Subject: Contract
Date: Wed, 27 Dec 2006 11:26:53 +0900
Hi

I just wanted to check that you received my email with the contract! If you have already faxed it you will need to do so again as I haven't received it yet. I hope you are doing well.
Kindest Regards,Jason Nieuwoudt
================
Subject: RE: Contract
Date: Wed, 27 Dec 2006 03:50:05 +0000
Hi Jason. Yes, I received it. I'll fax that tonight after work, about 3 hours from now. Thank you. :)
================
Sent: Thursday, December 28, 2006 9:16 AM
To: jasonn@cdimail.net
Subject: RE: Contract

Hi Jason. I faxed the contract this afternoon. Did you receive it?
================
Subject: RE: Contract
Date: Thu, 28 Dec 2006 10:08:49 +0900

Oops...Shannon, when did you say you would be able to send off your documents for the E2 visa? I forgot!
Regards, Jason
================
Sent: Friday, December 29, 2006 4:06 AM
To: Jason Nieuwoudt
Subject: RE: Contract

Hi Jason. The only thing I do not have yet is my passport; I sent it off to be renewed and it should be coming in the mail any day now. Everything else on the list I have. If you'd like me to mail the other things, do let me know and I'll do that today or tommorrow.

• Original University Degree
• 2 Official University Transcripts (signed/sealed on the back cover flap)
• 4 passport size photos
• A copy of your passport (the photo and signature page only)

=================

Sent:Fri 12/29/06 1:06 AM
Hi S,

How are you? It’s absolutely freezing here in Seoul. Anyway, if the passport is in the mail, let’s wait for that first and then send the whole lot. If I don’t speak to you before New Years, have a great one and take care.

Regards,
Jason

i GOT a job!

happy holidays! i got a job with cdi!

im super hype, y'all. i've been offered a job in one of the 7 seoul/kyunggi cdi main branches which is exactly what i wanted. i start in february. i've opted for being paid hourly. with hourly, you'll get a minimum of 96 hours a month. i've opted for hourly b/c i want to enjoy my first year. i may not work as many hours as others in a month, but so what, money will come. i can use that time to explore korea. ah man, remember when i was working to find a job in japan and was turned down? twice? im so glad for that now. so, im awaiting my passport, and awaiting my diploma from my university. i already have my transcripts. i signed and faxed the cdi contract the other day. i bought my ticket to seoul a couple days ago. my last day at my job is feb 3rd. i leave for seoul on feb 16th. dance, banana, dance!

Date: Thu, 21 Dec 2006 12:07:56 +090
Dear S,

I hope this email finds you well. I also wanted to find out if you would be able to arrive in Korea in the middle of February. The reason why I ask is that the new term begins on the 27th February and I would be able to offer you a position at that time. Your original request for early March means that you would be coming in after the beginning of the new term which makes it difficult to find a position. Please let me know if coming in a little earlier is a possibility so we can begin placing you.
Regards,
Jason
===============
Sent: Thursday, December 21, 2006 2:35 PM
To: Jason Nieuwoudt
Subject: RE: CDI

Yes, I can come in February. Just give me a date. Thanks! :)
================
Subject: RE: CDI
Date: Thu, 21 Dec 2006 15:08:33 +0900
Dear S,

That is wonderful news indeed. I am so glad you will be joining us.

I have attached the official application form with consent form (we do a degree check on all our instructors) and MOU for you to sign and fax back to me as soon as possible. I will need you to come on the 16, 17 or 18th February so you can begin training on the 19th. In this regard I need you to send me your confirmed flight itinerary as soon as possible so your position will be secured. Your first day of teaching will be February 27th with the new term so you can be assured a full schedule and will be able to make some very good money.

please also send me your docs (use FedEx or DHL that’s registered) for your E2 visa process. For this I need the following:

• Original University Degree
• 2 Official University Transcripts (signed/sealed on the back cover flap)
• 4 passport size photos
• A copy of your passport (the photo and signature page only)
  

I am certain that you will be very happy at one of our very own branches and wanted you to know that this is the best start for someone who is looking for other opportunities within the company.

Kindest Regards,Jason

===================
Sent: Thursday, December 21, 2006 3:48 PM
To: Jason Nieuwoudt
Subject: RE: CDI

Hi Jason. I am still awaiting my passport (i sent it off to be renewed a couple of weeks ago), and I am still awaiting a copy of my degree. It may be another 5 weeks before I receive the degree, my school has an ungodly long wait period. Will that be OK? I do have official transcripts and passport photos. I will work on getting a flight and fax it to you as soon as I can. Tomorrow afternoon, I will fax these forms you've emailed me, and I can FedEx the transcripts and photos if that's OK without the passport and degree. I do have a photocopy of my old passport, but it's listed to expire in July and it's a very ugly photo.
=====================
Subject: RE: CDI
Date: Thu, 21 Dec 2006 16:04:20 +0900
Hi S,

Don’t worry, I am sure things will work out as long as we are able to get all your docs by the end of January. This gives us about a week to process your visa and gives you a few days to get the visa from the embassy (call them and check how long this will take). I think its best to FedEx all the docs together.

The MOU and application form you can fax to me tomorrow as you said. The main thing is to get the flight itinerary so I can secure your position. Without this I cannot guarantee that the position will be available to you. You don’t need to fax the confirmed itinerary but can email it to me (some people just forward the confirmation email they get from the travel agent or online site.)

I also suggest getting on the case of the people at home affairs about your passport, and the university about your degree, as soon as possible.

PS. I don’t see how any photo you have can be ugly.

Regards, Jason
====================
Sent: Friday, December 22, 2006 3:15 AM
To: Jason Nieuwoudt
Subject: RE: CDI

Hello Jason. I'll be faxing the MOU and application form to you this afternoon, and once I book a flight, I'll forward you the email. I feel silly asking, but, I should be booking a flight to Seoul, right?
======================
Sent: Friday, December 22, 2006
Hi S,

In answer to your question, Yes! You should be buying a flight to Seoul. All I need now is your MOU and application form. Remember we do degree checks on all our teachers and also when you arrive you will take a mandatory health examination and drugs test.

I will be in touch with lots more information to make sure your transition over is smooth. Also remember to get out your docs to me by FedEx or DHL as soon as possible.

I am looking forward to your arrival.

Regards, Jason

Date: Thu, 21 Dec 2006 22:46:59 +0900
From: goodenglish1st@gmail.com
Subject: CDI has emailed you

Dear S
Hope you have been doing well. Jason who is a manager at CDI has emailed you regarding a teaching position at CDI. He has found it for you. I was glad to hear that. Please let me know your decision. Have a happy holiday...

Thanks and kind regards,
Cindy
===============
On 12/22/06
Hello Cindy. Yes, I received the email with the contract. I've signed it and will fax it to Jason this afternoon. Thank you so very much for all your assistance. :)
===============
Date: Fri, 22 Dec 2006 01:21:08 +0900
From: goodenglish1st@gmail.com
Subject: Re: CDI has emailed you

Dear S
I am glad that you've signed it.
I will check if Jason recieved it.
Have a good day.
Thanks and kind regards,
Cindy
================
12/22/06
Hi Cindy. Jason has received my faxed application and MOU, yesterday i bought my ticket to Seoul, and I've just received the CDI contract from Jason via email this morning. Thank you again so much for setting this up and for all your help.
=================
12/22/06
Dear S

Sounds great. I believe you will be an excellent teacher in Korea^^
Please recommend me your friends who may be interested in teaching in Korea.
Let's meet someday after March :)
Have a great holiday and a happy new year!!

Thanks and kind regards,
Cindy

On 11/21/06
Hi Cindy! I just finished my interview with CDI, I think it went well! I'm very excited, they seem to be as professional and thorough as their reputation exudes. I hope they will find me a worth while candidate. Thank you so much for setting up this interview, I think this is exactly the right opportunity for me and I'm eager to see how this develops. Thanks again!
================
11/21/06
Dear
I was glad to hear that the interview was successful.
The manager will send you the essay questionnaires to complete.
The better essay is the more money you can make, as it has direct baring on the salary scale.
I hope it works well.

Thanks and kind regards,
Cindy
==================
Date: Tue, 5 Dec 2006 23:31:06 +0900
From: goodenglish1st@gmail.com
Subject: Re: Interview at 11:30pm Korean time on Tuesday(your Monday evening)

Dear
Hope everything is going well with you.
I believe you will work for the CDI next year.
Thanks and kind regards,

Cindy
======================
On 12/6/06
Hi Cindy! I've not heard from CDI, are you sure I am to have a job there next year? If so, that is fantastic news! I'm ready to sign a contract! :)
=====================
Date: Sat, 16 Dec 2006 01:46:47 +0900
From: goodenglish1st@gmail.com
Subject: Re: Interview at 11:30pm Korean time on Tuesday(your Monday evening )

Dear
Hope all is well with you.
Please let me know how it is going with the CDI position.
I hope to hear from you.
Thanks and kind regards,

Cindy
from Good English
========================
Date: Wed, 6 Dec 2006 10:08:12 +0900
Dear S
How are you? I heard from Cindy that you were concerned as you hadn't heard from me, please don't be. As you are only available in March your application will only be able to get a firm confirm on the location closer to the time. I very much enjoyed our conversation and am certain we will find a location for you. I am excited to have you on board the CDI team. I will be able to have a better idea of the location and position after Christmas I hope. If you would like me to call you by phone and speak regarding this please let me know a time when I may call.

Regards,Jason
=======================
Sent: Wednesday, December 06, 2006 10:23 AM
To: Jason Nieuwoudt
Subject: RE: CDI Holdings

Hello Jason. Thank you so much for emailing. You don't need to call, this email is good enough for me, I AM SO EXCITED!!! Thank you so much, I'll be waiting to hear from you as it gets closer to March. Thanks again!
=====================
Sent:Fri 12/15/06 8:34 PM
To: CindyPark (goodenglish1st@gmail.com)

Hello Cindy! Thank you for your email, and THANK YOU for confirming CDI for me. Jason, the person I did the phone interview with, promptly emailed me and let me know that a contract should be ready sometime after Christmas. The delay was because I am not coming to Korea until March, so placement for me would have to wait a bit. As soon as I get further information, I will email you. Thanks again! :)

privacy

i've read a lot on eslcafe about overall lack of privacy in korea. im only familiar with this from my trips to west africa. you could go to the market in the morning, and by lunch, the waiter who you've met maybe once says to you, "Oh, i heard you've visited our market this morning!" it's not malicious, but rather it's small town stuff and foreigners are so easy to spot and track. so, some tips on privacy. this will of course be updated as i experience things myself.

• if the school gave you living quarters, they probably have an extra set of keys. not much you can do i suppose, but if you have a keypad type lock, change the code and keep it to yourself. keep your door locked when youre at home. it's korean habit to just enter a home without bothering to knock, or knock after entering.
  

• consider having an additional bank account. the school opens an account for you and you'll be paid via direct deposit. keep this account for this and local bill paying only. use a second account at a different bank to store your savings or wiring money. i've read accounts of visiting the bank in the morning, and in the afternoon, you'll see an email or your boss will ask you why you sent so much money home that day. again, not for malicious reason, but just wanting to know.
  

• if you teach private esl lessons on the side, keep that cash at home. unless you have an F2, F4, or F5 visa, it is illegal to work outside of your school. ive heard that this is how immigration will see youre doing this, by seeing all that extra money in your bank account that came out of nowhere.

• careful of the web pages you may browse at work. dont look at porn or the like whilst on the clock. maybe dont check your email or eslcafe or any page where you register; if you forget to log out, the next Joe Schmo may hop on and browse through all your business. do your web surfing at home, or at the local pc bang.
  

• always be nice. you may not know that person smiling or waving at you, and it does get tiresome being this american celebrity, but that doesnt mean it's ok to be an ass. make a little conversation, be friendly, and apologize profusely for having to jet off so soon.
  

i think i gots a job

hello blog world! the school emailed me with, "rest assured. as you are only availble in march, your application will only be able to get a firm confirm on the location closer to that time.... i am excited to have you on the team." yeah, me! i've not told anyone yet, no friends, no family. i dont want to say much more until i get the contract which will be sometime after christmas. so i dont have much else to post about. i've been off the forums for quite some time, so i've nothing to pass on right now. happy holidays, everyone, i'll be back laters.

other abroad blogs

here are other blogs i read of folks abroad.

• my homegirl steph and her husband are in japan. one of my many inspirations for going abroad myself.
• an index of blogs from expats all over the world.

other korea blogs

not like i know everything.
do check out these other korea blogs.
this is the logo i made for my blog.
i couldnt figure out how to post this
in place of the blog title header.
ah, well, it's still pretty.

• some canadian guy i randomly found on a google search. i like his blog, tho.
• this one belongs to a korean woman, talking about her own american culture shock. pretty cool.
• i dont know this girl, she just commented on my blog one day. i thought she was really nice.
• this is kirk. looks like we'll be starting jobs in korea about the same time. well, he'll be there first.
• here are other korea esl teachers talking about the field of ESL, how to survive your one year contract, etc.
• and here is one about life in korea, not necessarily esl.
• here is an index solely of blogs about being in korea.
• http://www.expat-blog.com/, also has a forum.

Blogs of black folks abroad

it's a different experience being abroad if you're a person of color.

these are some blogs of my brothas and sistas elsewhere in the world.

have a blog yourself? shoot, let a sista know! i like these different flags.

• japan brotha harvey living and working in japan.
• france sista girlfriend in paris, ooh, la la!
• japan a sista in tokoyo. she only does podcasts now, but ah well.
• ms. world, who is everywhere.
• korea http://metropolitician.blogs.com/ i listened to a podcast "being black in seoul;" SPOT ON interview.
• korea** sista jane, who was the interviewee on metropoliticianblog. she stayed in korea 7years.
  
• latin america megan blogged about her year.
• i dont remember her name, but she is the black planeteer.
• china thank you jane for making me hip to the black guy in china. hella CUTE, too! damn, how far is china from seoul?
• japan this sista and her husband
• korea** http://sistershainseoul.blogspot.com/
• korea this sista has an incredibly sparse profile, i just know that she's in korea too.
• china http://chinanewbiee.blogspot.com/
• korea another sister in seoul, soul to seoul.
• korea** another http://keenascrusade.blogspot.com/
• korea** and another http://asiananjelcat.blogspot.com/ hi kisha!!!!
• korea** http://www.jahmeelah.wordpress.com/
• europe http://blackwomenineurope.blogspot.com/
• prague dude, prague! how awesome is that?! http://blackgirlinprague.blogspot.com
• korea http://joiasia.blogspot.com/
• china another brotha in china http://www.thebchand.com/thebchand/
• korea is this brotha's blog url silly or what? http://kissmykimchi.blogspot.com/
• http://stimpyyouidiot.blogspot.com/ this is alister, who travels around everywhere.
• korea http://kurichaninseoul.blogspot.com/ arriving july 2008.
• japan http://www.blacktokyo.com/ not a blog, but japan info for black people anyway.
• Namibia http://sojourner-stepbystep.blogspot.com/
• Columbia this brotha teaches english in Barranquilla http://fly-brother.blogspot.com/
• Japan http://fukuokabrotha.blogspot.com/ a single 30 yr old brotha speaking fluent japanese living in Japan
• korea http://jeredlyons.blogspot.com/
• korea** http://lilcreepysmiley.blogspot.com/ she's not creepy at all, really. :)
• europe (london) http://americanblackchickinlondon.blogspot.com
• korea this married couple in their 20's doing esl korea http://danntan.blogspot.com/
  

---------------------------

im not so good at posting my actual "life," like what i do for fun and such. my friends are, tho. so if the blogs above have a little **, it means that it's a person i actually know in real life, and they've probably done a better job of writing actual life experience of life here in seoul.

blogger beta.

i switched to blogger beta.
i lost a lot of my cool little customizations.
i dont like it. >:(

i dont have a job just yet

hello world. i think i will have an offer from cdi, the recruiter emailed me and said "i think you will have a job in cdi next year" but does that mean i DO have the job & her english is just a little off, or that might have a job and she's still awaiting an answer? during all this waiting, i thought a bit about my excitement & disappointment when i'd interviewed with both nova and aeon... and maybe bad news comes in threes, blah blah blah. if i dont get this one, i will get another one. the esl market in korea is huge. someone will hire me. positivity.

Tips for those on the job hunt.

here is a list of my more informative posts if you are on the esl job hunt yourself. let me know about broken links, or if you have a specific question or want to add to what i gots, do email me i_teach_esl@yahoo.com.

• the basic breakdown
  
• bssk: the fb group for black people in south korea
• essential paperwork
  
• listen to interviews from bssk (brothers and sisters in south korea)
• an interview about bssk on a local seoul radio station
• getting a cell phone
  
• getting a credit card.
• call home from your cell phone
• get all your living/working questions answered here.
• get cable tv/internet (in seoul)
• ifyou have a quick random question, call 02-1330.
• no 4 yr degree required to teach in korea.
• where sistas git they hair did.
• you want to come to korea with your kids.
• the bssk discussion board
• cheap flights to korea
• i wasnt offered a job at a couple of places, so take these interview tips under consideration...
• have a USA address while abroad a really great service for your mail.
• paperwork prep get these things in order once you decide to explore teaching abroad.
• aeon didnt hire me, but im sure it wasnt b/c of my kick ass sample lesson plan. do use it in your own classroom or interview. go on, it's ok, you have my blessing.
• send mail to korea
• the recruiters i used for my first korea job.
• keeping your privacy.
• where to live/work, where to live
  
• what to eat and eat.
• choose public school or hogwan job
• sending money home
• opening your korean bank account.
• put off your student loans.
• paying your bills here in korea (electric bill, rent, etc).
• what your housing looks like and more housing.
• getting your ARC- alien registration card.
• getting a medical exam
• pets
• how i got my visa
• keep these in your wallet always
• point to point subway directions.
• small noob tips.
• how the sista got a cell phone. holla!
• housecleaning/misc service.
• read about how i furnished my apt here.
• health insurance for cdi-ers.
• moving: rent a truck and get to your new place.
• taking a taxi.
• notes/artwork from my students. not useful to you, i know, but cute anyway.
• getting prozac. yeah, pills!
• replacing toys
• esl in thailand, for my own future reference.
• useful websites.
•