Who or what helped you get through the year?
“The teachers I’ve met along the way. They’re the ones who went out of their way to invite me on mini adventures to temples and markets and woodworking studios in other cities, the ones who surprised me with boxes of chocolates after I took an important test, the ones who are so passionate about learning that they joined both my English camp for students and my Spanish classes. I’m so very grateful for them, and they make me happy to come into the office every day.” ~ Julia Wargo, ETA ’20 {Gumi}
“God, my family, my friends, keeping a positive mindset and my Fulbright Co-teacher.” ~ Brittany Parker, ETA ’20 {Gumi}
“I had lovely friends I had and made that I could reach out to for support, some really special coworkers I connected with, and amazing student body that cheered me on!” ~ Nina Horabik, ETA ‘ 20 {Gwangyang}
What do you think is a misconception about Korea from Americans and/or vice versa?
“I think a lot of Americans still think about Korea like it was during the Korean war. They don’t realize how incredibly far they have developed as a country since then. Their culture and technology has a huge global impact and they deserve more respect, credit, and acknowledgment for their success.” ~ Martha Rabura, ETA ’20 {Daegu}
“There’s a misconception when it comes to the distances Americans are willing to travel. I keep being told that a two hour trip is too long. Too long is 16 hours, not two.” ~ Julia Zorc, ETA ’20 {Naju}
What is one thing you packed that was unexpectedly useful?
“I’ll never regret using a whopping quarter of my packing space for a blanket made by my grandma. A priceless and much needed creature comfort in a foreign space” ~ Madison Weisend, ETA ’20 {Sacheon}
“Tide To Go! The combination of white clothing, chopsticks, and red foods in Korea is deadly. That little pen saved many clothes this year.” ~ Julia Zorc, ETA ’20 {Naju}
If you could bring your students any meal/food from your home what would you feed them?
“I would bring them some Chicago deep dish pizza from Lou Malnati’s. It’s a hot debate, but Chicago deep dish pizza is the best, hands down! I know my boys enjoy pizza and they would literally devour the pizza so fast. Have you seen middle school boys eat? Sometimes I think they don’t even chew, just swallow their food whole!” ~ Melissa Duong, ETA ’20 {Jinju}
“I would love to feed them Polish foods! Especially the dishes that are the Polish versions of very popular Korean dishes. I’ve found that Koreans and Polish people have similar cuisine and wish that I could do a cultural cuisine collaboration!” ~ Nina Horabik, ETA ’20 {Gwangyang}