I even wrote a post about how great it is in korea, and that i was serious about re-signing my contract.
I still love it here-- that has not changed...
BUT
I've realized that a break from korea would help me to leave the experience on a positive note.
...and if i decide to return some day, I could do so according to my own timeline and while feeling very enthusiastic about it.
(if i resigned, I'd have barely any vacation time to spend in the US before returning to work)
...and if i decide to return some day, I could do so according to my own timeline and while feeling very enthusiastic about it.
(if i resigned, I'd have barely any vacation time to spend in the US before returning to work)
SO as far as 2014 is concerned...
consider this a formal announcement of my new plan.
My boy friend and I will be spending more time in the states than we expected
(me: in PA from end of dec-jan)
That's him back there doing the dishes. He's pretty great... ;)
That's him back there doing the dishes. He's pretty great... ;)
Then, mid-late feb. the plan is to use some of the money we've saved from Korea,
to fly to Thailand and start a new adventure-- a similar 1 year concept as korea.
We've done, and continue to do, a bunch of research about living there/housing/teaching/...
and my basic analysis is this:
we will likely make half the money we make in korea.
we will likely have almost none of the benefits we get in korea.
i.e. -free roundtrip airfare, health care, tax refunds, bonuses, housing included
we will likely not have jobs lined up before we go.
HOWEVER:
- cost of living is cheaper
- a DELICIOUS thai meal = $2-4
- housing is cheap, and after a bit of an apartment hunt,
kyle and I can potentially live in a VERY nice place.
- English teaching jobs are abundant, and it is common/advised to simply talk to current expats and walk into schools for on-the-spot interviews.
That way, they see who you are and that you're determined and available,
and we can see if the school looks well-run and like a good fit for us.
and we can see if the school looks well-run and like a good fit for us.
(it is unlikely kyle and i will work together, but not impossible-- we don't have a preference)
- working hours will be very similar to Korea (30-35hours/week) including planning time/breaks.
- Significantly more time-off from work!! we're talking like 6 weeks+ as opposed to 5 days+
- Significantly more time-off from work!! we're talking like 6 weeks+ as opposed to 5 days+
- we are only considering living and working in Chiang Mai or Bangkok at this point.
*chiang mai being first choice...
if you're curious:
Chiang Mai is famous for its jungles, monkeys, beautiful historic shrines, and especially known for the ever-present ELEPHANTS!
The very real possibility of riding one and volunteering at an elephant sanctuary sounds way too good to pass up.
Bangkok is famous for being a HUGE party city. Very tourist/foreigner friendly, booming with technology, and amazingly cheap food and drinks. With incredible coral reefs, beaches, floating markets, and crazy fun night life.
either place would be a ton of fun,
and we will likely spend many weekends in whichever one we don't end up living in.
Since Kyle and I both have a passion for traveling, "ethnic" foods, and kids-
we are enjoying the end of our time in korea together,
but also, looking enthusiastically to the future!
Looking forward to seeing all of you back in the states! ~4 months and counting!
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