Thanks

So I decided last night... after my panic attack... that since there was nothing I could do about it... I needed to let go and give the power to someone else. So that is what I did.
Today... I acted like nothing was wrong... while inside I was a bit nervous... and continued with all of my teaching.
I then went home and took a nap... a common event in my life.
So around 5pm I sheepishly walked to school to find out if I was going to get my letter of release from the school. I sat down at the computer to check my email (still no response about the job interview) and Miss Bae came in to talk to me. She said that I would be getting my letter of release! THANK G-D! She said that the school wanted some cash for my departure (which I was expecting) and that they had a request... would I be willing to leave September 7, 2005 instead of the 18th?!? SURE!
So there it is... on the 7th I will be done with my hagwon... and though I still don't have a replacing position... feel really good!
I wrote the school that I interviewed advising them of the end date change... and hope that that will make me even more inticing to them!
So thanks for the prayers and encouraging emails! They have meant so much more than anyone can truly know. Please continue to keep your fingers crossed about the job at the village... as I would really love it and would make an excellent addition there.
Cheers!

Walls caving in

So things have gone from bad to worse... kinda.
So I found out from some legal advice that quitting was a dumb thing to do... and that the school is actually holding all the cards... not me. In Korea, if a person quits their job before the term in the contract is up... the school has to give the employee a "letter of release". This letter just states that they are agreeing to your resignation and will allow you to seek alternate employment opportunities. Without that letter... you are unable to get a new visa... and without a visa... well you can't work.
Needless to say... BCM is playing hardball with the letter of release. I find out tomorrow if they are going to give me one... otherwise... Canada here I come.
I had a job interview today for Seoul English Village. This place is a tiny community in the center of Seoul that is run and operated by the Korean Government and Korea Herald Newspaper. Inside the 4 brick buildings is literally America. Students spend a week in the community interacting with foreigners who teach them the proper ettiquette of English life. Each room in the building is a different 3-dimensional set... from a working kitchen... to a post office... and a miniture movie theater... to a nightclub... grade 5-6 Korean students get to experience American life. Foreign teachers in the school are assigned certain roles (policeman, postman, cook, doctor, etc) and when the children come into your classroom... well you are that role. Needless to say I REALLY WANT THIS POSITION.
The interview went well... I think.... the pay would be lower than what I have now... but there would be no utility bills because I would live in the residence... and meals would be provided at the cafeteria.
Please keep your fingers crossed about this job... I really think that I would be perfect for it.
I had a major panick attack though today in the elevator on my way back to work after the interview. My breathing became eratic... my heart began to race... the walls started to close in... it was the longest elevator ride to the 7th floor I have ever had. I think the stress of the entire situation has finally caught up with me. Footprints has basically abandoned me here... they've given me advice that was incorrect.. and have refused to intervene on anyone's behalf. I am half-way across the world... and I just feel... hopeless.
Even if I get that job... BCM might refuse to give me my letter... and then where would I be.
When I got to the 7th floor of the BCM I was literally in tears. Miss Bae (my manager) saw me and said that I shouldn't worry and that she thought that BCM was just upset right now and that they would release me without any more problems. I really hope so.
This week has definetly been a stress filled one. Next week is my birthday... and well... all I want is my letter of release... forget the party, the alcohol, the presents... all I want is to be free!
Well... needless to say that this is a rough patch... all I ask is that you remember me in your prayers tonight... and keep your fingers crossed. Who knows.. maybe the birthday fairy will bring me what I really want this year.
I'll keep you posted.
Cheers

Just breathe

So this weekend was a little stressful to say the least. I know that I had to make a decision... I know it was a "shit or get off the pot" moment... but... in true Chelsea form I am completely second guessing myself. I mean in less than 25 days I am going to be homeless.
I have 2 job interviews already lined up... so I know that I shouldn't really be panicking... but I am.
I am so caught up right now in my own stuff... sometimes it is hard to deal with other people's insecurities. So I am trying to lay low. I am just afraid that out of my own frustration I am going to say or do something that I will completely regret! and we all know that Karma can be a real bitch!
The hagwon keeps bothering me to stay until October 1. Truth be told... I DON'T WANT TO! I really want the entire situation to just be over and done with. Things at the school are tense... to say the least anyways... some of the teachers feel that I am abandoning BCM and have made their pov known. Well alls I can say is... don't judge unless you've walked in my shoes!
I was really considering just packing up and heading home... totally with my tail between my legs... but there is something to say about the comforts of home... especially in a really sucky situation. My parents though talked me out of it. I know that I made a year long commitment... I am just afraid of going out of the frying pan and landing directly into the fire! So needless to say I am treading very carefully!
I am surprised at the support fellow ex-pats provide each other. People I barely even know are giving me job contacts... and well... it's always good to know about schools through testimonials.
This weekend was alright... nothing major to report. Just went to Itaewon... saw a Korean horror movie (A Wig) and spent a lot time at the PC Bang job searching. I also saw a fortune teller... though I took what he told me with a grain of salt... it was interesting to hear his take on my future... esp now. According to him, I am going to marry at 28 and have a son at 29... this year will be bad emtionally, economically and health wise... but come 2006 it is all sunshine and lollipops (20 years of goodness). Like I said I took it with a grain of salt... but it was fun all the same.
A couple of people have offered their couches... if I don't find anything in time... and I know that the Hostel is reasonable... so I should stop worrying about the whole job issue.
I know in my heart that once a door closes a window opens.... but I am having a hard time seeing the light amongst all this fog.

30 days and counting!

So it is now over! I resigned from BCM this afternoon. Miss Bae was really understanding and with the advice from Footprints, I wrote a real quick butt resignation letter. My last day is September 18, 2005. So if anyone knows of any school that is hiring... and they recommend it... well let me know... cause in T-minus 30 days I will be jobless and homeless in Korea.
I hope I did the right thing.

Pictures from my 5 day weekend!

This is the G-Spot club in the Gay Village in Itaewon
This Guy is absolutely amazing! I wish I could have taken a video clip of what he is doing. He is cutting candy (it may look appetizing... but trust me it isnt) and he is doing it all in a rythm and stuff... sooo cool!
I LOVE Korean Konglish. Who ever decided on this sign... well thanks for the laughs! This is what is hanging in the bathroom stall in the Starbucks in Itaewon. You might not be fully able to see it... but the saying is: Starbucks coffee goes where you go! Hehehe!
This photo was taken at 5am in club Harlem. Notice the perma smile and tired eyes!

I just missed this guys act. This guy does painting with his whole body. It is pretty schnazzy!
This is Liz looking at the Tourist Package we were offered for the DMZ in Insadong. It was a little pricey.. but the Korean Tour Guide would not leave us alone until we at least said that we would "think" about it.

Can I get a WHAT WHAT?!?

So this past weekend was my vacation and let's just say that I had the best time I have ever had in my life!
So Friday we (Liz and I) decided that we would go to Itaewon to buy presents to send home to our families. Thanks to me, we got on the wrong bus (1001 instead of 1005-1) and we ended up in Sunae. Oh well! At least there was a Chilies Restaurant there.... ummm best Swiss and Fried Mushroom Burger EVER!
We then got on the subway and made our way over to Itaewon. With time to spare (since it was rush hour) we decided that we would see a Korean Movie (bad idea... we left half way through... since we chose a drama... no action = not understanding what is going on... oh well!) We then headed back to Suji for a night at Wa Bar.
On Saturday, Liz and I met up once more to head back to Itaewon and Insadong for yet another full day of shopping. It was great! I have really got the art of haggling down pact! For example... I got a jade and gold necklace (reg price 65 000 won) for 30 000! Oh yah baby! The key is to act like you don't really want the item and be willing to walk away from the negotiating table (chances are, the storekeeper will come running after you yelling "special price... special price only for you!") Come to think of it... except for my food... I think I managed to buy everything this weekend by haggling! What am I going to do in Canada when the sticker price is actually the price?
Saturday night, Shelena and Laura met up with us in Itaewon, so that we could go to the FIRST EVER Drag King show in Korea! Located in the Gay Village in Korea, the bar (Soho's) was holding a Drag show to raise money for KASA (Korean Aids Something Something). It was a complete hoot! Though the place was sooooo crowded and very hot.... the night ended up raising 317 000 Won for the organization!
Public Transit is not at all like at home.... everything shuts down at 11:30pm.... so needless to say, we were all stuck in Itaewon (downtown Seoul) for the night... so we all decided to hit the club scene! With a Molson in our hands (yes you can have beer on the streets in this country), we all headed over to the Hyeondea (sp?) area to check out a local Salsa club. This place was absolutely amazing! Though a couple of Peruvian Guys (one being a complete hotty may I add) tried to show me the art of shaking my bonbon.... I mostly sat with Liz and played the Maracas and Bongos. (Oh I wish I had taken a photo of that!)
At 3:30am (3 hours before public transit would start running again) we all decided to look for a HipHop club in the area. We ended up at a little club called Harlem. This place was GREAT! We danced to local and American HipHop music... and well just had a great time!
Finally... still a tad tipsy... at 6ish we made our way to the bus terminal and stumbled home.
So needless to say that on Sunday I didn't do very much. I slept until 2ish... then cleaned... then had dinner and saw a film (The Fantastic 4) with Liz.
Monday I slept til 5pm (I know!) and then I did nothing but veg and watch TV.
Tuesday.... I met with Liz for lunch in Itaewon... then headed to the massage parlor for my full body aroma therapeutic massage! IT WAS GLORIOUS! The masseuse managed to get out knots that I didn't even know I had. Because it was a Tai Massage... I am a bit bruised and a little sore today... but after getting the complimentary pedicure and manicure... well the thumb print bruises on my body were soooo worth it! I am heading back there again next month for another one.
Today... it is back to the grindstone and to reality. A couple of things are in the works (which I can't really discuss right now)... but I will keep you apprised as they happen.
Overall... this was one of the best times in my life... and for sure... the best experience I have had in Korea!
I will definitely upload the pictures when I get a chance!
Until next time...
Cheers!

Negativity

FINALLY! So the recruiting firm wrote back today stating that they would be willing to speak to the school on my behalf to rectify this whole sorted issue... so knock on wood... this will all be an unpleasant nightmare come next week!
This whole experience has caused me to review a couple of things... and well the saying that you can really tell a person's character in a moment of weakness... well it is pretty true.
These past few weeks I have found that I have become a very angry and jilted person... and well... I don't like that one bit... I have found that I have been thinking negatively and in turn this negative outlook has affected my entire life.
A friend told me yesterday Negative thinking begets Negative Behavior... and well... I completely agree. The more upset I got about the whole school thing... the more depressed and negative I became in my daily routines.
SO today is a new day... I think that I will try from now on to remember my friends mantra... cause... well noone likes a party pooper!
In other, not so depressing news... I think I have made a plan for next year... and no it wont involve Korea. As much as I am enjoying myself here and I like the students and stuff... well I have come to find that teaching... well ESL teaching is not my passion... and well... want to do something different. So next year I am going to apply and hopefully do the SWAP Outback Program in Australia. It not only looks soooo cool... but allows you to freely travel the country without the hassel of a long year contract.
The program description:

AUSTRALIA OUTBACK!
Welcome to the land Down Under! The Great Barrier Reef, Ayers Rock, Kakadu National Park, The Great Ocean road and many sandy beaches are just a few of the amazing sites to be seen. To start off your Australian journey experience it the true Australian way - Work in the Outback! Work different jobs in the outback throughout the whole 12 months of your working holiday visa or as little as 3 months – the decision is up to you!
You'll be greeted at the Brisbane airport on a Thursday morning and brought to Yellow Submarine Hostel in the city centre ($25 hostel fee is not included in the registration fee, please be prepared with Australian cash).
On Friday morning you will be picked up and brought to Rainbow Beach near Fraser Island for 3 days of sun, sea and sand to get over your jet lag. On the Monday they will help you arrange Tax File Numbers, Medicare cards, bank accounts and last minute shopping. From there you will spend 5 days on the ‘training farm' – either Springbrook, a host farm/vineyard or one of their associate farms. You will then learn new skills or improve the skills you already have through agriculture courses. They cover tractor work, horse and cattle work, riding motorbikes, fencing and working in cattle yards – or hospitality skills learned on a host farm and in a local hotel.
On completion of the course you will be guaranteed work with one of the employers all around Australia who need extra help.
You will get much more out of this than just a job – you will learn new skills and see parts of Australia you can only imagine.

You have to admit... the program sounds cool. I mean who have you met that can say that they worked a couple of months on an Aussie Vineyard or Ranch... well hopefully I will be able to do that. And to be honest... I am young, unattached... no kids to speak of.... and well... I don't want to look back on my life at 40 or 50 and think "shoulda, woulda, coulda". I am trying hard to live my life without regrets... and well.. this program sounds sooo cool.

I am going to apply for it in January... so I still have time to save some cash for the entrance fee ($1800)... and the flight of course. And I would like to leave from Canada and not from Korea... that way I can take a mini-vacation and visit with family and friends before I am off again!

Anyhoo... that is all on my end.

5 day vacation starts tomorrow... with the infamous full body massage coming up on Tuesday.

Until next post...

Cheers!

The 411 - Here's the skinny

So many people have asked what are the problems I am encountering with my school... and I have deliberately been vague on that issue... since I don't want to speak ill of the company or any of its employees (Karma can be a real bitch!)
But... after much consideration (careful consideration to be exact)... I thought that I would vaguely outline what is happening... so that if anyone ever finds themself in my situation.... well perhaps after reading this they won't.
The problem is basically this: the school is just refusing to honor certain things in the contract (such as vacation and working hours) and well... it is a pretty tense situation right now.
There is a foreign lawyer in Seoul that deals especially with this stuff... and I think that on Friday I am going to make a journey over to see him... if not for some advice on contract resolution and compromise... than perhaps... well I just need some legal advice right now.
For all those people coming to Korea to work as an English teacher... and especially those going through a recruiting firm... READ your contract fully before signing it! Don't expect that the recruiting firm will have crossed all the T's and dotted all the I's for you... because they too are a business... and well... money is the root of all evil, right?!
I went on the EFL Lawsite (a Legal Site for Teacher's Abroad)... and found that many of the things that I agreed to in my contract were not (for lack of a better word) "good" and that I should have never had agreed to certain things.
So this is taken directly from the EFL Site... advising foreign teachers what to make sure you have and don't have stated in your contract (Trust me... if I had seen this site before hand... a lot of my headache would be gone right now).

The following points are what you are looking for in your contract:

a) vacation time - at least 10 working days plus national holidays
b) sick leave - left to each individual contract - if no SL ask that at least 3 days be written in
c) working hours - this clause should be very specific and detailed
d) penalty clauses - ask that they be removed
e) Length of Contract: Note also that under the LSA, the term of an employment contract cannot be longer than one year, except in cases where there is no fixed term or where a fixed term is necessary to complete a certain project.
f) Termination: Note also that an Employee cannot be fired, laid off, or suspended without a "justifiable" cause. Breach of the criminal code, and neglecting one's duties (see further below) would all constitute "justifiable" causes. The Employer can, however, dismiss workers for administrative reasons such as when there is a transfer, merger, or acquisition of the business.
g) Dismissal Notice: The Employer should give at least 30 days notice of dismissal. Otherwise the Employer must pay the ordinary wages for at least thirty days.
h) Record keeping: The Employer should keep all related documents to Employees for at least three years.
h) Neglecting One's Duties. This clause has sometimes been used by Employers to remove foreign teachers from the contract. Some of the better EFL contracts give clear guidelines to Employee's as to what would constitute Neglecting One's duties; viz, a) conducting classes in an intoxicated state (b) sexual advances towards students (c) the employee's effectiveness in attracting and retaining students is paramount to the interest of the business. The instructor will be placed on 30 days probation if any serious complaints are received from the student/parent concerning that student's instructor. Further complaints during the probationary period will result in the instructor receiving 30 days notice of contract termination.

To avoid a real headache... especially when you are in a strange and foreign land... make sure that most (if not all) of these things are present in your contract... also make sure that the contract states what recourse you have if the company refuses to honor it's end of the contract... and make sure that it is clearly laid out for the both of you... Avoid ambiguity!
If you follow my warnings... trust me... you'll thank me if anything goes awry while overseas.

Anywhere but here!

So as soon as I think that I am making some headway with my contract and my school... another curve ball comes along. I thought that I had done everything right... I thought that by coming through a recruiter I would be avoiding a lot of these problems and this undo stress... I guess I was wrong. The initial bliss of Korea is vastly fading... I want to go home! At least there is the weekend to look forward too... right?!?
To quote a good friend: Don't mean to complain... it's just been one of those days

90 minutes of Bliss!

Things with my health... I think... are slowly improving. I am bringing my water bottle with me almost everywhere and am managing to drink at least 3 to 4 bottles a day... still not great... but better than before.
Last Saturday I went to Itaewon with Liz and Shelena. I was going to go to the International Clinic for a check up.. but alas it had closed earlier that morning... so... we all went to the Spa and had our eyebrows waxed. This event for me was great... since... well most Koreans don't wax their eyebrows... they use some form of a weird razor and shave them into shape. So needless to say... when I found out the Spa offered waxing services I jumped all over it... I mean hey I'm French! and really I am a strong believer that one should always have 2 eyebrows.
As we were waiting our turn to have the waxing... we were leafing through the Spa's catalogue and saw that they did Massage packages.
So... since next week is both pay week and a small vacation... I made a reservation to have a 90 minute full body aroma therapy massage and facial. Sigh... even saying it is relaxing! Though the package is a tad expensive (150 000 Won)... I think that it will be well worth it... especially since I have decided to take more care of myself and put me first.
I can't wait until the 16th at 3pm... that is when it is... and I will be in relaxation bliss. Trust me... it is long overdue.
In other news... I think that I am going to go to Thailand for Christmas. I mean it is pretty depressing to be alone at Christmas as it is right?!?... so might as well make an adventure out of it. We have to book pretty soon though... since Christmas is high for foreign visitors.
Things with the Hagwan are getting a lot better. I think I finally had to just relax and stop imposing my western views upon this country... once I started doing that... a lot of the self created stress has dicipated.
Anyhoo... that is all that is new on my end thus far. Really things right now are pretty mundane... as I have settled into somewhat of a daily routine... and feel that I am no longer a tourist.
Hopefully next week will be more exciting.
Cheers!

Country Girl at Heart

So on Friday there was an altercation between an American and an outspoken Canadian at Wa Bar... and as I watched the situation unravel... this song came into my head...
yah... I'm a country girl at heart.

The world needs a drink

-Terri Clarke

Turn on the TV

More crime in the streets

More trouble in the middle east

And fires out west

Politicians slingin dirt

Got descension in the church

Another law suit in the works

Man you talk about a mess

Too much tension between miss liberty and the eiffel tower

Its about time we all made up at some big happy hour

I think the world needs a drink

I think enoughs enough

Shes been spinnin around so long i think she's pretty wound up

Calm down, sit back, relax

Tear up the contracts and save the ink

Yeah I think the world needs a drink

I bet we'd get somethin done

Over 2 for ones

Rubbin elbows with the big guns

Wouldn't that be cool?

Call all the rich and the poor

The peace keepers and the warlords

We'll cut some deals over nothing more

Than a shot of 90 proof

There ain't nothin wrong a few cold beers can't iron out

In fact you tell me just when and where and I'll buy the first round

I think the world needs a drink

I think enoughs enough

Shes been spinnin around so long I'd say she's pretty wound up

Let's all calm down sit back relax

Tear up the contracts and save the ink

Yeah I think the world needs a drink

Whoo!(Instrumental)

Hey let's all calm down sit back relax

Tear up the contracts and save the ink

Yeah I think the world needs

Dont you think the world needs

A couple drinks

I know I do

Yeah thats right