Here's what happened with orientation...
It is NOW confirmed. In Sept. The cancellation was not indeed a cancellation at all, and this was a miscommunication from the MOE rep who spoke to you. Further details to follow asap as I get them from the MOE. I promise. As soon as I know them, you will know them. Hang in there... Once you know the orientation dates, you will feel much more settled and comfortable with your new teaching responsibilities. I know. So, have patience and I will get them to you just as soon as I know them! It's important to us that you feel settled! Stay tuned! I won't leave you hanging.
Your teaching expectations now that you are all arriving at your schools...
I've been assured that your assigned co-teachers are to help you out for the first couple weeks with lesson ideas and preparation. So, you are not on your own! They are the ones with experience. Ask them many questions. Let them take the lead. While they are co-teachers, they can take most of the load in the beginning, and you should be able to watch and learn. If you have problems with your co-teacher, let us know. Also, Scott Kim, in Korea, is more than happy to help you with any concerns that may come up with the placement. He's also in your time zone. So, he will quickly and easily be able to get back to you. He's asked me to ensure that you have his email address and do feel free to send him your questions.(cc me though too, and we'll both work together to get your needs met)...
WELCOME PARTY THIS WEEKEND
Also, I am looking at getting a Pegasus Teacher social gathering happening this weekend.
I'll let you know asap about this too. It will be a great way to mingle and unwind after your intense week of leaving/arrival.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Some Korea Inspiration for your Arrival
TOP TEN THINGS YOU'LL LOVE ABOUT TEACHING ENGLISH IN KOREA
10. 24 hour food/take-out services.
Got hunger? Get take-out. Anytime, anywhere. Many Korean establishments operate around the clock and they almost always offer delivery. An easy phone call and TADA! A few minutes later, a little man on a scooter will arrive at your doorstep offering almost anything your grumbling stomach may have desired. (You may want to brush up on a few ordering phrases though to ensure you get what you want. You’ll likely have to order in Korean.) You can also find a plethora of cool snacks and drinks in vending machines around the city or in the ubiquitous 24 hour convenience stores such as LG. I fell in love with Lotte’s vending machine canned coffee drinks!
9. Bluntness is a-okay when talking to Koreans.
Single and looking? There’s no tip-toeing around the subject of age and relationship status here. If you’re single, and happen to have your eye on a Korean, your can acceptably ask them, point blank -- “how old are you? Are you single?” Koreans don’t like guessing games. So ask away! They’ll answer. Also, be prepared to be asked. All Koreans will be curious about your age and status, even if they have no interest in dating you. It's about as commonly asked as "how are you?"
8. Korean dramas/soaps.
You don’t need to know much of the language to get in on the fun. Oh, the facial expressions… and the tears!! They say it all!! You may be tuning in every night, and even Youtubing for more!
7. Trust.
Koreans are very trusting people in public places, and can also be trusted. At Starbucks, you’ll notice people leave things on the table, without worry, while they go outside to smoke, leave for the bathroom, etc. The best part is that I’ve never heard of anything going missing either.
6. “Konglish”
Konglish is how Koreans speak English words. It’s derived from their adoption of some English into their language. However, the pronunciation carries over into how they speak English. At first it might be confusing listening to Koreans speak English, but you’ll quickly get the hang of it. It can actually be a lot of fun translating English words to Korean sounds to understand what Koreans are saying to you, and to communicate back to them (or, as a teacher, to correct them back into actual English). In Konglish, Fs are pronounced p or h, Vs are pronounced b and Rs are pronounced l.
5. Technology.
You’ll be the envy of all your friends when you brag about the cool cell phone you have in
4. The food.
If you like spicy, spicy food, you’ll love Korean food, that is. I do, so I was in heaven. Ko-chue-jung (HOT chile paste) can be added to almost any dish. Kim chi is also great for people who love spicy foods, although as it is also a cabbage side-dish, it is certainly an acquired taste. There are also many great foods for those averse to spice. Korean BBQ cannot be missed. Ask a Korean where the best Korean BBQ restaurant is and try it out!
3. Side-dishes.
Oh, the side dish selection when you eat out in
2. You’ll be bowed to frequently.
No, you may not be royalty, but you will be bowed to… Bowing is a gesture of respect, and you’ll notice all Koreans giving a little bow of the head as they say hello, thank you, goodbye, among other expressions. It is a culture thing. It has nothing to do with your Rockstar status as a foreigner. (If you would like to be polite, and show respect back, return a little bow of your head.)
1. Your Rockstar Status at Home.
You’ll be the envy of all of your friends when they hear about the grand life you are living, not to mention your AMAZINGLY cool gadgets. They don’t need to know how cheaply you are able to live this Rockstar life! They’ll hear about the fabulous time your are having, the money you are saving/spending, your cool gadgets, your many travels, and no one will look at you the same again. Forget
Monday, August 25, 2008
Korean internet access when you get there
Some of you have expressed concern over getting on to the internet right away in Korea. While you are waiting to get your apartment's internet set up, never fear!! You will be able to email family right away and really easily!
PC bongs are everywhere! What, you ask, are they? Well, internet cafes, of course! PC, is of course referring to computers, and bong is the Korean word for room!! (For example: Noree bong is singing room, Korean karaoke).So, just look for a PC bong, and you'll be away to the internet/email/Facebook races!! These PC bongs are located everywhere -- literally on every corner, in every neighborhood, you'll find one. They have high speed internet and are cheap -- about $1 per hour usually! Around you, you'll find instant noodle eating Korean youth logged into gaming sites outnumbering foreigners logged into Facebook but Koreans are used to English teachers using them as internet cafes. These rooms have sprung up as a way to relieve the stresses of Korean youth, who when at home are encouraged to study not play. So, they escape to a PC bong for their pleasure. Most PC bongs are 24 hours as some youth game all through the night! You will also find an occasional cafe that has internet too, which will be more like a North American internet cafe -- where you can either use a computer there or log into a wifi network. So, no matter what, you'll definitely be covered until you get your own at home internet!!You should also have a computer room in your school which you will be able to use during breaks.
Hope this helps you!
PS -- if you are ever looking for something, like a PC bong, and can't find it, just say this to a Korean -- "PC bong, ody -- ee -- soy - yo?" What you have just said is, "Where is the PC room?" They should point you in the right direction! "Ody-ee-soy-yo?" is a very good phrase to know!! "Ody" is the main word in this phrase. It means "where." Sometimes Koreans shorten the phrase to just "Ody?"... If you hear it, they are not calling a dog! They are asking "where?"... Also, "Ody-ga?" is also a short form for asking, where are you going?
Hope you enjoyed this mini Korean lesson! Once you get into it, the language can be really fun to learn!!
PC bongs are everywhere! What, you ask, are they? Well, internet cafes, of course! PC, is of course referring to computers, and bong is the Korean word for room!! (For example: Noree bong is singing room, Korean karaoke).So, just look for a PC bong, and you'll be away to the internet/email/Facebook races!! These PC bongs are located everywhere -- literally on every corner, in every neighborhood, you'll find one. They have high speed internet and are cheap -- about $1 per hour usually! Around you, you'll find instant noodle eating Korean youth logged into gaming sites outnumbering foreigners logged into Facebook but Koreans are used to English teachers using them as internet cafes. These rooms have sprung up as a way to relieve the stresses of Korean youth, who when at home are encouraged to study not play. So, they escape to a PC bong for their pleasure. Most PC bongs are 24 hours as some youth game all through the night! You will also find an occasional cafe that has internet too, which will be more like a North American internet cafe -- where you can either use a computer there or log into a wifi network. So, no matter what, you'll definitely be covered until you get your own at home internet!!You should also have a computer room in your school which you will be able to use during breaks.
Hope this helps you!
PS -- if you are ever looking for something, like a PC bong, and can't find it, just say this to a Korean -- "PC bong, ody -- ee -- soy - yo?" What you have just said is, "Where is the PC room?" They should point you in the right direction! "Ody-ee-soy-yo?" is a very good phrase to know!! "Ody" is the main word in this phrase. It means "where." Sometimes Koreans shorten the phrase to just "Ody?"... If you hear it, they are not calling a dog! They are asking "where?"... Also, "Ody-ga?" is also a short form for asking, where are you going?
Hope you enjoyed this mini Korean lesson! Once you get into it, the language can be really fun to learn!!
Congrats Pegasus Program (Ulsan) Teachers! You've made it!
Okay. A HUGE congratulations is in order! Here's a virtual high five for you!!. Okay, that may have been cheesy. But seriously...YOU'VE MADE IT! You've pulled it all together. You may have had your moments when you doubted it would all work out, moments when your patience was tested... but it has all worked out! You have your contract, you've got your entry visa, your flight is booked, your bags are packed, and now? Now you just need to get thee to the airport! Now is the really easy part. So, take a deep breath, and just think about the incredible journey you have created for yourself, and the incredible year you are about to have!
Nerves may be kicking in right about now. Until now, you've been running on adrenalin, getting everything together. But, now you can feel the nerves. Don't worry, it's all part of the process. And once you get to the airport, you'll be running on adrenalin again. Trust me. These are exciting times! For many of you, it will be the first time you have travelled so far from home. Friends and family will surely be missed. But that's what internet, email and Skype are for, right? And maybe you can encourage them to come visit!
So, how can I speak so confidently about how easy it is to leave everything behind? Well, as you know, at Pegasus we've all been in your shoes. We've all taught in Korea. What you may not know though is that for me (Tracy), specifically, Korea was not only my first time traveling internationally alone, it was my very first international experience, period. I had never been outside of North America at all. And this may be the case for many of you. Basically, I had been so focussed on university, and working during my summers, that I never really had a chance to get away. All I really knew was Canada and the US... Then came Korea...
Nerves may be kicking in right about now. Until now, you've been running on adrenalin, getting everything together. But, now you can feel the nerves. Don't worry, it's all part of the process. And once you get to the airport, you'll be running on adrenalin again. Trust me. These are exciting times! For many of you, it will be the first time you have travelled so far from home. Friends and family will surely be missed. But that's what internet, email and Skype are for, right? And maybe you can encourage them to come visit!
So, how can I speak so confidently about how easy it is to leave everything behind? Well, as you know, at Pegasus we've all been in your shoes. We've all taught in Korea. What you may not know though is that for me (Tracy), specifically, Korea was not only my first time traveling internationally alone, it was my very first international experience, period. I had never been outside of North America at all. And this may be the case for many of you. Basically, I had been so focussed on university, and working during my summers, that I never really had a chance to get away. All I really knew was Canada and the US... Then came Korea...
Korea will be an amazing experience. For me, it was an amazing experience that lead to many more amazing experiences. In Korea, you will be exposed to an entirely new culture and way of life. Although it is also a very modern society. You will have many of the conveniences that have become a part of your everyday life -- like computers, cell phones, and high speed internet. Even with these constants though, everyday life will be slightly different. So, the most important thing is that you maintain an open mind.
The people that have the best experiences in Korea are the ones who keep an open mind about what they are seeing and experiencing. You will learn a lot about yourself and the world around you. While some things are different, so many simple things -- like human kindness -- are the same the world around. And if you are like me, you will be inspired to do more travelling. Since leaving Korea, I have traveled through more than 25 countries, and I'm nowhere near done yet. Experiencing new cultures is one of my greatest joys. During school holidays in Korea, I traveled around Korea (you must visit Jeju island -- we'll help organize a Pegasus trip there) and around Asia. I had traveled around Thailand, had been to Beijing and the Great Wall of China, and had seen most corners of Korea! Then, with the money I was still able to save teaching in Korea, I purchased an around the world (RTW) ticket when I left Korea, rather than flying home. You might want to do the same at the end of your contract! I travelled through parts of Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia, and Europe, all on one ticket, for about $2500 (2,500,000 won). Teaching in Korea is not the only part of the experience that will be great for your resume. In fact, many employers highly value travel on a resume. So, when the travel bug bites and your start planning all those trips, just tell people you are "resume building"!
After you've arrived in Korea, check the blog on Thursday (28th) for the Letterman inspired "TOP 10 REASONS YOU'LL LOVE TEACHING IN KOREA!" I've saved putting them up until now. I decided it would be something neat for you to read once you are in Korea, as a bit more of it will make sense then.
The people that have the best experiences in Korea are the ones who keep an open mind about what they are seeing and experiencing. You will learn a lot about yourself and the world around you. While some things are different, so many simple things -- like human kindness -- are the same the world around. And if you are like me, you will be inspired to do more travelling. Since leaving Korea, I have traveled through more than 25 countries, and I'm nowhere near done yet. Experiencing new cultures is one of my greatest joys. During school holidays in Korea, I traveled around Korea (you must visit Jeju island -- we'll help organize a Pegasus trip there) and around Asia. I had traveled around Thailand, had been to Beijing and the Great Wall of China, and had seen most corners of Korea! Then, with the money I was still able to save teaching in Korea, I purchased an around the world (RTW) ticket when I left Korea, rather than flying home. You might want to do the same at the end of your contract! I travelled through parts of Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia, and Europe, all on one ticket, for about $2500 (2,500,000 won). Teaching in Korea is not the only part of the experience that will be great for your resume. In fact, many employers highly value travel on a resume. So, when the travel bug bites and your start planning all those trips, just tell people you are "resume building"!
After you've arrived in Korea, check the blog on Thursday (28th) for the Letterman inspired "TOP 10 REASONS YOU'LL LOVE TEACHING IN KOREA!" I've saved putting them up until now. I decided it would be something neat for you to read once you are in Korea, as a bit more of it will make sense then.
Okay, now I'll just cut to the important reminders...
If you are on the Pegasus Flight through Tokyo, remember the rendez-vous details. I still haven't had any volunteers for putting a sign up. So, hopefully someone will print or write a sign! I want you all to find each other! The details have been posted here: http://pegasusconnection.blogspot.com/2008/08/tokyo-airport-rendez-vous-430pm-august.html
For ALL of you, general arrival details in Pusan are posted here. This info applies to anyone arriving any time of the day on the 27th: http://pegasusconnection.blogspot.com/2008/08/pusan-aug-27th-arrival-info.html
(If you are arriving after the 27th, make direct arrangements with Guy/Scott to ensure someone is there to meet you).
Here's the 10 day weather forecast for Ulsan. It looks like it will still be around 70F/20C at night, when most of you arrive, so dress accordingly for your arrival. [Also, just a friendly reminder that deodorant -- at least the kind your are probably used to, is hard to find cheaply in Korea... So, especially with these temperatures, you may want to stock up!]
The daytime high is around 80-82F (28C) most days right now. It seems to have just cooled down a tad after a month averaging highs of 90F/32C. http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/tenday/KSXX0029?from=36hr_fcst10DayLink_business
Finally, remember to have pertinent docs with you on the flight.
Please ensure that you have any and all original documents that you have yet to submit to the
Also, in order to facilitate the reimbursement of your airfare, make sure you hold on to: your ticket receipt, boarding pass, and ticket or e-ticket. And, of course, don’t forget your passport!
Ok, that's it...
Have a safe flight, and don't forget to send us a message when you have arrived. We want to hear from you!
Have a safe flight, and don't forget to send us a message when you have arrived. We want to hear from you!
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Pusan Aug 27th Arrival info
You may have already gotten an email about this...but here it is again to ensure everyone gets it! If you will be arriving after 27th, due to visa concerns, not a problem... just let Guy know so that he can make arrangements!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Scott Kim will be at the airport on August 27th to meet you all and ensure that everyone has arrived safely.
There is a designated spot for all teachers to meet. A prominent sign will indicate this spot. If you cannot find it, please follow these instructions:
*** Meeting Point- The Meeting Point is on the first floor of the domestic terminal of the Gimhae Airport – if you are arriving on an international flight (i.e. from Tokyo or Beijing), you will need to go to the domestic terminal it is a short walk (3-5 minutes) and there are baggage carts available to move your luggage. At the center of the terminal there are long benches (chairs) in front of the information desk. The Gimhae airport is a pretty small airport, so you can’t miss the meeting point.
*** Scott’s Cell Phone - Scott Kim will be at the airport to meet you. Please call his cell phone number, 017-252-4595 if you have any problems. Also, Ms. Mallay Oh, the supervisor at the Ulsan MOE, will be at the airport. If you are unable to get a hold of Scott, her cell phone number is 011-592-3415.
***Arrival Procedure - You will meet Ms. Mallay Oh, the supervisor of the Ulsan MOE, at the Meeting Point – you must check in with Ms. Mallay Oh. She will call your co-teachers to prepare them to pick you up when you arrive in Ulsan via the airport bus. The tickets for the bus will be purchased by Ms. Mallay Oh. She will instruct you where to catch the bus. Your co-teachers will be waiting for you in Ulsan to pick you up and take you to either your school or your accommodations, depending on what time you arrive. Those of you arriving in Pusan at 8.45pm on the NW will likely all be on the same bus to Ulsan!! :) And your co-teachers will be taking you to your new accommodations when you arrive in Ulsan.
Website for the Gimhae airport - http://gimhae.airport.co.kr/eng/index.jsp
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Scott Kim will be at the airport on August 27th to meet you all and ensure that everyone has arrived safely.
There is a designated spot for all teachers to meet. A prominent sign will indicate this spot. If you cannot find it, please follow these instructions:
*** Meeting Point- The Meeting Point is on the first floor of the domestic terminal of the Gimhae Airport – if you are arriving on an international flight (i.e. from Tokyo or Beijing), you will need to go to the domestic terminal it is a short walk (3-5 minutes) and there are baggage carts available to move your luggage. At the center of the terminal there are long benches (chairs) in front of the information desk. The Gimhae airport is a pretty small airport, so you can’t miss the meeting point.
*** Scott’s Cell Phone - Scott Kim will be at the airport to meet you. Please call his cell phone number, 017-252-4595 if you have any problems. Also, Ms. Mallay Oh, the supervisor at the Ulsan MOE, will be at the airport. If you are unable to get a hold of Scott, her cell phone number is 011-592-3415.
***Arrival Procedure - You will meet Ms. Mallay Oh, the supervisor of the Ulsan MOE, at the Meeting Point – you must check in with Ms. Mallay Oh. She will call your co-teachers to prepare them to pick you up when you arrive in Ulsan via the airport bus. The tickets for the bus will be purchased by Ms. Mallay Oh. She will instruct you where to catch the bus. Your co-teachers will be waiting for you in Ulsan to pick you up and take you to either your school or your accommodations, depending on what time you arrive. Those of you arriving in Pusan at 8.45pm on the NW will likely all be on the same bus to Ulsan!! :) And your co-teachers will be taking you to your new accommodations when you arrive in Ulsan.
Website for the Gimhae airport - http://gimhae.airport.co.k
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Tokyo airport rendez-vous, 4.30pm August 27
Okay, so...here is the rendez-vous point in Tokyo for teachers leaving on Tokyo-Pusan NW flight @6.20pm, August 27:
[anyone else connecting through Tokyo airport at this time is welcome to pop by too]
4.30pm at CafeLeo 5 in Terminal 1 of Tokyo Narita Airport.
It's AFTER the passport control. But you should be arriving to Terminal 1 from your international flight already anyway.
http://www.narita-airport.jp/en/guide/rest_shop/rest/floor_list/shop_page/t1_4_41_cafe5.html
If your flight doesn't arrive until after 4.30, that is ok too. Some of the teachers will be arriving in Tokyo as early as 3pm. At least one teacher will be at the table (with the sign on it) still when you get there! And hopefully everyone will be at the table by 5.30 so that you can meet each other before all heading to your boarding gate! If nothing else, just pass by this cafe on the way to your boarding gate to see if any teachers are hanging out there. If you are pressed for time, just head to the gate. All teachers will be at the NW boarding gate by 5.50pm. (Can someone volunteer to hold up a sign there for Pegasus stragglers?)
There are a ton of tables at the cafe, so you should be able to pull together tables, and pull up chairs! It would be cool if someone could volunteer to arrive there right away at 4.30, and have a sign to place/tape on the table so that everyone can be sure it is the right group when they get there. :) Any volunteers?
We hope you are getting exciting about your upcoming departure! We sure are!
[anyone else connecting through Tokyo airport at this time is welcome to pop by too]
4.30pm at CafeLeo 5 in Terminal 1 of Tokyo Narita Airport.
It's AFTER the passport control. But you should be arriving to Terminal 1 from your international flight already anyway.
http://www.narita-airport.
If your flight doesn't arrive until after 4.30, that is ok too. Some of the teachers will be arriving in Tokyo as early as 3pm. At least one teacher will be at the table (with the sign on it) still when you get there! And hopefully everyone will be at the table by 5.30 so that you can meet each other before all heading to your boarding gate! If nothing else, just pass by this cafe on the way to your boarding gate to see if any teachers are hanging out there. If you are pressed for time, just head to the gate. All teachers will be at the NW boarding gate by 5.50pm. (Can someone volunteer to hold up a sign there for Pegasus stragglers?)
There are a ton of tables at the cafe, so you should be able to pull together tables, and pull up chairs! It would be cool if someone could volunteer to arrive there right away at 4.30, and have a sign to place/tape on the table so that everyone can be sure it is the right group when they get there. :) Any volunteers?
We hope you are getting exciting about your upcoming departure! We sure are!
Friday, August 15, 2008
optional Ulsan after school teaching (if you want to make even more money)
We have just been made aware of some great optional programs offered and run by the Ulsan Metropolitan Office of Education:
The Sarangbang English Program
* in-school, evening classes; three times a week from 6:00-8:00pm
* 12 students per class
* co-teaching with Korean English teacher
* total of 24 hours a month at 30,000won/hour = 720,000won extra
Camp Program
* offered during the summer semester break
* you can earn about 1,800,000won extra
* a great way to get some extra money before you take your paid vacation time!
Both of these programs have a high participation rate among current English teachers with the Ulsan MOE with great reviews all around. They are excellent ways to legally increase your pay and boost your teaching experience in a well-establish, government-run program.
You are not required to participate in either of these programs, but the opportunities are there should you wish to. The details of how to sign up will be made known to you after you have arrived in Ulsan.
If you have any questions, please contact Guy Duke - guy@footprintsrecruiting.com
The Sarangbang English Program
* in-school, evening classes; three times a week from 6:00-8:00pm
* 12 students per class
* co-teaching with Korean English teacher
* total of 24 hours a month at 30,000won/hour = 720,000won extra
Camp Program
* offered during the summer semester break
* you can earn about 1,800,000won extra
* a great way to get some extra money before you take your paid vacation time!
Both of these programs have a high participation rate among current English teachers with the Ulsan MOE with great reviews all around. They are excellent ways to legally increase your pay and boost your teaching experience in a well-establish, government-run program.
You are not required to participate in either of these programs, but the opportunities are there should you wish to. The details of how to sign up will be made known to you after you have arrived in Ulsan.
If you have any questions, please contact Guy Duke - guy@footprintsrecruiting.com
