Well, I'm back on my blog after over a 6-month absence.
I've been keeping myself busy with working on my father's books. I've edited. I've translated then edited. And edited some more. Did I mention I edited? I was also involved in making and managing a Facebook page and a Google+ page for him (mostly to advertise his books). Feel free to visit and look around.
Other than that, I've spent my time reading some books I've always wanted to read. I've also started learning Korean and Brazilian Portuguese, although I haven't gotten very far in either. Let's say that when I got my library card, I've raided the library and used it's resources for all it's worth. Why pass up a grand opportunity of getting books and other resources (though for a limited time) for free? The public library is a Godsend!
Another thing I've done was watch tons of videos on YouTube--mostly about teaching in Korea. I knew what they were about. I had my own experiences; I didn't need to hear from someone else how things are in Korea. But I like to hear others' opinions. Some were similar, others weren't.
If you are looking for information on teaching English in Korea, there are a few YouTube channels I highly recommend:
SeoulTee : This man has spent a few years in Korea and has some really good advice on all things ESL in Korea--especially if you're of Korean ancestry and/or in your 30s and upwards. He also practices Judo.
Smiling Seoul : This lady is from the UK. She's very cheerful. I find her a bit hyper, but she seems really cool. She can help you out, especially if you want to know how a person of a darker complexion can cope in Korea.
ChelseaSpeak3 : This Louisiana girl is down to earth and has some great stories and experiences to share. (not that the others don't--they all do). She shares her experiences with being tall and having a difficult time finding shoes her size in Korea.
Eat Your Kimchi : Now, if you want life in Korea, including food, places to go, K-Pop, pets, or just any random stuff about Korea, the dynamic Canadian married couple Simon and Martina are your best friends. This is just one of their channels. Once you start watching their videos, you will be addicted. Guaranteed. (that's what happened to me)
If you want to know more about Korea from Koreans themselves, go to Arirang. They have news, culture, K-Pop, sports, business, travel, food, international relations, entertainment, etc.
You know, Korean videos weren't the only ones I checked out . . .
a friend of mine from university told me a little bit about Japan. I went back online to do as much research as I could. It looks as though I won't go to Japan, for the sheer reason that it's soooo expensive to get started (i.e. you have to pay a deposit for your apartment, get your utilities set up, and survive until your 1st paycheck) whereas in Korea, you're pretty much taken care of, relatively.
Here are some people I found on YouTube:
BusanKevin : Here is a Canadian who spent years in both Korea and Japan. I believe he is still in Japan today. If you'd like to know the differences between Korea and Japan, he's a good reference.
Gimmeaflakeman : If you want to learn about Japan, you will do yourself harm if you ignore this guy. He's an American who' been living in Japan for about 20 years or so. You don't want to miss him.
Myargonauts Jason : If you want to enter Japan through the JET Programme, then this man is your savior. He's got all the information you need for when you apply, arrive, live, and leave Japan through the JET programme--and more.
kawaiijutsu : I really like this Texan girl. She shares her experiences just as they are, no sugar-coating.
Rachel & Jun : This interracial pair offers a lot of explanations and advice about Japanese culture from a western perspective. I really like how Rachel cuts to the chase and doesn't waste a single second on her videos.
There are many more videos. Trust me, I've watched more than just these, but here is a pretty good list to start you off. You'll eventually branch off to others that you may like more. If you're curious about teaching English in the Far East (China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan) in general, you may want to check out lipofootoo. He's spent some time in most of those countries and shares his knowledge, comparing these different countries on several themes.
Ok. I hope this really helps you. It's crazy how I really watched all these videos AFTER I left Korea. Who knows? I might return. We'll see.
