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DAY 12: Philip is in the PC BANG again.
So, I surprised myself by going to church Sunday. Despite starting to read 'The God Delusion' by Richard Dawkins, I felt that I had little to lose by accepting an invitation from a Dutch preacher, Arianna. It was OK. Reminded me of Fakenham Baptists somewhat - more reassuring than challenging. I had to stand up and introduce myself (reminiscent of 31 Dec) and I received a welcome gift - a small hand towel. I think they think I might be going back. It was primarily a way of meeting people and fellow language teachers, not necessarily Christians. I don't want to become a member, really. I have reverted to an agnostic position, anyway. Although I have promised myself to read more literature while I am out here, both for and against.
After my introductory week, I have been more on my own this week. I am quickly getting used to being here and i think i am making an impression. I certainly feel like I am entertaining the kids (although i should call them students). I've already got my ducks out and am beginning to include additional teaching tactics, such as getting people away from their desks and exposing them in the middle of the room. You know, to break the monotony. Classes vary wildly from the chaotic - i walked out of one class on Tuesday because they were so disruptive - to the soporific. Sometimes I feel like I am wasting my breath, but there are other times, despite no reactions, that something sinks into their minds and i feel good. Misunderstanding continue, but it is work in progress - as are 16 panoptican like spy cameras positioned in every classroom and office areas. We are now being watched constantly... i just hope i don't get evicted like my predecessor, also called Phil. So I have been experiencing what every new teacher goes through.. even down to the personal insults - i smell bad, i'm ugly etc. They have the upper hand because they can insult me in Korean. I cannot take offence, however, as I have no idea what they are saying... and I am thickening my skin all the time. I'm arriving earlier than i need to, just to make sure I am organised - you all know me for being a stickler for that... although there are many classes when i just make it up, such as yesterday when i walked into a class and didn't know what i was teaching until i opened the book i had just been given. I 'winged' it. One additional thing is the way the job is bringing out my otherwise dormant drama skills, which i used to have in abudance as a kid.. the creative side of me as performer... it is coming to the fore again, and that is great. I believe you have to make the lessons interesting otherwise nothing will get learned. If they don't want to learn, however, I am not going to force them... this is, after all, additional, supplementary learning. I have been assisting individual students get ready for the speech contest this Saturday - to which I am obliged to go - albeit parroting their Americanisms. I enjoy this and have already begun offering help to any student who needs it - the parents will love me for it. There is a classroom with staggered seating and a stage... i feel in my element under those lights! Camera... Action........ etc.
I am getting braver at going into diners/cafes and ordering food in Korean... a few key phrases seem to go a long way... luckily i am not too fussy what food i get... i haven't had dog yet... well... i don't think so!
Anyway, it is Wyn's last working day tomorrow at this Hagwon. He flies back to England, via Seoul and Thailand (for one week). Shame, coz we get on. I can always poke him on 'facebook'.
I will start a new folder of Photos soon, but not until I have sufficiently good ones. The mountains which surround the city are calling me... can't wait to venture out of the city. In the meantime, its work, rest and 'banging'!
Keep your thoughts coming.... nearly 2 weeks down, only 50 to go...
Love
Phil
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