean food you can get here- although it does carry a lot of the American brands, which is why Americans love it. Now, this (seemingly) was not an ordinary Costco trip- who knows. But it turned out that we met up with a friend of my host mother, who was also doing her shopping. We shared a cart with her and I helped push- about the only useful thing I could do, inbetween being forced the sample food (not all that bad). I thought of Dad and going to Sam's club. I even took a picture with my camera phone. If I figure out how to transfer pictures onto my computer I'll post it. Now, after completing shopping (I did find one American thing I have missed- Nature Vally granola bars- the ones in the green wrappers- I was going to buy them, but my host mother bought them for me!) we went to a VIP event. Which is why we were there in the first place (I think). It was pretty much a small area of the store sectioned off where there were select items on sale and free food. Neither of the women bought anything, I really think we went just for the free food. :)
My host mother and I then picked up my host brother from English academy and drove to pick up my host father from work. I think he owns two tire factories (one in Daegu and another one somewhere else). This took awhile, but we finally got home and I go to taekwondo with my host bro. I had promised to go with him the day before- so I followed him to practice because I wanted to see him and his teacher wanted to meet me. Well, it turned out that I ended up working out! And I'm supposed to go back every Tuesday for class. I didn't pack my uniform, but now I wish I had- the school is pretty informal. Actually- it is a lot different from my old school and I don't like it all that much- but it might be another way for me to stay active. Besides it is good hang out time with Han Soong. We'll see what happens!
Ah- after taekwondo we went home- I had ten minutes to relax and then we were off again with his parents to get beer. We waited for a long time at the table and I was wondering what was wrong- why we didn't just order. However, it turns out we were meeting friends at the bar. The same woman who I met at Costco and her husband (who is a Korean doctor- I'm not sure what that means). They were very nice and the husband kept trying to speak in English- he was okay...he didn't know a whole lot, but his pronuciation was okay. This is where the subject of the post comes from- everyone was trying to figure out how people toast in America. I taught them "cheers" and they started saying "For Jenna!", which devolved into "For the Jenna!" and finally evolved into "to Jenna!" I could not stop laughing. Thankfully my host bro was there and helped translate. I was able to talk a little more about myself, America, and other people on our program with the family in a relaxed atmopshere- it was nice.
After that we went to norebang (singing room/kareoke). Where everyone sang- and I had to sing songs in English- which was a big hit. I sang "Bye, Bye, Bye, Hotel California, Yesterday, Build Me Up Buttercup, and Dancing Queen" Not my top picksm but I tried to pick songs and everyone helped me that they knew. Most host mom and dad are pretty good singers and everyone had a good time. Finally after an hour of that we came home. I played some cards with Han Soong and now I am blogging. It was an increadibly long day! I had no idea that so many random things would happen!
Overall I felt like today was pretty good. I'm getting to know the family a little better. Shopping helped today with getting to know my host mother a bit more. Taekwondo- although unprepared as I was for it, helped me get to know my host bro more, and going out for beer and singing helped be get some face time in with my host father. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!
-Jenna
P.S. I have a cell phone and a bank account. I have friends' cell phone numbers and I know where I am. The only thing left I really need is internet- which hopefully will be set up tomorrow at 5:00pm. Then, I will be a full-fledged member of society again!
I got up a little before 7- around 6 (I went to bed early last night) and was officially awaked with a knock at my door at 7am. I think the family thought I had to be up that early, since I had to be at school at 8:10 am on Monday. However, I did not have to be at school until 10am. Regardless I ate breakfast with the family and then hung around until my host mother drove me to school.
I arrived at school, entered the teacher's office and awkwardly said hello to all the teachers and waited for Mr. Choi to tell me what to do (I was supposed to get my bank account- that's why I went to school this morning). Turns out he had a class then, so I went to my office and did some work (mostly chatted on g-mail and tried to figure out where I actually am). And, even though it might be a suprise, I finally figured out where I am! There are two subway lines that run through the city and I am about a 20 minute walk from the nearest stop. It is a huge relief to finally know where I am. It's such a humbling experience not to know anything about where you are and what is going on. This is also helpful since I am supposed to meet friends in Daegu for dinner on Thursday night.
Mr. Choi came back and we left for the bank- where I signed my life away on about 20 different documents. But I have a bank account and I even deposited money! Supposedly I will get paid soon- although I am unsure how much and why. Typically we don't get paid until we actually start to teach. Since I haven't started I am not sure why they are paying me. Maybe it is an advance? Some of us started teaching this week and their pay will be adjusted for the time they teach this month. But, I am happy I have a bank account- I am slowly beginning to feel like an actual member of society again. Nevertheless, the simple act of opening an account led to an interesting foray into Korean culture. It went like this:
Mr. Choi: "Jenna have you heard about the Korean custom for when a person receives their first salary?"
Jenna: "No" (shakes head)
Mr. Choi: "It is customary to give underwear to one's parents. I think, it would be a very good thing for you to do- especially for the grandma of your homestay."
Jenna: "Really?" (Tries to play it cool- although is trying not to laugh and wondering if this is a joke.)
Mr. Choi: "Yes. Traditionally the underwear is red."
Jenna: "Red? Where do I get it?" (still in disbelief)
Mr. Choi: "Hm, a store like EMart- nothing expensive" (similar to Target)
Jenna: "Okay, thanks" (Makes a mental note to ask her Korean friends about this later.)
And before this interesting conversation...was lunch! Where I proceeded to sniffle and tried not to blow my nose. We had chee-gae, which is a spicey soup with ramen, hot dog pieces, ham (spam), rice cake, cabbage- etc. It wasn't all that spicey- but you know my nose. I felt really bad, because the teachers I went with were all very sad that they had picked the restuarant. I do really like it and it wasn't all that spicey- but my nose couldn't handle it. I swear it will be the death of me in this country. It is REALLY rude to blow your nose in public (anywhere outside a bathroom- pretty much) and I just can't do it sometimes. My host family thinks I'm sick and since I have to sniffle all the time I cough too. It's an intersting situation.
So, back at school Mr. Choi and I try to set up my internet banking and it doesn't work. It looks like it will take awhile to figure it out and we decide to work on it another day. Around 3:00 I am inundated by a whole bunch of students who are curious about me. Some are brave enough to enter the office and others wait outside in the hallway. I think I get some new students because I made a few signs that say "Welcome, Please Come in! and English Zone" I also have a group of five boys that come in with Mr. Choi. They are here to clean my office. Apparently 3:00-3:20 is cleaning time and I have five boys assigned to sweep, mop, wash my windows, etc. in the office. Students in Korea, like some other Asian countries, are required to clean their classrooms, the hallways, offices, take out the trash, etc. It's a good idea that American public schools should pick up. I think it helps build pride in the school- plus it cuts down on maintence costs.
At 3:30 I have to call my host mother and the fun really begins. To begin with the call last all of 2 seconds in which she answers her phone, says "Jenna" and a few other things in Korea. I quickly gather all my things and am out the door to meet her in front of the school. From what I garnered earlier this morning I am being taken to a nearby university where my host brother takes English class. It turns out that she is trying to sign my up for Korean classes- which is great. Although there are no Korean classes available this month. I have to wait until next month and even then it is sketchy- the times might conflict with my teaching schedule. I really hope they do not, because I really do want to learn.
After that my host mother looks disappointed in not being able to help me get what I want. However, she says a few other things and the only word I pick up is "Costco" and I get the gist that we are going there. Now, Costco is a huge thing in Korea for Americans. Not that I have been missing much American food, but for most American's it's a huge treat to be able to go. It turns out that my family has a Costco card- and not only that, but my host mother is a VIP member (which I'm pretty sure just means she buys a lot- it makes sense since the family is so large). Costco is the same as it is in America- save for the different types of Korean food you can get here- although it does carry a lot of the American brands, which is why Americans love it. Now, this (seemingly) was not an ordinary Costco trip- who knows. But it turned out that we met up with a friend of my host mother, who was also doing her shopping. We shared a cart with her and I helped push- about the only useful thing I could do, inbetween being forced the sample food (not all that bad). I thought of Dad and going to Sam's club. I even took a picture with my camera phone. If I figure out how to transfer pictures onto my computer I'll post it. Now, after completing shopping (I did find one American thing I have missed- Nature Vally granola bars- the ones in the green wrappers- I was going to buy them, but my host mother bought them for me!) we went to a VIP event. Which is why we were there in the first place (I think). It was pretty much a small area of the store sectioned off where there were select items on sale and free food. Neither of the women bought anything, I really think we went just for the free food. :)
My host mother and I then picked up my host brother from English academy and drove to pick up my host father from work. I think he owns two tire factories (one in Daegu and another one somewhere else). This took awhile, but we finally got home and I go to taekwondo with my host bro. I had promised to go with him the day before- so I followed him to practice because I wanted to see him and his teacher wanted to meet me. Well, it turned out that I ended up working out! And I'm supposed to go back every Tuesday for class. I didn't pack my uniform, but now I wish I had- the school is pretty informal. Actually- it is a lot different from my old school and I don't like it all that much- but it might be another way for me to stay active. Besides it is good hang out time with Han Soong. We'll see what happens!
Ah- after taekwondo we went home- I had ten minutes to relax and then we were off again with his parents to get beer. We waited for a long time at the table and I was wondering what was wrong- why we didn't just order. However, it turns out we were meeting friends at the bar. The same woman who I met at Costco and her husband (who is a Korean doctor- I'm not sure what that means). They were very nice and the husband kept trying to speak in English- he was okay...he didn't know a whole lot, but his pronuciation was okay. This is where the subject of the post comes from- everyone was trying to figure out how people toast in America. I taught them "cheers" and they started saying "For Jenna!", which devolved into "For the Jenna!" and finally evolved into "to Jenna!" I could not stop laughing. Thankfully my host bro was there and helped translate. I was able to talk a little more about myself, America, and other people on our program with the family in a relaxed atmopshere- it was nice.
After that we went to norebang (singing room/kareoke). Where everyone sang- and I had to sing songs in English- which was a big hit. I sang "Bye, Bye, Bye, Hotel California, Yesterday, Build Me Up Buttercup, and Dancing Queen" Not my top picksm but I tried to pick songs and everyone helped me that they knew. Most host mom and dad are pretty good singers and everyone had a good time. Finally after an hour of that we came home. I played some cards with Han Soong and now I am blogging. It was an increadibly long day! I had no idea that so many random things would happen!
Overall I felt like today was pretty good. I'm getting to know the family a little better. Shopping helped today with getting to know my host mother a bit more. Taekwondo- although unprepared as I was for it, helped me get to know my host bro more, and going out for beer and singing helped be get some face time in with my host father. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!
-Jenna
P.S. I have a cell phone and a bank account. I have friends' cell phone numbers and I know where I am. The only thing left I really need is internet- which hopefully will be set up tomorrow at 5:00pm. Then, I will be a full-fledged member of society again!
Monday, August 20, 2007
:)
Okay, I'm trying to leave school, but just had to post a quick message about my first day hanging out at school! It's 4:38 and classes offically ended at 4:20pm- although it sounds like some teachers stick around to teach a supplemantary class- probably for an extra hour.
I got here this morning (my host mom drove me and my host sister to school). I got into my office, which was a feat snce I could not remember the combination to my office! It's my office until a Japanese teacher comes and then I will have to share it with them. It's a bit unusual since most teachers all share one office. Then I had to give my address (introduction) to the entire school staff at the meeting this morning- it went surprisingly well- even if it was only 6 sentances! I also gave the principal, vice prinicipal, and my co-teacher (Mr. Choi) their gifts. Mr. Choi really liked it!
I decided to sick around school because there was a lunch with all the English teachers from the school. I sat around and tried to lesson plan and such- it went pretty well. Every now and then students would pop into my office or stand outside and yell "HI TEACHER!" from the hallway. When I would say anything they would laugh and run away. Some of the braver students actually talked to me. I can't wait to get into the classroom- I'm sure their energy will mellow out!
While I was here this morning Mr. Choi tried to register my cell phone (one that I had been given by a previous participant). However, it would not work so he bought me a phone! This is increadibly generous! I cannot even imagine how must it must have cost. All of the Korean people I have met so far are extremely generous! His daughter's one year birthday is later this month, I will be sure to bring something very nice!
And lastly, this is what Mr. Choi sent me earlier today on messenger:
Hi! Jenna...
Do you know who I am?
Yes, Mr. Choi...
You can use this messenger from now on...
When you have something to tell me(all of the staffs in this school), use this messenger freely. You can visit me also whenever you need...
You may feel tired, I think. But as time goes by and as you are getting familiar with this rather strange and unfamiliar situation, you will feel better soon.
Cheer up, Jenna^^....
Though you sometimes may feel hard to understand me due to my poor English, I'll do my best to help you....
If there is anything that you can not understand, don't hesitate to let me know about that....
Well, I hope you first day in this school would be great...^^
I am still having a wonderful time and am so thankful for everything! Now I will walk home in the stiffling heat!
-Jenna
I got here this morning (my host mom drove me and my host sister to school). I got into my office, which was a feat snce I could not remember the combination to my office! It's my office until a Japanese teacher comes and then I will have to share it with them. It's a bit unusual since most teachers all share one office. Then I had to give my address (introduction) to the entire school staff at the meeting this morning- it went surprisingly well- even if it was only 6 sentances! I also gave the principal, vice prinicipal, and my co-teacher (Mr. Choi) their gifts. Mr. Choi really liked it!
I decided to sick around school because there was a lunch with all the English teachers from the school. I sat around and tried to lesson plan and such- it went pretty well. Every now and then students would pop into my office or stand outside and yell "HI TEACHER!" from the hallway. When I would say anything they would laugh and run away. Some of the braver students actually talked to me. I can't wait to get into the classroom- I'm sure their energy will mellow out!
While I was here this morning Mr. Choi tried to register my cell phone (one that I had been given by a previous participant). However, it would not work so he bought me a phone! This is increadibly generous! I cannot even imagine how must it must have cost. All of the Korean people I have met so far are extremely generous! His daughter's one year birthday is later this month, I will be sure to bring something very nice!
And lastly, this is what Mr. Choi sent me earlier today on messenger:
Hi! Jenna...
Do you know who I am?
Yes, Mr. Choi...
You can use this messenger from now on...
When you have something to tell me(all of the staffs in this school), use this messenger freely. You can visit me also whenever you need...
You may feel tired, I think. But as time goes by and as you are getting familiar with this rather strange and unfamiliar situation, you will feel better soon.
Cheer up, Jenna^^....
Though you sometimes may feel hard to understand me due to my poor English, I'll do my best to help you....
If there is anything that you can not understand, don't hesitate to let me know about that....
Well, I hope you first day in this school would be great...^^
I am still having a wonderful time and am so thankful for everything! Now I will walk home in the stiffling heat!
-Jenna
Friday, August 17, 2007
Daegu!
Hi everyone!
I arrived safely last night around 8 o'clock. My host family is very nice! My cooperating teacher is also very nice and he stayed to talk and eat fruit with the family when I arrived. The family really wants me to feel like this is my home, which is great. I was told I could eat anything in the fridge and even cook my own food (which seems to be pretty unique). They cut up fresh fruit when I came and showed me around the apartment. It is really nice, pretty spacious. I actually am kicking out the youngest sister from her room- she will live with her grandmother while I am here. The girls seem nice, but weren't all that interested in me. The boy however is very good in english and is a huge help already. He also seems very excited to teach me things- which is great. Last night the girls left at 9 to go to an academy to study! They won't come back until 12! The boy is on vacation now, so I think I'll spend more time with him. However, as the girls were leaving they said a few things to me. As soon as my cooperating teacher left, my host mom took me to get a gym membership (which she paid for) and to show me where the closest grocery store is. Both are very close- in the apartment complex.
When I got in last night they showed me my room and there was a stone bed (a slab of marble) for me to sleep on! My co-teacher was very concerned for me and the mother, father, sister, and my co-teacher dragged the thing out of my room and put it into the master bedroom. I will sleep on the floor for about a week until a bed arrives (the host mom ordered it last night!). It is really generous of them and even though I explained I could sleep on the floor they insisted on getting me a bed. I slept pretty well last night.
I woke up this morning and met my co-teacher and he showed me his office and introuced me to a lot of teachers in the school. I also got to see my office, which is really nice- I have it all to myself- kind of unusual. I also got to meet the principal and met some students. The school is only 4 years old- it has 6 floors. My office is on the third floor and the majority of the classrooms I will teach in are on the third floor. The other classrooms are on the second floor (teachers move from class to class, rather than the students). The school is a little further away than originally thought- about 15-20 minute walk from the apt. I think my daily schedule will look like this (at least for now): health club (work out) in the morning myabe around 7, then eat breakfast and walk to school. Come home from school and hopefullly take language classes and/or volunteer.
My school schedule looks like this ( I think it could change, but hopefully it will stay like this):
Monday I teach class number 4 from 9:30-10:20, class number 7 from 10:30-11:20, class number 3 from 1:20-2:10, and class nunber 2 from 3:30-4:20. There is an hour break for lunch (12:20-1:20) and apparently teachers eat in the cafeteria with students.
Tuesday I teach class number 5 from 10:30-11:20 and class number 8 from 1:20-2:10. Wednesday I teach class number 11 from 3:30-4:20.
Thursday I teach class number 12 from 8:30-9:20, class number 1 from 9:30-10:20, class number 6 from 1:20-2:10, class number 10 from 2:20-3:10, and class number 9 from 3:30-4:20! Thursday is my busiest day!
Friday- no class!
My schedule is amazing! Technically I will only be teaching 12 hours a week! There are only 12 classes for the freshman (first grade class) and I will teach the entire first grade class (40 students per class)! I am so happy that I have Fridays off- I cannot believe it. I have already agreed to teach an additional language class (two times a week) since they were so great about my schedule. It also looks like I will be teaching a teachers class too- but that could change.
I have to go to the teachers staff meeting this monday at 8:10, but I do not start teaching for a week! I am so thankful, because I feel like I have a lot to prepare. But I am confident that a week will, be plenty. It's also nice to be able to settle in. There is still a lot I need to learn (like how to do my laundry!). Also, I think I will get my cell phone set up this monday and a bank account. I still have to unpack and work on an introduction (in Korean) for the staff meeting. As soon as I can take pictuers of the apartment and my school I will let you know and post them!
Thank you so much for all your support and prayers! I really felt comfortable during the move and feel very comfortable at my homestay- even though I don't know what is happening 99% of the time. I really cannot imagine a better homestay or school- God is so faithful!
Love,
Jenna
P.S. Please excuse my deteriorating English. I fear that the longer I stay in Korea and the less exposure I have to native speakers the faster my English will disappear! I have heard from past program participants that this happens, also that they tend to speak very slowly (especially when they have to explain things) and that they use a lot more body lanaguge when communicating!
I arrived safely last night around 8 o'clock. My host family is very nice! My cooperating teacher is also very nice and he stayed to talk and eat fruit with the family when I arrived. The family really wants me to feel like this is my home, which is great. I was told I could eat anything in the fridge and even cook my own food (which seems to be pretty unique). They cut up fresh fruit when I came and showed me around the apartment. It is really nice, pretty spacious. I actually am kicking out the youngest sister from her room- she will live with her grandmother while I am here. The girls seem nice, but weren't all that interested in me. The boy however is very good in english and is a huge help already. He also seems very excited to teach me things- which is great. Last night the girls left at 9 to go to an academy to study! They won't come back until 12! The boy is on vacation now, so I think I'll spend more time with him. However, as the girls were leaving they said a few things to me. As soon as my cooperating teacher left, my host mom took me to get a gym membership (which she paid for) and to show me where the closest grocery store is. Both are very close- in the apartment complex.
When I got in last night they showed me my room and there was a stone bed (a slab of marble) for me to sleep on! My co-teacher was very concerned for me and the mother, father, sister, and my co-teacher dragged the thing out of my room and put it into the master bedroom. I will sleep on the floor for about a week until a bed arrives (the host mom ordered it last night!). It is really generous of them and even though I explained I could sleep on the floor they insisted on getting me a bed. I slept pretty well last night.
I woke up this morning and met my co-teacher and he showed me his office and introuced me to a lot of teachers in the school. I also got to see my office, which is really nice- I have it all to myself- kind of unusual. I also got to meet the principal and met some students. The school is only 4 years old- it has 6 floors. My office is on the third floor and the majority of the classrooms I will teach in are on the third floor. The other classrooms are on the second floor (teachers move from class to class, rather than the students). The school is a little further away than originally thought- about 15-20 minute walk from the apt. I think my daily schedule will look like this (at least for now): health club (work out) in the morning myabe around 7, then eat breakfast and walk to school. Come home from school and hopefullly take language classes and/or volunteer.
My school schedule looks like this ( I think it could change, but hopefully it will stay like this):
Monday I teach class number 4 from 9:30-10:20, class number 7 from 10:30-11:20, class number 3 from 1:20-2:10, and class nunber 2 from 3:30-4:20. There is an hour break for lunch (12:20-1:20) and apparently teachers eat in the cafeteria with students.
Tuesday I teach class number 5 from 10:30-11:20 and class number 8 from 1:20-2:10. Wednesday I teach class number 11 from 3:30-4:20.
Thursday I teach class number 12 from 8:30-9:20, class number 1 from 9:30-10:20, class number 6 from 1:20-2:10, class number 10 from 2:20-3:10, and class number 9 from 3:30-4:20! Thursday is my busiest day!
Friday- no class!
My schedule is amazing! Technically I will only be teaching 12 hours a week! There are only 12 classes for the freshman (first grade class) and I will teach the entire first grade class (40 students per class)! I am so happy that I have Fridays off- I cannot believe it. I have already agreed to teach an additional language class (two times a week) since they were so great about my schedule. It also looks like I will be teaching a teachers class too- but that could change.
I have to go to the teachers staff meeting this monday at 8:10, but I do not start teaching for a week! I am so thankful, because I feel like I have a lot to prepare. But I am confident that a week will, be plenty. It's also nice to be able to settle in. There is still a lot I need to learn (like how to do my laundry!). Also, I think I will get my cell phone set up this monday and a bank account. I still have to unpack and work on an introduction (in Korean) for the staff meeting. As soon as I can take pictuers of the apartment and my school I will let you know and post them!
Thank you so much for all your support and prayers! I really felt comfortable during the move and feel very comfortable at my homestay- even though I don't know what is happening 99% of the time. I really cannot imagine a better homestay or school- God is so faithful!
Love,
Jenna
P.S. Please excuse my deteriorating English. I fear that the longer I stay in Korea and the less exposure I have to native speakers the faster my English will disappear! I have heard from past program participants that this happens, also that they tend to speak very slowly (especially when they have to explain things) and that they use a lot more body lanaguge when communicating!
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