So, this process all started a year ago. A relationship I had been in (and out of) for 3 years was starting to sour and I knew more than anything that I wanted to leave America. At first, I wanted to go to France because I had spent a year in Paris as part of a study abroad program for my junior year of college. But with $40,000 in student loans to pay off, consideration to potential income versus expenses had to be a focal part of any decision.
At the time, I was an AmeriCorps member serving a term in Mount Vernon, WA. I had 6 months left on my contract and explored every sort of option from serving in the military, joining the foreign service, working on an organic farm, or relocating to San Diego. Previously, my best friend, Sss-lar, had wanted to teach English in Russia and we began discussing this possibility more at length. Then, I found a program in Toronto, Canada, that would give us our TESOL certification from Trinity College London, one of the best certifications in the teaching English world.
So, off to Toronto my best friend and I went. After an unbelievably fun time there, we were finally clad with a certified skill! It was real triumph for us as we were both fine arts majors (her a French major and me a International Relations major)! Anyone who has graduated with one of those degrees knows how hard it is to transfer them to money making jobs without getting a graduate degree. During our student teaching, we met a lot of Korean students and heard from teachers who had previously taught in Korea. That combined with the knowledge that Korea pays for your plane ticket and apartment made the decision to choose Korea extremely easy.
Thus, upon our return to Seattle, our search began. We both posted resumes on Dave's ESL cafe and decided to let fate run its course. After a few minor offers, Appletree Recruiting contacted me and after speaking to them on the phone, I knew I wanted to work with them in finding the perfect job. Sss-lar and I had already picked Busan because of its proximity to the beach and smaller (yet still large) population than Seoul. I told Appletree about my friend wanting a job too and they seemed thrilled with the idea to place us in Busan.
After that fateful call with Appletree, the process of packing up our lives in Seattle and driving across the country to Sss-lar's parents' house in Illinois began. I spent the fall there and had several interviews with different schools. The first school, iSponge, said they would hire me which made me ecstatic as they were a very popular and well-known school. A week later, I got another job offer which confused me since I thought I was already employed. In broken English, the recruiting company explained that iSponge wasn't sure whether or not the teacher who was already there would stay or not. So, they wanted me to look for other schools in the meantime. Mild panic set in as I desperately needed a job!
However, this seemed to be a blessing in disguise as another school asked to interview with me. They offered more money and were in a better location! They offered me the position after the interview and I will now work for Berkeley Language School in Haeundae, Busan!
Currently, the school has sent my visa papers to the immigration office and I am waiting to get my visa number. Then, I can apply for my work visa in Los Angeles. So, for now, I spend my days hanging out in San Diego with my mom and my brother as much as I can because I do not know when I'll be back to America after I leave for Korea.
I plan to keep this blog (I know its a little cliché) so that I remember everything that happens. 2011 will be a great year. I just know it! So, happy new years and welcome Busan goofin' !
-Melissa
