Jessica Teacher My adventures throughout a year of teaching English in South Korea.

I found the strength to leave my monotonous life, the only place I knew, and move across the country from Michigan to Utah. In passing, while looking for a new job I came across an offer to teach English in South Korea. I could not have imagined a more far away strange land then South Korea. I signed up and told myself, if it is meant to be, it will happen. My friends and family thought it was a joke or a scam, but I kept up my hopes.

In the end, it happened. I have been teaching English to preschool and elementary students for the past year. It has flown by and been an amazing experience. I have learned so much about myself and the world, not to mention a beautiful but often forgotten culture. I have had the chance to travel to Thailand, Cambodia, Taiwan, Indonesia and soon the Philippines.  I have gone bungee jumping and white water rafting. I cut my hair from my belly button up to my ears. I fell in love with a woman. I have learned and laughed so much and made brilliant friends.

And although the Korean culture is bizarre and difficult to understand, it is truly amazing. Korean people work extremely hard and are so honest it is hard to believe sometimes. They have so much pride which sometimes comes off as coldness, but is misunderstood.

It is hard to be here, being so different. My kids do not understand why my eyes are green. They tell me I am fat when I eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. They called me ‘egg head’ and ‘boy teacher’ when I cut my hair. But they love me and are so precious. I would never trade this experience. It has been the most satisfying year of my life.

I find myself having nightmares as I leave in less than two weeks. For me, this is an easy lifestyle. Although, for Koreans it is a very stressful life, full of pressure and avoiding shame.

Initially, my reasons for coming were many. I wanted to travel. I needed a job. I wanted to escape. I wanted to pay off my huge credit card bills. I simply wanted something different. All those things happened. As it is ending, I find myself full of questions and unsecured plans.

I will be with my family in Detroit for Christmas, with my four amazing brothers. I will travel as much as I can and see what comes next. I think my plan is to not have a plan, which makes me smile. One thing I do know, is that I will be back.