안녕하세요!

That means hello in Korean! While I had a rare moment of down-time at CTY I put together this blog. I think that this will be the best way for me to stay in touch with family and friends back in the States while I am in Seoul and to share stories, experiences, and photographs with everyone.

Does the world really need yet another blog about cross-cultural experiences from a sheltered, privileged American kid? Maybe. Hopefully I won't come off as too much of a jerk on here and my genuine enthusiasm for life, traveling, and teaching adorable Korean children how to say their ABCs will shine through this page.

I received a copy of my contract and my notice of appointment from EPIK (English Program in Korea) a few days ago. My orientation starts August 17 at Kyung Hee University in Yongin. I bought my flight ticket last night. I will fly from Philadelphia to Dulles at 10 AM on August 16 and then from Dulles to Incheon on Korean Air, arriving in Korea at about 4:30 PM on August 17. From there a driver will transport me from Incheon to Yongin for orientation. For the time being, since I'm still stuck at CTY, I will be focusing on rounding up all the documents I need to get my E-2 teaching visa and planning my train/bus trip to the Korean Consulate and Embassy in Manhattan, which will probably be on August 9.

I am very excited/scared. What am I thinking, just running off to another country for a year to perform a job that I am not fully convinced I am qualified to do?

AZNROBOTTEACHERZ