So, I’m a little behind on blogging. Almost three months behind to be a bit more exact.
I’m not exactly sure where to start, but I’ll come out with the big news first. I’m going to Seoul, South Korea to teach English for a year. Yes, pretty big news.
I had somewhat of an epiphany today. I was leaving my grandparents’ house to visit my mom and younger siblings when I passed a sign in someone’s front yard that said “Happy 90th Birthday!” A few miles down the road, there was another sign that read, “Slow: Funeral Zone.” It was easy to notice that one family was celebrating life and the other death. This doesn’t deal directly with where my life is, but it gave me a feeling that I needed to feel—I need to start living my life.
Living life has sort of been my theme lately. “L-I-V-I-N.” I always think of that line from Dazed and Confused when I say “living life.”
Let’s get back to the story at hand. A few months ago (when I was graduating from college), I happened to apply for a job through G’Day Korea. At this point in the job application process, I was pretty much applying for anything and everything. I basically told myself that it looks cool, but I’ll never get it. However, I applied anyway. Two months later, I got a call for an interview. Now, I’ll soon board a plane and my world will change forever.
Aside from the “big” news, I worked as a vendor for Storelink (a retail group under The Home Depot) for six weeks in Atlanta, Ga. My sister got me the job. Actually, two hours after being hired for that job, I got the call for an interview with G’Day Korea.
I’ve seen the Georgia Aquarium, toured the CNN Center, and attended my first Atlanta Braves baseball game. I’ve learned to hate Atlanta traffic and appreciate the traffic back home because I can make a 30-mile drive quicker than a 10-mile drive in Atlanta. I’ve read more than 10 books, which I plan on reviewing at some point in the future. I’ve knocked out a few new TV seasons on DVD (I’m totally addicted to 24 now).
I could continue listing things I’ve done this summer, but it wouldn’t amount to much compared to the upcoming trip to South Korea.
A few details about my trip:
The school is located in Seoul, South Korea.
I’ll teach for a year with an opportunity to renew.
I’m leaving in the next few days.
I’ll make decent money and my rent is free.
As far as I know, I’ll teach 7-12-year-old kids.
I’m excited and I’ll keep regular updates about my life here on the blog.
There’s no way I can tell you what to expect in the coming months of my life because I don’t know what to expect. I don’t have all the details, and that makes me feel a bit relieved. I feel like I’m about to embark on the greatest adventure I’ll ever have. I’m ready to take that first step on my journey into the unknown. I can only hope that it exceeds my expectations.
Until next time (whether from South Korea or Alabama, which I hope I’ll have time to blog before I leave)…
You’ll be embarking on an awesome adventure! My friend’s son is presently in China teaching English. He is having a wonderful time.
My two oldest hope to teach English in Japan once they graduate from their university. They chose Japan because the last few years we’ve hosted Japanese exchange students.
You’ll have to blog about it. I’m sure they would love to hear about your adventure.
May God bless you on your endeavors.
That sounds cool. My mom and grandmother are having a bit of a hard time letting me go, but you seem to be all right with your children leaving the country.
I’m just too excited right now. Direct them to my blog once I get out there, and maybe they’ll learn something from my experience.
Hello Justin,
I will soon embark on the same journey you are currently endeavoring. I am also going through g’daykorea and will be leaving for korea later this month. Please keep blogging and let us all know what you are experiencing! I will be teaching in Suwon maybe we can meet up.
Shanna
That sounds great! How exciting! Sounds like over all you have had a good summer!
Thank you all for the comments. Shanna, we should definitely meet up. I’ll probably need a friend to go exploring the city with.
I’ve been wondering about you!! Good luck and please do blog about your adventures!
I lived in Japan while growing up, and I loved it. I hope you find your time there rewarding and enriching! 
So how are this going with Goodday Korea and the new school situation? Has G’day taken care of you? keep blogging! I am interested in how your experiences are going so far.
So far, so good. I’m actually waiting right now for someone to pick me up from the hotel. I’ll blog as soon as I get a chance and know more about what’s going on.
Justin,
My name is Austin Bishop and I have been offered a position with Goodday Korea. Anyways, I received my B.A. from LSU several years ago and I am considering this position either in Seoul or on the outskirts. Please provide me with any feedback on preferences.
Thanks,
Austin
Thanks for writing Austin. Although I’ve only been here a month and half, I have enjoyed most of my time here. I actually live in the Bundang area, which I guess you can say is the outskirts.
Where you want to work really depends on what kind of city you personally like to live in. Some of the larger areas, spefically the main part of Seoul, can get overly crowded at times. The area I live in is just right for me because I enjoy having a grocery store, a few convenient stores, the Samsung Plaza, and lots of places to eat nearby, but it’s not too crowded. Well, on the weekends it can be.
I think a better reference about places to live might be the couple from The Daily Kimchi. I believe they lived in Seoul. But, if you would be satisfied with a smaller city setting, I would definitely recommend the Bundang district.
What schools are offering you a job? I work at Avalon English, which has been great.
I like your story and hope to see more of you during this amazing adventure in S-E-O-U-L. Let’s get a pint.
Tyson
It’d be great to meet up sometime if you’re over here teaching. Unless you’re the Tyson I’ve met already. It’s hard to tell because I’ve met so many people thus far.
I would take it that G’Day Korea is a faily reputable outfit, from what you have said. I realize that they are just the recruiters at the beginning of the process, but I would that is the most crucial period. If you have any specific observations to make let me know. Also, I have lived in coastal South Florida all my life. My area isn’t as urbanized as most parts of Florida. I have a master’s degree (but no teaching background) and I am in my mid-30′s. I was just wondering if you had any thoughts on what part of Korea and what age groups you might recommend for me.
Chris
You should definitely read So, you wanna teach English in South Korea?. I talk a little more about G’day in that post. I hear there are some better recruitment agencies out there. I’m trying to keep the discussion going on at that post.
With a master’s degree, you can probably teach whatever age group you want. What is your degree in?
Hello Justin,
I will soon embark on the same journey you are currently endeavoring. I am also going through g’daykorea and will be leaving for korea later this month. Please keep blogging and let us all know what you are experiencing!
teaching English is big time biz in Japan which is why even NHK produce their own English language learning programs even though most are lousy – thous some are more entertaining than educational
http://www.japansugoi.com/wordpress/nhk-english-learning-show-with-chad-mullane/
Hi Justin!
I stumbled across your blog online and I noticed you said that you are working for Avalon English. I would love to hear a bit about your experience with them – how has it been? I was offered a teaching position with them, but I have heard mixed reviews so I’m eager to learn more. I would be teaching at their Bundang IVY campus (don’t know if you know anything about that particular branch). Regardless, any feedback would be much appreciated. Thanks a lot.