How it Starts

This is my first attempt to blog. My goal is to create a simple and fun channel of communication to connect with friends and family. Others may find this blog through search engines looking for information on Jecheon City, Chungbuk Province, South Korea, or teaching English to foriegn learners. When I was researching for my post I did come across some blogs, BB's, and similar forms of communication that were helpful to me. I hope this is helpful, and enjoyable for all. Finally, this is also for me.

I applied for a position teaching English in South Korea in August. It took three months to complete the contract, and documentation process. My recruiter, Young Song, was in California. He was right when he said, "this is a long process involving several entities and we would need to work together."

I had to send copies of my diplomas, results of a criminal record check, sealed transcripts, a letter of certification of graduation from FIU, completed application form, and signed contract. However, first the education documents, and criminal record search had to be sent to the Secretary of State of Florida to be Apostillized.

I overnighted this packet to my recruiter in California. He doubled checked everything before sending this to the Korean Department of Education. That placed me in a pool of candidates who were eligible for hiring by schools throughout the country. Then, Young Song worked with his Korean "Head Office" to locate a school. My School was selected, Hwasan Elementary, in Jecheon. http://cb-hwasan.es.kr/

Before I could board a plane I needed a Visa (E2 Visa: Native English Teacher for Public Schools). This required visiting my regional Korean Consulate in Atlanta for an in-person interview. I flew to Atlanta in the morning, took the train to International Tower, and interviewed with a Consul. I flew home that same evening and waited 3 days for my Passport to arrive with the E2 Visa.

This is the process that took three months. The entire time I was not completely convinced that I was not a victim in some bizare con job. In fact, this feeling of being scammed would not leave me until I landed in Seoul... driven to Jecheon, and let into my apartment. I had blind faith that this would somehow work out.

Something needs to be said for all this. I could not have done this without the help of my family, and particularly my "poor old father." Thank you for the watch.