Teens are the same in every country

Korea has VERY high standards for their students of all ages. Many start attending kindergarten at the age of 4. Starting in first grade they begin to attend a 학원 (hagwon; private after school schools) for all sorts of subjects. English, Math, Piano, etc. Anyways.... you get the idea that Korean kids need have a lot to do.

I found myself wondering many things: Do they have free time? If so what do they do? Are they so tired that they just sleep?

Well, on Saturday I was pleased to find out that teenagers around the world need time to relax. (Maybe this should have been an obvious thing, but I had not witnessed until this day.) I went with a friend to this place with rock pools to swim in.

While there we saw a few groups of teenage boys there just hanging out. I didn't think much of it at first, but then I began to think about how their school work. I wondered why they weren't at home studying or doing something academic as many students do on the weekends. Here were these high school boys swimming, smoking cigarettes, and drinking beer. Wow! It reminds of American high school life. Teens getting away from their parents for a few hours to feel rebellious and relax. 

This was so refreshing to see, because from an outsider perspective it seems that all Korean students do is work, work, work. It was kind of a wake up call to me that said, "Britta, remember what it was like to be a teenager? These people are teens now and want to do the same things."

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Well, the rest of my weekend was quite eventful. We went to see a waterfall near these rock swimming pools. On Sunday I went to Tongyeong, a coastal city, with my Korean friend Christopher (Chiho) for some fun.

Tongyeong

Tomorrow is July 1st.... WOW!

A citizen of the world

After nearly 9 months in Korea, it is time to decide what my next venture will be in my life. The first questions many expats in Korea have asked me is "Will you stay another year in Korea?" My initial reaction to this question was sure, why not, but after much more thought and consideration I realized that teaching English is not my thing. Yes, my job is not too hard and the kids are wonderful but it doesn't satisfy my heart and soul.

The next question most expats here would ask is "Well, are you gonna spend some time traveling after you finish your contract?"
My gut reaction is YES I WANT TO TRAVEL!!!! I was lucky to travel to Thailand over my winter vacation, but I recall that one of the reasons I wanted to come to Korea was to travel around Asia more easily. I also spent much time debating whether I thought I would travel or just go home for a bit. Finally, I realized that the traveling (in small or large capacities) truly makes me happy. I am beginning to plan some SE Asian travels for when I am finished with my contract (Sept. 14). My tentative plan is to travel for 2 months and then head home. We will see about the destinations after I figure out costs/budget, but I filled with joy and butterflies just thinking about this new journey :)

Perhaps not the most informative blog, but I want to just share my thoughts about my life here is East Asia.

Also, I realized I have not done a Korea food blog. This will be soon to come!!!

Cobbers in Korea

In May, thanks to Buddha's birthday, we had a long weekend. I traveled up to Seoul to attend the Seoul Jazz Festival and to visit with some Cobbers.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with what a 'Cobber' is I should fill you in. My university mascot was a cob of corn named Kernel Cobb, so thus our name was the Concordia Cobbers. 

I knew that there were other Cobbers teaching in Korea, but this was the first time we were able to get together. I have been blessed with many new, beautiful friends in Korea, but there is nothing like interacting with people you have known for longer than a few months AND people who share that Concordia bond.

We spent 3 bliss filled days in Seoul with excellent music, food, and of course company. This mini-vacation reminded me of how special it was to attend a school that emphasized being globally engaged citizens. Across the Pacific one year after graduation we were able to meet and immediately connect. Wow! I know some people are happy to have friends from the same state/country here in Korea but these are people whom graduated from the same small, liberal arts school in Minnesota. :) It still blows my mind!

Kate, Stefan, Me, Ellen

Cobber Rings '12

This also made me think about all of the Cobbers around the world right now that I know! People whom are living out the mission statement and upholding the love of learning that Concordia instilled in us. Again, Wow!

"The purpose of Concordia College is to influence the affairs of the world by sending into society thoughtful and informed men and women dedicated to the Christian life."

Soli Deo Gloria