A week ago last night I flew into Seoul. It feels like I've been here for at least a month already. The past weekend was filled with a lot of activity, from visiting with friends from the US, to visiting with friends local. A weeknight meal of burgers with co-workers on Tuesday made it feel like a whole 'nother weekend, and so the time has been passing quickly.
Tuesday I got taken to the hospital. As part of my employmency here, I must pass a "suitable health" exam which includes a few vials of blood extracted from my arm/vein, urine sample, chest-x-ray, visual acuity test, weight, height, etc.. I got bustled around the hospital by the most-gracious Mr. Luke-of-whom-there-was-confusion-about-how-to-use-our-names and we managed to get it all done quickly. Mr. Luke doesn't like needles or hospitals much, and I share his aversion to antibiotic filled, superbug ridden, cough havens.
I've heard that Koreans tend to slam infections with many many pills, antibiotics, and shots. They also have a severe ethic with regards to work-worthiness.. "If you're too sick, go to the hospital, otherwise you aren't too sick, so go to work." Staying at home isn't really one of the options. Employers admire employees who come to work sick because it shows dedication.
I'd put up more pictures, but I'm at work.. like the post before last, so those will have to wait. I have a bunch on fb, and will add more to flickr when I get a chance.
Classes! I've sat in on a lot of classes, but have actually taught very little. This is... fine by me, as I'm just a bit timid. I know I'll have to get in the water eventually, but it just looks so daunting. The teachers here at the school are very good, at least the ones who I've observed. They have great rapport with the students and "effortlessly" move from one activity to the next. I hope to have half the ease of teaching they seem to have. (c:
Students are great kids. Not a whole lot more to say than that. Ages of the classes I'll be teaching are mostly middle-school through high-school. Aight, more later!
3 comments:
Thanks for the update Luke. If you can, when the "training period" is winding down, ask the teacher to teach a lesson to a few students and then copy it exactly with a few other students. Have him critique you. This is how I was trained, and found it very beneficial.
Aunt G
Thanks for the good report. Love you.
I remember that bizarre hospital visit, nothing like what I'd experienced in the US to qualify for a job :). At least you only have to do it once, I think.
Post a Comment