Prelude to Korea

Four days. Then, we embark on our journey. On Sunday afternoon, we will fly from Pittsburgh to Detroit, and from there our 13.5 hour flight will take us straight to Incheon International Airport, near Seoul. So, I'll begin the renaissance of my blog by answering some of the common questions and comments I've been receiving state-side.

Yes, we'll stay away from North Korea. No, we won't be living in Seoul.
We'll be located in Pyeongtaek, South Korea. There, we'll teach English at a private immersion-style school. We'll have kindergarten students in the morning and elementary-age in the afternoon, and our work day will be from 9:30 to 6:30, Monday-Friday.

Are you crazy?
We will have no car payments to make, no rent, no insurance, no KIDS. Why wouldn't we go on a wild adventure before we figure out what to do with our adult selves?

Why Korea?
It's a beautiful country, home to many beaches, forests, mountains, and national parks. And, to be honest, it pays well. Now that I've finished graduate school, we've got two sets of student loans to pay. 

But you speak Spanish.
How very observant! I'm also a lover of travel, culture, and language in general. I have some experience teaching English in Chile, as well as to migrants in Pennsylvania. As far as Korean goes, here's hoping I can add another language to my repertoire!

Will you come back to the US?
Who knows! Just kidding. We're coming home for a quick week at the end of the year for the holidays, and for a very important wedding. :) At the end of our year in Korea, we'll have an option to renew our contract. Let's see how it goes!

What are we most nervous about?
Tony: teaching.
Me: the language barrier.

What are we most excited about?
Tony: the food.
Me: exploring local gems.

Of course, once we're there I'm sure I'll be answering many more questions, and I'll have much more interesting things to tell! I'll be blogging regularly, and you can follow me on Instagram @mblumer53 and with the hashtag #EasternHamorsphere. I look forward to keeping in touch! xo