First Day of School 2.0

Monday 4^th March 2019, Namyangju, South Korea.

Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Jessica Stevens, I was born and raised in Manchester UK, and I am currently teaching English in a middle school in South Korea.

I started teaching here in March 2018 so today (Monday 4^th March 2019) is the first day of my second year teaching in Korea. It’s an interesting day full of mixed emotions. I see nervous freshman students walking around the school wide eyed as the seniors shout and barge down the corridor with the confidence of their previous years behind them. I’m excited too. Excited to see my fellow teachers after the winter holiday, excited to see the students I know but my feelings of anticipation are slightly tainted and bittersweet.

Many young teachers who I befriended in my first year have left for other schools or to pursue further studies. I’ll admit it’s a bit disappointing not seeing them walking around the corridors, but here in Korea it’s common practice for younger teachers to switch schools a lot; so in a way I knew these feelings were coming but I’m still going to miss the time we spent together in my first year.

But let’s not get too caught up in the past. I don’t know what this year will hold. It could be just as amazing and challenging as last year was. I’ll just have to wait and see. Anyway, duty calls; I’m off to discuss lesson plans…

Have you ever taught overseas? Where did you go? If not, would you like to? Sound off in the comments.