- Introduced myself to very nearly four hundred Grade Five students.
- Introduced myself to all of the teachers, and what I think counts as the Korean equivalent of the PTA.
- Introduced myself on the school’s PTA system, which, by the way, is a TV. (That was not one of my more eloquent introductions)
- Gone for a traditional Korean dinner, and discovered that my coteacher is really, really awesome, and that I don’t dislike Korean food, I dislike Korean cafeteria food.
- Been told, on more than one occasion, that I will be a good teacher because I am white, Canadian, and can enunciate. Also, I think I may have exotic good looks?
- Discovered that even here, everyone marvels at the fact that I look like a tiny child.
- Sung to children! Over and over and over! For LEARNING! (The curriculum takes the tunes of reasonably well-known English songs, like “Camptown Races” and “Love Potion #9″, and rewrites them to lyrics teaching the English concept of the week’s lesson, like “how are you?” It’s good for the kids, and actually kind of fun, but a little nerve-wracking the first time or two.)
- Successfully figured out the bus to and from my apartment, AND taken a cab to my apartment, without getting lost.
- Bought some kicky lime green speakers.
Not that, you know, everything about the Korean experience is sunshine and giggles. I am still adjusting to the intensely complicated Korean manners, and a lot of the school lunches, as well as the time change thing. Also, I figure learning Korean words might help a lot, as I only know. . .five. (“Hello,” “Thank you,” “squid,” “city hall,” and “in Korean,” for those playing the home game.) But, well. I’ve got time.
