For those who enjoy visiting scenic spots, enjoy nature and like a light workout, then making a stop at Haneul Park should be on your to do list. Haneul translates to sky. It truly fits this park, because one truly has to put the work to rise into the sky in order to get to this location. The park is located in the top of a small mountain. There are three ways to get to the top of the mountain - ride a golf cart, walk the hike or take the stairs. I opted for the hike. While I would of prefered the golf cart ride, I didn’t want to miss out on the chance to enjoy the nature on the way up. Also, there was a long line in order to wait for a golf cart to take me up. I choose the hike over the stairs, because while the stairs look very cool, they look challenging.
Read MoreTeachers Share their Experiences While Living Abroad!
Tags: life in Korea, working in korea, living in Seoul, things to do on the weekends, hiking in korea, parks in Korea, outdoor activities, teaching at CDL
Coming to Korea was the best decision to learn about who I am and what I like. Not only has Korea allowed me to travel to a new country but it has allowed me to live a life I never knew I would have let alone enjoy. I have always had a dream to travel the world, especially experiencing the sensations of Asian countries. Korea has allowed me to start that dream by starting a new life doing something I wasn’t sure I would enjoy - but being pleasantly surprised to enjoy it thoroughly.
Read MoreTags: Korean countryside, working in korea, living in South Korea, teaching at CDL, gumi
Small City Livin’: Transition and Community
Applying, Traveling, Training, Teaching and my First Impressions of Jeonju
Ideas, research, Skype calls, interviews, questions, doubts, decisions - all of these went into what would eventually end up being my first time traveling to Asia, specifically South Korea. My experience was a bit different, as for many people this process is generally started anywhere from six months to several years before the culminating move to Korea happens. I began my TEFL course in August, not having a clue what exactly I wanted to do with it, had the idea to go to Korea in October and was leaving the country by the end of January! A hectic ride during that time, however, the biggest thing that enabled this fast-paced life change was the organization from Aclipse.
Read MoreTags: . jeonju, working in korea, living in South Korea, teaching at CDL
As someone who participates in ‘Connect with a Teacher’, I have some recurring questions people have for me in regards to ChungDahm Learning. They are questions they want answered before accepting a contract. I believe these to be good questions that one really should ask to feel as reassured and prepared to work in South Korea. Thus, I have compiled a few and want to answer them to the best of my ability for you.
Read MoreTags: working in korea, teaching at CDL, frequently asked questions
After being in Seoul for 6 months, I decided it was time for me to learn the language. It can be frustrating wanting to communicate, but not being able to do so because of limited understanding. Luckily, a coworker of mine knew of a place that isn't far and Korean language classes are taught for free.
Read MoreTags: Korean language, learning Korean, working in korea, teaching at Chungdahm, growing with Chungdahm, frequently asked questions
As an April/CDI instructor, I get to work with students from 1st to 9th grade. April classes are 40 - 45 minutes long, and they meet either three times each week,or two times each week. Chungdahm classes are three hours long, and they meet twice each week. Teaching April and Chungdahm can be hectic if there is no organization. The following are a few tasks that I do every day to make the workload easier:
Read MoreTags: working in korea, cdi, teaching at Chungdahm, growing with Chungdahm, frequently asked questions, teaching programs, april
I arrived in Seoul a few days before training in February, so I could explore the city without the stress of training. It was so cold, I ended up staying in my hotel and enjoying the convenience of delivery services provided throughout Seoul. I received my training schedule during this time, so I was able to familiarize myself with the map and metro system prior to Day 1 of training. I was also able to complete the “pre-training” course online which you must complete and pass in order to successfully complete the training week.
Read MoreTags: working in korea, teaching at Chungdahm, training week, chungdahm learning, growing with Chungdahm, frequently asked questions
5 Cultural Differences You Should Know Prior to Teaching in Korea
Posted on Mon, Jun 05, 2017 @ 03:00 PM
Korea is a wonderful place to teach and live in. There is a good balance between first world facilities and the Eastern-Asian experience. The country has boomed into a global metropolis that is internationally popular as well as an economic giant in Asia.
Koreans are very nationalistic and the idea of cultural strength is ingrained in every Korean. It is a proud nation that has unique etiquette and hierarchical relationships and these are a vital part of the country’s everyday life.
As a result, it is imperative that you try to know more about the culture before you begin teaching in Korea to avoid offending older generation Koreans. Usually, your branch manager and staff will take a greater liking to you if you show an interest in their culture and act in the correct manner. Always remember, that what you consider to be polite, is not always received as polite. Be humbled and do as the Koreans do in Korea. Below I have provided five cultural differences that you should be aware of prior to your departure.
Tags: Korean culture, working in korea, cultural differences, Activities to do in Korea, cross cultural experience, hweshik
Since 2011, I have been teaching in Korea at ChungDahm's GangDong branch and have enjoyed everything about it. One of reasons why I ended up staying in Korea for so long is because of the people I've met. I have built relationships that will last me a lifetime, so when my colleague Erin Stuebben told me she was leaving I was really saddened. As she was packing for her move, I asked her if she could answer some questions for me She was great about it and on her last working day on Friday at 5AM in the morning, I got her email response. I was really touched that she did this for me. Below are her thoughts and experiences, from the beginning to end, of her time working for ChungDahm and living in Korea:
Read MoreTags: Teachers, working in korea, cultural experience, teaching at Chungdahm, memories, teach english, moving home, teaching job
Visiting the Seoul Immigration Office While Teaching in Korea
Posted on Tue, Jan 24, 2017 @ 01:03 PM
For over the past 5 years, I would need to go to the Seoul Immigration Office every year to get my Alien Registration Card extended. You need your ARC for pretty much everything when living and teaching in Korea. You will need it for banking, setting up internet services, setting up your mobile phone and this will be your primary ID while living here. Here are some things that you need to have prepared before going to the immigration office. This is specifically for those who are located in Seoul. If you are not in Seoul, please click on this link to find your designated immigration office.
Read MoreTags: teaching in Korea, living in Korea, working in korea, arriving in korea, immigration, teaching in seoul, ARC