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!
