Sal Sal Hae Yo

Orientation lasted a little over a week. A few hundred foreigners from South Africa, US, Canada, England, Ireland, Scotland, Australia, and New Zealand gathered at a very intense, but very organized and beneficial orientation at the Jeonju University Campus, in Jeonju, a few hours southwest from Seoul (raise your hand if you think there are two categories in SK: Seoul, and everything else). We were organized into about a dozen different classes, determined by the region we were place into. This is CLASS 5--so we have all been placed within a couple hours of one another.

A few of us were lucky enough to be placed in the same city, which makes moving to a country where you know little to none, of the language (you'd be surprised to feel what it is like to be totally illiterate while trying to read street signs and shop), so much easier...being scared together is more exciting, so frustration doesn't so much get the best of you.

Many of us have stayed in touch from the orientation. We have all been placed in a wide range of accommodations and teaching situations, and are having a great time sharing stories. I have a feeling it's going to be a really great year of hosting each other's visits. So far, that has been the most amazing part--becoming a part of this brilliantly large community of ex-pats/teachers/adventurers. I will safely assume it is a big reason why "no one ever stays, just one year."

One week at orientation and you leave with friends, teaching resources, a bank card, everything you need for your ARC card...well, one hopes, a hate or appreciation for soju, and even mentors (a big thank you to Han and SoonHee!). Maybe you'll leave with a catch phrase such as "sal sal hae yo" (Easy Tiger) as one of the only 3 things you can say in Korean like I did.

But after 2 weeks here, the 1 piece of advice? Be patient. I'm definitely trying. To the point of personal growth? Ha...be patient!