The following was submitted by our friend Cecil M. Cecil has lived, worked and played in South Korea for almost a decade now and we would like to thank her for contributing!!

South Korea offers something for everyone. In the end it's all abut what YOU make of it. But the underlying fact is that nine out of ten people I have ever known who have experienced South Korea fist hand have been bitten by that special little bug known as "the land of the morning calm" and they can never quite get it out of their system. I remember my first day in South Korea like it was yesterday.  I was filled with apprehension and self doubt. That lasted for about ten minutes. Those initial feelings of fear and anxiety quickly gave way to a sense of intrigue, excitement and a feeling of wonderment I could never find back home in the west. One quickly learns why South Korea seems to draw us westerners in so warmly and never quite seems to let us go.

The feelings of excitement and wonder that I experienced almost ten years ago remain with me today. South Korea offers such a sense of intrigue and honest hospitality that daily life here never lacks for something to grab your attention.

The truth is that your experience in South Korea will center around your place of employment. This is the stabilizing factor (money,housing,medical care) while living far from home. Speaking from experience, (something I learned the hard way), making the best possible informed decisions about where you teach and live will have the greatest impact on your experience while in South Korea. After trying the "fly by night" hakwon system in Korea I knew that I needed to be in the Public School system if I were ever to enjoy and remain as long as I have in South Korea. Best decision I ever made!! Having a stable work environement has given me the confidence and stability you need to get out and do some exploring and enjoy everything South Korea (and Asia) have to offer.

I have taught at all levels in the Public School system in South Korea and in different cities. Each one provided different and unique experiences. My first experience  was at an all boys high school in Daugu for two years. I enjoyed it, but being so new to teaching at the time I think it was more of a learning experience for me as it was for my students. From there I was able to sample some of the more laid back lifestyle down on the island of Jeju. It was like being on vacation 365 days a year. It was hard to leave the beaches and slow pace of life on Jeju but I knew I wanted to experience the "Big Daddy" of them all so I came to Seoul, where I have been since then. Currently I am teaching at prestegious Arts and Language High School in the southern area of Seoul. The students I teach are especially talented in drama and the performing arts so I teach using a lot of theater scipts and impov acting. Best teaching environment I have yet to experience, both from back home and here in Korea!

So, working life is just great at the moment and I feel lucky about being at my current school. (Thanks Joyce Kim and KorVia!!)

But that is simply only a small slice of the pie. Life outside of the classroom has provided me with untold amounts of experiences. I have been able to travel most of South Korea, Chine, Japan and (my favorite) South East Asia.

Daily life in Korea is what makes this journey so rewarding. I love the hustle and bustle of South Korea, the electric atmosphere, the unparalleled hospitality of Koreans, the delicious and cheap food. It all adds up to the best experience of my life.

I do get home at least once a year to visit family and friends. I do enjoy getting back once in a while, but truth be told I am always itching to get back, because I always know that when I do land at Incheon airport I still get those same tingling feelings of excitement and anticipation I experienced nearly ten years ago.

The best of luck, and thanks again KorVia! (See you all at the next party!)

Cecil M.

Seoul

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