Week One, Done

Sunday marked my first full week in Daejeon and my official move into my apartment. What a week it was! Early Monday morning I met three other new teachers who were also staying at the motel. Just after 9am my boss and the school's general manager arrived to take us to the hospital for our health check. After the health check, which took a little over two hours, we headed to our school for the first time. We were not allowed to eat before going to the hospital, so someone took us out to lunch right away. I do not remember the name of the dish I had, which is too bad because it was delicious and I would like to order it again.

first meal in Korea

That afternoon was a rush of meeting people, classroom observations, and asking lots and lots of questions. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday were more of the same. Observations, curriculum overview, and lots of lots of questions. Thursday we also went to the immigration office. I'm not entirely sure what was happening, but my fingerprints were taken and I was told that I would be getting my Alien Registration Card (ARC) in a few weeks. Unfortunately an ARC is needed to get a phone or internet, so I am temporarily without. Luckily there is wifi everywhere and I am making do.

Friday was lots of fun. The other new teachers and I all prepped a mock lesson and "taught" in front of each other, our academic coordinator, and the head foreign teacher. We had lots of fun pretending to be students to make the exercise more "real."

The first week was so jam packed with new people and new information it was a relief when the weekend arrived. Saturday I walked around the Time World and Yongmun areas. It was a sensory overload but so interesting and very enjoyable.

snack time!

Saturday night I met up with a big group of expats and we all went out for dinner and drinks. Korean nightlife is crazy.
Sunday I moved into my apartment. Finally - yay! Again my boss and the school's general manager came to pick me up at the motel and brought me to my new home. They explained how to use the washing machine and the floor heater - very important as everything is in Korean! After they left I spent the rest of the day settling in to my new place. After living out of my suitcases for a week it was such a relief to unpack.