I’m Moving to Korea!

So, I had planned to write this post way in advance but ended up putting off packing by watching TV and playing video games instead so here we go. I’m moving to Korea! Questions?

Who?
Me, silly!

What?

I’m moving to Korea to teach English. I don’t really know what grades I’m teaching or which school I’ll be placed at, but I’ll find out in about a week! When I touch down, I have a week-long orientation and then I get the news.

Where?

I do know that I’ll be in Seoul, though last time I was there on holiday it was a huge city.

When?

I leave in aboutttttt….45 minutes. Talk about a last minute post. I’m currently writing this from my gate at the San Francisco airport and I still haven’t taken my pre-departure bathroom break so I should wrap this up soon.

Why?

Lots of reasons, really. I want to make a difference in people’s lives, I want to learn skills that can help me serve a greater good, I want to learn about Korean culture and immerse myself, I really like Korean food. I can probably list hundreds of reasons why I wanted to do this, but the idea popped in my head over a year ago when I went on holiday to Korea for about ten days and wanted to return for a longer stay.

I’ve worked in a corporate job for three years and learned that money was not the end all be all of life goals, and I also learned that one of my favorite parts of my corporate stint was working as a community service lead for my department, giving back through hands on and pro bono projects. Taking on this opportunity in Korea not only allows me to touch young people’s lives, but also learn more about other cultures and perspectives on world issues and solving problems. I really just want to help people, and this is another step in a long journey or helping and learning at the same time.

There’s a lot more I could write about the why of this decision, so feel free to reach out if you have any specific questions!

How?

I applied to EPIK through Korvia Consulting and I got in! It’s a pretty big change from the past three years of corporate living, but I’m pretty excited to start this new life in a new place. I don’t know anyone at all and I have never taught English before, but I think I’m ready for this.

What Else?

If any of you have any other questions, feel free to post them in the comments – I started this post with 45 minutes until my flight and I’m ending it with about 15 minutes before boarding so I’ll try to answer as soon as I can!!!