As another year in Korea approaches, I have begun to reflect on the differences I am faced with and changes I have made during my time as an EPIK teacher in South Korea.
An English camp in Korea is set up for students to attend during the summer months when they have more free time from their regular schools. Not all EPIK teachers are asked to teach in one of these but I was and I loved it.
Being adaptable in Korea is essential. When I first moved here, I was really nervous about making new friends. I lived in the smallest state in America, Rhode Island. Moving halfway across the world with just my husband was not only adventurous but nerve racking at the same time.
School variety is something I am used to, I was first informed I would be teaching at two schools in Daejeon the last day of my EPIK orientation. I was excited because I would have a split schedule and experience in a number of different school settings.
The benefits of teaching in Korea are excellent. Korea is one of the most financially rewarding places to teach in all of Asia and you will not be disappointed as a teacher here.
The benefits of learning Korean go far beyond just being able to communicate on a daily basis. Becoming a student in this country has allowed me to change places with the children I teach, and it has been eye opening.
Traveling to Jeju is something everybody should do if they ever find themselves traveling and working in Korea. There are many beautiful and wonderful places in Korea to visit, but Jeju comes out on top for me.
Contract renewal in Korea can be a daunting event as you won’t know if they want you for a second year until they ask. This is something I experienced recently as I came to the end of my first year with EPIK.