Fellow vlogger/EPIK teacher/new friend Matt, who has a YouTube channel called Break Your Boundaries, does awesome travel videos and reached out to me a few weeks ago to collab together. HECK YEAH! I love creative projects and working with like-minded people so obviously, I agreed in a heartbeat. We share similar likes and dislikes about living in South Korea and decided to rant about soju, sketchy alleyways, squatter toilets and much more..
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ALL OF THE LIGHTS
It’s time for another weekly update! For you, and my mom. Hi mom.
Near my house is a hidden little treasure, the Bosu-Dong Book Street. Walking down this narrow pathway is every book lovers dream, and it actually has an interesting history too! It was created after the independence of Korea. The Japanese left behind many books so, people started selling them. Busan at the time was the capital of Korea since Koreans migrated down here to escape the Korean War happening in the north (where Seoul is located). This is where refugees brought and sold their books.
Eventually, professors and students came to the alley and started purchasing books, contributing to the build up of the current book street. Financial strain in the 60’s had students selling their textbooks and buying second hand, which is why you will see many used books.
THE THINGS YOU LEARN FROM ME!
There were a few English books scattered around the street, I was most attracted to the magazine stands. I purchased Nylon Magazine Seoul, and got a free lipstick with purchase! Not too shabby.
It was mid-terms this week so as the students stressed out over taking their tests, us English teachers went out for a day trip to Gwangalli Beach. Fair trade. Gwangalli is where you will find ALL THE FOREIGNERS. This beach also has the cleanest water, or so I’m told.
We also climbed Hwangnyeongsan Mountain. Yes, I did it in a dress..
My co-teacher told me that the fire chimneys built at the top of the mountain was a form of communication for the military in 1422. It communicated with other mountains in the area to signal attackers coming by boat since there is a clear view of the ocean.
It’s Buddha’s birthday this month so ALL temples celebrate by decorating the surrounding area with pretty lanterns. I went on a three hour hike, and found this temple during my trek.
After the hike I needed to refuel and luckily for me, I found a juice spot right beside my house called, My Barn. The man behind the counter didn’t speak much English so he gave me what was the most popular – spinach, apple, and banana. He served it for me in a glass cup and a stylish to-go bottle.
Last but not least, I went to Samgwangsa Temple with my co-teacher Nancy and friend Hayden. It was B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L! Thousands of lanterns, everywhere. The best view is on the second floor of the temple.. the one with the convenience store in it (lol!). Put it on your travel check list, you gotta go here.
FROLICKING IN FLOWER FIELDS
Hello everyone!
Last weekend I went to Daejeo Ecological Site which sounds like a snore, but it was one of the most beautiful.. backdrops for an Instagram photo everrrrr. How much do you hate me for saying that? Heh heh. But seriously, with 760,000 square meters of garden and lush mountains in the background, it was incredibly scenic (smelt great too!).
Also, it was some kind of wonderful being on the subway going there since it took you right over the garden. I saw the yellow blooms, mountains and river all in one shot. My mouth dropped when the subway car came out from the dark tunnel and into what seemed like a Tom Thomson painting. It was unexpected so I wasn’t prepared with my camera, you’ll just have to believe me on this one.
I also took a photo of funky tree.. bamboo.. things. This was also at the ecological site. Everything was green and vibrant there. I want to go back! It’s too bad the flowers are only in full bloom in mid-April so, if you missed out you must put it on your to-do list for next year.
The next day I went to Haedong Yonggung Temple, Busan’s most famous temple located on the shoreline. The temple is gorgeous, and was one of the first photos I saw of Busan that made me instantly fall in love with the city. The temple was built in 1376 and features colourful architecture, large gold statues and steep twisted-ankle-waiting-to-happen steps (be careful!). If you go to the temple, plan on spending the entire day. There are markets and a beautiful boardwalk just outside the temple you’ll likely want to explore.
My friend Leni and I went together to the temple and found our way onto the boardwalk. The view was wonderful, and the waves that hit the rigid rocks were huge! I didn’t capture the epic-ness that were the waves in the photo below so, you’ll just have to believe me on this one too. 😉
Oh right, I didn’t tell you but.. I WENT TO THE HOSPITAL LAST WEEK! Yup. I made my first (and hopefully last) visit to a hospital in South Korea because my stomach went into shock. What does that even mean? Found out in my vlog below:
EFFECTIVE INTRODUCTORY LESSON FOR FIRST TIME TEACHERS
I’ve been featured in the EPIK newsletter and wanted to share my article with you! I wrote about the introductory English lesson I taught at my school (seems like this happened forever ago). My hope is that upcoming EPIK teachers stumble upon this article and can get a few ideas and inspiration for their own first class. 🙂
EFFECTIVE INTRODUCTORY LESSON FOR FIRST TIME TEACHERS
Put up your hand if you’ve never written a lesson plan in your life *raises own hand* now, put up your hand up if you’ve never formally taught in front of a classroom of students *raises other hand*.
That was me, with both hands raised, one month ago.
The thought of preparing my first lesson was daunting because my own mother barely listens when I talk so who says 35 students will keep their attention on me for 45 consecutive minutes. I panicked. Do I simply write my name on the board, do a dance, and then play charades? Can’t say that didn’t cross my mind.
When I went to the EPIK orientation a week before I started teaching, I attended a lecture solely based on first lessons. I incorporated what I learned from the class and added my own spin. To my surprise, the students loved it! My co-teachers were amazed and I pretended like I knew what I was doing all along.
Below I attached my introductory slideshow for you to take inspiration from for your first class:
Opening slide: This is the first thing students will see when they enter the classroom. Make it inviting and cute.
Introduce rules: Establish your classroom rooms and discuss briefly. Read out loud and have students repeat.
Introduce yourself: Ask students where they think you’re from, “ENGLAND!” “AMERICA!” “CANADA!” Then show your “Who am I?” slide. I also asked, “why did I put a Twix bar?” and “why did I put a volleyball?” This will get student’s talking and they loved guessing what the objects were and why they were on the slide.
Nametags: Before class, make your own name tag by using one sheet of blank paper. Fold it in half, open it up, fold the right side into the middle then fold left side into the middle. Roll together and the name tag should stand easily on a desk. When students have their blank name tags have them write their name in bold letters and draw one of their hobbies, favorite food, and future career. Demonstrate all of this with your own name tag.
Present: Have students present to their partner what is on their name tag. Have them say, “my name is..” “my hobby is..” Afterwards, have them present their partner to you and the entire class. They will say, “her name is..” “her hobby is..” After they stand up and present, give the student a sticker to put on their own name tag (they’ll love it, trust me). Remind them at the end of class to fold the name tag into their textbook and bring it every single class.
You’re done! Wasn’t so bad, was it? You established rules, introduced who you are, had students talking, presenting and being creative. Introductory lesson, complete.
FREE SOCCER GAMES AT GUDEOK STADIUM
Hello all! Sorry this blog post is a little late but, better late than never (says every one of my students who hand in their homework late).
Last weekend I went to my first soccer game at Gudeok Stadium, a three minute walk from my house. Gudeok Stadium first opened in 1928 and hosted soccer matches during the Summer Olympics in 1988. Currently, it is home to the Busan Transportation Corporation FC. It’s exciting to watch them play but, the team has such an odd name. Transportation Corporation? Why can’t they be the Busan Bears or Busan Barracudas or Busan Barbarians..
I also love that when you go watch a soccer match it’s free entrance, BYOB and you can bring in ALL THE SNACKS! I brought in an entire pizza.
Below is a photo of the Busan Tower from the Lotte Department Store roof, accessible for anyone to enjoy. I recommend going up there, it’s a nice place to spend an afternoon. You get a great view of the mountains on one side and the harbour on the other. There are also little parks with benches that look over the view and a coffee shop up there too.
The below photo is a throwback to when I went to Gamcheon Culture Village a few weeks ago. This was actually quite candid, I was laughing about something and was standing at the right place at the right time. True story.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING AN EPIK INTERVIEW
You finally did it. You have snail mailed your resume, references, lesson plan, passport pictures and all the rest of your paperwork in a pretty package and sent it to EPIK. Now, you wait. The waiting game is tough because for the next two weeks you’ll be constantly refreshing your email, waiting for someone to confirm your interview date and time. Cue: ALL THE SWEATS!
If you applied for a position with EPIK, your interview will come soon enough and I’m here to tell you what to expect and my own experience of going through the process.
How do I get an interview?
Apply for a position with EPIK! Think about when you want to start working in South Korea. The first semester starts in March and second in September. I’d recommend starting your application process 3-6 months in advance of when you want to go. I had massive help from my recruiters at Hands Korea. I got in touch with them through Oxford Seminars, where I completed my TESOL certificate. Hands Korea was my LIFELINE. They set up my EPIK interview, gave me tips and were super helpful for any questions I had (their response time was within 24 hours!). I had my interview in October and I knew I got a job with EPIK the next day.
How is the interview conducted?
On Skype! Create a Skype account ASAP because EPIK will ask for your username. Sign on 15 minutes before your scheduled interview time and be well prepared for when your interviewer signs on. Be aware of your surroundings. Have the interview in the cleanest room in your house with optimal lighting and make sure nothing you don’t want your own mother seeing in the background. Wear headphones, check your sound quality and DO NOT USE YOUR PHONE! Unless you want to make your interviewer sea sick.
What do I wear?
Be professional. Put on a nice dress shirt, brush your hair and just because the interview will be on Skype, please still wear pants.
Who will interview me?
The interviewer from EPIK who interviewed me was kind and easy to talk to. EPIK interviewers speak English well and are not intimidating monsters.. in case you were wondering, because I know that was something I was worried about. They are excited to talk and get to know you! Take a deep breath, smile a lot and be yourself because that’s what they want to see most.
When do we talk about documents?
There’s a likely chance the topic of your lesson plan will be brought up. Have it in front of you, ready to go. Actually, have ALL your documents in front of you. The interviewer will go through your application and perhaps ask questions about what you wrote down. Before your interview begins, read through your application and lesson plan a few times so you know where to find specific information.
What can I ask about during the interview?
You have a billion questions about teaching in South Korea and the interviewer understands that but do your research before you ask your questions. There are many current and past EPIK teachers who have blogs and vlogs on YouTube that likely touch upon the question you have. I would recommend saving the tough questions you can’t find the answer to for the interviewer. I’d also recommend writing down those questions you have before the interview begins so you remember to ask.
How long is the interview?
Expect anywhere from 25-35 minutes.
I hope the above has helped in preparation of your EPIK interview. Don’t break a sweat, you’re going to do great. GO GET ‘EM KID!
To see the original article, click here: EPIK e-Press
BLOSSOMS IN BLOOM
It’s cherry blossom season here in South Korea! Last weekend I went with my co-teacher Nancy and her boyfriend to see the pretty pink trees at Samnak Riverside.
There was an entire lane you can walk through that had large cherry blossoms trees on both sides that reached over and covered your head. It felt like I was in a fairytale, especially when the pink petals gracefully fluttered in the wind.. and sometimes in my mouth.
After staring lovingly at the cherry blossoms, and all the couples I passed holding hands and taking cute selfies with the blooms (felt like I was the 1,000th wheel), I decided to treat myself. I went to a flower shop near my house and picked up a couple succulents that now sit wonderfully on my night stand (₩6,000 each). Succulents are low maintenance and they’re prefect for small apartments, plus you only need to water them once a week.
The wee plants bring a bit of life into my home, and I named them.. Nicholas and Henry. Naming plants is like, the billionth reason why I am single. Sigh. Speaking of self-loathing, today is Black Day. A day in South Korea where if you didn’t receive a gift on Valentine’s Day or White Day (March 14), South Koreans feed you black delicious food, like a soup or noodles with black sauce, to make you feel better that you’re #ForeverAlone.
If you want to see more beautiful cherry blossoms and my South Korean antics, watch my vlog below! Give it a “like” on YouTube while you’re at it because “likes” define my self-worth.
I’m kidding, but it does make me happy. 🙂
Thank you for all the support and love! It never goes unnoticed. Has anyone told you that you rock today? Well, you do.
MY SUMMER GOALS 2016
I would have totally forgotten to make a summer goals list this year if I wasn’t just browsing through old blog posts of mine. I was reading posts from 2012 when I stumbled upon my first list of summer goals.. there were 25 of them, geezus.
Click HERE to browse through how I did in 2015.
This year, I wrote my summer goals as I rode the subway to Seomyeon, which is about a 15 minute ride from the station near my house. Some of my goals will shock you, some will not. Either way, SUMMER IS COMING AND I HAVE THINGS TO DO!
JESSICA’S SUMMER GOALS 2016!
- Launch Get Up & Go Girl channel
- Book trip to Australia
- Take taekwondo classes
- Go to Samgwangsa Temple for Lantern Festival (aka Buddha’s birthday)
- Dye hair blonde
- Attend a Lotte Giants baseball game
- Attend a Kpop concert
- Attend Boryeong Mud Festival
- Attend Busan Sea Festival
- Learn Korean alphabet
SEOUL FASHION WEEK
I can officially tick off that I have attended fashion shows on an international stage. Where you ask? Seoul, South Korea for HERA SEOUL FASHION WEEK! AHH!
Dongdaemun Design Plaza, where SFW took place, is one of the coolest buildings in Seoul. It has a modern, architectural design and is absolutely massive on the inside. You can see just how big it is from the photo above, I look so little in comparison.
I went on behalf of FASHION Magazine and was floored at the incredible talent from the designers, makeup artists, hair stylists.. and the fact that I got to sit front row (name on seat and all) at one of the shows. This may not be a big deal to many but, seeing my name on a front row seat gave me a sense of, I made it. You best believe I kept that little piece of paper, as it will remind me of the first of many shows around the world I hope to attend in the future. 😉
There were crowds of stylish people surrounding the area, some waiting for photographers to take a picture of them, most standing in anticipation to meet their favourite Korean actor/actress/pop group who just attended a show. I wish I knew more about Korean pop culture since there were so many celebrities inside the shows whose faces were hounded by cameras and lights.
Right outside the plaza, there was a display with the newest Hera x Nicholas Kirkwood collaboration which featured stunning palettes and lip shade for spring. They slaaaaaayed with the packaging. To be honest, if packaging isn’t Instagram worthy, is it even worth it? Answer: Nope.
The shows I attended included R.Shemiste, Doii, Yohanix, Kwak Hyun Joo Collection and Andy & Debb. Since these were Fall 2016 shows.. dark, edgier pieces were prominent on the catwalks including trends such as extra long sleeves on sweaters, layers of leather and fur and chocker collars. When it comes to beauty, you can read my article on FASHION about the ONE trend I saw all over the runways. Go reaaaaaaaad it.
The day after SFW I went to Bukchon Hanok Village, home to hundreds of traditional houses called hanok that date back to the Joseon Dynasty (anywhere between the years 1392-1897). It was cool to see the old village and look straight ahead to see the modern architecture of the Seoul skyline. The hanok’s are now restaurants and shops for tourists. I recommend going in and out of as many as you can, they are quite wonderful.
This week was a busy one. Aside from fashion week, I made kimchi, went shopping and may or may not have a mini breakdown. All can be seen in my newest vlog below.
THE CRAZY BEAUTY TREND THAT WAS ALL OVER THE SFW FALL 2016 RUNWAYS
You no longer have to be under the age of five to appreciate a colourful mural on your face. Ah, those were the days right? Going to a carnival and getting a butterfly painted on your entire face? Heavenly. Well, your inner kid will appreciate that the Fall 2016 shows at Seoul Fashion Week made it pretty obvious that vibrant face paint is the latest beauty trend.
Models at the Doii show (above) donned an array of forest inspired hues that ran down the side of their face and nose. They resembled mystical creatures, or a tribe that I would very much like to be part of. #squadgoals
For more sublte(-ish) face paint inspiration, models at the Kye show had their eyebrows and under-eyes painted white. It looked pretty badass tbh, and it’s an immediate attention-grabber. Maybe not for the office or going grocery shopping (imagine…) but we know you want to try it out.
Another update: smudged lipstick on your face is no longer embarrassing! Ok, yes it is when it’s not intentional, but when it is, you can pull it off. At Yohanix, designer Yohan Kim had his models smudge their dark, berry shade across the left or right side of their cheek as they walked down the runway. Yes, like Lorde.
So, are you brave enough to try face paint in public? Tag us on Instagram @fashioncanada and show us how you wear the latest IDGAF trends from Seoul Fashion Week.
Read the original article on FASHION.
EPIK TEACHER: FOLLOW ME AROUND
Ever wanted to follow me around? Wait, that sounded creepy. Let me rephrase. Ever wanted to know what I do at my job as an EPIK teacher? You’re in luck! In this post I take you through *inhales* my morning routine, introduce to you my co-teachers, lesson plans, lesson prep, how I teach, what I ate for lunch, what I do after school, when I get home and all the other super fantastic things I do in a day. *exhales*
Being a teacher means you are constantly developing, learning and growing with your students. I never thought of myself teaching at a middle school (I was counting on elementary when I first got to South Korea) but now I couldn’t see myself teaching at any other level. I have been an English teacher in Busan, South Korea for a little over a month and have established a workday routine that works for me. That being said, the first week of being a teacher here was the hardest, I constantly asked myself, WHAT AM I DOING?! / WHAT IS GOING ON?! / HOW DO I DO.. ANYTHING?!
If you’re thinking of becoming an EPIK teacher, you will establish a day-to-day routine within the first month, and it’s smooth sailing from there.. promise. 🙂
To give you a little taste of what I do as an EPIK English teacher in South Korea, go ahead and watch my video and follow me around for the day:
My weekday routine goes a little something like this:
7:05 AM – Wake up. Hit snooze button. Wake up again. Hit snooze button.
7:10 AM – Hear stomach rumble. Actually get up.
7:15 AM – Eat breakfast.
7:20 AM – Shower and get ready.
7:45 AM – Morning dance party.
7:50 AM – Pack my bag.
8:00 AM – Leave for school.
8:02 AM – Arrive at school and change into my indoor shoes.
8:05 AM – Enter teachers office, say hello to co-teachers and sit at desk.
8:10 AM – Start lesson prep for next week.
8:30 AM – Head to my English classroom to set up for morning lesson.
9:00 AM – Students arrive.
9:05 AM – Class begins.
9:50 AM – Class ends. Head back to the teachers office to mark homework and lesson plan.
10:30 AM – Head to my English classroom to set up my next lesson.
10:50 AM – Students arrive.
10:55 AM – Class begins.
11:40 AM – Class ends
12:00 PM OR 12:35 PM – Head to cafeteria to eat lunch with my co-teachers.
1:00 PM – Head back to the teachers office to lesson prep.
2:30 PM – Head to my English classroom to set up my next lesson.
2:35 PM – Next class begins.
3:20 PM – Wave goodbye to students and start prepping for after school English conversation program.
3:30 PM: Students arrive.
3:40 PM: English conversation program begins.
5:00 PM: Wave goodbye to students and lock my English classroom door.
5:20 PM: Head home.
For more information on the EPIK program, click here: EPIK e-Press
SMELLS LIKE HOME
What do you do when you start having Canada withdraw? Hack open a can of maple syrup and make french toast. Mmmmm it was so good, and just what I needed to feel at home again. This week wasn’t too exciting, other than making my apartment smell maple goodness, nothing eventful happened.
Oh, I did spend 15 minutes hacking at the maple syrup can. Should probably put “can opener” on my shopping list, as well as “spatula” since I used a rice scooper to flip my french toast. #singlelife #ilivealone #dontjudge
Last weekend I went to Caffe Bene near my house to catch up on emails and finish up with some work. I had an iced coffee, and the entire upstairs floor to myself. Nothing like peace, serenity and caffeine to make you feel productive (aka Facebook stalk my friends from home pretending I was with them at all their outings and parties).
Moving onto my work week, for one of my classes I taught a lesson on “mottos” and had students come up with a class motto. They worked in their table groups to create their favourite saying (they chose from a list of five I provided on the board). I’ve got some pretty talented artists in my class. I don’t understand why one group drew lettuce (I think it’s lettuce?) on their “Never Give Up” sign but I didn’t care, LET YOUR CREATIVITY FLOW!
HIKES, ART & GOLD.. OH MY!
Things making me happy right now:
- Currently sitting at a cafe and have it entirely to myself (Caffe Bene to be specific). I’m on the second floor looking over my neighbourhood.
- I slept in this morning, made french toast and drowned it in maple syrup.
- It’s 17 degrees outside.
- I booked my train to Seoul for next weekend because, FASHION WEEK!
- I bought an air freshener for my apartment. Looking forward to going home to see if it works (is that sad?).
- Came to the realization that I am exactly where I want to be, doing exactly what I want to do and that, makes me happy.
Can I be real for a sec?
If you’ve known me for the past three years, you know that moving to South Korea was an idea that quickly turned into a plan. However, I didn’t act on the plan until this year. I flip-flopped not knowing if I’d be “behind in my career” that I had in Toronto. It took me three years to make my final decision. THREE. YEARS. I had family and friends who told me I should stay in Toronto because I was “making a name for myself.” Perhaps I was gaining “success” or whatever, but I went to bed almost every night with a frown on my face. You can have all the money, love and accomplishments in the world but if you’re not happy, are you really successful?
I believe everything in life happens for a reason. The company I was working for shut-down and I saw that as an opportunity to make my South Korean adventure into a reality. I went after it. A few months later, here I am.
May I continue to be candid with you?
I am the happiest I’ve ever been.
For three years, moving to South Korea never left my mind. My intuition pushed every day, “GOOOOOOO ALREADY!!!!!!” Pretty cool how that works, eh? Eva Chen’s advice to me was correct, “there is no such thing as falling behind in your career.” My job has me teaching, writing, traveling, vlogging and it’s all exactly what I want to do at this point in my life. I’m not falling behind, not even a little bit.
I am saying all of this because if you’re someone who is flip-flopping on an idea or is scared to leave your comfort zone.. honey, life is too short and it’s never too late. You don’t have to know every little thing, most times (..all the time) I don’t know what I’m doing, but I’m trying a billion different ways to figure it out. Even though living in South Korea has its challenges (like, why is grocery shopping always such as mission), I wake up every morning with a smile. People go on EAT, PRAY, LOVE journeys that last years to find fulfillment. I learned if you’re genuinely happy, you accomplished what many people struggle to find.. that to me is being successful.
Ok, rant done.
Moving along, I am aware that I didn’t explain the above photo. That is the hiking trail behind my house, it’s a beauty huh?
Last weekend went to Gamcheon Culture Village with my co-teacher. The village is up in the mountains and filled with colourful houses abound. There are also tiny alleyways you can weave through and explore. The best part? Art is EVERYWHERE, with murals and sculptures created by locals.
Watch my vlog below for my visit to Gamcheon Culture Village, PLUS more of my daily life.
As always, thank you for supporting me on this journey. LOVE YA!
xo
Jessica
Jessica Moy Blog 
