Today I met up with a few other English teachers who are placed in Gangneung. I am about 25 minutes away by bus. So this morning I set out early to leave and I asked to make sure I got on the right bus even though I knew it was the right bus. I like to double check these things. A middle-aged man befriended me and talked to me a bit on the bus and…
ORIENTATION AND ALLERGIES ABOUND The EPIK Orientation started on Tuesday and has been going through until now. The classes are long and informational, teaching techniques, tips, strategies and lesson planning. I have met a lot of new people in my class most of who are headed to 강원도 (Gangwondo) with me. There are also my friends that I made in 서울(Seoul) and new friends I am making here in 대전 (Daejeon). I am enrolled in…
Since I am arriving 5 days before orientation I needed to find a place to stay for the duration. Luckily a fellow EPIK person recommended Hong Guesthouse, now known as Kimchi Guesthouse to me. As I was in charge of booking a 4 person bed private room. The rate is 80,000 Won or roughly ($73) a night divided by 4, not so bad!
Finishing packing was very daunting as the suitcases were emptied and rearranged an additional two or three times. In the end I was able to cram my life into two fifty pound suitcases, a carry on bag, a backpack, and a small purse. All of it was heavy as hell.
Last Tuesday, I picked up fellow EPIKers one at the Train Station in CT and the rest in MA on the way to the Korean Consulate in Newton, MA. The ride up was a lot of fun and it was interesting meeting new people for the first time face to face. Nothing like getting to know each other than saying, “Hey….I know you on facebook, you wanna go to the consulate together?” *Gasps of horror*…
On Tuesday, my NOA (Notice of Appointment) and contract arrived in the mail. I was excited to finally have my paperwork. I felt like for the first time through this whole process with EPIK, I could say it is official… I am hired. I knew I passed my interview in November and on Christmas Day I found out that I was placed in Gangwon Province (강원도). But the reality is until the contract and NOA…