2010 was a great year for me.
I spent a lot of quality time with friends and family
Went to Puerto Vallarta… twice
GRADUATED from university
and went on a cruise!
What’s in store for 2011…
For many years I have dreamed of living somewhere overseas. I considered many options, but teaching English seemed like the way to go. I did a lot of research and weighed the pros and cons of each possible country I could teach in and I finally decided on South Korea. In October 2010 I began the application process to apply for EPIK (English Program in Korea). EPIK places Guest English Teachers in public schools all across the country.
The entire process is very long and costly. The application was 10 pages long and required me to write an essay. I also had to gather documents, including a state and FBI background check, transcripts from every college I’ve attended, passport photos, a resume, letters of recommendation, etc. I had to get documents apostilled (and had to learn what the heck an apostille is). But most of all, I had to have patience. After submitting my application, I was interviewed. The interview lasted about 20 minutes and I felt like it went pretty well. Two days later, on my way back from a trip to Austin to get documents apostilled, I was notified that I passed my interview.
After passing an EPIK interview, all documents must be sent to South Korea for review. Placements are made on a first come, first serve basis so it’s important to get everything in early to secure a desirable placement (you know… somewhere that isn’t out in the middle of nowhere). My documents were in by the first week in November… and I waited… and waited… and waited. Placements are not guaranteed so for months I was on pins and needles. I was given final confirmation of placement in early January and my contract arrived a few weeks later. I immediately sent my visa application to the Korean Consulate General in Houston and within days I had my visa back and booked a one way flight to South Korea.
So, ladies and gentlemen, for the next year I will be living in Busan, South Korea. I leave in less than 2 weeks (February 15) and I will be in Korea until February 26, 2012. Once I’m in Korea I will go through a week long orientation in Busan and on the last day I will find out what school I will be teaching at, and what age level. I will also get to meet my co-teacher, and possibly the rest of my co-workers.
I am a level 2 teacher, which means I will make 2 million won every month. My school will provide me with my own apartment, and I will only be responsible to pay utilities and maintenance fees (if charged by my apartment). I will be living in Busan, which is the second largest city in South Korea, so there will be plenty of things to do and see.
I will be updating my blog constantly before I leave so please check back soon. If you have any questions for me, please leave a comment below. I’m going to try to update again tomorrow with more information about Busan.
Thanks for reading!
Life Outside of Texas 
yayyy cant wait!!!
see you in korea!!^^
Meg…I absolutely love this! It brought a tear to my eye 😦 I’m so proud of you and wish you all the best. Love you!!
That’s awesome! Congrats!
You are going to have such a fantastic time! Makes me think I should be more adventurous!!!
Hi Megan,
I am very excited that you started this blog. One of Erin’s peace corps buddies blogged very consistently and I loved reading it every morning with my coffee. I look forward to sharing your adventure! Your time in Korea will be a life-changing experience. Enjoy!
Meagan,
I’m so excited for you! Thanks for sharing. Gosh, by making 2 million won a month, you will be a multi-millionaire in a matter of a few months. 🙂
Many blessings,
Jeanine
What an amazing adventure you’re about to begin!! Have a GREAT time, Meagan. 😀
What a great idea, Meagan! I am looking forward to hearing all about it, and am glad that you are in the southern part of S. Korea. You must explain the equivalent of ‘wons’ however!
Meagan, I could not be more excited for you! You will come to find South Korea is full of genuinely good, kind people and what a beautiful country it is.
If you ever get the chance, take a tour of the DMZ and visit one of the traditional villages. Yes it’s touristy but it explains a lot of their customs and history.
Oh I am green with envy!!
I’m so happy for you MegMeg! I can’t wait to read all your adventures. It’s so exciting! Don’t forget about us here in the States. We love you so much.
Ooo I really like the way this post turned out! I like all your picturessss. Less than 2 weeks AH!
Meagan, I’m so happy for you. I really enjoyed
your story about all the steps you went through to achieve your goal. You will make a wonderful teacher for your students. Can’t wait to hear more! Do clue us in on “wons”…..Best wishes from TX!
Joan
i am so excited for you. you have worked so hard to get to this point. i cant wait to see the pictures from there. best of luck to you and ur adventure. it will be something that you will never forget
Sam
I will miss you more than you will ever know.
Aw, Meg you are going to do great things in this world and I am so happy that you have accomplished the goals you wanted for your self and are following your dreams to achieve the others. It sounds so exciting and fun to travel the world and by the pictures it is so beautiful over there. I hope you have the best time and take lots of pretty pictures. Be safe. I cant wait to hear about it all. Big hugs and kisses.