Until then, here's a quick summary:
- I have 2o sections of English classes at Samsung High School. 800 students. They all think I am swell; they're shy; they're wonderful. I love the school I am at. I am the first foreign teacher and they are treating me extremely well.
- The recruiting agency that brought me to the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education (which brought me to Seoul) screwed me and I am being paid 50% less than I should be paid this first month. Not worth bitching too much about it since I am well paid and will only suffer this first paycheck. Some teachers come to Korea and end up in far worse situations than partial pay for their first month in town.
- I play soccer with my students and have played with a local club team. Games are played on hard-packed sandlots. Very challenging. But I am a skilled player at my position and it appears I am welcome to play for many of the clubs in my district.
- Because I can hike, play soccer, and teach in Gwanak-gu, I have yet to really explore Seoul. On the other hand (unlike many foreign teachers,) I have been able to fully immerse myself in Korean culture. Not that most teachers don't want to be here, but most teachers do spend much free time with other English-speaking foreigners and in the foreigner-centered districts in Seoul. My teaching and sports schedule has me hanging with Koreans almost everyday and evening. I am hoping this will help me excel at Korean language study.
- I like the neighborhood I live in. Sillim-dong is filled with students both university and those studying at law school prep academies. Plenty of young, active people.
- A good sauna (sow-na, is how the Koreans pronounce it) is just down the street. Nothing like a Korean public bath after a hard day working.
just a few notes. i am leaving for home. soon i will be posting daily and uploading photos.
until then...
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