What inspired you to travel abroad?
Change in pace and lifestyle.
Why did you choose TravelBud?
I chose TravelBud - TESOL in South Korea after doing a fair amount of research on all programs. I chose this program because the website was very easy to follow and had tons of information so I didn’t need to stress over the details. After a few phone calls with helpful staff, I felt totally ready to embark on this journey since I they helped me get all my documents and packing in order.
Students! Yay!
What was your favorite part about South Korea?
Amazing food and culture! I had never tried Korean food prior to arriving and it was the best decision I’ve ever made. The food constantly surprises me with it’s jam-packed flavor, either spicy or sweet. I have absolutely loved everything I have tried - even live octopus and tripe that may not sound so appealing, but Korea has a way of making it fantastic!
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
I knew practically nothing about Korea coming into the program (which is what I wanted) and have been nothing but surprised in the best way. The people, food, views, architecture. Everything! The people are always a bit shocked to see a foreigner but will always treat you with exceptional kindness and welcoming attitudes. The food will always surprise you and make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. The views and architecture you will see are unlike anywhere else in the world and there is fantastic hiking and temples to visit all over the county. Korea is spectacular and extraordinary!
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
I actually had three phone calls (as opposed to one) to ask them a million-and-a-half questions about where I should teach and why TravelBud was always so patient with me. They guided me with spreadsheets, easy-to-follow websites, pros and cons lists, and everything in between. It was so nice to have them by my side while prepping for a big move!
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
I really wish I had spent more time learning Korean and focusing on the language. It is incredibly easy to read but virtually impossible (at least for me) to grasp the spoken language.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
Wake up around 9 and exercise and eat. Get to school at 1:30 and plan the day and lessons until classes start at 3:30. I have about 11-13 classes a day, all 20 minutes each, so the day goes by very quickly. After that, dinner at the school in the break room and decompress and get ready for the next day. Walk home is about 20 minutes and really nice through the city.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
Lots and lots of outdoor activities. Korea seems to hike more than any country I have ever been to! I am an avid hiker and spend so much time outdoors and it’s so refreshing to see how active this country is. No matter what time of day you get outside, you will see people hiking or biking or anything in between. The mountains in Korea are fantastic and will really blow your mind. Who knew Korea was a mountainous wonderland? I didn't! But I am so happy it is.
Hanbok fittings at Gyeongbokgung Palace
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
Studio apartment with a nice windowed balcony. My apartment building actually had a rooftop that was always silent and great for watching sunsets and doing yoga in the morning.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
Learn the language! Even if it seems daunting to learn a very foreign language, it is very helpful during the course and the year abroad! Practice five minutes or 10 minutes a day and it will go a long way. It’s important to show the locals you are happy to be here and are putting forth the effort to communicate with them, no matter how poorly you pronounce things - just try! I wish I had learned more before coming but my co-teachers and new Korean friends are very generous and patient in their mini Korean lessons with me and I couldn’t be more grateful.
Would you recommend TravelBud to others? Why?
Yes! Overall, if you are worried about placement and visas or anything else, TravelBud is there to help you transition smoothly. I am so happy that I chose to have a program to help me through this because, trust me, there are so many fine details that go into moving and working abroad!
What do you feel is the biggest benefit of traveling abroad?
Learning about new cultures, but most of all, you will learn so much about yourself in your time abroad.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
The way I adapt to situations drastically changed throughout the year because of how many classes I had and my focus changed quickly. Being able to adapt is key in living and teaching abroad.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Going to another place to truly assimilate yourself and understand your surroundings as much as possible.
