Living Abroad & Coming Home: Coy Canada, Please Take Me Seriously

Living Abroad and Returning Home: Oh, Canada! I’m back in Canada.  After a year in Busan, 2 in Seoul, a questionable first week in Bali, blissful 2nd week in Gili Trawangan, and a lengthy journey back home chock-full of nasi goreng, kimchi, and caesars, I’m back, Beaches.  To be clear, I’m not quite back in…

Seoulcialites: Dr. Tony Garrett, Kiwi Chamber

Saturday May 20th (in Seoul) and Saturday June 3rd (in Busan) the Kiwi Chamber will be hosting its well-known New Zealand Wine Festival!  In advance of this special event, get to know a little about Dr. Tony Garrett, Chairman of The Kiwi Chamber (aka the New Zealand Chamber of Commerce). What originally brought you to…

Why TEFL Now?

What are the differences among TEFL, TEYL, TESOL, TESL, CELTA, etc.? In the simplest of terms, they are different levels and methods of teaching English to non-native English speakers. TESL certifications are widely regarded as methods for teachers of non-native English speakers and immigrants to English speaking countries. TESOL and TEFL are geared more toward those who want to teach English in non-English speaking countries. Bingo! That’s me!

Candidly Kate: Where to Teach in Korea

In a country the size of Indiana, you would think that the two largest cities would have similar lifestyles. After spending a year in Busan I thought I have conquered Korea enough to hit the capital. Could I have been more wrong?

How I got my first job in Korea

When was the last time you did something for the first time?  If it’s been so long that you can’t remember, I would consider that an issue.  In August of 2014 I found that I was asking myself that same question over and over again.  I took every possible opportunity to go try something new.  I…

Taking Chances

Google Image Search has made it easy to travel the world in the comfort of your own home safely behind a keyboard.  It’s also increased my list of desired travel destinations drastically.  Having traveled to Sasang (an area of Busan where the intercity bus terminal is located) a few times I decided to check out…

My SoKo digs!

My 6th floor apartment is actually quite spacious!  With only a single bed and a small table with 2 chairs my place has ample space for my 30 Day Shred and Insanity: The Asylum workouts.  My bathroom has a massive mirror (with very minimal water damage – amazing), and is quite large.  There is a…

Busan Begins

What a wonderful weekend it’s been!  After a nice, quiet Friday night I woke up early Saturday morning and hopped the bus to West Busan to start my move into my new apartment.  Two suitcases and a duffel bag later I landed in Hwamyeong-dong, dropped my luggage, and headed over to Lotte Mart to grab…

A cross-country endeavour!

Yesterday was a National Holiday (details according to Google: Independence Movement Day (March 1) This day commemorates the Declaration of Independence proclaimed on March 1, 1919, while under Japanese colonization. A reading of the declaration takes place in a special ceremony at Tapgol Park in Seoul, where the document was first read to the public.) so I…

Peace out, Pearson!

With an hour and 20 minutes until boarding this feels entirely too surreal.  In the car ride over I had all these terrible feelings that something bad might happen, but really it’s all been pretty smooth sailing thus far.  I woke up at 3:30 AM and figured I should probably put a face on.  Not…

The Bucket List

When I was 9 and Encyclopedia Britannica was still a thing, my Mom was living in California and my Dad was traveling a lot for work and the only thing I really could look forward to were our trips.  When we had visited Disneyland enough (in my Mom’s eyes – there will never be enough public…

The Consulate

It’s funny how just as I’m leaving Canada for greener pastures Toronto all of a sudden starts trying to make it up to me.  The weather has improved, I’m working for a phenomenal company (where was this three years ago?!), my friends are all super supportive and are making time for me before I leave…