Tag: Filipina traveler

Taking A Break From The City

A couple weeks ago, a group of us foreign teachers got together to have lunch. We all work for the same institute, but in different branches. Whilst walking towards the restaurant, my team and I were showing our area to the other team. One of the other members mentioned that my team and I are fortunate in to be placed where we are.

I would have to agree with him.

The institute I work for is right in front of a big park that also happens to have a beautiful temple and library in it. It is perfect for walks and soaking up some sun while reading a good book.

Although this video doesn’t show how the park in front of my institute looks like, I wanted to emphasize the importance of stepping out of the city and enjoying nature. There is always a sense of calmness and rejuvenation whenever I’m out of the city.

– A

 

Entering that seventh month of teaching…

I can’t believe that it’s been seven months since I began teaching here in South Korea. As cliche as it sounds, time does fly!

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Whilst reviewing my notes and doing my preparations for my adult classes tomorrow, I came across the notes I wrote down for myself during my training. One note that stood out the most was a verse from Philippians:

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. – Philippians 4:6

I remember how nervous I was when I was writing these notes down! I wanted do well on my mock-teaching and the real teaching that came after that. Now, I barely even need these sticky notes. Experience, Time, and several awesome people have been my teachers these past months. As always, I’m filled with gratitude for them.

So as this new term begins, here’s to new lessons and improving myself.

A

Places and Spaces to Be In: Boseong

Who doesn’t like adventure on a gorgeous and sunny day? On top of that, be surrounded by green tea! When Bruce, a friend who happens to also be my student, invited us for a trip out with his girlfriend – Chad, Maddy, and I definitely had to say “Yes!”

Aside from Nami Island, Boseong County is a definite go-to spot if you ever visit South Korea. It not only gives you great views and fresh air, but also is an amazing break from the busy city life. The only downsides to visiting this place are that it has made me miss NorCal – especially the Napa Valley – and that it isn’t a walking distance from my apartment. A girl can only wish.

Before heading to this lovely place, I took some time to sit down and learn a bit of history about the place and how tea made it’s way over to this side of the earth from China. Most of the information was from Wikipedia (don’t judge), Boseong County’s main website, and from this blog. Learning the historical aspects of a location before and during the trip allows me to enjoy and appreciate the visit to the plantation. Sadly, our trip was too early for us to participate in tea picking as the event usually falls on April. But at least it gives me something to look forward to in the future, eh?

Directions to Boseong: here.

125 Days of Korea

 

I am one lucky girl to be having this experience. The past 125 days living in Korea has been filled with new friendships, new sights, delicious food, amazing coffee, and wonderful experiences. So much that I may have to get myself a new journal soon!

Plus, I’m not even halfway through this journey!

Spotted at Gentle Monster, Seoul
Spotted at Gentle Monster, Seoul
Breakfast at Itaewon
Spotted at Itaewon
Spotted at Itaewon
Spotted at Gyeongbukgung Palace
North Seoul Tower
Spotted at Nami Island
Spotted at Nami Island
Spotted at Nami Island
Spotted at Nami Island
Late night at Del Taco
Jeumsimsa Temple
Gwangju Arts Center
Spotted at Damyang
After his concert performance.
Spotted at Gwangju
On my 24th birthday

Teaching Style

Screen Shot 2016-02-08 at 9.59.36 PMI never saw of myself as an educator. I never imagined finding myself teaching English, especially in another country. Luckily, by divine providence and by fate, I’m surrounded by some amazing people whom I am able to learn from. These past two terms (four months) are memorable.

In the institute that I’m currently teaching at, there are four foreign teachers teaching the adult English classes: Chad, Maddy, Patricia, and I. We assist three Korean teachers (Henry, Jessica, and Nina) when it comes to teaching the Juniors (ages 8-14) in the afternoon.

Although I have definitely learned something through my Korean co-teachers, most of the lessons I’ve learned are from my foreign co-teachers:

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From left to right: Maddy, Chad, and Bruce – a student and friend
  • Chad: his teaching style is to be aware of the student’s strengths and weaknesses. His “be a friend” approach is very admirable as it is very intimidating for me. Since many of my students are way older than me (think mom, dad, grandparent status…), I tend to hide behind the Korean respect hierarchy. His approach, from what I’ve noticed, has allowed his students to be comfortable and open around him. I often envy the laughter that comes out of his class.
  • Patricia: love this lady and her “take it easy” approach. Her constant reminders to relax and not overthink things reminds me that “Hey, I already have the materials to teach, in my hands.” Also, her presence and beginning the day with a word of prayer has helped further established God’s presence in my life and in the workplace. Lastly, her hugs are amazing – especially in this country where hugs are seen as kind of… awkward…

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    Maddy, probably asking “why”.
  • Maddy: this girl puts me to shame. She is an educator who doesn’t want to settle. Her favorite question is “Why?”. I’ve adopted that three letter word into my vocabulary – much to the disappointment of many of my students. My students think they’re off the hook after answering my question in a sentence or two? Not so quick… Aside from that, her constant desire to learn and prep-work (which Patricia often teases her for giving herself more work than necessary), encourages me to do the same. With her example, I’m able to find ways to make the learning environment for my students more enjoyable.

I’m truly grateful to have these three people around. Sadly, this is Chad and Patricia’s last term in Sangmu Gwangju branch. I’ve gotten quite fond of them and wish they’d stay longer, but they have their own things to do and places to explore. With them leaving, I’m even more grateful that Maddy and I are placed in the same institute. At least there is one constant person, ya know?

But with new faces about to come to the Institute, at least it will encourage me to learn some more and not settle.