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…
Category: Teaching English in Korea
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…
Repatriation Fears: 10 Reasons I’m Afraid to Leave Korea
As my plans beyond my final contract in Korea begin to solidify, so do my repatriation fears. Surviving “reverse culture shock” is daunting, and a very real challenge. I’ve been reading articles with titles like “Moving Home with Dignity” and “Top Tips for Repatriation”. I just want to live on an imaginary beach far away…
Cya Later, Seoul: Things I’ll Miss About Korea
So Long, Korea! My life here has been incredible, but even in Neverland you’ll find you have your ups and downs. Last week, to the dismay of many on Facebook, I wrote about the things I hate about living as a foreigner (expat) in Korea. This week, on a more positive note, I’m sharing just…
Peace Out Seoulmates: 15 Things I Hate About Korea
Deuces, Korea! In March of 2018, I’ll be leaving Korea. After 1 year in Busan and nearly 2 years in Seoul it’s time to bid adieu to the Land of Morning Calm. I’ve had plenty of amazing travel experiences and local opportunities, dating blunders, and hagwon hells in Korea. There’s plenty to love, but everyone loves…
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,…
Candidly Kate: My instagram vacation was faked
I faked my instagram vacation. The day before my Chuseok holiday began I was feeling pretty stressed out. I couldn’t shake this nagging feeling that something was wrong. View this post on Instagram Seriously? 3,000 posts? I guess I like you, #instagram. • • • • • • • • #Seoul #Itaewon #travelblogger #travelblog #igpossetravels #wearetravelgirls…
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!
…and they’re off (-track Horse Racing at Walkerhill)
Let’s Run: A case where going “Off Track” is a good thing.
The new facilities at the Sheraton Walkerhill Hotel in Seoul, which opened Friday June 3rd, 2016, are clean and quiet. This is a far cry from what I would have imagined having been to some of the casinos throughout Asia. A few juicy details to note before jumping into the nitty-gritty.
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?
Jogyesa Temple – Lotus Lantern Weekend Part ii
Korean couples love to get dressed up and wander around the old, traditional towns, as well as the Palaces and the Temples. All this was amplified by the hoopla of Buddha’s Birthday Weekend which has been celebrated as a festival since the Unified Silla era over 1,300 years ago. Yep – he gets the whole weekend, the festival, the parade, and all the beautiful lantern displays at nearly every temple the month leading up to his birthday and for for many, the weeks beyond (at Jogyesa they’ll be around until May 22nd). I guess it’s like leaving your Christmas lights up on your front porch all year long, just a lot less honky-tonk and a lot more beautiful!
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,…