What? Why? When? Where?

What? Why? When? and Where? Through this blog I hope to answer any questions you may have about my adventures of teaching overseas. I also hope that through my experiences you may be able to feel like you are coming with me on this adventure and who knows maybe I will see you in Korea one of these days! 

So what am I about to do? I am leaving in the beginning of August to teach English to elementary age students in Korea. I will be in Korea for at least one year, for that is how long my contract is but I am hoping that I will fall in love with teaching and Korea so that I will be able to stay longer.

Why did I decide to move to Korea to teach? Ever since I was little I have always known that I would be a teacher. It was just something that was logical (unlike becoming a superstar) and interesting. Teaching has always been a passion in my life, but it was not till four years ago that I started to consider teaching overseas.  In the summer of 2008 I spent three weeks in Cambodia with a team from my school. The most impact full part of the trip was spending time with the children in an orphanage in Cambodia. Even though there were language barriers between us, we were still able to communicate through body language, song, games, and teaching one another words in English and Khmer (the native language of Cambodia).  Through spending that short time overseas I became interested in traveling, learning about different cultures and languages, and teaching to English language learners. 

I will be going to Korea through Canadian Connections. "The main goal of Canadian Connection is to supply you with the knowledge and information that will give you peace of mind, as well as the ongoing support that will make your year in Asia worthwhile." (http://www.canconx.com/)

When will I be leaving? The exact day is not set in stone, but I do know that the week of August 13-17 I will begin orientation so some time before then will be my departure date. 

Where will I be teaching?  My placement school has not been determined quite yet but I do know that I will be working through the Jeollanamdo Province School District. "Jeollanam-do Province is in the southwest region of Korea and is home to diverse tourist destinations. Top natural sites include Suncheoman Bay, a habitat for thousands of migratory birds, Boseong green tea fields, as well as the designated slow cities (Jeungdo Island, Cheongsando Island, Damyang). The National Research Institute of Maritime Cultural Heritage is the nation’s largest effort to preserve the maritime ecosystem. Also, the City of Yeongam has been hosting the F1 Korean Grand Prix since 2010. Finally, Jeollanam-do is also famous for seafood, Pansori and Arirang." (http://www.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?areaCode=38)

I am excited for this opportunity to go and I am ready for all the adventures I am going to have.  *^o^*