um... it all worked out, okay?!
In January 2011, a Korean friend introduced me to the idea of teaching English in her home country, and I subsequently spent a couple of weeks considering it. The idea was put on hold, however, as I plunged into the chaos of student teaching, acknowledging my love for teaching art in the States, and half-seriously applying to 20 or so art teaching positions throughout the U.S. After my gleaming resume landed me two interviews and little else, Korea became my singular point of focus. I wanted to go, and I wanted to go immediately.
Earlier research taught me that hagwons (private, after school academies) allow foreign teachers to arrive in Korea at any time. The English Program in Korea, or "EPIK", which is sponsored by the Korean Ministry of Education, accepts teachers into the country twice a year: in February and August. Feeling certain that I couldn't wait that long to leave, I feverishly applied to a hagwon teacher recruiting company that abruptly vanished in mid October. It was weird and upsetting, and I realized that the safest option for employment rested with EPIK (see my later note about hagwons).
Today, I sit at my desk, listening to a sweetly accented rendition of "DO, A DEER, A FEMALE DEER/ RE, A DROP OF GOLDEN SUUUUN!" ringing down the hallway, and I'm exquisitely happy. To avoid excessive frivolity in my descriptions, I'll switch to a more useful numbered format titled:
Why I ADORE Working for EPIK
(Please note: This is not a Jumping Photo.
It's a Hovering Slightly Above the Ground Photo, a natural result of the EPIK experience)
It's a Hovering Slightly Above the Ground Photo, a natural result of the EPIK experience)
Point of Adoration #1: I don't have to think.
Kind of. The challenges and opportunities in Gwangju that have set my brain on fire are of the life fulfillment variety, and not the basic needs kind. During every single step of the application process, orientation week, and the period of settling into Gwangju, I felt fully prepared and supported by the EPIK staff. The transition from curious traveler to established English teacher occurred with such relative ease that I still feel a little startled when I look back on it.
Allow me to clarify for a moment: the job is challenging. I work full time with five Korean co-teachers, and I teach every student in the school once a week (that's 22 classes with roughly 40 kids in each class). I've felt so grateful to have consistent clarity in regard to challenges like paying bills, setting up a bank account and cell phone plan, and finding a doctor when needed. Learning how to teach English well requires my full attention. The EPIK staff makes it possible to do so by removing the complicated guesswork that comes with settling in a new country.
Point of Adoration #2: I live here for FREEEE!
Really close to true. Most all teaching positions in Korea come with a free apartment, through EPIK or otherwise. My flight was also reimbursed, I'll receive money at the end of the year for a flight home (or a bonus if I resign my contract), medical expenses are teensie (think: roughly $4 for a visit to the doctor and a prescription once you've received your Alien Residency Card), and I make enough money to pay off loans at home while also traveling and saving money.
Added bonus:the cost of living is low and public transportation in Korea is GREAT. I can make it to Seoul or Busan (the two largest cities) for less than $50, round trip. Amazing.
Point of Adoration #3: Friends are also included in the EPIK contract.
(Unofficially very true, though it's perhaps your choice to dismiss them.)
After deciding to apply, the potential for loneliness became a top concern. The reality? My social calendar is so full I can barely think straight. During the week-long arrival orientation, hundreds of incoming EPIK teachers gather in one place to prepare for the year ahead and to bond, tightly. In my case, I met over 50 teachers from the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia, the U.K., and Ireland, all headed to Gwangju.
Nearly three months into the experience, we continue to travel herd-style and refer to ourselves as "The Family". Yes, it's cult-ish and slightly ethnocentric, but I like to think we drive each other to work and live with greater intensity. Nights out consistently mix dancing and drinks with lesson plan sharing, ideas for more effective classroom management, and a heavy dose of encouragement to ease the tension of working in such a distinctly unfamiliar job environment. It's beautiful.
To those inclined to criticize such blatant social separation from Korean society, I'll admit that I'm ideologically opposed to it as well. I do spend significantly more time at school (40 hours a week) than I spend with friends, and four of the hours spent with friends every week include Korean language lessons at Chonnam University (back to that driving each other to greater heights thing). So... there. I think that when you find yourself surrounded by people who care for each other and insist upon exploring every last inch of the world around them, it's best just to go with it.
Multiple Points of Adoration, for the sake of summary.
In case my previous three points haven't convinced you, here's a partial list of my activities from the past three months: I've traveled to Seoul and Busan, performed with a local English theatre group, attended multiple live music events (hit or miss on that point, really. Music lovers: don't make it your reason for moving here), joined the Gwangju International Center (which features an English library and many other cultural events, including a meditation group and guest lecture series), attended an interpretive dance workshop, camped at the gorgeous Wando beach, went swing dancing, and spent a full day hiking just outside Gwangju.
Currently, I attend Korean language class, yoga class (last night we practiced on a rooftop overlooking the city at sunset), and I'm working behind the scenes for the next theatre project. I also have plans for Japan and Taiwan in the works! :)
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If it sounds like I'm bragging, I am... but my intentions are good! Since arriving, I've heard from a surprising number of people interested in applying for the program. The odds are high that if you're reading this blog, you know someone who might possibly be interested. While applying, I relied heavily on the reassurance of one friend of a friend (we have yet to meet!) who currently works in Seoul, and I'd love to help someone in a similar position.
Please feel welcome to email me with any questions you have!
Thanks for reading, and for allowing me to gush a little on this post.
Bethany ;)
Apply to EPIK! Here's the website: www.epik.go.kr
There are many recruiting companies who offer to make the process easier, but it's largely unnecessary. Most of my friends went directly through EPIK, and those who worked with additional companies received little additional benefit (if any) from the go-between companies.
The note I promised earlier regarding hagwons: some of them are great, but you need to be careful. If you want to take that route, I recommend privately getting in touch with a current teacher (not someone who is paid to bring you here). I can help you do that if you're interested. There are other viable options, as well. Since I came through EPIK, I can best speak to my experience, but I'm happy to put anyone in touch with friends I've made outside this program.
