The beginning

After a year and change back on the mainland, I'm finally finishing up my undergrad and looking back across the water at South Korea.

I studied abroad there in the Fall of 2006 and fell in love with the country. That 4 month stint essentially 180'd my ideas on what I wanted to do post-college. I said I would head back to SK to teach English when I had the chance. Many people thought it was just a passing "Jesse phase" and that I would snap back into the flow of American life and forget about it.

That was just simply not so!

After teetering back and forth between the prospects of teaching English in South Korea versus Japan, I have truly settled my mind about 95% that yes, I want to teach in South Korea. Some people are asking me why I am heading back to a country I've already lived in (especially when I haven't visited any others) but I have a gut feeling about Korea, and usually go with my instincts on major life decisions. It seems I can make them quite quickly with ease.

So now I've talked with a couple of recruiters and interviewed with (and been accepted by) one I really enjoy: Reach To Teach. After I graduate and receive my degree, I will provide them with a copy and start looking at contracts! ^.^ As of now, I'm looking to leave in September so that I can save up a bit this summer for startup costs in SK, see my family, and essentially get all my ducks in a row before I ship out 7,000 miles away. It's a bit nerve wracking knowing I'll be leaving everything I know and love behind for a full year, especially when I'm used to such a fast-paced, ever-changing life over here...but at this point I have no real strings holding me down in the states: no mortgage, no relationship, etc. Just a chunk of bills that I will be able to take care of throughout my adventure. This really is the best time for me to take a year and really explore whether I want to continue on this trend of my Asian affinity.

This will be my biggest adventure yet: a full year on my own, with my own apartment, living in a different country that's main language ISN'T English, working at a real job, and a clean slate for the friends + family department. I've been looking forward to this for a long time and things are finally starting to shape up. There is still the 4-month stint of time before I head over the water which may not be too exciting. When somewhat interesting news arises concerning my SK2K8 adventure, I'll make it a point to post it.