...Hi!
Sorry, no post last week. It's not like I've been super busy or anything lately, but I just didn't end up blogging last week.
Teaching is still going well. I'm on week four of class, this week, but I've only taught about two weeks. This is because my students went on their class trip last week (for three days) and I didn't have to teach. I wanted to travel with my students, but wasn't invited- kinda sucks, but I got some time off- always a plus.
Last weekend I went with two friends to see the apricot blossom festival a town about 2 hours south of here. It was really beautiful! It's like an orchard field, so there are many trees. There were tents set up with different things you could buy, typical festival foods, etc. I've added some new pics (finally) of the festival.
After the festival Alison and I went to a basketball game (pics included too) in Daegu. We have our own professional team. It was an interesting game- our team is not very good. We played the Pusan team- they were a lot better than us, but at least we ended up winning. It was funny because it seemed like the teams here passed the ball way more than American teams do. For example, before anyone ever made a shot, it seemed like the entire team passed the ball around- like everyone had to touch it or something. It was a good experience and I'm glad we went. I also ran into some foreigner friends at the game I hadn't seen in awhile, so that was nice- we ended up going out for dinner.
This week- with all my spare time, I went to visit some friends on the west coast. It was nice, I got to visit a friend who teaches at an elementary school and help/watch her teach. It was neat visiting another family and school. I also went to visit a friend in Taean- where the oil spill happened last fall. We went to a beach and there was still some clean up happening (pics included).
I can't believe it's the end of March already. I know the rest of my time is going to fly by- I want to come back, but I know I'll miss Korea and my time here. These are a few things I plan on doing before I leave Korea: attend a concert (Big Bang is huge among high schooler's here, I just bought my tickets tonight!), see a baseball game (let's hope it's better than the basketball), see a soccer game, travel to a few more cities in Korea (Gwangju, Mokpo, maybe Daejon), and take an international trip with all my free time.
I feel like I should be volunteering this semester, but I didn't feel much of a connection last semester and I don't want to do something out of obligation. I think this semester is just going to be a time of rest (traveling and being active). I'm taking a yoga class every day and then going to a rock climbing gym once a week. I also hope to go climbing or hiking on the weekends when I'm in town.
Please leave a note or write an e-mail to let me know how things are going with you! I really do want to know!!!
As soon as I find out info about grad school/a job I'll post it!
-me ^^ (<- Korean smiley face)
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Monday, March 10, 2008
First Week
Hi everyone,
Last week was the first week of school and thankfully it got a lot better from my last post. I finally got a schedule- a pretty good one that allows me Mondays off and classes pretty much back to back, so not too many breaks in between. Between all the national holidays and test days I have a few long vacations and I'm excited to be able to travel and get around this Spring.
My new kids are great. I don't think they'll be lots of problems and I am just tweaking and fine tuning lessons from last semester- so not a lot of prep. I'll prob need to create a few new lessons, but nothing major.
In my free time, I started a yoga class, which I really enjoy. I also found the bouldering gym yesterday and will go once a week and maybe on a weekend sometime. I've been trying to study some Korean on my own and have been meeting with different people to practice my conversation.
So, all in all things are going well.
me ^^
Last week was the first week of school and thankfully it got a lot better from my last post. I finally got a schedule- a pretty good one that allows me Mondays off and classes pretty much back to back, so not too many breaks in between. Between all the national holidays and test days I have a few long vacations and I'm excited to be able to travel and get around this Spring.
My new kids are great. I don't think they'll be lots of problems and I am just tweaking and fine tuning lessons from last semester- so not a lot of prep. I'll prob need to create a few new lessons, but nothing major.
In my free time, I started a yoga class, which I really enjoy. I also found the bouldering gym yesterday and will go once a week and maybe on a weekend sometime. I've been trying to study some Korean on my own and have been meeting with different people to practice my conversation.
So, all in all things are going well.
me ^^
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Would it be any less frustrating if I could understand?
Okay, for once I will make my Sunday deadline because I have absolutely nothing to do at school today. It is the first day of school and all of the teachers I am used to seeing in the office have moved to different grade levels, transfered schools, or are on a sabbatical. It's a little sad because I really liked the teachers in the office last year. I'm sure I'll like the new ones too- but to keep in touch with the other teachers, I now need to canvas the building trying to find them.
The odd thing about it being the first day of school is the lack of students. Well, first year students anyways. Although, I think they are beginning to trickle in. I believe there is a welcome ceremony for them in about an hour. I'm going to try and follow everyone for that (no one seems to know where it will be and if I have to attend).
I haven't really been too frustrated with my lack of understanding, however it's a bit different when I'm expected to teach and I still don't know when and who I'm teaching. Supposedly my schedule is being made as I type this out. My two requests: most of the classes in the morning and no classes on Fridays. I've been crossing my fingers and holding my breath for my schedule ever since it was mentioned a week ago. I do understand that my requests are a bit hopeful, but whatevs.
I might even have to teach second year students, which will be a huge surprise and a drag (although I miss my students from last year- so that will be good). Mainly because I wasn't prepared for that and don't have any lessons prepared to teach second year students!!! Actually I think I have an idea of what I could do, but it is a bit inconvenient.
One good thing is the fact that I don't have to change offices. This is good, because I don't want to move all my stuff around. I feel like if I was in an office with others I might be a bit more productive this semester, but I'll just have to buckle down and use my free time a little more wisely.
I think it would be a little less frustrating if I could understand what was going on, but I'll try to be patient and wait for my schedule and a myriad of other details that are important for teaching this week and tomorrow.
I have turned in all the info for the grad application and now I just have to wait. However, I keep trying to contact the school of education and they are unhelpful at best, just like I remember. I want to make sure my application is complete- that they received everything, since I had to submit my app via internet, domestic and international mail. *sigh* oh well.
-me
The odd thing about it being the first day of school is the lack of students. Well, first year students anyways. Although, I think they are beginning to trickle in. I believe there is a welcome ceremony for them in about an hour. I'm going to try and follow everyone for that (no one seems to know where it will be and if I have to attend).
I haven't really been too frustrated with my lack of understanding, however it's a bit different when I'm expected to teach and I still don't know when and who I'm teaching. Supposedly my schedule is being made as I type this out. My two requests: most of the classes in the morning and no classes on Fridays. I've been crossing my fingers and holding my breath for my schedule ever since it was mentioned a week ago. I do understand that my requests are a bit hopeful, but whatevs.
I might even have to teach second year students, which will be a huge surprise and a drag (although I miss my students from last year- so that will be good). Mainly because I wasn't prepared for that and don't have any lessons prepared to teach second year students!!! Actually I think I have an idea of what I could do, but it is a bit inconvenient.
One good thing is the fact that I don't have to change offices. This is good, because I don't want to move all my stuff around. I feel like if I was in an office with others I might be a bit more productive this semester, but I'll just have to buckle down and use my free time a little more wisely.
I think it would be a little less frustrating if I could understand what was going on, but I'll try to be patient and wait for my schedule and a myriad of other details that are important for teaching this week and tomorrow.
I have turned in all the info for the grad application and now I just have to wait. However, I keep trying to contact the school of education and they are unhelpful at best, just like I remember. I want to make sure my application is complete- that they received everything, since I had to submit my app via internet, domestic and international mail. *sigh* oh well.
-me
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Thoughts from Korea
Hi everyone,
Just thought I'd share some more personal happenings here in Korea- no I don't have a boyfriend. :) (sorry mom and dad) ^^ It's more along the lines of why I wanted to come here in the first place- learn about the culture, because I was born here.
Last week I went and visited my adoption agency. I had contacted them about a month earlier wanting to visit the orphanage where I was when I was born. It took them forever to get back to me- I actually went through another center before they contacted me. I made an appointment and spoke with a social worker who said really quickly on the phone that the orphanage had been closed for the past 15 years, but that we could visit the place where it used to be if I wanted. I was a bit hurried, but I set up an appointment.
I arrived at the office and she was ready to whisk me away, but I wanted to take things a little bit more slowly. I inquired about my file and got to see all the original documents surrounding the first 3 months of my life. It was neat. The social work spoke English very well and was able to point out some of the things written in Korean for me. Such as my name, which I already knew.
There was only one piece of new information in my file in Korea than in the records I already knew, my birth mother's name and date of birth. The social worker clearly had done her work, because she informed me that she had already tried to contact a few different places to track this woman down. I was taken by surprise, because this was not my intention when I had called to visit the orphanage. I told her that if she found anything not to contact her before she spoke to me.
We then got in a van and drove (about an hour) to the site where the orphanage used to be. It wasn't all that exciting- the space is now filled with apartment buildings, but it was good to go- I'd never have been able to find it myself and she had taken notes with what the orphanage looked like, what buildings were here and there. Then we got back in the van- got caught in a lot of traffic and went back to the office.
That was the end of the end of the trip and I'm glad I went. At the beginning of my time in Korea I never had any intention to go, but after volunteering at the center and meeting so many other adoptees and hearing their stories I wanted to go and see the orphanage (or what was left of it). There's no news about my birth mother, so far she hasn't been able to find any information. There's really only one other place she can look and I'm still waiting to hear from her. I'm actually relieved that there isn't any information because I wouldn't know what to do if there was.
I start teaching next week and still don't know my school schedule. * sigh * Oh well. I've sent in some documents for the grad program and almost have it completed. I've also finished the online application for a school district and just have to send in some paperwork, and I'm nearly done with the online app for another district- then I'll have to send in some paperwork, but it's coming along and I'm still excited for the possibility of teaching and living back in CO. :)
-me
Just thought I'd share some more personal happenings here in Korea- no I don't have a boyfriend. :) (sorry mom and dad) ^^ It's more along the lines of why I wanted to come here in the first place- learn about the culture, because I was born here.
Last week I went and visited my adoption agency. I had contacted them about a month earlier wanting to visit the orphanage where I was when I was born. It took them forever to get back to me- I actually went through another center before they contacted me. I made an appointment and spoke with a social worker who said really quickly on the phone that the orphanage had been closed for the past 15 years, but that we could visit the place where it used to be if I wanted. I was a bit hurried, but I set up an appointment.
I arrived at the office and she was ready to whisk me away, but I wanted to take things a little bit more slowly. I inquired about my file and got to see all the original documents surrounding the first 3 months of my life. It was neat. The social work spoke English very well and was able to point out some of the things written in Korean for me. Such as my name, which I already knew.
There was only one piece of new information in my file in Korea than in the records I already knew, my birth mother's name and date of birth. The social worker clearly had done her work, because she informed me that she had already tried to contact a few different places to track this woman down. I was taken by surprise, because this was not my intention when I had called to visit the orphanage. I told her that if she found anything not to contact her before she spoke to me.
We then got in a van and drove (about an hour) to the site where the orphanage used to be. It wasn't all that exciting- the space is now filled with apartment buildings, but it was good to go- I'd never have been able to find it myself and she had taken notes with what the orphanage looked like, what buildings were here and there. Then we got back in the van- got caught in a lot of traffic and went back to the office.
That was the end of the end of the trip and I'm glad I went. At the beginning of my time in Korea I never had any intention to go, but after volunteering at the center and meeting so many other adoptees and hearing their stories I wanted to go and see the orphanage (or what was left of it). There's no news about my birth mother, so far she hasn't been able to find any information. There's really only one other place she can look and I'm still waiting to hear from her. I'm actually relieved that there isn't any information because I wouldn't know what to do if there was.
I start teaching next week and still don't know my school schedule. * sigh * Oh well. I've sent in some documents for the grad program and almost have it completed. I've also finished the online application for a school district and just have to send in some paperwork, and I'm nearly done with the online app for another district- then I'll have to send in some paperwork, but it's coming along and I'm still excited for the possibility of teaching and living back in CO. :)
-me
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Okay, I'm really back...
Hi everyone,
Sorry, I haven't been very timely with the updates recently. However, I am back from Seoul (I'm in Daegu), so that should put me on a regular schedule once again. I still have about two weeks of freedom before school and I actually decided the other day that I am going to apply to a graduate school program. Which means I have a lot of work to do in these next two weeks.
I am applying for the Partners in Education program through CU Boulder (same as my undergrad). The program is good because I will be earning my masters and teaching (they partner me with a local school district). I hope that I can get accepted into the program because I am very excited to go back to teaching in the states.
The decision to apply is really because I miss teaching social studies and figure that if I'm going to go back and teach eventually, why shouldn't I just do it next year? I still really like Korea, but do want to do something new next year. I feel like if I stay here another year, it will just be more of the same. I'm also excited to get back into a classroom and learn. :)
I'll post more next week,
me ^^
Sorry, I haven't been very timely with the updates recently. However, I am back from Seoul (I'm in Daegu), so that should put me on a regular schedule once again. I still have about two weeks of freedom before school and I actually decided the other day that I am going to apply to a graduate school program. Which means I have a lot of work to do in these next two weeks.
I am applying for the Partners in Education program through CU Boulder (same as my undergrad). The program is good because I will be earning my masters and teaching (they partner me with a local school district). I hope that I can get accepted into the program because I am very excited to go back to teaching in the states.
The decision to apply is really because I miss teaching social studies and figure that if I'm going to go back and teach eventually, why shouldn't I just do it next year? I still really like Korea, but do want to do something new next year. I feel like if I stay here another year, it will just be more of the same. I'm also excited to get back into a classroom and learn. :)
I'll post more next week,
me ^^
Thursday, January 31, 2008
안영!
Hello!
I'm back with internet! I even forgot certain command keys on my computer I didn't use it for so long. I know it's pretty sad, but it's true. Actually, I can live without the internet, but it does make communication and a myriad of other things very convenient. One of the very first things I did was upload a bunch of pictures! Please check it out-> I created two more albums the first is labeled "Internship" and the second is labeled "Winterbreak". Internship pictures are mostly of me teaching when I traveled to Busan and Daegu to do four presentations about various topics concerning America. There are also some very bad pictures of me on my last day receiving a certificate of appreciation. Speaking of which, my last day was coincidently today. The "Winterbreak" album contains a few pictures from New Year's, the ice festival, a few pictures of Incheon, and AYPP pictures (some of North Korea). I also have uploaded some pictures in the folder "Around Korea" when I volunteered at the orphanage in Gumi.
Hope all is well with everyone in the states (and even for those outside the states)!
My internship was interesting- a good learning experience. It was boring at times- sitting in a cubicle making PowerPoint presentations about aspects of America. However, sometimes it was interesting- getting to travel and present programs myself. I worked with some very nice people and learned what an embassy actually does. I'm not sure if I could actually work in that capacity- but it was good to have the experience.
the AYPP program was great for my students! I think they really enjoyed it and despite getting frustrated at some of them at times, it was a good experience. I learned about some Korean history and relations with the U.S., like the FTA negotiations, etc. We got to travel to interesting places like the DMZ and the JSA (Pan mun jon). I stayed up late with the kids working on our group project and by the end of the week I was exhausted!
My trip to Japan got canceled because my friend had/has a bad case of mono. However, I'm happy just to chill and relax in Korea. I'll spend the next three weeks in Seoul hanging out, seeing friends, etc. Then I teach a winter camp (pick up a few extra bucks) and then head back to Daegu and start teaching on March 3.
I'll keep trying to update every Sunday!
-me :)
I'm back with internet! I even forgot certain command keys on my computer I didn't use it for so long. I know it's pretty sad, but it's true. Actually, I can live without the internet, but it does make communication and a myriad of other things very convenient. One of the very first things I did was upload a bunch of pictures! Please check it out-> I created two more albums the first is labeled "Internship" and the second is labeled "Winterbreak". Internship pictures are mostly of me teaching when I traveled to Busan and Daegu to do four presentations about various topics concerning America. There are also some very bad pictures of me on my last day receiving a certificate of appreciation. Speaking of which, my last day was coincidently today. The "Winterbreak" album contains a few pictures from New Year's, the ice festival, a few pictures of Incheon, and AYPP pictures (some of North Korea). I also have uploaded some pictures in the folder "Around Korea" when I volunteered at the orphanage in Gumi.
Hope all is well with everyone in the states (and even for those outside the states)!
My internship was interesting- a good learning experience. It was boring at times- sitting in a cubicle making PowerPoint presentations about aspects of America. However, sometimes it was interesting- getting to travel and present programs myself. I worked with some very nice people and learned what an embassy actually does. I'm not sure if I could actually work in that capacity- but it was good to have the experience.
the AYPP program was great for my students! I think they really enjoyed it and despite getting frustrated at some of them at times, it was a good experience. I learned about some Korean history and relations with the U.S., like the FTA negotiations, etc. We got to travel to interesting places like the DMZ and the JSA (Pan mun jon). I stayed up late with the kids working on our group project and by the end of the week I was exhausted!
My trip to Japan got canceled because my friend had/has a bad case of mono. However, I'm happy just to chill and relax in Korea. I'll spend the next three weeks in Seoul hanging out, seeing friends, etc. Then I teach a winter camp (pick up a few extra bucks) and then head back to Daegu and start teaching on March 3.
I'll keep trying to update every Sunday!
-me :)
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Happy New Year's! (slightly different from the e-mail I sent...with a shameless plug for my b-day)
Hi everyone!
It has been ages since I've updated my blog, but I wanted to say hi! How is everything at home? I hope all is well and that 2008 is starting off to be a good year!
It's been a busy start for me, I'm sure you're not all that surprised! I was able to spend a relaxing Christmas in Korea, hanging out with some new American friends I made the night before. However, New Year's was a blast as I got to spend it with some other American teachers on my program. We went for a nice dinner and then spent most of the night out ringing in the New Year. A lot of Koreans were out celebrating too, although they spend more time celebrating the Lunar New Year (February 6-8 this year).
After my New Year's adventures I began my internship at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul. I am living on the U.S. military base, in Embassy housing, and take the shuttle to work every day. Embassy housing is super nice- like living in a little America. The houses are set up in neighborhoods, there are sidewalks, electrical poles above ground, etc. The houses are even wired with American outlets. We have access to the Commissary on base, which was a big deal, since I hadn't seen a lot of American food- or a grocery store- in 6 months!!!
The internship is going well and they are keeping me really busy. I am working in the Regional Program Office, which puts on programs and presentations about America to anywhere in Korea outside of Seoul. I actually get to travel next week to Daegu (where I live) and Busan to give presentations on America. I've been creating the different presentations I will be giving and am excited as I am presenting to different types of audiences. One presentation is about teaching listening comprehension to English teachers using NPR's This I Believe (something I have experience with from student teaching and working for Teaching East Asia), another presentation is about Dr. Seuss for a elementary students, another presentation is a film screening and talk using the movie Catch Me If You Can, the last is a film presentation to children using Peter Pan.
In two weeks the AYPP program takes place, so I'll be out of the office to take students around Seoul to learn about Korean and American politics, economics, etc. It should be fun. I was able to meet with my Korean partner last night and am excited for the program. My birthday also falls during the program, so it will be nice to be doing something then. As per Cara's comment, I don't actually want anything for my birthday- a card would be nice :)
Also, if you would like to send something you can send it to this address:
Jenna Novaral
US Embassy Seoul
PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE
Unit 15550
APO AP 96205-5550
However, whatever you send MUST ARRIVE BEFORE JAN 31 as I will be leaving Seoul that date and the address will not longer be valid. APO address are cheaper than sending something to Korea- it costs the same as mailing something to the states.
I have limited access to the Internet this month, which is a pain. I can send e-mails from work, but I don't want to send too many. Therefore I don't think I will be updating my blog anytime soon. I am headed to Japan the first week in February, so check back for updates on that adventure!
Please let me know how things are going with you!!!
-me :)
P.S. I've been here for 6 months!!! It's difficult to believe that. I'm still enjoying my time here and am excited to see what the next few months bring me!
It has been ages since I've updated my blog, but I wanted to say hi! How is everything at home? I hope all is well and that 2008 is starting off to be a good year!
It's been a busy start for me, I'm sure you're not all that surprised! I was able to spend a relaxing Christmas in Korea, hanging out with some new American friends I made the night before. However, New Year's was a blast as I got to spend it with some other American teachers on my program. We went for a nice dinner and then spent most of the night out ringing in the New Year. A lot of Koreans were out celebrating too, although they spend more time celebrating the Lunar New Year (February 6-8 this year).
After my New Year's adventures I began my internship at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul. I am living on the U.S. military base, in Embassy housing, and take the shuttle to work every day. Embassy housing is super nice- like living in a little America. The houses are set up in neighborhoods, there are sidewalks, electrical poles above ground, etc. The houses are even wired with American outlets. We have access to the Commissary on base, which was a big deal, since I hadn't seen a lot of American food- or a grocery store- in 6 months!!!
The internship is going well and they are keeping me really busy. I am working in the Regional Program Office, which puts on programs and presentations about America to anywhere in Korea outside of Seoul. I actually get to travel next week to Daegu (where I live) and Busan to give presentations on America. I've been creating the different presentations I will be giving and am excited as I am presenting to different types of audiences. One presentation is about teaching listening comprehension to English teachers using NPR's This I Believe (something I have experience with from student teaching and working for Teaching East Asia), another presentation is about Dr. Seuss for a elementary students, another presentation is a film screening and talk using the movie Catch Me If You Can, the last is a film presentation to children using Peter Pan.
In two weeks the AYPP program takes place, so I'll be out of the office to take students around Seoul to learn about Korean and American politics, economics, etc. It should be fun. I was able to meet with my Korean partner last night and am excited for the program. My birthday also falls during the program, so it will be nice to be doing something then. As per Cara's comment, I don't actually want anything for my birthday- a card would be nice :)
Also, if you would like to send something you can send it to this address:
Jenna Novaral
US Embassy Seoul
PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE
Unit 15550
APO AP 96205-5550
However, whatever you send MUST ARRIVE BEFORE JAN 31 as I will be leaving Seoul that date and the address will not longer be valid. APO address are cheaper than sending something to Korea- it costs the same as mailing something to the states.
I have limited access to the Internet this month, which is a pain. I can send e-mails from work, but I don't want to send too many. Therefore I don't think I will be updating my blog anytime soon. I am headed to Japan the first week in February, so check back for updates on that adventure!
Please let me know how things are going with you!!!
-me :)
P.S. I've been here for 6 months!!! It's difficult to believe that. I'm still enjoying my time here and am excited to see what the next few months bring me!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
