Gyeongsangbuk-do Orientation

So 5 days of gyeongbuk orientation! it has been more than crazy! Our lectures began at 9 am and ended and 9 pm. Then we would norebang till 11pm!!! I was able to learn more about Korea and teaching through this orientation. I tried on a hanbok ( traditional Korean wear) , eat Kimchi, eat rice cakes, and take a tour of Daegu!! I also through this orientation got to meet the Korean co-scholars of Gyeongbuk and have made many friends. It was the perfect relief for me and most other scholars to have a chance to make connections before we go off to our schools. Some of us are lucky with 6 other scholars in their city. Others are the only scholar in their city. However we are all blessed with this opportunity to TaLK- Teach and Learn in Korea!

Orientation overview

Feb 14th

 One week of orientation so far and it has been such an adventure. Some of the best activities have been taekwondo, paper crafts. Korean music, and traditional painting. I have also taken many classes about teaching and tips for classroom management. The idea of teaching is extremely exciting although I am really  nervous to meet my students. In my assigned school I only have 100 students total, very rural. My city is mungyeong and it is located smack -dab in the middle of Korea.  My city is know for ceramics which I hope to get involved in while I am there. Also I have recently discovered the the program can reimburse or pay for. Ultralight experiences I have in Korea. For example if I take Korean language courses I could ( possibly) get the class paid for! Maybe taekwondo! Or a field trip to a popular festival!!! I am so excited for the possibilities.

Feb 16
There was more lectures. Some of them were on storytelling, classroom management, and English camps in Korea. The last week of the main orientation we will practice teaching techniques. Then we will all separate a bit to another week of orientation in our assigned provinces. 

Feb 20th 
The teaching activities went really well and I got a chance to practice. The past week of orientation really brought confidence and drive to do well in our assigned schools!! 

Feb 24th
Last day of the main orientation! It was a great and sad day!! We had the farewell ceremony and the. We all got into our district buses and drove off to another 5 day orientation in our province!! 

Intro to Korea

Alright Korea!!! So the plane ride was long but it was the most comfortable flight I have ever been on. I didn't even NEED to brink smack because they fed us so much on that plane.
After arriving in Korea I quickly found the talk orientation leaders and met my friend Miok! Then we went and had my favorite food- bulgogi. The most delicious beef marinated in a sweet bbq sauce and cooked by yourself! That's right, an open little grill with coals and everything. You through it together with some lettuce and spicy sauce and then feed other people( it happens in Korea:/). Then I headed off to the orientation location in Jochiwon.
Since my arrival in Korea I have been to Gyeongbuk Palace, karaoking, Insadong - street shopping, walked down the chunggyecheon stream and seen the giant statue of Admiral Lee and King Sejong, and to the largest subway bookstore. I have also eaten more spicy food then I normally can handle but my body is quickly ajusting to the new foods.
Today was the official opening ceremony for the 8th generation talk scholars. IT WAS AWESOME! We saw a traditional performance of farmers music and entertainment. They had such great skill and performed some amazing things from the ribbon attached to their hats. Then we saw a taekwondo demonstration. Cutest and coolest thing I have ever seen. They were so young but demonstrated so much skill. Then the got humourous by dancing but still using taekwondo. The dance to 4 minute and
super junior and then the all shuffled. EVERYDAY I'M SHUFFELING!! It was extremely entertaining and I am so excited for whatever comes next!!