Got a job, and I'm really glad

HIYA!

Just got a job, and I'm feeling really good about it. The name of the school is Kids English School. The name of the director is Mun. It's on Jeju Island, the island I've been wanting to work on. I will start no earlier than Sept 5th.

Mr. Mun and I have sent about 30 emails back and forth. I told him early on that I am being very careful because of the things I've read about teaching ESL in Korea. Horrifying stories. I told Mr. Mun that I didn't want to have any of that. I made it very clear and told him some of my goals and reasons for doing all that I'm doing. He was understanding and cooperative from the beginning.

A few nights ago I decided that I'd take the job. I asked myself how I felt about taking the job and since I felt fine I decided to just take the job. But, I decided to ask a few questions about the contract before writing to accept the job. So I sent off 3 or 4 questions. Nothing major. Just little questions.

After answering my questions he declined to accept me! I was shocked. So I wrote to him telling him that I was shocked and that I thought it was odd that after all these emails and after telling him why I was so cautious that he'd say no to me.

That's when the shoe seemed to be on the other foot. Before I accepted, he was the one who was saying that he wanted me to work for him. Then after he declined, it was ME saying that I wanted to work for him. This was also odd. But I haven't told him.

Anyway, just earlier today, we both agreed that we are pleased and satisfied with our decisions and that we feel we'll work well together now that we've been open with each other. Yeah, he's been open with me in saying that he has had rotten experiences with foreign teachers. Really some bad ones. I understand him too. I've read lots and lots on the internet and realize there are teachers doing rotten things, just like there are school owners / directors doing rotten things. I told him I understand his position too.

He wrote in his email that he'd never been asked such questions that I asked. I was surprised. I've read on the internet that a person should get these certain things clarified before signing. I didn't ask that many questions and there were plenty of things on that list of things you should clarify that I didn't mention to Mr. Mun. Too many questions, my questions were too picky, or, just what I don't know. But, just the same I feel he is an honest person and will not try to cheat me at all. He has me convinced that he'll be a better-than-decent boss. I really believe him. We talked on the phone once and he has a nice voice. He has written to me saying that he has done this and that for teachers in the past. Of course, none of this is any guarantee. Even now, how do I know that he's not a swindler and big fat thief? I don't. But I am sure. I'm confident. I trust.

The school offers an apartment that is fully furnished and paid for. I pay for utilities. I don't pay rent. This is typical in Korea. I've read that some of the accomodations that schools provide is just better than slum quality. But this place is very very nice. Two bedrooms, one living room, and a kitchen. A bathroom too, of course. It overlooks the ocean and is between the ocean and a beautiful mountain. 15 minute drive from the school. The owners live in the same area as my apt so can drive me back and forth. But buses are convenient and there's a bus stop right in front of the apt. It's a nice quiet place and Mr. Mun is sure I'll be pleased with it.

I'll be teaching kids aged 7 to 17. Monday to Friday 2 to 8 pm. Class size will be around 10 kids. 50 minutes with a 10 minute break. Mr. Mun has written books that I can use. He's had them published by a major publishing company here in Korea. He has lots of experience teaching in public schools but got burned out doing it. Even this line of work - managing and teaching at his own private school - is tiring, he says. He says the kids are motivated.

Teaching at this camp should not be anything like the school. And that's good!! I'll write in the next entry about teaching here the camp.

Lovings (what's that?!),
Troy.