Got my visa!

So I just finished my interview! I was semi-nervous because no matter how many posts say it is a piece of cake, you are always nervous because what if this interview is different? (I'll just go with what my coach said: You're nervous because you care.) However, my friend was correct. I had no reason to worry. Now that that part is done, my next step: Getting my flight information from my recruiter. Ahhh!....did I mention I'm so excited?...

Got my Visa Issuance Number!

So this is officially my second post. I have not written in a long time because nothing was going on. I was awaiting my visa number (getting a little nervous) then learned that I received it on Tuesday. The crazy part is that I still had to go to Chicago for the interview (boo to you Minneapolis), so this is how the events occurred, are occurring, and will occur:

Tuesday: Found out my number
Wednesday: In the morning, I bought my ticket to Chicago (thank you Priceline!) after checking with my cousin about her schedule
Thursday: I am in Chicago now, hanging with relatives
Friday: At 10:50am, I have my "interview" at the Consulate

Slowly, but surely, it is becoming a reality to me. I don't really think I will feel the full scope of this adventure until I step onto Korea.

Well, with that, I will let you all know how the interview went tomorrow.

In the beginning....

This is a blog to share my experience as a black female in a small city in Korea. I found other people's blogs very interesting and useful in my research for Korea, so I am hoping I can help someone with mine.

And so it begins:

I have always wanted to go abroad to live and work, but never knew how to get there. Then one day, my friend told me about teaching in Korea (she did it for a year) and the idea just stayed with me. I thought about grad school, moving back to Georgia, etc, but the opportunity to go abroad, work with students, make money, and explore a new culture was so exciting and would not leave my mind, so I took the leap.

I began the search for a job in March, after hearing that I did not get into the one grad program that I applied to. But it is fine with me because everything happens for a reason. (Plus, I have so many interests that if one does not work out, I can easily move to the next one.) I turned down two teaching positions in Korea because they did not spark my interest. However, after searching, I found a job working at an elementary school in Gapyeong, SK. Which brings me to today.

I am officially on the path to go to Korea. I sent off my documents to Korea today to my recruiter so that I can obtain my Visa Issuance Number. Hopefully I get it next week.

I am very excited for the position. For a small city (about 55,000 total and 10,000 in my area) I am surprised to have already met another black female who works at the middle school (through the Brothas&Sistas of Korea facebook group). I am happy to have a connection before I even get there.

Also, I have spoken with the current teacher, so I am feeling good about the teaching part of the job.

All in all, everything is good. Now, all I need to find out is if I can do a video/Skype interview instead of going to Korean Consulate in Chicago. I doubt it, but there is the rumor going around that it may be a possibility, so it doesn't hurt to ask. (I'll keep you posted on the outcome).

Well, that is it for now. Just wanted to start my first blog.