Talking a good game can lead to a demand performance!

Day 3 in Korea, (What a difference a day makes)

Taught my first classes today. Whatever--on to the interesting part:

So... You know that saying "walk softly and carry a big stick"? Well, I need to walk softer. In an effort to contribute to the staff room environment, I've chipped in on a lot of conversations about teaching strategies and approaches to curriculum. Because of my CELTA training, I tend to reach for a lot of five dollar words when I talk about this stuff, which apparently makes me sound like an authority (in spite of my express disclaimers to the contrary).

As of tomorrow afternoon, I am to jump on to a new project--curriculum development for a teacher training course.

"Master, moving stones around is one thing, this is totally different!" --Luke Skywalker

So, tomorrow I shall walk bravely into a meeting where I will review the existing syllabus and set about supplementing it and contributing to the Math and Science curriculum. At least I'll be able to talk it up on my resume!! :P

Good thing I'm cocky (and in denial!), or I'd be pulling my hair out and nursing a nice warm ulcer right about now...

Almost somewhere, and with towels!

Day 2 in Korea

No teaching as yet. I've nearly settled into my apartment here at the English Village--bought some cleaning products today, so that I can remove the evidence of the previous tenants cooking habits. I also bought a stainless steel spoon & chopstick set, as there are no eating utensils in the kitchen.

Showering this morning was exciting. There's no enclosure--the byproduct just splashes onto the floor and eventually finds the drain in the middle of the bathroom. Oh, and I didn't have a towel. Apparently the rooms don't come with towels, either... Electric kettle, yes. Stovetop kettle, yes. Widescreen TV, yes. In room laundry, yes. Towels and eating utensils, no.

My phone died today, which is sort of sad, but also sort of a relief; much as I would feel for a dog that has lived too many years and can't walk anymore... (It didn't seem to be able to roam on the Korean cellular networks anyways.)

Tomorrow I'm scheduled to teach my first two classes. Next challenge: get them to give me an official contract!