Wednesday, October 19, 2011

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: 

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.


Monday, October 10, 2011

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...

Saturday, October 1, 2011

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.