Contrary to getting wisdom teeth taken out in the U.S., things are done a little differently in Korea. For example, I only have one wisdom tooth left in my mouth because I’ve had three previously removed over the course of several months. I have never had to be put under for any of the procedures. Each only took between 5 - 10 minutes, and I only needed to have stitches one time. My situation sounds odd, doesn’t it? Usually, we are used to having them out in one go, but I think that the process I went through is much better than conventional procedures in America.
Read MoreTeachers Share their Experiences While Living Abroad!
Tags: ex-pat life in Korea, life in Korea, dentist, Health in Korea, Healthcare, expat, health, wisdom tooth extraction, dental insurance, teeth
The scariest thought some people have before they move abroad and begin teaching in Korea is isolation. Often foreigners worry about how they will fit into the Korean community and be accepted by their fellow co-workers. It is daunting to think about situations where you may run into communication issues or cultural misunderstandings. However, don't let the fear of the unknown stop you. The best part of living and teaching in Korea is having these moments, that allow you to grow and have an amazing experience. Below I will go into detail about the Korean culture, along with ways that you overcome your fear of being along in a foreign land and in turn become embraced by the Korean community.
Read MoreTags: things to do in Korea, English teacher in Korea, ex-pat life in Korea, expat, benefits of living in Korea, Korea friends, korean community, community, member
After sharing my experiences in Tokyo with the friends that I have met through ChungDahm, I thought it would be best to highlight some of the other vacation destinations outside of Korea. Some of these we were able to do over a wild and hectic weekend, while the last one, we were able to do over a long holiday. Again, these trips are all possible, but it is definitely beneficial if you live by a major international airport.
Tags: Teach English in Korea, Teach Abroad, Teach in Asia, vacation destinations, what to do on the weekend, taiwan, philippines, expat, Manila, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Taxes. Did you know that the United States is the only major power that requires all its citizens to report their worldwide income? If you’ve moved down to Antarctica, built yourself an igloo, and trade snowberries for penguin toenail clippings, you have to report just how many clippings you’ve collected to the United States by June 15th. Why June 15th and not April 15th? Well, I have some information for you that will help you report your foreign income and file your U.S. taxes while abroad. I just finished mine.
Tags: teaching in Korea, English teacher in Korea, working in korea, advice, tips, abroad, expats, expat, `taxes
As a blogger, I've received a substantial number of emails over the past two years. The common theme among the questions I get asked can easily be guessed: money. Understandably so, of course, as money is an important part of taking a job in a foreign country. So, it is my hope that the information I have gathered from the experiences of a variety of expats in Korea (myself, my friends, and my fellow Aclipse/Chungdahm bloggers) will help answer your burning money questions...
Tags: teaching in Korea, a year in Korea, saving money in Korea, living in Korea, eating out in Korea, cellphones in Korea, expat, cellphones, subway, finances in Korea
I won't lie, this week in Korea has been rough. I should be elated for the upcoming weekend forecast of warm weather and birthday celebrations for yours truly, but my heart's a little crushed. A handful of fellow teachers have departed or are preparing for the long journey back to their respective countries and I'm just now realizing how much they've influenced my time abroad. I mean, come on, they basically made it.