location, location, location

As the other blog might have said i'm a bit conflicted over where to focus the job search. And how even korean soap operas are infiltrating my dilemma by the constant, and literal back and forth of their characters to and from. . . So to add to the consult, i was mentioning my possible departure to Korea, which by the way means "Chosen", to my friend Jessica and she works for a Korean company (so happens), and asked them if they had any opinions about where to go based on a few regions i gave her:

[ok, so I spoke to my girls at work. here are there random responses to each town... haha]

Jeju Island:

-my mom love jeju island and me too

-good food, seafood 

-nice weather, always shiny and bright, like california (sometimes a little humid)

-people are nice, island people

-only 30 minutes to Busan

-beautiful but small, might be hard to find a job

Guang ju province:

-i don't know about guang ju... I visit a few times

-i heard that people are inside soft, but outside speak strong (loud speaking- sounds like yelling)

Busan

-good food, but a little too salty

-they have strong accent too... speaking strongly (yelling like chinese)

-if you learn korean over there, you're gonna be learning to speak loudly

-busan is big city with a lot of demand, second active city in korea

-probably much easier to find job here and you can easily visit Jeju

Oh the Hoops,

COST: so far: $290

FBI CBC (aka pain in my ass)
Criminal Background Check

• Fingerprints: $20
• Mail it: $10 (w.sase)
• Processing Fee: $18
• Total Time: 9 weeks!
• * only for them to do it WRONG. they didn't include the seal or signature as requested.

Passport: $110 (Renewel)

• Mail it: $5 priority
• Print photos: $1
• Taking them myself: $0
• Total Time: 2wks! (shocking govt. shocking)

BA Transcripts/Diploma

• 2 transcripts: $6 (bonus two spare ones mailed to me accidentally. score!)
• 1 copy of diploma: $8
• Mobile Notary: $35
• County Clerk Sig: $9 AND 1 1/2 later (also they don't take visa. pain in myass.)
• CC Fee: $1.75
• State Dept Apostille: $26
• Done over 1 day. (after the t/d came)
• CA SUCKS.

MFA Transcripts/Diploma

• 2 Transcripts: $10
• 1 Diploma: FREE
• 1 Notary: FREE
• it went missing and they sent it to me again! express! FREE!
• 3 Apostilles: $6 !!!! (just because i could)
• Mail it: $10 and change
• Total Time: 2 wks for apostille. 
• ILLINOIS WINS.

RESUME

• Yah, hmm. Something, something, need coverletter...

THE GAMBLE*

• Have the state Notary sign the federal FBI CBC: $10
• aka the "technical loophole"
• Have the countyclerk authenticate the signature: $9
• Have the CA SD authenticate the county clerk signature: $20

if the Gamble pays off: I'M DONE.
if the Gamble doesn't pay off:

• $10 in mailing fees to wait another 2 wks if they agree to take it back even though the state notary stamped it. Back to the beginning? Imminent disaster?
• $70+ to expedite it once it comes back. Not sure how long it would take after that.

.....
not included: $45 F2 Visa Fee
needed: 2 diplomas apostilled, 2 sealed transcripts from BA, 2 bonus apostilled MFA transcripts, copy of passport photo page, passport, 4 passport photos, resume, [contract, health statement, school info, references from school]

Progress,

guess what i got when i got home from camping. 2 wks!? what the what government!

m.

But where!?

The thing of it is, I've met someone else.

Oh, Kang. It's not that I don't love you- it's just that you want me to go to Seoul. I'm avoiding Seoul like I'm allergic to NewYork. I know you have to give everyplace a 3rd time but I'll probably be in Korea before I get the chance to be absolutely certain that it's emotionally toxic to me. I mean part of me thinks yes, let's go extreme and crushing and vast and concrete because it's different. But if it's got all the western amenities I could want and more, (besides shoes and plussizes) is it really? I found that in every European country i went to- same/same. Comme ci comme ca. Familiar, getting aroundness. So then I thought, ok, let's go to the Korean LA/SF. But if it's SF it's not my bag as i'm patently not a baysider. And if it's LAish then well, I'm here and i've been there done that. And any city is really a city. And what about the fact that I'm suppose to be fasting from all that BUY ME and GO HERE and DO THAT, So then I started thinking countryside? Or better yet what about an island?

Enter Mr. Jeju.
He caught my eye with this headline: 

Island Life Anyone? Several Public and Private School positions all year round on the "Korean Hawaii" Amazing Jeju Island!!
Jeju ESL Consulting -- Friday, 14 October 2011, at 6:20 p.m.

Why Choose Jeju Island?
With its subtropical climate, picturesque beaches and mountainous terrain, Jeju provides a healthy alternative to the pollution of Korea's congested mainland cities. For those wanting a more active lifestyle, Jeju offers golf, tennis, scuba diving, windsurfing, biking, beach volleyball, ultimate Frisbee, surfing, rock climbing, or hiking up Halla San, Korea's highest mountain. New arrivals are always welcomed warmly by Jeju's friendly locals and close-knit foreigner community which ranges from 400-500 ESL teachers alone. If you are seeking a balanced adventure teaching English in Korea and love the outdoors, Jeju is the place for you.
 And though Starbucks has yet to make it over there even though they've been in korea since 1999- well, maybe that's a good thing? (I don't know, i'm not ready to talk about it!!) So, Mr. Jeju emailed me back and then I emailed him back and now we've talked on the phone. He tells me everything i need to hear like, forget about korea until you have your fbi background check in aka relax! and you've got a 50/50 chance of getting a job here, but perhaps we can place you elsewhere too. Jeju, he's so pop-ulaaar. I might miss Kang and his friendconnection in the midst of this everyone wants me, but then... if i can't stumble upon a primo university position then maybe mr.islandman might be the 2nd best. Either way it's looking like January. Which come to think of it is right in between Dec and Feb. And Jeju is the outofleftfield from Seoul or Busan-- here's to keeping my options open- but not too open. I hate playing the field. And hopefully landing in the best place right when i need to.

oh and SHOUT OUT.

this beautiful woman mid-conversation about renewing passports and paperwork wrote me a check to cover 70% of my passport fee. WhAT!?

After the Interview,

Finally, talked with Kang. Who is a nice might aswell be the korean version of my Fb friend damon. Which lead to my first and hopefully not last interview. Who said i should smile more and not talk so fast.

It went well. I think? I spoke slowly. Clearly. Why Korea? Why teach kids? Strengths/Weaknesses? Homesickness? Boyfriend/Man go with you? Have you ever left the country? Where? For what purpose? Totally forgot until the end of the interview that i'd been to central america... but nevermind. I'll blog more about the 2nd interview later... bcs you care?

let's touch base with kang: [ please read on as your attention span allows]

schu: ooh!
schu:: yes hello
kang: hi!!!
schu: hello!
schu: good morning to you
kang: hi!
schu: are things well over there?
kang: Yes...Perfectly fine.

kang: She likes you.
kang: I will ask her to interview you through skype.. one more time.
kang: My concern is your documentation....
schu: Ok. My one hesitation is that I'd be the only foreign teacher there though.
schu: Yes.
schu: I hope it will be here by November
kang: Here in Korea most of the schools have only one foreign teacher.
kang: 90% of the schools..
schu: Oh it was my understanding that was more the case for public schools?
schu: Ah.
schu: Ok.
kang: Public schools can have 2-3 teachers.
schu: I see.
kang: a few school may have more than 5 teachers.
schu: Damon wanted me to ask how long they have been in business?
schu: Is this something you would know?
kang: Otherwise, one foreign teacher is pretty common.
kang: I will ask her.
kang: I have known for 2 years.
kang: It seems the school is pretty stable.
kang: She has around 3 Korean teachers.
schu: So it is a small school?
schu: That's good to know. I like thatyou know her and have worked with her before.

schu: Are you concerned my documentation will not be ready intime?
kang: the school owner is concerned about it.
kang: She may think you may not make it on time when she needs you.
schu: Ah yes. Was it end of december yes?
kang: Yes...End of December.
[i go on and on about what i've done so far]
schu: I understand though about timing though. It may be better to hire a teacher who will be ready sooner.
schu: We hope for no delays. 

kang: I will ask her about your concerns/anything you want to know.
kang: - How long the business, anyother ?
schu: I should like to talk to the teacher that is leaving as well :)
kang: I will arrange it for your conversation with the teacher who is leaving soon.
schu: Thank you very much.

kang: Schu....Don't worry. I will not put you in a bad school.
kang: I promise.
schu: : D
kang: Damon is monitoring me.
schu: Hahaha
kang: It is my responsibilty to take care of it.
schu: You speak to my fears. Thank you.
schu: I say, I will have what God has for me. It is hard though. I want to step wisely.

kang: I just can't do a certain things which you may ask me to do.
kang: Because they are school owners and also my clients.
schu: Let me know when that is the case. I want to respect your boundaries.
kang: I will be very neutral and do my best to make you feel secured.
schu: I am not sure when i ask too much.
kang: I will let you know.
schu:: thank you.
kang: When I approach to her asking your conversation with the leaving teacher.
kang: I should speak very nicely and technically about it not to offend her.
kang: And making her to allow what we want to do .
schu: Yes, i understand. For me i wish to know nuances of her experience.
schu: And not to judge the school good/bad.
schu:: But i understand, delicate.

kang: OK...I am happy to work with you.
kang: I would like to see you soon in Koera.
schu: yes, i am getting more excited to come everyday.
kang: Are you a Christian ?
schu: Yes.
kang: I am a Christian. Damon also too.
[chatter]
kang: I would like you to see this then.
kang: Give me a second...I will give you the link to our English Worship Service..
kang: I hope you like it.

[church website chatter]

schu: thank you for sharing this.
kang: I got to go now. Saturday here with my family members...hehe..You have a good weekend too!!
schu: Thank you!
schu: Yes. Have a good day.
kang: AnyQuestions about anything ..just feel free to send an email. or skype...
schu: Yes. I'll try to think of some
kang: talk to you soon.
schu: and i'll let you know.
schu: yes!
schu: thank you!
kang: bye...

Well, and Then

kang: Hey... Schu...Terribly sorry..I had an unexpteced issue coming up.
kang: I missed the time.
kang: I am available..You are in LA...I am in Seoul.

Keeping Minutes,

I'm waiting for mr.kang to come on line. He is now officially 3minutes past due. I was of course ready 1/2 hour before just in case he came on early. He didn't. My mom wants to know why her hptouch is in my room, and really intently listening to someone speak in english as a 2nd language over mom dad and tv and humming fridge and buzzing lights just seemed too much, so that's why. Of course now i can hear the traffic clearly on the street and the various noises of my machine. Also my face is oddly red. I think there was wheat in my mashed potatos. I totally regret eating them. Must take benedryl after or IF i talk to mr, kang who is now 5minutes overdue. I even lamely typed hello, hello... on the off chance he was there but not there. He didn't respond. Meanwhile the two burning questions seem to be busan or seoul and december or february. I honestly can't see lasting 5 months, let alone 3... and then interviews and contract negotiations? dare i? dare i?

It's difficult with mrkang. He is damon's friend. So i don't know what the protocal is in terms of him being the only one to help me or trying to find stuff online. I know some sites recommended I submit my resume to places myself and consider engaging 1 or 2 recruiters but i've never been one to hedge my bets. Is that the term? Really it's alot to be skyping with a complete stranger and trying to be available at a specific time because of the 16 hour difference. Honestly 4 hours ago would've been better. I would be less impatient and foot tapping. I've got all my online time out of my system and this frankly seems to be torture. Tick.tock. But then the abyss of recruiting agencies, hagwan companies and korean characters i can't download bcs of my language pack seems like a lot too. It's like you might as well be throwing bottles into the sea or well into a vacuum tube which seems like it could land anywhere.

So i'll copy and paste my chat with him from yesterday. Which is amusing because i start being hyper aware of either typing in broken english, or being ridiculously formal. And then you know, mr,kang finally getting my busan hints with a... oh you prefer? ah, i see... what does that mean!? I have previously mentioned it like 5x. So much that i began to doubt whether or not busan was good or not because he kept suggesting jobs in seoul. Nevertheless. Anyway meanwhile my transcripts are in and now i'm waiting for my diploma... ticktock.

kang: Schu..I would like to talk to you asap.
kang: Schu...I am available anytime...
kang: Plz let me know.

schu: Hi! Yes. I am sorry I  missed you. When is best with the time difference? I am most available in the morning 8am my time? but could also do 3pm? 4pm? Is that too early for you?

kang: are you there ? [oh crap he's there! i can't blow him off!? i should talk to him]
schu: hello
schu: i can't skype right now. but i can chat  [parents are home. i am now self-conscious about my hair. for-getIT]
kang: OK...
schu: Later tonight i can though
kang: Job # SangDo : Female Only
#Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in any major
-Location: SangDo(상도: 739) Subway Line 7
-Starting date: End of December, 2011
-Teaching days: Monday~Friday (No Saturday)
-Working Hours: 1:00PM~9:00PM
-Student Type:  Elementary + Middle
**benefit;
-Pay: 2.2 mil won/month
-Air ticket: Round-trip air ticket
-Medical Insurance: 50%
-Accommodation: Single furnished accommodation
-Paid vacation: 10 days/year
-Severance pay: one month Salary after the completion  of the contract

kang: Can you consider it ?
schu: Yes. It was just that I had wanted Busan first as an option.
kang: Ah you prefer Busan Job?
schu: Yes, i had heard it was less crowded and more like Los Angeles.
schu: I am from Los Angeles and so thought a more laid back relaxed life style.
kang: I see...
kang: When can we talk again ?
schu: Are jobs better in Seoul?
schu: We can talk in 2 1/2 hours or i can talk tomorrow morning my time?
kang: Tomorrow is better.
schu: That's good for me. It's good to chat you finally!
kang: Me..too...
kang: I would like to talk to you soon again.
schu: Tomorrow is good. Or the next day. Whichever.
schu: I am up around 8am my time. I can talk in the late evenings also--
kang: Can we talk 4 hours later ?
kang: I am not sure it is good for you?
schu: from now?
kang: yes..
schu: maybe too late. I am usually up till 1130 my time though.
kang: ok...then....
kang: your time 8 am means... my time is late night 12:00am ...hehe...
schu: oh yes...
kang: what shoudl we do ...
schu: ah!
kang: how about this ...
kang: the same time tomorrow...
kang: 12pm here..your time 8pm there.
kang: OK ?
schu: that sounds good.
schu: i will write it down.
kang: OK....then exactly 24 hours later...
kang: 12pm/8pm...
kang: nice talking with you.
kang: bye now.
schu: yes, sorry i can't now. but tomorrow is good.
schu: see you then.
kang: good night~~

[He is now 27minutes past due.]

Korea, right? Maybe?

I've already set myself to: Let's go. Am totally going to be bummed if that teacher recruiter doesn't call me or if he's like sorry, all the contracts i have for you sort of suck, so. Or what if they're all no, we don't want someone who's 35 with a masters degree, and we're not going to let you adventure in our country and pay off your debts and work in our country and warp young minds who desire a conversational ability in speaking english.

I'm already looking forward to someone asking me my blood type (B+), going to an abandoned amusement park on a small island, touring southeast asia, paying most of my CC bills off, and part of my car, and taking a trip into Japan, and eating lots of korean bbq and finding the sbux in busan and the gf pizza options i've heard about, and standing like a slightly larger pocahontas against the backdrop of the mighty, ...uh sea of japan?ocean crashing against the jagged rocks of the shore of my destiny.

Oddly most of my obstacles are money related. Go figure. And my finger prints don't come back until end of october... i hope sooner? But more on that when i feel like meticulously laying out my beurocratic journey in detail for you, because you care. I know you do.