But I did. These guys have been a great help and encouragement through some tough times for me and they probably don't even realize it. - Pagangoddess
Many of you know that I have been living in South Korea, working as an English teacher. I've been here for 17 months, and on Saturday I am leaving. I've fielded a few questions about life in Korea, so here is a debriefing for those who are interested.
I am leaving with mixed emotions. I am looking forward to the adventure of travel (Vietnam, followed by the US), I'm really looking forward to seeing my fiancée again (in Florida, November-January). I'm looking forward to getting back to New Zealand in the new year, and getting back into my history studies. But, I've been saying goodbye to many great friends, I have grown very attached to my students. I had my last classes today, and it was tough to say goodbye to some of the sweet kids that have been so kind to me, and have worked so hard for me.
Working in Korea has been very profitable. My records show that I have remitted just over $30,000 USD home to NZ, and I've not been pinching pennies, either. I have a positive net worth for the first time in 10 years. After paying off my student loan I will have enough left over for a power rack, oly bar and weights, and then some.
Korea has also paid off in a physical sense. When I got here I immediately joined a gym and started experimenting with Stronglifts 5x5. The real gains came when I started eating more, and better, food. Luckily, meat, eggs, fruit and veges are cheap here. I put on 10 kgs of mostly muscle. I gained a lot of strength, and more importantly, confidence. It's not been easy: there are no squat racks and a strong "curl-culture". Due to heavy work commitments, and travel plans, I have been "off" the routine for a while, but have the motivation to get stuck in at the first opportunity.
This is all because coming to Korea required me to establish a whole new routine. I was able to build new routines from good habits and leave out the bad. Not drinking so much alcohol was one example, and rising early to eat a real breakfast is another. I'm far from perfect, but I'm always sharpening the points.
I've learned a lot of other things, too. I've managed classes of excited 6 year olds, hyperactive 12 year olds, and sullen 15 year olds. I've broken up fights, challenged bullies, and I've taught a few boys that hands-in-pants is for home time. I've discovered that I work well with kids. They seem to trust me, and I feel positive when I think about fatherhood (though it is not going to happen any time soon). I've navigated a new language and culture, seen some great sights and had a whole lot of fun.
One of the greatest lessons has been that if someone doesn't understand what you say or mean, it's as much your fault as theirs (or more). For me this has been a language issue. If my students don't understand me it's not fair for me to get frustrated or angry at them. Rather I have to take responsibility and reassess my methods. I think this applies equally to same-language communication. If someone misunderstands you, more often the fault is yours for not being clear enough or not catering to your audience.
I'm definitely ready to leave Korea, and wouldn't really want to stay much longer than I have. But I'd recommend a year here to anyone. A year is a short time and with a teaching job in Korea, you can get a lot done in that year.
(please don't judge my teaching based on the spelling...I think they did a bloody good job to get "international" right
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