Korea: Two Weeks Later

Well it has been two weeks since I arrived in Korea and so far it still hasn't really hit me that I am actually going to be living here as it stills feels more like a vacation.  I have only had two real days of "work", but I am guessing that once I start getting into the thick of teaching it will finally hit me that I live here now.

From my short time here I have to say I haven't really experienced culture shock.  Cultural differences are around every corner, but I haven't really experienced shock.  I attribute my lack of shock to my open-mindedness.  The shock may hit me if I ever see my co-teacher hit a child.  I don't think she would since she is a young teacher and corporal punishment is usually attributed to older teachers methods of classroom management, but you never know.  My co-teacher is very nice and has been extremely helpful in getting me settled in here.  Yesterday she took me to get my Alien Registration Card (ARC), equivalent to a green card in the US, and I as we were talking I think we both learned a lot about each other.  We covered everything from family traditions and roles, to hobbies, Monday's lesson, and of course food.  I think I have surprised her and the other teachers at my school in my openness to try everything (well anything that is dead, except dog).

The teachers and students, especially the students, seem to be completely fascinated by me.  They are impressed by my chopstick handling skills, and surprised by the little amount of Korean I can actually speak.  While I haven't done any actual teaching yet, I have been at school for the last two days doing some basic lesson planning but primarily desk warming and answering the kids' questions about me as they come to my desk between each of their classes.  I know this fascination with me is temporary and I will enjoy it while it lasts.  Right now I am greeted with "Hi teacher! I love you teacher!" In a few weeks when I assign them homework they will probably greet me more with "Mean teacher!"

Although I have enjoyed the time I have spent getting to know my new home, I am anxious to begin teaching!  As each day progresses the nerves just build up.  It's time to just rip the proverbial band-aid and get to work.  Perhaps once I have been working for a few weeks it will start to sink in that I am actually LIVING in Korea!