Making Memories: Dreams of Malaysia

Meeting Malaysia A major bonus of my 3rd year teaching English in South Korea has been the opportunities for international travel.  2017 had some major ups and downs, but my passport has been getting a workout.  This past year alone, I’ve managed to see Taipei, Tokyo, Jeju, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur!  While each place was…

AsiaTravChat Q&A on Twitter!

Welcome to #ASIATRAVCHAT – a Q & A based on traveling and living as expats in Asia. The goal is to make new friends, follow interesting accounts, and connect with others you might meet on your travels!  We’re thrilled to have the chance to learn more about other bloggers throughout Asia, tour operators, experiences, hotels,…

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?

Renewing my Canadian Passport in Busan

  Renewing your passport while abroad isn’t exactly the smartest course of action.  I had a year and a half left on my passport when I left Canada to teach English in South Korea, but with all the expenses of applying for my visa, getting my fingerprints and background check done, having my degree notarized,…

When your friends leave Korea

Well, it happened.  Much earlier than I had anticipated, way earlier than I’d hoped, and so much earlier than I’m ready to understand.  It was bound to happen.  I had read many articles about it.  Most foreigner friends don’t plan on staying in Korea for more than a couple of years, if that.  I just…

Haeundae Beach Holi Hai 2015

Last weekend we celebrated Sunday Funday at a Festival called “Holi” down at the famous Haeundae Beach in Busan, South Korea!  “Holi (pronunciation: /ˈhoʊliː/; Sanskrit: होली Holī) is a spring festival, also known as the festival of colours or the festival of love.[3][4] It is an ancient Hindu religious festival which has become popular with non-Hindus in many parts of South Asia, as…

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…

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…

It’s official…kind of.

So it’s official:  I’m moving to Gwacheon (near Seoul) South Korea.  When I started writing this piece I wasn’t sure whether it would be February, March, or April.  It’s now definite that I’ll be flying from Toronto to New York to Seoul February 25th.  The “kind of” part?  I still haven’t received my Work Visa…