Paperwork, then more paperwork... (and then some more)

So apparently my blog was bugging out so I had to delete my previous posts and re-post them, thus they all share the same date however the others are from the past few days. Sorry.

Today there was a long process that began to unfold that I don't think I quite prepared myself for. I began the morning ordering numerous copies of our transcripts. That was followed by a series of about fifty phone calls to find out where to go to get our fingerprints taken and how exactly to get a criminal background check on a federal level. The next set of calls and a fax came when trying to obtain a copy of Jack's diploma. He has somehow, in the midst of moving, lost his original copy.

The process seems to be going along pretty well as of now, but I am a bit overwhelmed by all of the work that is going to have to go into getting our visas. I am most concerned about our puppy at this point though. I am sad we may have to leave him in the states. We could make arrangements to take him with us, but we are afraid it may not be in his best interest. I want to make sure he will have place to run and have someone to take care of him during the day. We are afraid our hours during the day would be so much that he wouldn;t have anyone to watch over him during the day. We are currently accepting applications to puppy sit for the upcoming year. We will provide funds for his food and vet exams/shots/etc. Let us know.

Getting there...

Getting there...

Today we finished the second of three interviews with our recruiter to go to Korea and teach. He informed us of a great couple position at a school in Seocho-Gu, Seoul (which is basically South Central Seoul). So far we are really pleased with what we have heard about the position. We have looked over the specs and so far so good. The salary is fair and the benefits are very nice.  We are awaiting our individual interview with the school itself. It is called Alphabet Street School.  You can check out the school's website at: Alphabet Street and you can check out the location of the school at: Seocho-gu

I have been researching information on the school and I have found some really positive reviews as some really negative. The negative reviews all seem a bit jaded. I think a problem for many people who decide to teach ESL is that do not understand they are integrating themselves into another culture, not the other way around. You cant expect to be treated the same way you would here. The structure of leadership, expectations, and simple manners are all inexplicably different than in the states. My point is this: You get out of most experiences what you put in.

Lets just say we are ready to get started.

And so it begins...

My name is Crystal. This year has been one that has been marked by transition in both my husband's life as well as my own. We have moved around frequently, changed jobs several times, and have even added an addition to our family (a puppy named Eli). You thought I meant a baby didn't you. :-) Along the journey we decided we were pretty much up for anything at this point in our lives. We began looking for options around September when we lost our jobs up in NC. We looked into every possible opportunity. These ranged from going back to school to possibly getting work locally in Jacksonville.

We came across the idea of becoming a teacher directly after we graduated from Southeastern UNiversity n 2008. We toyed with the idea of teaching ESL in Japan, but nothing serous ever really came from it. Recently we contacted a friend from school who was currently in Korea teaching with his wife in Seoul. We began to look at the options in Korea and decided it would be a great opportunity for us. We have begun the process. We looked online at a few different websites about locating jobs for ESL in Korea. Dave's ESL Cafe, ATC recruiting, and several others.

We decided ATC was the way to go for our family. We have been pursuing different options throughout Korea and have possibly loacted a few that appear to be perfect for us. As we embark on this journey, this blog serves to be a future reminder of our travels as well as possibly a guide for others who are looking to get similar work in Korea. We are so excited about getting the opportuniy to travel for a year of our loves doing something we love with each other. Keep us n your prayers, as this can be a very confusing and long process.  Thanks. More to come in the near future.