So I thought it was about time that I did an update on my time out here in Ulsan. Looooong overdue perhaps!! I did try to do a video update a few times but either the video wouldnt upload or the camera didn't work >:( very frustrating!
So where to start!!!? Well first off my school. For those who don't already now I teach at a High School in Ulsan. I haven't met many HS teachers since I've been out here so it can sometimes be difficult in terms of asking for advice but I have found a great community of teachers on Facebook (Teachers in Ulsan) who are happy to help with the most random of questions! I even started my own FB group specifically for "High School Teachers in Korea". It's a very small group so far but we are growing in number!!
So my school, I love it!!! My Korean co-teachers do all the grammar and prep for the university exams so I get to have all the fun with the students by doing games and activities and trying to get them to speak as much as possible. The co-t's work from a textbook whereas I have free reign to teach anything I like. I try to stick to a specific grammar area until they are comfortable with it and then do a review with them every couple of weeks with an activity or a project. The students are so funny, I absolutely adore them!
My apartment is looking a lot more like a home now. I have a few more bits of furniture (including a very cheap sofa from G-Market) and some 'homely' things. The teaching community out in Hogye (the area where I live) is growing gradually, I know about 30 people in that area alone, so I'm never short of a drinking buddy :)
With regards to sightseeing, it's still a little awkward because the weather was so cold but it's really starting to warm up now. I've been on days/nights out in Daegu, Busan and Seoul so far and love them all for different reasons.
I love it here so much I'm hoping to stay on another year before heading off to Australia but I have quite a few more months to go yet before that needs to be sorted out.
Other than that there's not much for me to say really except, hurry up and get out here! The fun is only a flight away!!
Here is a link to some more pics:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150792876933206.511241.516598205&type=3&l=b1b1eab490
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Hi Erin, yeah I use it quite a lot actually, thanks!! :D
Great to hear from you Jennifer!
I have taken a look at your photos, they're great! It looks like you're having a wonderful time.
Did the ESL Library come in handy?
Erin
EPIK spring 2012. Thats a facebook group that started with the feb EPIK recruitment but has now turned into a large group of teachers. Feel free to join that as whenever we need help you can ask them and a lot of people post up about events and Korean festivals etc. There are a fair few high school teachers in the group as well so may be useful :)
Just to sell Busan a little more, when the sun is shining here there is no better city to be in! ;) Mountains, 8 different beaches and an awesome night life. And i have barely scratched the surface being here for only two months :P
wow love this post. I've been here just over a month and I am a High School teacher as well. I only know one other High School teacher. I also have free reign in my classes and am free to teach them whatever I want. I will definetly take a look at your group
Yes my friend wants to go to Jeju for summer vacation but I have to go back to the UK for my niece's christening. I am already planning to stay for another year so I will definitely get over there.
We are off to Daegu tomorrow for a Korean wedding. The guy I replaced is getting married. The first time I met him he invited me to his wedding! We got called to the principal's office on Thursday to meet his family.
Geochang is about an hour from Daegu in Gyeongsangnamdo. It's a small town but there are quite a few foreign teachers here which is good. I am lucky there is another foreign teacher at my main school. She was telling me about forever 21 in Seoul and was suggesting getting the bus there tonight and getting the last bus home! It takes 3 and half hours from here to Seoul.
I would love to come to Ulsan. I have heard really good things about it.
I've heard Jeju Island is a MUST see! Other than that it's just a case of getting out there and seeing what's what haha! Daegu is a good night out an Busan has some lovely beaches. Of course Seoul is GREAT for shopping! Where is Geochang? If you ever fancy a night out in Ulsan feel free to give me a shout!! :)
Great to have an update from you. Sounds like everything is going really well. I have been out here for just over a month now. I teach in 2 elementary schools in Geochang. I have not been converted to liking kimchi yet but I'm sure I will soon. I wanted to ask is there anywhere I must visit whilst I'm over here?
Oh yeah, it's like a staple part of my diet now haha, it's like the Korean version of gravy lol
Sounds like you're having a great time. Have you got used to the endless plates of kimchi yet?
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