Khadijah Anderson – 2009 – Teaching with EPIK in South Korea

안녕하세요! Making the decision to come to Korea to teach was a good one. I knew the opportunity to work in another country would give me the experiences of being a teacher, learning new culture and language. I had never traveled outside of the United States before and knew I wanted to experience something exciting and challenging. Reach to Teach provided the steps to make teaching in Korea a reality.

I came to Korea in August 2009 and am currently employed under EPIK (English Program in Korea). Last semester I taught grades four through six in elementary school. This semester I teach grades five and six. So far it has been a great experience. Teaching is most rewarding when you see the student understands the information given and is able to use it while communicating. There’s never a class that isn’t filled with laughter. It’s my opinion that being a teacher gives you the chance to also be a student. I’m amazed at what types of things I learn every day.

Korea is a great place to work. Not only are you able to live within your means, you’re able to send money home, save money and travel in and outside the country without worry.

I’ve been in the city of Gwangju for seven months and I love my job. How many twenty-two year olds can say that? In less than five months I knew that Korea was the place for me and that I’d be staying another year. Because of that decision, I’ve signed up for an online TEFL so that I can learn more about what it is that I do. I must say that I’m very happy here. I have good friends, places to go, things to do and not much to worry about. I call that living the life.