SLP graduation performance

As a student at SLP English School you are required to complete a performance at the end of the year. This is mostly for the parents because they would like to see what their child has learned throughout the year. The five year olds perform a song and dance, and the older children will perform a song and dance, and a short theatre play. This is a HUGE event for the children, and they practice very hard for about a month to show off their English skills. None of these children have started elementary school yet, but they are already performing on a stage in front of a few hundred people. It really blew me away.

a night out

On our recent arrival, many of our very very nice coworkers decided to take us out for a night on the town. We ate some Korean BBQ, had a few beers at a fancy german bar (which had spaces in the table to keep your beer cold), and went wandering through the beautiful chilly night air of Busan. On yet another night, we were able to head out to the University area of Busan to check out some great artwork, a crazy awesome American band, and a quaint hole in the wall "foreigner" bar called the basement. Not only did we have a crazy awesome good time, but we met some Austinites. I feel so at home in this far away land.

in the city

The first week in Korea has been extremely stimulating, and very busy. Just recently, we were able to explore the lands around us and we found some pretty amazing things. In the midst of all the noise, there happened to be an outdoor gym/park area where you can sit in silence, have a quick go at the gazelle, or check out the hills of vegetable gardens overlooking the city. I found it to be a very special place that I will definitely go back and visit. There is much to see, and this is just the beginning.

home

The job I am working at provides the housing for my 1 year stay in Korea. It is a large one bedroom apartment (for Korean standards). So far we think that it is great! We are nestled in between a major department store and a smaller supermarket. We are close to restaurants, gyms, pet shops and parks. It is rather spacious for the two of us, yet cozy at the same time. We have a great view, and the floor is heated to keep us warm. We don't have an oven, but we do have a washing machine. No need for a tub, since the shower head sits right on the wall of the bathroom. I know, I was pretty surprised at first, but it works just fine and you can clean the bathroom while you shower! We even have a small patio area where you can go out for a smoke or just to get some fresh air. Also, Logan figured out that we can hang out on the roof of our building. Find us on google maps. Our coordinates are 35.167368,129.170663.

SLP school

I work at a school in the Haeundae Beach area of Busan, South Korea. I hear that it is one of the largest schools in the area. I have only been there a week, but I have been very busy. Logan and I are both going to be teaching English to beginners. This means that we will teach children who are 5 years old (Korean age) and maybe 6 years old also. This will be their first time to attend school, which might be a challenge for us, but we are ready. We have started teaching just a little bit this week, and the children are very sweet and inviting. I was already called "short teacher" by some kids. Yeah, and I thought they were little. In the afternoon we will teach kids who are a bit older; maybe even some who have had two years of English teaching. It is going to be quite an adventure. If anyone reading this knows of good websites for beginning English education please feel free to share.

the arrival

After a long awaited arrival, Korea is here! Texas is out of sight, mostly out of mind, and the smell of fresh seafood and a new lifestyle is here and now. I walked into an airport full of beautiful Korean faces speaking sounds I do not understand. I stood in wonder and stared endlessly into their Korean mouths trying so hard to make out the words... but they did not come. I am so giddy I can hardly take it. I took off on Saturday morning at 6am and arrived in Korea on Sunday night at 9pm. I am tired, hungry, and thriving on new experience adrenaline. A woman picks us up from the airport and takes us to our new home for the next year. I drive in a car and read sign after sign of nonsense. I am in super experience mode. I try to take it all in at once. You only arrive in Korea one time, make the best of it.