Adding to the Zillions of Posts Out There on the Subject..

I remember before I left scouring the internet for posts on what to, and what not to bring to Korea. Some things I brought, I'm glad I did (pictures from home), but other things were totally from misguided information..and I could've picked up here (pillows).

Keep in mind..as my title says, there are zillions of these lists out here. When you pack, just think about the number one traveling debate, and decide which side you're on: spend a lot of money upon arrival vs. have a freaking heavy suitcase. If money is a concern, then bring the stuff that you know you'll need despite whether or not it's in Korea.

Bring this...
Clothes for work and play *this season*. I know this is a given, but the part between the asterisks is key.

Not that..
Your entire wardrobe. One, you can buy clothes *everywhere* in Korea. I know there are a lot of blog posts out there about Korean sizes, but (and this is more for the ladies because I don't really buy mens clothes), non-Asian stores like H&M carry pants up to a 34" waist. The biggest I've seen at Gap is a size 8 (maybe 10); non jeans-wise, clothes can go much bigger - I've seen tops and dresses up to a 2XL. If you are living near Seoul, definitely be able to count on buying clothes and shoes at any size.

Two, your weight will fluctuate here. It's the kimchi =p

Bring this...
A few keepsakes and momentos from home.

Not that..
Stuff for apartment decoration. Korea is the *cutest* country on the planet and there are entire stores dedicated to home decor.

Bring this...
An e-book reader. If you don't have one, go buy one.

Not that...
Books. They are heavy, and you will have a freaking tiny apartment with little storage space.

Bring this...
Headache medicine. Yes, you can get it here, but unlike America (or wherever "back home" is), you can't just walk into the convenience store and get it. All medicines (and bandages above the standard bandaid size) are sold only at the pharmacy, which is not open 24 hours. Most medicines are pretty cheap - however, ibuprofen can run $3 for a pack of 10.

Not that...
Your entire cosmetics line. Korea is *full* of skin care shops that sell the same stuff we get in America. There is a Body Shop around every corner. As far as makeup goes, the non-Korean stores sell pretty much the same products they do at home; the first floor of department stores is also dedicated to cosmetics (and luxury handbags).

**Note: If you have darker skin, bring face makeup.

Bring this..
One voltage converter/plug adapter. Your camera and laptop if you already own one.

Not that...
A voltage converter/plug adapter for every single electronic device you own. You can buy them here much cheaper than you can overseas. A few months after arriving, I bought new chargers for my iPod because the adapters do make things a bit finicky.

You can get all of this here....

• Bedding INCLUDING sheets. I'm not sure who started the rumor that Koreans don't sell sheets but...come on. They have to sleep here too =p
  
• A mattress pad - I read someone's blog in which she said this was the one thing she was glad she brought because beds are so hard. Well, that's true, but you can buy one of the mats Koreans use to sleep on the floor and just put it on your bed...much softer =p
  
• Hair products - Yes, Korean hair is a bit different than ours, but there are stores like Watsons that sell non-Korean brands
  
• Writing utensils - They are easier found here than America
  
• Peanut butter - Again, who started this rumor? You can get this here...
  
• iPhones - The Korean network is locked, and you'll have to go directly to the KT main office (no clue where that is) to get your phone on the network. I have an iPhone here...I didn't have to pay for it up front - rather, they took the cost of my phone and the cost of 2 years of service, divided that by 24, and that's my bill...I pay like $75/month for my iPhone (again, that includes the cost of the actual device
  
• Speakers - One, you can get them here. Two, walls are THHINNNNN - you will disturb your neighbors
  
• Comfortable walking shoes - Korea is full of Nike, New Balance, Adidas, etc. stores - there's even a shop that sells all of them: ABC Mart (yes, I know, every time I see one, I think about the liquor store =p). These shoes are pretty unisex, and come in a pretty big array of sizes.
  
• Korean language and travel books - Most major bookstores have a fair sized English section...and all of them have info on living in Korea. If you are going to study Korean before you leave, learn the alphabet, familiarize yourself with the basic foods, and learn phrases handy for shopping and ordering in restaurants.

Korea is a foreign country, not a distant planet. Stuff can be shipped here. Likewise, Koreans are a different culture, not an alien race. They do the same things we do: sleep, eat, travel, work, and play; and they use pretty much the same things we do for those activities. There is nothing you won't miss for a year, I promise. Most of the stuff I brought is now either too big, or has been shoved in a box under my bed, almost completely forgotten...

New Definition of "Alone in a Crowded Room"

It's kind of surreal living somewhere and not speaking the language. I don't know exactly what I expected, but it's not completely awful. The worst part about not having my Alien Registration Card yet is the inability to communicate with _anyone_. I pretty much have to take complicated plans with people as there is no way I can get any sort of message about where or when to meet. It's also frustrating with people back home - I'm getting quite a demand to call friends and family members, and I don't think they realize that me getting online is either a few minutes because I got to school early, and am on that virus-packed computer, or it's because I managed to find an unstable internet connection at a local coffee shop. I feel guilty that I cannot stay in touch - especially during this first month - but there's really _nothing_ I can do. Korean law states that I have to have proof of residency to start something like an internet account, and I'm still waiting on that. Oh government processing time.

I think about the version of myself in America. I was so addicted to my cell phone and the internet. Here, not being connected is resulting in spending a lot of time alone, something I promised myself that I wouldn't do. I don't mind it so far - it's kind of a weird, adventurous thing, but I'm wondering when it will all seep in and I'll start getting lonely. I wish I was brave enough to walk up to Americans here and say, "Hi, I'm new in town and have no friends. What are you doing after work?" I'm still not sure if foreigners are allowed to band that kind of stranger connection (this is reminding me of Dr. Wilson's Sci Fi class - the whole thing about The Other), or if we're supposed to be trying to blend in. I see lots of foreigners together in this town - or walking around alone with a sense of confidence like they either don't need people, or are on their way to meet the scads of friends they already have (and don't need anymore, thank you), and it reminds me that I only know seven other people in this town. Maybe in Suji we're only supposed to hang with people from our own hagwon. If I weren't totally frightened out of my mind of getting lost, I'd attempt to seek out my training buddies, who I think are probably more in this whole, "I'm trying to meet people and be social" newness in Korea.

There are so many couples in this coffee shop. Every girl in Korea has a boyfriend. Ugh - that is something I definitely don't envy..

Holy god, if my parents are reading this, please be advised that I am not as miserable as I actually seem - that my coworkers are freaking wonderful and are doing a great job teaching me how to get around. Today, when we left Suji to go to a late lunch, Thanh and Dan pointed out the subway stops and bus numbers that get me back to Suji. A few days ago, Lisa gave me a subway map in English. I'm just sad because in two weeks, three of my coworkers, who make up the majority of our dinner plans, are leaving and I feel that means I should be officially over my New Girl phase and know how to do things like get around outside of Suji and order food for myself. It will actually be good that we're getting three new people as they'll be like me in wanting to get out and explore, as opposed to already having all that wandering worked out of their systems.

I feel like I need to be like Samantha in that last episode of Sex and the City - where she wipes her eyes and says, "Okay ladies, let's [perk up]. I'd like to show my face here again."

I'm labeling this post "pre-departure" for a reason: If I could go back and change anything, it would be learning hangul. Even if you don't know the actual spoken language, knowing how to read is insanely helpful when navigating the subway/buses, or trying to order in restaurants.

In happier news, I updated the photos in my Mobile Me gallery..

Meds Overseas..

Visited St. Augustine yesterday for a final goodbye to my various crews. It was awful, and I had to call someone on my way home to keep from totally crying. The great thing about going on a Sunday was that the entire house was off at a decent hour, so we were all able to go out to dinner. As I'm going to Asia, they decided that the thing I would probably not get over there would be Mexican, so we went to El Potro (yes, much queso was consumed ;)) and then to Village Inn because they don't have ovens to bake pie in Korea ;)

Melissa gave me a fantastic departure gift: more toothpaste than you can shake a stick at! I know that Aclipse recruiters claim that the toothpaste over there *isn't* packed with sugar, but I want to be sure... I also went to Target and picked up a ton of deodorant. Later, at the house, I made a comment about visiting my old roommates; Dereck responded, "We are old and Audrey apparently has an odor problem!" I digress - at Melissa's, we ran into her neighbor (Beck: the woman who replaced Randy Taylor) who travels overseas a lot and she gave me this long freaking pharmacy list. Now, while I'm taking all advice with a grain of salt - especially as everything I buy must be *packed*, there were a few things I listened to:

• Culturelle - a probiotic. This was the only thing I listened to with the whole "Get a 3 month supply" advice..
  
• Immodium - still with this whole Audrey will probably get sick idea
  
• Monistat - TMI, I know, but in case any female is reading this who is also going overseas, their toilet paper may be a bit different than what we're used to..
  
• Benadryl
  
• Cold medicine in case you pick up something on the plane and don't know enough about the culture to get something

She also suggested to pick up feminine hygiene products in case what's sold over there is different - but several female Aclipse teachers have confirmed that they've been able to find Tampax, so I'm not taking that one too seriously.. I also picked up some Airborne which I will be taking religiously for the next several days as me=sick on the plane=awful.

While on this adventure, Jess tossed some wet ones in my basket. She said that her airplane ran out of water and it was nice to have *something* to was her hands with after going potty. Also, she said I may want them for things like wiping down surfaces before I sit down..

Back to this awful beast that is packing. I've eliminated the space bags because they just aren't flexible once the air is gone. Crossing my fingers in hope that I actually can fit it all x.x

But this time I have the Glee soundtrack!

I Don't Think I can Take It All...

Welcome to the world I call "Trying to Pack". I thought that leaving my previous high stress job had the whole panic attack thing licked.... Well, that was until I tried to pack everything I thought I might need in the next year or so into two suitcases with a 50 lb limit each. As shipping costs are a nightmare, especially if you want something like a tracking number, I'm trying to keep the amount Mom has to send me way down.

I'm taking more shoes than I care to admit on here - mostly because I'm sure my parents will read this one day and I can hear it all now. I believe that actually only one person knows the true number. Despite this, they're not taking up too much room in my suitcase (I'm actually shocked at how compact all *hmmhmmhmm* pairs became). I now only need to make room for one more Space Bag, and I'm beginning to think that it may actually be easier to try to pack in the clothes sans bag. Still need to transfer a few things from my carryon as, for some reason, I tried to pack *everything* I'd need for training week in that thing. Don't ask - I don't understand my strangeness either.

So of all the questions I've asked, I feel that this one is the most important: how many times can you reuse a space bag before the thing gives up and says, "Honey, just pack less"?

Resuming packing on Monday. If I can fit it all, I will be one very *very* happy Audrey.

Adventures and E-2 Visas

I didn't realize how nervous I was about the consul interview until the night before - I couldn't figure out what I wanted to wear (ladies, you understand this one ;)), and I couldn't sleep. Like many, I'm not a huge fan of walking into a situation without knowing what would happen. There are all kinds of topics on this forum about waiting for visa codes, packing lists, information about various schools and areas of South Korea - but I was hard pressed to find anything about the actual interview required to attain an E-2 visa.

Be sure the contact your local consulate in advance. The emails from Aclipse tell you what to bring, but - at least in my experience in Atlanta - the consul may require more documents than Aclipse states, and s/he (or the assistant) will want them at least a business day before your appointment. He or she will also send you a *ton* of information - as I get lost very easily, I was especially glad to receive very detailed directions on how to get to the consulate office.

Everything else here will be pretty much Atlanta-specific. I'm not sure how much networking the various Korean consuls in the states do with each other, so I don't know what of my experience is similar with other areas. Just a disclaimer :)

I'll be honest - I dreaded the trip. Atlanta is far away (6 1/2 hour drive x.x), and I'm not a fan of big cities. I live in a town with one stoplight and about a thousand people. To keep me sane, I brought my mom and my best friend from high school (I say "brought" - they were more excited than I was), and made plans for things to do other than just go to the consulate so I'd have things to look forward to.

However, I had absolutely no reason to dread or worry about anything.

We found a hotel really close to the downtown area that wasn't insanely expensive. The Atlanta consul's assistant will suggest that you stay in a nearby Merriot/Hilton/whatever that's hundreds of dollars per night. Ignore that advice! There's a Country Inn and Suites and a Comfort Inn down the road from Turner Field. We stayed at the former for $79 a night. Definitely wasn't luxury accommodations or anything, but the rooms were clean, the place was safe, and, most importantly, the water pressure was *fantastic*.

We had an interesting time finding places to eat. Downtown Atlanta is full of restaurants, but the parking fees are insane! Our first night there was a Sunday night as my interview was Monday morning, and many places were closed. We ended up eating at this bbq place called the Bullpen across from Turner Field. The parking lot was completely barren - only one car, which was just someone who was visiting one of the two employees on duty. Going inside, it's easy to see that during baseball season, this is a happening place. As we were car-tired, the lack of crowd was nice. I had one of the best hamburgers I've had in ages. If you go there, look for a tall African American woman who smiles and laughs a lot - she should be tending bar or at the cash register - ask her to make you a Somebody Else's Husband. Tell her that girl who was going to Korea sent you ;)

My interview with the consul was the next morning at 11:00 am. Way overestimating downtown traffic, I was about an hour early! Fortunately, the International Tower is in the same building as the Peachtree Mall, so there was a coffee shop and a few places to browse as I killed time. There is free wifi, but it is quite misleading: that place is a black hole for electronic devices! I couldn't get cell phone signal, and my iPod had a hard time connecting to the internet. When you finally make it up to the fifth floor, the Korean area is pretty easily marked. Don't be fooled by those imposing double doors! You can just walk through. There's a small reception desk - just walk past that to the waiting area. The window for visas should have a sign, but if it doesn't, it's the far right one. All of the receptionists are insanely nice.

Again, this may be just an Atlanta thing, but the consul sees five people a day in one group interview. The assistant will tell you to be there at 10:30 to fill out paperwork. Well, I didn't have any paperwork, but I do encourage you to be there at 10:30 so you'll have an opportunity to visit with the other teachers. I didn't meet anyone who was with Aclipse or CDL, but it was nice to hear everyone's experiences. Two of the other four had gone through Adventure Teach, who sound like they're a pretty good recruiting agency (not as good as Aclipse, of course ;)); the other two found their teaching positions without use of a recruiter. After hearing their stories, I was so glad that I didn't go that route! One girl had no clue she had to send in her documents ahead of time - had there not been an opening in our group, she probably wouldn't have been seen. Plus, she paid like $4000 for her ticket (made me thank Raquel profusely again!). The other woman was better prepared, but she didn't know anyone else going over. I think we were the first ESL teachers she met. I pointed her in the direction of this site, saying that I'm sure they'd welcome non-Aclipse teachers.

The interview itself was fantastic! The consul explained his role, that he was kind of a representative of Korea to determine whether he thought we would be a good fit for the country. He said that many people are confused about his job, and he also thought it was funny that he had such an important task, but only an hour to make a full judgement! He also said that the face-to-face interviews were now required because there had been so many problems with foreign teachers in Korea - apparently, we Americans are greatly prone to drinking, doing drugs, and participating in sexual deviancy. Sadly, I could definitely see how that would happen. We spent most of our interview talking about current events and Korea's role in the global market before he addressed us individually to ask a few questions (this is where I misinterpreted what I'd read about the structure: although we were asked individually, he didn't see us individually). He asked most of us about our college and teaching experiences. Ironically, he didn't ask me about the latter. However, I was one of the last to receive the questions, and the others had all majored in something other than English, education, or foreign relations - when I told him my two majors (secondary education and English), he laughed and said I was perfect for teaching in Korea, and asked why I didn't go for Japan instead.

I do recommend knowing a bit about the Korean culture, as he did ask us what we knew. Also, be sure you are 100% positive of the pronunciation of your province/city! I pronounced "Yongin" incorrectly and he had no clue where I was talking about! (Or, well, in my nerves, I probably said something completely different from "Yongin"..).

One part I liked was that I could pick up my passport the next day. I was wary of having it mailed to me - I have a had time putting faith in the postal service (especially since they seem to have lost a pair of shoes I've ordered for Korea x.x). You can pick it up at 11 - so if you're planning on flying back that day, be sure to schedule a flight that leaves sometime after that :)

If you're a Floridian like me, Atlanta is also a fantastic place to buy a coat suitable for the Korean winters. Our hotel clerk provided us with a list of very detailed driving directions to a few of the shopping locations. He recommended the Lenox Mall (?), which ended up being awesome as I found a coat at Macy's that was on this insanely awesome sale. Also, if you end up there, totally check out the Lenox Grill! One of their specialities is their macaroni dishes - I had a foodgasm :D

I took a few pics at the Georgia Aquarium to test drive my digital camera. Quite impressed with the thing - especially since all of those pictures were taken without a flash. If you end up there after your interview, be sure to be near the giant shark tank for their feeding, 2:45-ish. Sadly, didn't get shots of those as my camera battery died (killed it with those jellyfish shots - but, as you can see, so worth it!) http://gallery.me.com/aeagle

Cushioning the Wait

"The Waiting Game" seems to be a popular topic on the forum lately. I'm sure CDL candidates are experiencing delays that their predecessors never had to experience. I'm one. The original plan started when I was laid off in June. I figured I'd collect my summer paycheck through August, and by September I'd be in Korea. Hah! When I received an offer that said January, I thought I wouldn't survive until then. I must have - because it's December, and in a bit over a month, I'll be on that freakishly long plane ride. When waiting for something this exciting, the days seem longer than just 24 hours. So, I don't know about anyone else, but this how I survived..

1. Learning something new
Okay, yes, this is awful and cliche and sounds like something my mom would say (and that she'd be right about, which would make me hate the advice more), but it worked. I knew that I had to find something to keep my hands busy so I wouldn't constantly call or email my recruiter. So I learned how to knit. I'm straddling the line between twenty-something and old lady with this hobby, but magazines like Vouge Knitting (not kidding - it really does exist) keep me on the safe side of things :). With Christmas coming soon, I also have that extra motivation to stay busy knitting and not worrying about when things will happen..

2. Getting Involved
Finding part time employment was a big negative for me, and I ended up having to move back in with the parents. To keep from sitting at home all day, or going out and building up the credit card debt that I finally just paid off, I contacted some of my former teachers and started volunteering in their classrooms. Plus, it could be a good way for inexperienced teachers to get to know what they're getting into.

3. Staying Active
Know the line in Legally Blonde - "Exercise releases endorphins and endorphins make you happy and happy people just don't kill their husbands"? Well, happy people also don't get totally depressed when they don't hear about a contract ;). I fixed up my bicycle and started riding (I call it the Tour de Melrose - except, instead of beautiful French countryside, I see cows and dead armadillos). The worrying puts me in a frenzy and the release gets me up those hills (yes, there *are* hills in Florida), and things just never are as bad when I come back..

4. Making Plans
I used to be a runner, and I hated it. To keep the path from looking so long, I'd set a thousand mini-milestones - instead of looking to the other side of the lake I ran around, I'd focus on a tree five feet away, and then a crack in the pavement as my goal lines. With this start date practically eons away, I made sure that I had at least two fun things planned each month so I could look forward to something two weeks away - instead of six months.

5. Learning Korean
This one didn't help with making the time pass because it makes you think more about going overseas, but since I did have a bit of time on my hands, I invested in the Pimselur program (Rosetta Stone is a bit too rich for my blood ;)). I did a lesson everyday - had to do most twice - but I feel a bit more prepared. If anything, the language did give some hints about their culture. For example, you address older people much differently than you do younger (kind of like how Spanish has different words when talking to/about a female vs. talking to/about a male). Also, it's apparently common to ask "Have you had lunch" instead of "How are you?" You're supposed to say "yes, thanks" even if you haven't (kind of like how we're supposed to answer "fine, you?" when people ask how we are in greeting).

I have approximately fifteen thousand post its left over from my previous job, and may use those to create a countdown with little message reminders (e.g., "5 days to go - have you gotten that space bag for your pillows?"). I keep thinking to myself that if things hadn't been delayed, then I wouldn't have been able to spend almost a month with my grandma (who is this hip, rockin old lady - I swear that woman has "I Love Elvis" tattooed somewhere..), or move back home to spend time with my childhood pets. I bought a suitcase yesterday, and when I came home with it, they looked at me like I was breaking their hearts - they're smart puppies and know what suitcases mean (I already know that the day I leave, we'll have to keep circling the block because one will chase the car).

Top Five Curiosities about This New Life

I seem to always have conversations with people who have a story to tell about a time they went on some grand adventure, and I really don't have much to say in return. I went to college, got a job within a week of graduating, and have worked more overtime than I've had days off. It was the American dream, but not my dream. I didn't really follow the status quo in high school, so why start now? Over the summer, I was presented with a huge choice: stay with my current teaching job with the students I loved, or change paths to a job that requires a new language and foreign work visa. As much as I will miss my students, it was time to let them go - it was time to embark on that journey to finally gain some global understanding.

In January (fingers crossed), I'll leave this life for something the complete opposite. If the world were a book, South Koreans would be my foil character. I'd have to live under a McDonald's box not to learn anything or evolve in any way. Right now, I don't have any expectations about how I will change - just questions about what I'll encounter. Here are the top five that I hope will be answered on this journey...

1. What's for lunch?
I won't hide it: food is a huge Audrey-motivating factor. As a die hard foodie, I'm looking forward to some new cuisines to replace the ones I'm leaving behind. Fortunately, I wasn't raised a picky eater - a good friend of mine somehow survives on a diet of chicken fingers, french fries, cheese pizza, and fried rice (nope, never a hamburger, and you can forget anything green) - but at what point will I not be able to handle what's put in front of me? I'm approaching this new cultural diet with a small amount of apprehension and a huge excited curiosity. Eel? Alright! Sea cucumber that's still slightly alive (yes, that's a reference to a fellow Aclipse member's blog), bring it on! Food is such a major part of any culture, so limiting diet may result in a loss of experience.

2. Which references are not cross-cultural?
President Bush (the first) thought he was flashing the peace sign in a gesture of goodwill, but was pretty much giving many parts of Europe the finger. He had a whole team of advisors and assistants up on etiquette all across the world, but still managed this snafu. Imagine what damage I'll cause when left to my own devices - gestures and phrases that I use without thought may have a huge consequence in another country. I'm sure I can measure the countdown in minutes (or seconds, depending on who's sitting next to me on the plane). Hopefully, it'll be something that makes us all laugh - like the friend of mine who thought she was using excellent Turkish when informing the bus driver that he'd reached her stop, but was really announcing to her fellow passengers, "Look at that cow!" Whatever the damage, I can only respond in typical Audrey fashion: blush, laugh, probably cover my face, apologize profusely, and ask for an explanation (which, of course will be followed with more laughter). :)

3. How do teenagers compare across cultures?
Adolescence is the second time in a person's life that the part of the brain that processes long-term benefits and interpersonal understanding goes under construction (the first being when we're toddlers - and anyone whose worked with teenagers can probably see the connection :)). In America, it's pretty obvious that teenagers are going through this, and understanding that they're not selfish or lazy. I'm about to enter a culture in which hard work is always expected and student-to-teacher rudeness is unheard of. If we're all humans and our brains develop the same way, how are the Asian students coping with this?

4. What will happen to my perception outside of the homeland?
Americans have a lot of patriotism, which has quickly become this belief that our way of living is the right way. This idea has become pretty obvious with the spread of "democracy" and "capitalism" with the intent to improve lives in foreign cultures, but are they really the best ways? Although McDonalds and Starbucks can be found all throughout the world, they haven't made enough of an impact to turn foreigners into American copycats. Right now, many Americans are battling against universal health care, but if many other countries are healthier under more socialized/government-controlled health care, then are we fighting against the idea because it's un-American, and not because of its merit?

5. Is it really a small world after all?
Question four was pretty negative and focused on our differences, but I also want to learn about our similarities as, for the most part, this will be a positive experience. As mentioned in the third question, we're all humans, with the same physiology and basic needs. European cultures aren't too foreign because that's where from - but we didn't have regular contact with Asians until quite recently in our history, so we've evolved into very different peoples. From what I've learned, politeness seems to be cross-cultural, as does a curiosity, rather than a barrier, about new people and ideas. Friendship is a universal need, which has created a global enjoyment of having fun with your pals.