Last August, I did something completely out of my comfort zone and applied to the EPIK programme to teach abroad in South Korea. I'd toyed with the idea of working abroad for a long time but it had always terrfied me. I knew it would be an amazing experience but I also knew it would be very challenging and I would be alone a lot of the time. After talking with a friend about the pros and cons, I decided to bite the bullet and apply. I was in two minds whether I would be accepted but fast forward to the present day and I've been living in Ulsan, South Korea for just over four months and I am so thankful I took this opportunity!
Teaching in the UK wasn't what I'd expected. I made it through four years at univeristy (struggled badly through the last year) and got a 2:1 bachelors degree. I was (and still am) so proud of that achievement. I tried to get a permanent job but competition was fierce so i decided to be a supply/cover teacher to gain experience whilst applying for jobs. After a year of doing it, I knew that perhaps this was not the jon for me. My stress levels were high and I felt very anxious everytime work rang me. A lot of the time I had no idea what I was doing. So, after talking to numerous people I decided it was time to do what I'd always wanted to do, walk abroad. It took me another year before I finally worked up the courage to apply but I did it.
When I received the news I'd gotten into the programme, I was ecstatic but also very nervous! I'd never really flown anywhere alone before or lived very far away from my parents so there were a lot of new things to experience.
I booked a flight and prepared all my documents and two suitcases worth of things I'd need and on the 17th February I landed at Incheon International Airport, South Korea. I went to orientation in Daejeon, met lots of wonderful people and began my life and adventure in Korea.
It's been just over four months now, there have been amazing times, normal and boring time and some bad times. I wouldn't change any of it! I'll upload more blogs soon outlining some of the things I've done, some of the challenges I've experienced and my thoughts on living in South Korea soon!