Brian Gorenstein – 2010 – An American in South Korea

To be honest when i started thinking about coming to teach English in South Korea, it made me very nervous. That coupled with some unfortunate family issues prior to my leaving almost made me decide not to come. Looking back, that would have been a terrible decision. With a lot of patience and help from Reach To Teach, in particular, Gillian Benjamin,who was very understanding and sympathetic,I made it here, and I am so happy. This past year in Korea has been one of the best years of my life!

I came to Korea in March 2010 and I am currently employed through EPIK(English Program In Korea). My apartment is nice for one person, and it is a 5 minute walk from my school. I teach at Hagik Elementary school in Incheon. My school is great. I have 3 co-teachers all with their own unique styles of teaching. I have not had any problems co-teaching with them. All of the other teachers at the school are really nice. They all go out of their way to make me feel welcome. Most importantly, the students are great..most days. They love me so much, and they are really cute, it really makes me feel great to walk in there and be so appreciated. I have heard some horror stories about bad schools, so I am thankful to Reach to Teach for placing me in a good one.

Life out here is usually low stress, work is good, nightlife is good, the foods good, there is always a sense of adventure, Koreans are really nice, and Korean girls are beautiful, I even managed to find myself a Korean girlfriend. Get out here and have an amazing experience you’ll never forget!

– Brian Gorenstein