I love ethnocentrism...

I have decided to teach English in South Korea for a year. As I break the news to the people in my life who really care, i.e. my dentist assistant, the bus driver at my mom's school, I find myself shocked by the reactions I get. Yes, Korea is in Asia, I'm happy you know that much, but no, I will not: A) be living in North Korea, last time I checked they didn't think Americans were that great, B) be eating dog as a staple in my diet (even though it is available), or C) be beaten up by Korean men in an attempt to show off their masculinity. The ethnocentrism and ignorance of some people truly frightens me. It surprises some that South Korea is actually a very modern country with high speed trains, neon lights, and cities that can rival New York in structure and eccentricities. See Seoul below.

I am going to be living in the south of the country in a not-so-small city named Gwangju. It is the 6th biggest city and is known as a food mecca thanks to its rich and diverse cuisine. Gwangju has a thriving youth and arts culture and is home to one of the largest pedestrian dining, drinking, clubbing districts in the country.

It is also surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery...

Boseong tea fields...

and culture rich temples.

I am going with my love, Aaron Ollivier. We are going through a program called Adventure Teaching and working for Feinschule teaching a variety of classes (English, dance, gym, art, etc.)

Our plane tickets are being refunded, our apartment is furnished and paid for, half of our medical is taken care of, we get two weeks paid vacation plus all Korean and English holidays, and we get a month's salary as a bonus for staying a year... there is no reason not to do this. Currently we are waiting for the okay from Korea to obtain our visas and then we will be off. It is not uncommon for plane tickets to be bought only a few days in advance so we will be gone soon. I am so ready for this.