Korean Quarantine Laws: Rice is a "Live Plant"

I was so excited to hear about this company in California called iherb that ships groceries, organic products, and vitamins and supplements to Korea. The shipping was reasonable and the prices weren't bad either. So, I placed an order and anxiously awaited the arrival of the goods.

An American in Korea for Memorial Day

We had a three day holiday weekend for Memorial Day. Ours was one week later than in the states. We decided to go to Busan for two nights, since we usually only stay for one and always leave early and feel like we are missing out on so many fun things.

Exploring in Dadaepo Beach, South Korea

 Our latest explorations took us to Dadaepo Beach, in Busan.  We set out and met our friends at a subway stop and then took a bus out to the beach.  Dadaepo is known for being a bit out of the way and not as built up as Busan's other beaches. 

Common Expat in South Korea Questions Finally Answered

As a follow up to a previous Q & A post we have been asked more questions and here we will answer them, in case you were wondering the same. Yesterday, Nikki happily chatted with two good friends Amanda and Kelsey on the phone. They had similar questions to ask and so we decided to publish another Q & A based on our conversations. 

How Amazing to Get Kraft Macaroni and Cheese Overseas

Steve and I just ate an entire box of it! And it has stirred up a lot of thoughts and emotions in me. We received a care package today from Steve's parents and it included this small box of amazing food, among other things! Of course we didn't wait or save it for a rainy day, we ate it immediately after our evening run.

What it's Like to Teach English in South Korea

I thought I'd drop a little knowledge about our school and teaching requirements.  I mean, we do a ton of fun stuff on the weekends, but we spend most of our time at work just like anyone else.  I think I wrote a bit about our daily grind in a previous post, so I'll go into our actual teaching this time.

Working with Co-Workers in Korea: ESL School Staff Dinner

Earlier tonight we had a staff dinner for all of the teachers and staff at our school.  Work dinners are nothing new, of course.  We've all been taken out to dinner by our bosses at one time or another.  The point is to improve morale among the troops and to show appreciation for their hard work.

The Daily Grind: Working as an English Teacher in South Korea

I thought I'd write a little about our job so that you can have some insight into what we do on a daily basis.  Obviously, we love to travel to new places and meet up with friends, but we have to work sometime, right?

What's it Like to Move to South Korea to Teach English?

Before we left the states, we were asked many questions about our decision to pick up and move to South Korea. I could not answer most of the questions, because I did not know the answers. I mostly answered these questions by saying, "I don't know, I think everything will be just fine, I am very excited." Now that I am here,  I think that I am able to answer most of the questions.

Moving to South Korea to Teach English: Big Changes

A week of many changes is underway. First of all, the two other foreign teachers at our school left. We had a goodbye dinner for them at a delicious Italian restaurant called Bruschetta in Changwon Monday evening. There was much sadness as we all said goodbye to them.

Snowy Valentine's Day: A Day Off While Teaching English Overseas

Today there is no school! It has been snowing all day! I walked to Top Mart to get some ramen, tuna, and orange juice. I was excited to walk around in the snow and to get some alone time. I realized in Busan, this weekend, that I hadn't done anything/gone anywhere by myself since I have been in Korea.

Survival Techniques: Teaching English in South Korea

Today is Monday of our third week at work.  The first week we didn't do too much, mostly just observed the teachers who work here and learned our way around.  These past two weeks we've been spending working one-on-one with several students, giving English lessons more or less.  Work is going well, but it has taken some getting used to a new schedule and new responsibilities, just as with any new job.

What Food to Eat While Living in South Korea

 Our first couple weeks in Korea have opened up a whole new world to us and our taste buds! I am a less adventurous eater than Steve and was; therefore, concerned about trying many new foods.  I admit that a week or so prior to leaving and upon arrival I was very concerned about finding food that I would like to eat. In Korea, basically, all foods are new to us. 

The Best Way to Experience Lunar New Year in South Korea

When asked to go to a Korean home for a traditional Korean meal and new year celebration, we were hesitant and nervous. After some thought, we graciously accepted the offer.

Visiting Dynamic Busan: What to See in Busan, South Korea

On the bus home from Busan. We arrived yesterday a little after 12 noon. Sitting here on the bus I feel like we were there for a whole week as I try to recall everything we have seen and done and sum it up into a blog post. Busan is amazing!

Getting Better Every Day: Traveling and Living in South Korea

I wanted to put up some pictures form our past few days.  Things have been going great so far, and slightly crazy as you could probably gather from Nikki's last post.  But we are slowly getting into a routine as our work has started.

Our First Morning in South Korea

Our first morning here. As we sit in our round bed, eating breakfast and watching television, I am trying to write and remember my first sights, sounds, smells, and feelings of Korea.

Almost Ready to Move to South Korea: How to Prepare

Hey, Nikki here.  So the fridge countdown says 3 days to move (out of our current home) and 15 days until we board the plane to Korea. Our home is filled with stacks of boxes, open and overflowing suitcases, garbage bags, and random piles of clutter. It doesn't feel like home anymore.

The Big Apple: Preparing to Move to South Korea

Well we are back from our trip to NYC. We needed to go to the Korean consulate to go through a brief interview and then wait for our work visas.  We used the opportunity to visit our favorite city and do some touristing.

Christmas Week: Moving to South Korea to Teach English

The countdown on the fridge says 24 days until we leave for Korea.  It is hard to comprehend how fast time has moved since we first sat down and started looking at potential jobs in Korea and made the decision that this was something we were really going to do.