Advice from veterans

25 May

I’ve known a few people that have taught English in Korea. Here is some of their advice that they were kind enough to share with me. Amanda says:

Dave’s is a good site. Another one is Serious Teachers. After you post your resume you will most likely be contacted by a recruiter, and they will do all of the work for you. They find you schools and set up interviews and once you’re hired they help you with the flight and settling in process. [You might want to wait] until August when public schools are hiring … 2.1 [million won] is a pretty average starting salary. You can sometimes get higher as a first year teacher in Seoul especially if you have a teaching degree or you are TOEFL certified. Like around 2.2 or 2.3. I wouldn’t go below 2.1 though.

Tess’ advice to me included:

I’d say about 1/2 of the hagwons are horrid, and 1/2 are totally great. It’s all about finding one with honest owners. Def try to talk to at least 1 teacher at the school, so you can get an opinion from a teacher. And whatever you do… don’t teach at Choo Choo Train English in Anyang. Ha..I’ve sent out a lot of these, so I kinda have a back-up that I copy and paste …

Here’s my go-to message:

Most schools hiring English teachers are after school programs, called Hagwons. People have really great and really bad experiences depending on their school, so it’s really worth doing the research on your school and talking to teachers there. This often depends on your boss. It’s harder to work at public schools without experience teaching/a teaching degree/knowing Korean, but it’s a better gig if you get a chance.

When i was there the average salary was between 2.1 and 2.3 million won, which was about 2,000 US a month, but with the dollar and won down, it’s worth less now. Your school pays for your rent, sometimes utilities, and they should pay for your ticket over there and the cost of your visa. You also get a bonus of one month salary at the completion of your 1-year contract. This varies depending on where you live (big city or small) and how desperate schools are, and they usually are pretty desperate.

The visa laws changed right after I got there. You now go through the screening and background stuff here, so it might be different if they pay for it. It’s hard not to get stuck in a 1-year contract. Your visa is totally dependent on your school. You can’t change schools or quit your job and still have a visa.

Korean culture is very conservative and family oriented. Older people are very traditional, and the younger population is more open. In general they are very friendly, respectful and lovely people. I met lots of good friends, and younger Koreans are really fun to party with and love meeting foreigners. I had a great experience with the culture, but not so much with my school.

I also got a TEFL certificate, which is not necessary in Korea, but will help with getting higher pay and the job you want. Most jobs work through recruiters.

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Hello After Four Years

20 May

It has been almost four years since I regularly updated this site. Since then, I worked as cubicle crusader, my boyfriend and I bought a place together, and I was accepted to grad school.

I am back, because I want to document the next year. I want to go to Korea. Specifically, working abroad as an English teacher. If I don’t go abroad now, life is going to continue to get in the way. This is my journey to achieve that goal.

I want to go to Busan, the largest port city in South Korea. Busan is located on the Southeastern most tip of the Korean Peninsula, and its weather ranges from hot and humid to cold and snow.

Many Koreans learn English, and other subjects, from private for-profit academies called Hagwons. Native English speakers are often hired to teach at Hagwons. The minimum requirements for such teaching positions are citizenship of USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand or South Africa, and a full university degree obtained in one of those countries [1]. In return for signing a contract, the institute provides an instructor with a monthly salary, round-trip airfare from his or her country of origin, a rent-free apartment or housing stipend for the duration of the instructor’s contract, and an additional one month “severance pay” at the completion of the contract [2].

[1] Hi KOREA. (2007). Foreign Language teaching (E-2). Retrieved November 17, 2009 from http://www.hikorea.go.kr/pt/InfoDetailR_en.pt?categoryId=2&parentId=382&catSeq=385&showMenuId=374&visaId=E2.

[2] Cerralbo, Y. (2005). The good, the bad and the hagwon. Retrieved November 21, 2009 from http://www.cbc.ca/news/viewpoint/vp_cerralbo/20050530.html.

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Klootchy Creek Giant

1 Feb

tree

The “Klootchy Creek Giant” (also known as the Seaside Spruce) is a Sitka spruce that stands 216 feet tall, measures 56 feet in circumference at breast height and has a crown that spreads 93 feet.

I found this in my files from the summer. My boyfriend and I were so excited to take a lot of photos of the area! Unfortunately, he took out the camera and shot this photograph right before the camera battery died.

For future info: It’s off of US 26, 2.5 miles east of Highway 101 in Klootchy Creek County Park.

Update: This photo is used and credited in the book, Oregon Curiosities. Check it out!

COMMENTS

It’s difficult to get and idea of how large this tree really is in your photo. Amazing in real life. My aunt and uncle live just past the sitka spruce and the area is beautiful. Worth a stop if anyone is on the way to Seaside.

Posted by: kelly at February 2, 2006 03:39 PM

Arrgh! I want the Nikon D70 so bad. Excellent shot, love the colors, contrast, and the overall compisition.

Posted by: Kathan at February 3, 2006 08:27 PM

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Packing Necessities for Vegas

21 Dec

(I had to double-check to see if that’s how ‘necessities’ is really spelt… It just does not look correct.)

If you’re planning to go to Vegas, the first thing you need to bring are sunglasses. Las Vegas is constantly sunny, and a pair of shades are the perfect expression of cool –or the perfect way to hide the fact that you’ve lost all your cash and you are now crying near the penny slots.

Bring proper clothes! Regardless of what you’ve seen in the movies and on television, not everyone is lounging around in suits and stilettos. Know that you can smoke everywhere in Las Vegas: your clothes, your hair, and everything you bring will have a smoke stench. Also, feel free to bring an amazing outfit as well –just incase you do want to go to that five-star restaurant or have ever considering clubbing in the Ghost Bar on top of the Palms (famous from the Real World).

Climate in Las Vegas
Month Min. F Max. F
Jan 33.6 57.3
Feb 38.8 63.3
Mar 43.8 68.8
Apr 50.7 77.5
May 60.2 87.8
Jun 69.4 100.3
Jul 76.2 105.9
Aug 74.2 103.2
Sep 66.2 94.7
Oct 54.3 82.1
Nov 42.6 67.4
Dec 33.9 57.5

Whatever you choose to wear, and regardless of the weather, do not forget comfortable walking shoes. Yes, I am a “flip flop wearin’ no umbrella holdin’ jeans wearin’ in the rain properly pronouncing Oregonian” –but, in this case, flip flips are not proper walking shoes.

Last but not least, bring cash you can afford to lose. I strongly believe that no one should be going to the atms daily to take out cash to gamble. You will not find your bank near the strip, so you will undoubtably be paying fees to use the atms found inside the casinos. Also, Las Vegas thrives on tourism, and gratuities is a must. Bring dollars to tip, and tip often. People are serving you, and they shouldn’t suffer just because you don’t have a grasp on your cash.

Tips on Tipping

  • Restaurants – 15 to 20 percent of the total bill (including tax) is the general rule of thumb.
  • Hotel personnel – Generally tipped $1 to $2 per bag of luggage. If you use the concierge services, a $5 tip is appropriate.
  • Dealers and slot attendants – A small bet for the dealer is the usual method of tipping at the gaming tables. A tip also is appropriate for keno runners and slot attendants.
  • Showroom maitre d’s – At shows, a tip of $5 to $20 will usually ensure desired seating. No tips are required at shows where there is assigned seating.
  • Taxicab drivers and tour guides – Taxi drivers usually receive $1 to $2 for a direct route; Tour guides receive $1 to $2 per person at the end of the trip.
  • Valet parking and maids – $2 to the car attendant is normal; $2 per day is a good tip for housekeeping.

    • I know that sometimes it may feel odd to tip so often if you’re not used to it. Boyfriend and I constantly had to go through our wallets at quick speed to tip someone, so here’s a tip: keep a few one dollar bills in your pocket or within quick reach. Have a money clip? Use it.

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    Chicken Breasts with Cranberry-Balsamic Sauce & Brussels Sprouts

    2 Dec

    Since it’s between Thanksgiving and Christmas cranberries are a staple in supermarkets, so I figured this would be a great time to make a quick, simple recipe including them.

    What You’ll Need:
    1 thawed bag of frozen Brussels sprouts
    1 tablespoon (plus 1 teaspoon) of olive oil
    1 teaspoon salt
    1 teaspoon ground pepper
    2 tablespoons flour
    4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
    2 cups cranberries
    1/4 cup sugar
    1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
    3/4 cup water

    1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Cut the Brussels sprouts lengthwise into thin slices. In any pan you wish, toss sprouts with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper to coat. Spread evenly in pan; roast 15 to 20 minutes.

    2. While your Brussels sprouts are browning, heat 1 teaspoon olive oil over medium-high heat on skillet. Combine flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper on plate; use to coat chicken.

    3. Add chicken to skillet and cook 6 minutes. Reduce heat to medium; turn chicken over and cook 6 to 8 minutes longer. Transfer chicken to plate.

    4. To skillet, add cranberries, sugar, balsamic vinegar, and water; heat to boiling over medium-high heat. Cook until sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Serve chicken with sauce and Brussels sprouts.

    food

    All my friends and I  are always trading ideas about how to cook our chicken, and this is one of my favorites.

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    Tv Shows Should Not Be Turned Into Video Games

    28 Nov

    To my absolute horror, I found out that Friends (the TV show which started a dozen different hair style trends) is being turned into a trivia game available on PS2. It is even available on PC right now –and people have already purchased it! No, this is NOT right! Especially NOT RIGHT when there are good games like Full Throttle and Grim Fandango that deserve sequels! Sigh.

    Here is a list I have quickly compiled of television show concepts turned into video games that should have never been made. Feel free to add to the list.

    1. Law & Order 1, 2, and every other one I saw at Costco. Game play (especially questioning suspects) is tedious and boring. Once upon a time I liked myself a good police investigator game (aka Police Quest 1988), but these games do no justice to the cast, writers or the image of the show. Rest in peace, Jerry Orbach!

    2. The Simpsons: Hit and Run is a driving game based on popular characters in the hit television show, The Simpsons. The game is repetitive, poorly designed, and can be beaten in 15 hours.

    3. What is the fascination with pretty girls that kick butt? I am sorry that these were made, but Dark Angel, Buffy, and Alias –all bad.

    4. I know “Jack is back” and all that, but do we really need a game for him on PS2? The game will answer questions from the second and third seasons of 24, like “Who was behind the failed attempt on President Palmer’s life,” “Who ran the country while Palmer recovered,” “Why did Kim Bauer begin working in the CTU,” and “How did Bauer and Chase Edmunds come to work together?” None of these questions actually make sense to me, so, umm, yeah, I’m not really looking forward to its release in February.

    Final note: To whom it may concern, I know you want to cash in on the popularity of these shows, but consumers are becoming smarter. So, stop it, just stop it.

    Update: You may not have guessed this, but the boyfriend keeps this blog readable and user friendly.

    Bf: “You forgot CSI!”
    Me: “Isn’t that the same as Law & Order? I mentioned Law & Order.”
    Bf: “No, you forgot CSI. You hate CSI!”
    Me: “Eh, it’s the same as the Law & Order games.”
    Bf: “Fine, I will just comment and add that you forgot CSI.”
    Me: “Why?”
    Bf: “You said on your blog to ‘feel free to add to the list.’”
    Me: “Ugh, fine, I will add it. Don’t comment. I will just add it to the post, okay?”
    (Boyfriend gloats…)

    Comments

    Aww, I still adore the Simpsons game. :P

    Posted by: suki at November 28, 2005 04:18 PM

    I think a “Friends” game would be cool if it were like The Sims. I would kill Ross.

    Posted by: Donnie Jeter at November 28, 2005 06:15 PM

    ER became a game as well. People say it sucks.

    Posted by: Thomas at November 28, 2005 06:24 PM

    You forgot CSI, CSI is way different from Law & Order, YOU HATE CSI!

    But Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles for Nintendo was a bad ass.

    Posted by: Brandon at November 29, 2005 04:44 AM

    There are also all the wrestling games based on the WWF/WWE TV shows. “Friends” would be good if it were a fighting game.

    Posted by: Tom at November 29, 2005 07:23 AM

    Oh how I agree totally!

    Saying that; I play CSI. Law & Order had such a tedious and poor engine though. I couldn’t see why people liked The Simpsons games etc nor any of the others.

    In response to Police Quest and Full Throttle, they were 2 of my 3 old favourites, RingWorld was the other. Oh my, how I cravefor the pixely goodness of Police Quest and the coolness of Full Throttle.

    Posted by: Zach Inglis at November 30, 2005 01:11 AM

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    A Close Call at Goodwill

    20 Nov

    I decided that I would help alleviate the pain of my next move by going through my closet and giving away bags and purses I don’t use anymore. I put a bunch of purses and bags in a black trash bag, including a pair of sneakers I had only worn a few times. Yes, I even threw in my fake Louis Vuitton purse that Frank and I haggled from a very sketchy man near Canal Street during my NYC trip.

    Boyfriend and I took my goods and the roommate’s unwanted television to the local Goodwill. We went to the donation area, and buzzed for someone to come help us. No one came to help us.

    Bf: Hey, this sign says they don’t take tvs.
    Me: They don’t take tvs?
    Bf: That’s what the sign says.
    Me: Well, no one is coming. Let’s just leave everything here infront of the door.
    Bf: The sign also says that dumping is illegal.
    Me: My mom does it all the time. Let’s go.
    Bf: Ehh…
    Me: Come on, let’s go!

    I’m a criminal. Heaven help us.

    Comments

    Bf: The sign also says that dumping is illegal.
    Me: My mom does it all the time. Let’s go.

    LOL!!! Reminds me of when I first re-visited Korea with my mom. Apparently bribing the customs officials is expected, despite the numerous warning signs and threats.

    Posted by: Ian Ashley at November 21, 2005 02:21 AM

    Don’t lose too much sleep over it. They can take it out of their CEO’s jillion-dollar salary.

    Posted by: Jack Bog at November 21, 2005 11:00 PM

    I’m telling on you! :)

    Posted by: Thomas at November 22, 2005 11:10 PM

    Oh noes, what if they google “Stacy” “TV” “Dumping”.

    Busttttted.

    Posted by: Esther at November 23, 2005 12:03 PM

    Unfortunately, Stacy had her name and address written on numerous items which she illegally dumped at a Goodwill store.

    We regret to inform you that she will not be back for quite some time.

    Posted by: Baron at November 24, 2005 02:31 AM

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