So, the question I get asked most frequently – bar none – is
“Why Korea?” And on some level, I knew I’d be asked this question, but I had no
idea just how often. The short answer is that I needed a job. Let me back up a
minute and fill you in on the details…well, some of the details. This is NOT a
space in which I will lay out every step of the process of coming to Korea to
teach, there are enough of those blogs/YT videos as it is, and my process was the
exact same as all of those people. No, here I’ll just give you the general
thought process and mental machinations that went into MY decision to some to
South Korea to teach.
I hated my job. HATED. MY. JOB. There’s no need to tell you
where I worked, or what I did for a living before becoming a teacher, it’s really
irrelevant. So, I went back to school to become an English teacher. I love
reading and I love talking to people about great books, so I figured it was a
no-brainer. OK, so I finished school…and grad school…and the second grad school
program (What? Hey, I was a working mom, I had to take a circuitous route to
get here). So there I was, fresh out of school with nowhere to go. I was also in
a marriage I wanted out of, so I started looking into other countries in which
to teach. Now, I knew I wouldn’t be teaching the kind of English I had in mind
when I was in college, but that didn’t matter too much to me. I just wanted
out. Initially I wanted (and, secretly I STILL want) to go to Abu Dhabi to
teach, but found out I needed at least 2 years of full-time teaching
experience, and I just didn’t have it. South Korea kept popping up, much to my
chagrin. See, I didn’t want to come to South Korea. I, like so many Americans,
was more than a little worried about North Korean aggression, strange foods, a
language I didn’t have a clue about (nor any desire to learn), and well… it
wasn’t Abu Dhabi. You know how it is when you’re stuck on an idea and then you
find that it’s not going to happen. You’re a bit pissed, right? Pouty? A smidge
indignant? No?? Just me, huh? OK, well anyway… it took a long time for me to
wrap my head around South Korea and accept that this was where I would have to
start my journey. Eventually I got to that place and after MUCH hoop-jumping, I
got here.
Now, I know I was asked why I wanted to come to Korea during
my interview with EPIK, but I honestly cannot tell you what I said. Something
generic, probably, like “It’s a beautiful, hospitable country with a climate
similar to what I’m used to”. And while that is true, I’m finding it’s not the
answer Koreans who ask me that question warm to. When I go in with that generic answer, I get a
blankish stare and a mild head-nodding gesture that begs me to continue. So I
stumble and hem and haw for an answer that makes them smile and lets me off the
hook. They seem to like hearing that their students lead the way academically, are hard-working and respectful, and that this
is a place I’ve always wanted to visit. Now while the first 2 reasons are
accurate, I’ve just told you that that last reason is the furthest thing from
the truth, but it got a good response the first time it tumbled out of my
mouth, so like a Pavlovian dog, I trot it out when in a bind. And I’ve had to
trot it out MULTIPLE times. Other native English teachers during orientation
have asked me. Every single class I have has asked me that question. So has
every Korean teacher I’ve met that can speak English. The lady who owns the
noodle shop near my apartment has even asked me via my English to Korean
language app on my phone. And I get it.
I completely get it. They are proud of their country and want me to do a little
bragging about it. We Americans are the same way, as I’m sure are inhabitants
of other countries. Especially since I’m teaching their kids! No one wants to
hear a teacher say, “Well, I’m just doing my time until I can get into the
country with the more stringent rules for their teachers.” No.
But what having to answer this question multiple times has
made me do is to really THINK about my reasons for being here. Yes, I am here
to gain valuable in-class, full-time teaching experience. Yes, I have the
privilege of molding young minds. Yes, I plan to read and write a lot while I’m
here. Yes, I get a chance to see a bit of the world. But why else? Do I have
any other reasons? Do I need any others?
The answer is that I just don’t know yet. I’ve been here for 6 months
now, and I’m no closer to having an answer to that question than the day I left
the States. I’m guessing it’ll be one of those “hind-sight” deals. And that’s
ok.
I write all of this to say to you that I’m still figuring it
out. I also write all of this to try to drive the point home that this is not
going to be one of those, “I love K-pop and have always been enamored of
Asian/Korean culture” blogs, either. If that’s your thing, more power to you,
but it’s not where I’m coming from. I thought it time that I documented some of
my experiences here, good and bad, now that I’ve passed through all the stages
of culture shock. I hope that it will give you, Dear Reader, a fair and
accurate depiction of MY life here. Some of it is pretty freaking great, some
of it is definitely not. Sometimes it may seem like I’m crafting blog posts
while sitting on a mountaintop bathed in dappled sunlight while cherry blossom
petals and fairies flit about my head. Sometimes I will be quite the
curmudgeon. Hey, I’m human. But about my final point, let me be abundantly clear:
while Korea may not have been my first
choice, I am very grateful to have this opportunity. This IS a beautiful and hospitable
country. I love my students, and you know what? They ARE some of the brightest,
sweetest, and most respectful kids I’ve ever met.
