Just over one year ago, I set off on what has been one of the greatest adventures of my life.
Actually, exactly one year and one month ago, I was mere hours away from flying to South Korea.
I’m heading home soon. To the States. To Alabama. My home.
There’s a part of me that’s been waiting to see my family and friends for months. Another part of me — well, it’s still holding on to this place, yearning to stay just a bit longer, to see a little more.
To live a little more.
I feel like Korea is home.
I say this knowing that I haven’t seen the beautiful green trees of Alabama or, heck, an actual clean stream of water in a long damn time. I say this knowing that I haven’t eaten a great hamburger or had a glass of milk that doesn’t smell like it’s gone sour in over a year. Trust me, these things matter.
I also say this knowing that I’d marry about 50% of the female population here — no questions asked.
Honestly though, I suppose it’s easy to get attached to a place, especially if you’re working a great job with good money and have established friendships with people from all over the world.
That’s the real truth.
I’ve met people that I knew I’d have to say goodbye to one day, I just didn’t think it’d be so soon.
I’d been planning on staying until December, but (unless Superman himself will use his lightning speed to rush the visa renewal process) I’ll be leaving in two weeks.
I’ll go home happy.
I do want to stay longer, but I’ll be happy returning home too.
The only thing I can think of is how different everything will be. People tell me (those that have went home and returned to Korea) that it’s just plain weird hearing English everywhere. I think that’s part of the reason I like Korea so much — it’s quiet. Not being able to speak Korean let’s me tune the world out every now and then.
I can’t even imagine what it’d be like spending more than $10 a week on travel costs on the subway. My dad tells me that gas prices are up to somewhere around $4.50 per gallon in our state (there goes all my savings, riding around to all my friends’ houses to see them).
I love being able to walk over to Quizno’s in less than a minute or grocery shopping in two. I think the city life has spoiled me.
I’ll miss my students.
When I initially took a job teaching English to Korean kids, I was in it for the money and the chance to experience another culture. I didn’t realize I would actually like my job. Well, I figured it wouldn’t be too bad, but I quickly fell in love with teaching.
I’ve always had an interest in education because I came from a relatively poor county in Alabama. I always felt the educational system was lacking in a lot of different areas.
Never knew I’d care that much about teaching.
But it’s more than just teaching. I’ve known some of the students at my school for a year now. Some of them trust me to teach them. Others, well…others are just kids. Not all kids like school. Who knew?
I hate to leave my students behind just as much as my friends. In some ways, it might even be harder.
I still feel like a kid most days — I’m only 24. Of course, the receding hairline leads the kids to believe that I’m pushing 40.
What will I do from here?
Well, I’m not entirely sure. I do have a few plans in mind, a few things that I had planned on doing once I got home anyway. I might just have to push my schedule forward a bit.
Who knows? Maybe I’ll come back one day. I’m still young, not tied down by anyone or anything.
Well, my grandparents probably won’t ever let me leave their house when I get there. They’ll lock me up in their back bedroom. Not that it would be a bad life.
Granny cooks some killer…
Don’t all grandmothers cook the best everything?
Jusin,
Your description really hits home. I moved out to Taiwan from the states a couple of years back and love it here.
Might I suggest a visit to Taiwan next. The food and the people are wonderful and the island is a great place to explore.
My wife and I have an empty room and plenty of jobs that need coding
Frank
justin…
i also lived overseas for a year - europe is a bit different than asia, i’m sure. but - i can really to how you’ve seem to have grown to love a new culture. it won’t take long before you’re making plans to escape the states again. we’ve been back for a year and can’t wait until we can move back to europe.
now…if only the exchange rate were just a bit better.
Every end is a new beginning. I moved a lot and every time it hurts, but it is exiting at the same time since it is a new chapter in your life.
Good luck with everything and thanks a lot for your work with Worpress theme.
Frank
You know, you’re the third person to tell me that Taiwan should be on my list of places to visit. It’s never been on the top of my list of must-see places, but now I’m thinking I might need to go there sometime.
One coding job = one month of rent?
avr
I’d definitely love to travel around Europe. Seeing Asia has always been on the top of my list. Actually, Japan was at the top, and I’ve been lucky enough to spend a few days there.
I don’t even bother looking at the exchange rates anymore. I’m hoping it’ll be a good day when I leave.
Roman
Most definitely. I’m looking forward to wherever I head next. I feel like traveling will be a huge part of my life. There’s just so many places to see and things to do.
I hope my online venture will allow me to work from home (wherever that may be).
At least you had good times and have a lot more people to call friends. Things in both Canada and the US are bad econmicolly right now so be prepped for that. Gas prices are nuts now!
hey justin. i’m looking for a travel buddy. it’s a bummer i couldn’t drop by seoul. sorry dude.
i also need a partner for a wp project (long term, fast paced, time consuming). if you’re interested, let me know where we can discuss details (alternate email) because your main inbox seems full.
“I’d marry about 50% of the female population here — no questions asked.” — lol
I have done a year abroad myself and I can relate to your story very well. I’m still thinking of trying to find a way to go back
Wow! You are feeling homesick early, Justin. This post evokes my adventures to the southern Africa a couple of years ago. I was not feeling a homesick like you, because I didn’t have grandparents waiting me at home. However, I come back because of feeling huimilated refugee
Sure you’ll get a number of chances for ThemeHybrid, you’ll attend WordCamp when you get there, and there are lots of things you are having in the mind, right?
Anyway, hope you’ll explore Africa, next time. We have great things to experience in the Safari…
Good luck
EmmaB
I’m trying to prep myself for it. It’s been so easy to spend money however I’ve wanted in the last year because things are much cheaper, but I’ll need to start cutting back a bit.
Small Potato
It’s good to hear from you. I’ll definitely be interested in a project with you.
Email sent!
Remkus
Where did you spend your year abroad? I’m ready for a bit of a break, but I’ll probably get an itching to get back out into the world after a while. Spending a year away from home is really an eye opener. It’s hard to comprehend how much there is to see and do until you’ve been out there for a while.
If you ever want to spend some time in Korea, it’s easy to get a decent job teaching with a college degree.
J Mehmett
I’m not really homesick. Well, I’m homesick for Korea even though I haven’t even left yet.
I kind of wish I could make it home in time for WordCamp Birmingham though. It’s in my home state. I’ll be a few days late.
Africa definitely sounds interesting, and I’ll look more into traveling there.
Justin,
As an older woman who spent many years traveling and working abroad, I can tell you that you will enjoy your return home, but within a month or two you will be ready to continue the exploration of the world.
I can remember the first time I was asked to select a live snake for my soup in Singapore, or seeing the poverty in Liberia while I stayed in a hotel with gold fixtures, and the years I lived in the Lake District in U.K. and on and on and on. I blame my gypsy blood on my father who showed me a globe when I was a child and read to me from National Geographic about pyramids before I could read.
Like you, at a young age I took a job abroad for the money. Then, I fell in love with the world. Don’t look at your return to Alabama as an end to a wonderful adventure. Look at it as recharging yourself for your next. There will be more. Once it “gets in your blood” your feet will begin to itch more frequently and with more intensity.
As unsolicited advice, I would only suggest that we live in a wonderful world and with the Internet and global transportation, you can live anywhere and work from almost anywhere. You are an ambassador for the U.S. whether you see that now or not. People like yourself and others who travel with a purpose can bridge more gaps than any government can possibly accomplish.
Enjoy life!
SinDe
Hi Justin,
Well I can certainly relate to your mixed feelings about leaving Korea. I initially went up to South East Asia on a contract, but found that when I returned home I just could not settle and ended up going back up there for another 10 years.
I also found that there were far more entrepreneurial opportunities for me in South East Asia and plus the satisfaction of teaching people from other countries.
As for being able to marry 50% of the female population, I can certainly relate to that, and in fact, I did end up marrying one and we have now been together for 12 years and have 4 kids.
I have lived and worked in the US, UK, Hong Kong, Philippines and Thailand, plus travelled extensively through Europe the US and Asia, but I have to say that Thailand is definitely my favourite country (outside my own).
I know it’s a cliche but the world really is your oyster, and there is just so much to see and do and people to meet - and once it is in your blood it is hard to remove.
Good luck and best wishes with whatever you do.
SinDe
Thank you for your kind words and advice. I have had a wonderful experience here. Most Koreans generally accept Americans very easily. They are some of the nicest people I’ve met, and I’ve managed to make quite a few Korean friends.
I’m not really looking at it as an end. Surprisingly enough, I’ve had quite a few emails since this post with other travel offers that I’m looking more into. And, I’ve made quite a few connections since being out here that would allow me to return to other countries in Asia with a good job.
Altona
Wow! Four kids?
I definitely love Korea. I’ve also spent a little time in Japan while here and can’t wait to go back. I had planned on going to Thailand later this year during my vacation, but since my trip is being cut a little short, I’ll have to wait.
My days in Southeast Asia are definitely not over though. If I have nothing else going in the next few months, I’ll probably take another teaching job somewhere on this side of the world.
But, I could definitely use a break for now. Plus, I’ll at least be home before the holidays this year.
Hey Justin,
I don’t normally make comments as I would only make a fool of myself. I read your blog to keep “trying” to learn…but on this I can comment.
Things don’t normally come to an end…you will be surprised at how this time in Korea will knit into the rest of your life in ways that will amaze you.
Your fan,
Hey Justin, I know precisely how you feel. I left South Australia in June much the same way. You feel very much torn, but there’s nothing you can do about it.
What helped me to see the positive side was realising that it could be worse; I could have hated the experience and pined for home. I think that would be worse.
Harmony
Thanks for the kinds words. I’m honestly ready for a bit of a break. I can’t even believe how many emails I’ve received since writing this post with offers of new projects and possible adventures. I’ll definitely blog more on this later, whenever I decide to go down the next path.
Armen
You’ve definitely gotten it right — I could’ve had a horrible experience, and I know folks that didn’t have a great Korean experience.
I don’t think my time on this side of the world is done though. I still haven’t had a chance to explore Thailand, which is at the top of my list. Plus, I’ve got to get back into Japan. Maybe, if I’m lucky, I’ll have a 12-hour layover in Tokyo. Here’s hoping!
[...] those of you that follow my personal blog, you may know that I’m in the process of leaving Korea and moving back to the U.S., which has taken up quite a bit of my time [...]
When my Knight and I were stationed in Europe, we took advantage and traveled as much as we could. We were there for a little over 2 years. When we got orders to move back to the states, he contemplated extending his tour in Europe. But it we knew it was time for us to “go home”. We fell in love with the people and the culture. That was 23 years ago. We hope to one day go back. But we’ll always have the memories.
Once you’ve been bit by the traveling bug, you can’t help but continue to travel. :o) Awesome adventures are waiting for you…
Hope your trip back to Dixie is a good one.
Haha…freakin whiteboys and asian girls, classic! Just kidding, I’m one to talk…
Seriously, you should have hooked up with a nice girl there, I don’t know why you didn’t!