EPIK | GRRRL TRAVELER

A Shocking 411 on EPIK’s NET vacation days

Filed under Korea, Survival Issues by MyCrazyKimchi on May 2, 2010 at 10:21 am {4 comments}

This is the 114 on the EPIK (Teaching English) program in Korea… (114 is the information dial in Korea).

During last Friday’s EPIK workshop between NET’s and their co-teachers, EPIKers were informed that their actual vacation time is indeed, not as they thought or were led to believe. To many, this new came as a shock (read a bit of Kimchi and Eish! blog). Due to the fact, Korea holds two national holidays (Children’s Day and Parent’s Day) this week, NET’s (Native English Teachers) were initially given extra school holidays by their school so that they enjoy half to a whole week off for the celebration. As such, some EPIKers made plans and booked tickets to leave the (more…)

My Letter Home: EPIK Teacher Orientation

Filed under How & why teach in Korea?, Teaching English by MyCrazyKimchi on March 21, 2010 at 3:25 pm {4 comments}

Introducing myself to my class using the lessons they'll be learning.

My Experience of the Korean Public School System at Week 3:
I just finished my third week of co-teaching grade 3-6 classes with my native Korean teachers. I call my job co-teaching because my Korean c0-teachers (aka CTs) want to teach primarily from the textbook/CD-ROM’s lesson plans. My CTs are still learning ways to implement a native English speaker in their class, so currently my job is to explain activities, run students through exercise drills in speaking English. Occasionally, I teach and am allowed to contribute my own creative ideas to the staid lesson plan, but this has been a result of my own improvisation. In a way, my CT’s and I are finding our way together. They are all fairly new to co-teaching, working with a native English speaker and one, even new to teaching English (until now she’s been a music teacher!)

My 4th graders introducing themselves

I’ve met all my students at least once or twice now. My first week (like many (more…)

Should you take a Gap year: Teaching English in Korea (Part II)

Filed under GAP YEAR TRAVEL, How & why teach in Korea? by Christine Ka'aloa on January 18, 2010 at 5:00 am {12 comments}

: My Korean Notice of Appointment arrives…FINALLY!

My work contract for South Korea arrived in the mail today! I’m booked to leave for Korea mid-February and this week I’ll be picking up my E-2 work visa at the Korean Consulate in Nu’uanu. Things are moving like clockwork…

My homebase in Korea: Daegu, South Korea
Employer: EPIK (a government program)
Job Position: English Teacher
Grade Level: TBD (Elementary was my first preference; after spending the past 3-4 years working on teen reality shows, I listed high school as (more…)