5 Reasons Why YOU Should Teach Abroad

We now live in a world once thought crazy enough to be Science Fiction. The combined knowledge of humanity is accessible by a few swipes of your fingertips. We live in a world where cars are beginning  to drive themselves, crypto-currency now exists and we have man made technology living on alien planets. Oh! Lets not forget the Sea Hawks won a Super Bowl. The world is becoming smaller and the people in it need a way to span the globe, bridge cultural gaps and communicate with each other. Where am I going with this? English. It's hard to believe this language, whose origin began in the backwoods of Europe so long ago, has risen to become one of the "global languages" of the modern world.

Shinjuku Tokyo, Japan

Nearly 3 years ago I became a teacher; More specifically an English teacher living abroad. In those years I've had experiences that have altered my ideas of what life is, how it should be lived and opened my eyes to the limitless possibilities this line of work, and more importantly this world, have to offer. Here are my top 5 reasons you should give teaching English as a foreign language a shot!

Some of my youngest students throwing up the dubs

#5 To Learn More About Your Language

Poetry?

If you take the journey and begin teaching English abroad you will indeed have to learn more about the language. At first you'll think, "I`m a native speaker! I know everything I need to know to speak fluently. Teaching it will be a breeze!" Then someone will ask you a question that you do not have the answer to: "Why do we need articles (a, an, the, some)? Why does English have 3 theres and 3 to's (they're, there, their/ too, to, two)? Why do you say 'turn on the light' when you aren't turning something?" Many of these questions will come up. Sometimes you will know the answer, sometimes you will guess and other times you will simply have to tell them, " I don't know..." and if you're a good teacher this will be followed by, "... but I'll find out!"

                                              

You'll begin to think about the language as it truly is. Something that is alive, something that continues to evolve as the world around it races ever faster into the future. This can be a scary thing at times. We often take our first language for granted. We know how to use it but not how it works. If you want to be a successful teacher, or more successful at using your language, learn how it works!

Sky Tree Tokyo, Japan

#4 To become Cultured

Kenchoji Temple in Kamakura, Japan

“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” - Saint Augustine

I'm a big believer in the aforementioned quote.  Imagine you are a humble goldfish living your life inside a tank in some home in suburbia. For you, life revolves around getting fed and swimming around the only world you know. Sure, you can see outside of it, you can gain some insight into the outside world from the feisty teenager who plays his/her music too loud for your little fish ears. Alas, you only have the faintest understanding of what's out there. If you are able to read this post you are truly blessed. You live in a world where you can learn just about anything. You can see your house from space, watch cat videos endlessly on YouTube or learn the history of the Samurai on audio books  But, you can't truly live the experiences the outside world has waiting for you unless you get up off your bum and get out there. If you don't you'll never know what the streets of Seoul smell like after the rain, how the lovely Japanese toilets warm your buns during the winter or how fulfilling it is when someone who in the past didn't even know you existed now hangs on your every word and calls you teacher or sensei.

An older gent enjoying the Lotus lantern festival activities in Seoul, South korea

Teaching abroad isn't just a learning experience for your students but also for you. You'll quickly learn the taboo's (for heavens sake don't stick your chopsticks in rice while eating with Japanese people), the curse words (especially you folks braving the wild lands of Korea), and just how similar humans are despite the culture gap. Of course not everything will come quickly or easily. It will take you years to master their language, to understand the customs, and most importantly to stop trying to compare your culture with theirs. Hopefully you'll grow to see all sides of both their culture and your own: the good, the terrific, the bad, the horrific and the beautiful.  Doing this will open the doors of your own mind to accept the good, disregard the bad and be open to all of the thousands of different views you'll come across. Essentially teaching abroad will either force you to grow as a human or crush you under the weight of your own preconceived notions of what this world is.

Confucian Academy in South Korea

#3 To Make an Impact

“Words are a pretext. It is the inner bond that draws one person to another, not words.” 
― Rumi

Whether you're teaching children or adults you will influence peoples lives, hopefully for the better. Teaching a language isn't solely about the grammar points or vocabulary, it's about giving people a voice. It's giving children a gift, a tool if you will, that they can use to make friends, to learn about the places outside of their bubble and perhaps allow them the opportunity to succeed on a global scale.

Shuri Castle in Okinawa representing Taiwan, Japan and 'Merika

For adolescents and adults you're giving them a shot to pass tests to get into high school/college or pass a work exam. You're also giving them the opportunity to increase their circle of friends allowing the world to become one step closer to understanding itself. Unfortunately you may not be remembered by these people 5-10 years down the road; but there will be things you taught them that they will keep forever. (Do you remember who taught you the word "platypus"?) Teaching is a job of giving and even if that gift isn't fully realized by others you can stand tall knowing something you gave will last a lifetime for someone else.

DakGalbi with Korean friends/students

#2 To Meet the Other Half of the World

The Gimhae massive. Folks from the UK, South Africa and  the USA.

Want to have an incredibly diverse group of friends who hail from all over this blue globe we call earth? Teaching abroad will give you your shot! Whether you're looking for love, friendship, a few buddies to play poker or shoot hoops with they can be found. Currently my Facebook feed is filled with posts from people on every continent (except Antarctica ... penguins still can't use computers yet... sigh) many of these folks teach abroad. Many of them still keep in contact and we often live vicariously through each others adventures. Before teaching I may not have ever known these amazing people existed! Now, it's hard not to jump up and do the hokey pokey when I chat with them or see the amazing adventures they have been on.

Bowling in Japan

Brits and Yanks enjoying baseball in South Korea

You'll also make a connection with the native people of where you are teaching. It can be a great chance to learn about their culture, study a new language or have a good time with. Often enough these acquaintances will become friends and you can share in exploring their country or culture with them. They'll share their life, their thoughts and will love hearing about yours as well. And if you're phenomenally lucky you'll find love! Many people find foreign boyfriends/girlfriends and I've even had a few friends find the love of their life! Take a second and think about this for a moment. Right now, thousands of miles away, in some place you've never dreamed of planting your feet, could be your future best friend, the future co-parent of your children and your in-laws (the last one may or may not be such a sugary concept). Take a chance! What you're looking for could be out there waiting!

I found my Love abroad

#1 To Have Fun

Afro Panda Halloween 2013

Teaching abroad should be fun! It wont always be easy, but it should generally be fun. Whether you're the adventurous type (scuba, rock climbing, epic bike trips, theme parks or climbing tall things) or the more laid back (laying on the beach, camping in the wild, reading a book at a cozy little cafe) you will find a chance to enjoy what you are doing outside of work. Now, work can be fun too! Maybe you'll dress up for Halloween or Christmas; Have a beach party; go on field trips or just enjoy the time with children and adults. With all you've got enjoy the little moments that make you smile, laugh and relish the fact that you are alive, and living a dream.

Oktober Fest in Busan South Korea

Another day at the office. Student beach party 2013

Sometimes you just have to let loose. Photo has been edited to protect the not so innocent

 Lastly, it's important you do your homework before choosing a place to work. If you have an overseas interview ask to talk to several of the foreign staff members or the person you'll be replacing to get a better idea of the work culture you'll soon be in. Lastly, make sure it's a good fit for you. If you don't like children don't take a job where you will be teaching children all day! If you hate the cold don't go somewhere you'll freeze to death! Or you'll end up wasting everyone's time in the process. Good luck!

For all you foreign teachers out there what have your experiences been? Is there anything you would add to this list? Please feel free to share in the comments section below! Thanks for reading!

Don't be scared to comment!

EDIT: Here are a few starting resources for anyone looking to teach abroad:

Japan: http://www.jetprogramme.org/ , http://www.interacnetwork.com/recruit/japan.html , https://jobs.gaijinpot.com/

Korea: http://www.peoplerecruit.com/e_page/index.php?move_dir=etc&sub_page=menu01 , http://www.teachaway.com/teach-english-korea/epik-english-program-korea-public-school-jobs-korea

Also utilize your google-fu ! There are TONS of jobs out there! 

Top 6: South Korea

This week I'll be welcoming you back to the land of Kimchi, soju and plastic surgery epidemics. That's right I'm talking about the bounteous country South Korea! I'm going to highlight my top 6 (top 5 is too cliche and I'm too lazy for top 10) things I loved about Korea! So grab your note pad, some hot coco and enjoy the show!

Number 6: The Ease of Travel

No matter where you are traveling it will be a breeze to travel in Korea. You say you live in Busan and want to take a day trip to Seoul? No problem! Hop on the early KTX (bullet train) and in just under 4 hours you're there! Need a cheap lift from the rural life to the city? Hop on the bus! Need to get from one end of Seoul to the other? The subway has what you need! Korea has one of the best and cheapest mass transportation systems I've ever had the pleasure of enjoying. In my time there I took buses, planes, boats and trains with little or no problems (with the exception of getting lost in Seoul once...). Now, many of you may worry how you will navigate through these options. The good news is that most signs are written in Korean, English and Chinese/Japanese. So if you can read one of these languages you're in good shape!

You can't buy excitement like this.

My favorite was the KTX. It hauls ass through the countryside getting you from Busan to Seoul pretty quickly. The first time I went to Seoul (around New Years) there weren't any seats available so we had to stand for most of the trip. But, even then watching the world fly by outside was worth the trip.

Hauling ass on the KTX

On a regular day it's pretty easy to get a seat (get one early if you plan on traveling during major holidays) and they are comfy enough to sleep in! You can also take regular trains, which are only a little cheaper, though they slug along at a comfortable pace they are rather aged and can be uncomfortable (especially on a 5+ hour ride home from partying in Seoul).

Waiting in line to get a KTX ticket. The machines in the back can also be used to purchase tickets.

My second choice would be the subway. For the love of god they are wildly entertaining places to use for travel. I can honestly say all walks of life have transpired in front of my naive American eyes while journeying through the subways of Korea; young lovers, old lovers, beggars, millionaires and everyone in between will use the subway at some point. 

The Korean who developed the Flux capacitor 

I can't tell if he loves or hates animals. EVERYTHING he was wearing was made from some type of animal.

If you can manage I'd recommend the running of the subway goers. What's that you ask? It's basically a herd, maybe a mob, of people running to catch the subway train before it departs the station. Be careful of the Ajimas (Sp?) they will not hesitate to hit, push or yell at you in an insane manner to get onto the train!

Lost in Seoul

There's also one more thing to mention when using the subways get an electronic pass. You can find these at just about every convenience store within proximity of the subway. You can load them up using machines at the stations and they will save you tons of time you'd otherwise spend digging for change. In many places these passes can be used on buses and trains too! Bee Yaw!

Sweet hair dude!

Subway romance

My least favorite form of travel would have to be buses. There is nothing explicitly wrong with them (except the city bus drivers are fucking crazy and drive like alcoholics riding the highway to hell). I'm reminded of the time when my girlfriend came to visit me and the driver didn't even fully stop to let us off the bus (Tuck and Roll! Tuck and ROLL!)

bus depot in Gimhae

 I also get motion sickness while on buses so this may influence my opinion, though there were plenty of folks who would rather take the bus than anything else. This will be your cheapest form of transportation by far. The long range buses are much more comfortable and the drivers drive in a much more hospitable fashion. Basically what I want to say is this: If you can, take the subway in the city.

Luckiest ticket I ever bought

Number 5: Technology of the Future

Now you can probably guess where this is going. Asia= impressive technology. And in a way you are indeed correct. Korea can be a technological play land, fraught with glimpses into the future of the modern world. You can order your groceries from your fridge, cell phone stores are conveniently located on just about every block (no joke), building facades tantalize street dwellers with pictures or adverts and every apartment has a video camera next to the door so you can see who rung you at 3 in the morning.

mall in Busan

As mentioned before the electronic subway cards were lovely in and of themselves and Korea seems to be trying ever-harder to push itself to the front of the technological world. The prices for cellphones and their plans are also relatively cheap (in comparison to the USA) which stems from the fact that it's a rather small market and even smaller country. It's much easier to cover a country roughly the size of Utah than the entire continental US.

I'm sorry my photo's of the technology are a bit lacking in substance!

Number 4: Cheap Booze, Great Service, and Freebies

No the BJ is not a freebie

One of the best things about Asia in general is no tipping. I know there are many of you who live on tips and I respect that. When I'm in the States I have always tried to keep that in mind, but life is lovely without tipping. In my time in Korea I tipped two people, both taxi drivers (once because my friend puked on the side of the car... and the driver hadn't noticed yet. Sorry random taxi man).

Spicy delicious amazing chicken

Now you may think the service would suffer due to this... and you'd be wrong. At nearly every place the service was great. From bars, to clubs, to restaurants and beyond the staff were generally friendly, helpful and kind.

The beer was lackluster though. If it weren't for the quantity given it would be beer purgatory. For $3-5 you get a nice frosty brew about the size of an English pint. As stated before it's no craft brew but it's manageable. Also if you want to spend a few extra bucks you can pick up imported beer (from all over the globe) but they can add up quickly! I've already talked about soju before but it mixes well with the Korean beer and you should give it a shot at least once.

just another Thursday night

Soju dreams

If you find yourself thirsty in Seoul I would highly recommend finding and going to Craftworks Taphouse & Bistro. Hands down they had the best beer in Korea!

When you go to a Korean BBQ restaurant be ready for your table to be covered in plates. Along with your meal come many free items such as onions or leaves to wrap your meat in. I believe most folks find the onions extra delectable so load up on those! If you run out they'll more than likely bring more too!

Finally the spicy, spicy, lovely, oh so incredibly fucking great spicy food is at your fingertips 24/7. The Korean folks LOVE their hot/spicy foods. Now, this isn't Hispanic food spicy, not even Indian curry spicy... this is flaming hot, burning the inside of your mouth and stomach spicy! Before Korea I wasn't a big fan of spicy foods. Though after my time there I find myself craving them all the time! I had countless meals crying my eyes out due to the level of spiciness! Tears of pure joy.

Power food!

Number 3: All the Pretty Flashing Lights

Entertainment is around every corner in Korea. Most of the population reside within cities which offer a plethora of entertainment activities. Of course they have "traditional" things such as drinking the night away and awaking on a park bench hurling up soju from the night before. But, this is not your only option by far!

Arcades! Video game rooms/arcades pop up every now and again on most trips through the cities. some are rather large and are really popular with young and middle aged alike. I wouldn't recommend dueling one of the seasoned natives on any game though. For many folks this is a pastime they have spent countless hours doing. Also some of these places offer a member card which allows you to pay a small fee (usually by the hour) to play any game you want for free (no need to carry around all that clunky change Yipee!).

4d Ride

Time Crisis grand champion

Digital Golf. I'll be the first to tell you that I'm no Tiger Woods but I do enjoy a lazy round of golf now and again. I'd prefer to play outside but why do that when you can play inside? Digital golf is another one of the things koreans are crazy about. For about $10-23 you can play 9-18 holes of golf with a few buddies and never leave the climate controlled room (great for  freezing balls cold, titillatingly hot or rainy days). You can also bring in your own beer or food. Or they can order take out food for you. along with the room you also get a few complimentary goodies, usually biscuits, cookies, coffee or tea.

Need to become a beefcake? No worries gyms are also all over the place. Some are small one room affairs, others are $100+ monthly fee mistresses waiting for you to come back and pound the weights on the daily. Regardless of what you choose you can't go wrong with a little exercise to counter the effects of beer/soju and bar snack intake.

BEEEFCAAAKKEE!!

Batting cages. We all know what they are. Once and awhile we all want to take a bat and swing at some shit. These are sometimes tucked away in small corners of the city so keep an eye out for them. Also Karaoke and DVD rooms are all over the place. It would appear Koreans love to sing. Sometimes they are brilliant singers and well... other times they sound like banshees from hell. Regardless a trip or stay in Korea can't be complete without at least one night at a Norebang (Karaoke room).

Karaoke

If you're looking for a little culture try one of the museums! Most are free to enter... YES, I SAID FREE! Many of the towns and cities have at least one historical site or museum and often enough they have something in English to help guide your wanderings through the history of the hermit kingdom. I'd personally highly recommend the Korean war museum in Seoul.

Gyeongbokgung

Gyeongbokgung

King Suro's tomb in Gimhae

Do you just want to throw your purses into a pile and dance it all out? No problem! Clubs are easily accessed especially in the larger cities. Be careful though there are some places which won't allow foreigners to enter (their too scared our devil good looks and silver tongues will impregnate their men and women alike!). Find a few Korean friends and this could possibly be rectified. Be prepared to rock your face off!

The Blue Monkey in Busan

Club Fix

Club fix. This girl was nearly naked by the time her boyfriend
 found her and took her off  the stage. Party on Korea!

 If none of these suit your fancy you can always check out a professional sports game or go to one of the millions of festivals they have! Do your research! Ask your friends and explore all you can!

LOTTE GIANTS!

Go Camping!

Oktober Fest!

Number 2: The Mountains are Calling will you Answer?

I can't deny it, I love nature. Her sexy slopes, giant peaks, whispering pines and trails that lead to spiritual ecstasy. Hiking also happens to be somewhat of a national pastime for Koreans. Every weekend you'll see Koreans dawned in trendy matching hiking gear heading to the nearest hills to hike the day away.

View from the hill near my apartment

 Being a naturally hilly place it's easy to stumble upon short hikes just about anywhere you go. There was one trail near my apartment that lead to a hill top pagoda and a beautiful view. Now my favorite hike was near Boemosa Temple just outside of Busan.

After viewing the temple grounds you can hike up the hill to the top when a fortified area once stood to guard against the Japanese . Geumjeongsan offers breathtaking views of the Natural Korean landscapes as well as stellar views of Busan.

Geumjeongsan

Geumjeongsan

Be aware there are many, if any, switchbacks on the trails here. Be prepared to hike up, up and up. Also bring plenty of water and grab a trail map for the longer hikes! You don't want to be stuck up there over night!

Busan!

Number 1: Smiling Faces and Beautiful Souls

Whether it was my students, coworkers, new friends (foreign or domestic) the people are what really made Korea great for me. Here are just a few of the faces that altered my life after my time in Korea. I wish I could go over every single one of them in detail but to save time here are just a few of those that stand out the most.

Here are some of my students. I had alternating classes throughout the week. Half of the week they would be with me, the other half with a Korean co-teacher. Throughout that time you really get to see each ones unique personality. Some you wish could be your own kids and others... I truly think anyone who wants to have kids one day should work with children at least once. It can be a major test of your patience but it will be an undeniably rewarding experience. Many of their names have faded from memory but the lessons I learned from them are priceless.

A few of my Korean co-teachers make me look like a ladies man on my last night in Korea. They are amazing people and I'm glad I had the good fortune to meet them. Lovely, lovely, Lovely ladies.

This is the group that came to be known as the Gimhae massive. It consisted of folks from the USA, UK and South Africa. My time wouldn't have been remotely as enjoyable as it was without these folks. Each one bringing something special to the group which added flair a flavor to every trip. Even though many of us are spread back out across the globe I wish them nothing but luck in their future endeavors and still continue to keep in contact with quite a few of them. Good people (even the Redcoats...)

This was the owner of the gym I went to. We would often have conversations in English. He used to be a bodybuilder in Korea and is still incredibly strong.

This handsome gent was one of my best friends in Korea. His English name was Skye and he is one of the better guys I've ever happened upon in my life. 

Almost everyday I'd eat Hansot for lunch. These two are the owners of the store I'd go to. Over the course of a year we became pretty friendly and I was sad to say goodbye to their ever-smiling faces and broken English.

One of the most kind men I've ever met at home or abroad had to be Mr. Ha from Busan. On my last trek up to Boemosa I decided to hike the long trail back into Busan. Along the way I stopped to take a breather and check my map. This man just came up to me and started speaking English. Come to find out he had spent a little over 4 years in America in the 1970's. He was chosen with a dozen or so other people to come to America to learn about agriculture. As we travelled he told me of his times in America, most of them were rather funny which is no easy feat for a second language speaker. He also told me of his childhood after the Korean war. Life was very tough in the hermit kingdom for quite some time. Everyday, rain or shine, he would hike up the mountain to gather water from a Buddhist healing spring for his father (this was a 4 mile round trip) who was ill. After we descended from the mountain (on a trail I had no idea was there) he bought me dinner even though I had offered to pay he refused and simply thanked me for my company. Wherever this guy may be I hope nothing but the best of all possible outcomes for him!

Now this man was a character. He worked at the convenience store below my apartment. He was generally drunk and talkative. We'd often buy beers for each other and try to chit chat. He hoped to open up a martial arts school in the future. He was incredibly proud of his children and even called his daughter (who also happened to be drinking) to chat with me in English. Overall this was one of the people I was most sad to say good bye to.

G-Sac (Gimhae Semi-Athletic Club) This group met up nearly every Sunday to play sports. Whether it was soccer, Frisbee golf, Ultimate Nerf/Frisbee the competition was always fierce. Someone was once stabbed by a trident. 

Stay tuned for my next topic THE BOTTOM SIX OF KOREA. You have to take the good with the bad...