So much to do!

Ciao!

I just had an interview with a place called SELC (Scientific English Learning Center) located in Bundang, South Korea (just south of Seoul). The lady I spoke to was the Academics Supervisor and she spoke very good English, it wasn't difficult to talk with or understand her at all...and I hear that's a good sign. Overall though I feel the interview went very well. I tried to sound as happy and enthusiastic as possible since that's what my recruiter told me I should aim for. She just basically had me explain why I wanted to go to Korea to teach and about why I wanted to leave my current job (as if I could go into all that in a few minutes time--I hate that place so much). After that, I told her about why I feel I'm qualified to teach youngsters and how I will definitely have the energy to keep up with and keep the kids entertained. Not a problem for me, I'm already a very hyper-spastic individual!

So I guess as soon as my recruiter is done reviewing the contract and I get a chance to talk to some of the other foreign English teachers at that school I'll probably be signing the contract and getting things rolling. First is the car situation, gotta put that up for sale. Then I need to give notice to my jobs that I'm quitting. I've also got lots of stuff to buy before I leave...and I'll have to pack up all my belongings and move it out of my apartment and into storage (since our lease is up in December). Oi...so much to do! And I only have a month until I plan on leaving. Will I get it all done in time?

I guess we'll soon see...

In the beginning...

So tonight (or today rather, since it's morning now), I am sitting here once more contemplating the direction my life will take in the next few months. Last week I made the final decision to quit my job and find something else, so I started applying to as many places I could think of. But now, almost a week later, I haven't heard back from any of the applications I sent out...and it's rather disheartening to say the least. I'm already so easily discouraged. So maybe I'll just give up hope of finding another job here in St. Louis...this place really does seem like a dead end the more I think about it. There are just not a lot of jobs here in my field, so I guess I'm going to have to try and find something else to do.

And maybe I have found something else...

I've started researching into possibly taking a position in Asia teaching English to elementary school kids. Ideally I'd like to go to Japan but their requirements are stricter and there are not as many amenities as the other possible countries. I've also considered finding a job in Taiwan but it doesn't seem like there are a lot available right now. So that leaves me with South Korea...which wouldn't be too bad except that I'm somewhat worried about what problems could arise during my stay there. But if I were to take a teaching job there most likely my airfare over there would be paid for, as well as my housing & transportation costs while I'm there. Training is also provided as well. Mainly the only things I'd be paying for are utilities, food and other basic living expenses. Doesn't sound too bad, right?

So if I do decide to take a job in South Korea here's what I'd need to do:


Quit my current jobs (gotta have priorities!).

Apply for a working visa.

Sell my car and cancel my insurance for the year (don't need a car if I won't be here!).

Move all of my furniture and belongings to my parents' house (or storage space if they won't keep it for me).

Pack up only the necessities I can't live without.

Get my plain ticket to South Korea...and then I take off to destinations unknown!


I'm actually glad about not having a car though. With gas prices soaring like they are these days it's somewhat of a relief. And anyway the public transportation system in Korea makes most US cities look like a joke. It's so easy to get around that you don't even really need a car. Fine by me.

Yesterday I applied with an agency that recruits teachers for these kinds of positions. I have done my research and apparently this is one of the better recruiting firms out there at the moment. So hopefully they'll be able to find a safe and secure school I can work at, preferably in or around Seoul. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I'll hear something from the agency by the end of the week. If all goes well though I could be out of here by July! :)