About the Traveler
I’m an American teacher and travel writer. I headed off to Korea in August 2009. I planned to pack up my home, and leave the U.S. behind for a year or more. I’ve never spent that much time outside of the U.S., but this is something that I’ve always wanted to do. I was in my late 30s when I moved to South Korea, by the way, it’s never too late.
Read about teaching in Korea application process and the beginning of my journey.
Congrats on your progress. I’m also headed to Korea in August 2009 through EPIK, and expect to receive my contract in a week or so. I’m pretty sure they’re placing me in Ulsan. At the moment, I’m trying to decide between teaching at a private elementary school or a school with EPIK. Have you any thoughts on the matter, and have you been able to contact anyone who did the EPIK program before?
Thanks,
John
I wish you the best in Korea! EPIK is a very interesting program and you’ll have wonderful experiences when you get here.
well…. i am quite proud of you sistah! i have always wanted to teach english in japan. you have inspired me. i applaud women who take risks despite their fear or nervousness. do you have any advice on tefl certificates? i’m currently working on the bachelor’s though. many blessings.
You can get a tefl certificate through an online program or take classes in person. A TEFL certificate will help you land more opportunities, and in some countries you will get a higher pay if you have the certificate. Yes. Definitely get the bachelor’s degree!
Thank you very much for the advice. Like I wrote before, I have always wanted to teach in Japan. However, you have shed new light on Korea! I may have to consider that as well. I will need to research the companies I may work for, the wages, living arrangements, etc. Summer work sounds exciting as well. There is a girl on Youtube who works in Japan now, but she pays her own rent there in the countryside of Japan. You spoke of not having to pay and that definitely sounds more promising!
Again, thank you.
PS Tried the pipe cleaners… I’ve never had so many MEN enjoy my hair…. lol
Love your site. However, I may be too old to land a teaching job. Have you seen any senior ESL teachers? I was beginning to get discouraged at the age limits, but I will press on. Somebody will take me. My genese are great and my lookds defy my age. Pipe cleaners? Let me know about them. My locs are very long and if were not for my daughters, I would stay in pony tail mode. However, I definitely will need to start styling them myself before I make that move abroad.
Hi I really like your video’s on Korea. I love seeing african american women going out there and exploring the wonderfull Korean people and culture.
Hi. I found your site a few weeks ago during my search on Busan. I have been accepted into the EPIK program and am waiting on my assignment. I put Busan down for my first choice. I got really excited to see a black person in Busan and I live in Atlanta too! Been here all my life. I would like to talk with you more. Please email me when you can.