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5 Types of people who move abroad

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5 Types of people who move abroad

Over the years, we’ve seen a lot of expats moving to South Korea and China, and by working with them, amongst others teachers, co-workers, acquaintances and friends, we’ve boiled it down to 5 types of people who generally move abroad.

 

The Wannabe

The Wannabe

1.The Culture Freak / The Wanna-bee

Kpop, hangul, Korean movies and slang… He’ll be able to tell you about it all. He’s the one who started studying Korean, before he even knew whether he would ever set foot on the Korea Peninsula , and he has seen every YouTube video about it.

Why teach abroad:

If you have a passion for the country, its cultures and traditions, why would you not go? You’ve seen it all already on the web, so you know all the reasons why you need to go. What are you waiting for?

 

Backpackers_(7980882179)

The Traveler

2. The Traveler

The guy with the list – Not your average To-Do list: This list includes everything that haven’t been mentioned by Trip Advisor and more. This is the guy who would love to see the world and is able to live out of a suitcase. It’s the person who has friends all over the world and enjoy making new connections and trying new things. It is possible that he already knows people in Korea, or that he is interested in traveling to South East Asia.

Why teach abroad

With Japan, Thailand, and China so close, who wouldn’t want to go? This is the ultimate place to teach at, and still be able to visit South East Asia on a budget. You can live the adventure you’ve always dreamed about, you’ll see a different part of the world and you’ll be able to expand your horizons, and fill that passport of yours.

 

 

The University Student

The University Student

3. The University student

This is the person who just finished college. Excess money is a foreign concept, and the amount of debt is too much to even mention. He does not have  work experience in “The Real world”

Why teach abroad

Gaining international teaching experience will be an asset in your future career. This is a great way to set your foot in the door, and still get paid a pretty decent income. Korea is one of the higher paying Asian countries, and the cost of living is quite low. You’ll be able to save anything from $1 – $1000, depending on your spending habits. It is possible to save a lot, without living the lifestyle of a hermit.

 

 

The Opportunist

The Opportunist

4. The Opportunist

Gaining international experience – That’s the dream.  He is interested in building an international community of contacts and to enhance his resume with skills and abilities.

Why teach abroad

To work for multinational companies, will create a good career prospective. You’ll be able to expand your skill set and the ability to adapt to different workplaces. Korea will ensure that you are exposed to being flexible, developing communication skills on a different level and being adaptable to circumstances. The world will become your Teacher.

 

 

 

The Runaway

The Runaway

5. The Runaway

He is the one who is unhappy with his life at home. He feels stagnant and might be in a dead-end job. There’s a lack of opportunities at home; It’s a location burnout.

Why teach abroad

By teaching abroad, you’ll be able to create a life for yourself in another country. You don’t need to carry your past with you; you can recreate yourself. Be whoever you’ve always wanted to be… That doesn’t mean that you’re allowed to change your name on your passport though…

You might find better career opportunities, than back home, but  ultimately, going abroad makes you more open minded and this might change your perspective of home in a year of two.

 

Most Popular posts of 2014

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The Most Popular posts of 2014: It’s always hard to predict what the reader wants to know. These posts hit a common nerve and you were interested in reading this. Here are the Top 10 most popular posts of 2014 (so far), and we don’t plan to stop posting more of these any time soon… Did you miss any of them? Which one was your favorite?

10. Arriving in Korea

You’ve waited weeks for this moment, perhaps even months. You have landed at Incheon Airport, and you’ve been told how to get out of the airport (take a bus into Seoul, look for someone holding your name when you come out of baggage claim, etc). But you probably have no idea what comes next, right?

Here’s how to make your first weeks after arriving in Korea a little less stressful.

 

9. The ultimate checklist

It’s crunch time, and you’re preparing to actually GO ABROAD! It probably feels like everything is happening way too fast… and truth be told, it probably is. With that in mind, here’s the ultimate checklist to help ensure that you have everything covered…

 

8. Weird facts about North Korea

According to Kim Jong-Il’s biography, he was born under a double rainbow as a new star appeared. He  started to walk at 3 weeks old, and claimed to be able to control the weather by his moods. What are some other weird facts you’ve heard about North Korea?

 

7. Weird places in Korea

Yes, we know about all the must-do’s in Korea.. But how about the weird, the different, the unusual places in Korea…?

 

6. Useful websites in Korea

Are you new to Korea? Have you been here for a few years? Either way, we’ve found these useful websites in Korea to be super helpful in planning nights out, weekends away, or exotic trips out of the country.  We hope this list will assist you as you create memories overseas!

 

5. What I wish I knew before coming to Korea

What I knew of the world changed during my first few days, weeks, and months in Korea. I did my research, but there were a few things that I missed. This is what I wish I knew before arriving in Korea.

 

4. Living cost in Korea

So you’re coming to Korea, and you’ll be earning around 2.0 – 2.1m KRW (average starting salary for a 1st year teacher). You’re probably wondering what your living costs in South Korea will look like, right? How much can you save? How much can you send home to pay off student loans? How much will you have in your pocket to spend on traveling?

 

3. Returning home after being abroad

Reverse culture shock, according to Investopia:

“The shock suffered by some people when they return home after a number of years overseas. This can result in unexpected difficulty in readjusting to the culture and values of the home country, now that the previously familiar has become unfamiliar.”

You just returned from a place that is very different. The language, the customs, the way of living… and now you’re “home.” But if it’s “home,” then how come I feel so… out of place?

 

2. Learn to read Korean

Did you know that you could Learn to read Korean in less than an hour?! This picture is famous for being a good way to learn to read Korean, in just 15 minutes… (Took some of us closer to an hour), but imagine spending 1 hour – and being able to save so much more time in the future, by being able to read!

 

And the most popular post of 2014:

 

1. What not to say to an expat

I’ve been gone for a while, and I know you don’t fully understand the ways that I’ve changed. So, to every expat-friend-and-family-member-ever. Here’s what NOT to say to an expat.

 

What topic will be more popular then this one? Let us know, and we might just write about that next!

 

Returning home after being abroad

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Reverse culture shock, according to Investopia:

“The shock suffered by some people when they return home after a number of years overseas. This can result in unexpected difficulty in readjusting to the culture and values of the home country, now that the previously familiar has become unfamiliar.”

What are you looking at…

 

You just returned from a place that is very different. The language, the customs, the way of living… and now you’re “home.” But if it’s “home,” then how come I feel so… out of place?

Reverse culture shock affects everyone differently, but there are different transition stages that might help shed some light on what you’re experiencing:

 

 

 

Phase 1

In the beginning, being back home is an adventure. You are finally able to eat all those foods you have been craving.  You can speak the same language as everyone, read signs, and best of all – you can catch up with all your friends.

Yum! Korean street food

 

Phase 2

Unfortunately, the “honeymoon” phase does not last forever. It’s great to be back, but you slowly realize that people’s lives went on without you. It seems like the world changed, but it’s actually you who changed through your experience. You start to see that people expect you to be the same person as you were before. After all, it’s only been a year (or two), right?

Not only do you have to juggle people’s expectations, but you find yourself becoming… bored. Remember how you used to walk outside, and there was always something new to look at? Bus rides and subway rides were exciting?Even grocery shopping was fun?  It starts to dawn on you that those simple adventures that are a part of everyday life overseas do not take place at home.

You share your experiences with people around you, yet they reply with snarky comments about how you’re bragging. Showing off. “It was just a year or two of your life,” and people don’t seem to be interested. All the while, you keep thinking – “Exactly! It was an ENTIRE YEAR! So much happened!” Ibn Battuta once said: “Traveling: it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” It doesn’t help if no one is there to listen. It helps to find others who’ve lived overseas. Joining Meetups in your area can be a great place to start.

Just as traveling became a part of your life, make sure you remember that having a family, for example, became part of your friends’ lives. You want them to listen to your stories, so return the favor and listen to their stories, too.

Returning home after being abroad

Phase 3

This is up to you. Returning home after being abroad won’t be the easiest thing to do, so find people with similar interests, go explore your hometown, and try out those traditional Korean restaurants in your area… they might just surprise you! And above all, find a jimjilbang. Trust us. A good jimjilbang is therapeutic on a bad day.

Korea-Expat-Video-Channels

6 Awesome Korea Expat Video Channels

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Last year, Alexa Hart from Atlas Sliced released a great YouTube video highlighting six awesome Korea expat video channels. Together they give a great insight into the many amazing (and at times, very strange) aspects of life in Korea! Check out her video and once you are done, be sure to visit the video channels that we ever-so-kindly broke out for you below!

[Update] The original video posted by Alexa Hart from Atlas Sliced is no longer available – but you can still check out the channels linked below!]

Here are the 6 Korea Expat Video Channels that Alexa mentions:

Backpacking Travel TV

  • Samuel and Audrey are the faces behind Backpacking Travel TV, a food, cultural & travel channel. Their videos will take you around Korea (and the world!) through culture, food and humor. Topics include visiting markets and temples, eating street food, traveling by train, and their daily quirky adventures.

Eat Your Kimchi

  • You can’t live in Korea without watching the uber famous Eatyourkimchi duo, Simon & Martina. They make high-end videos about K-pop, Korean Food, Traveling in Korea, Korean Indie Music, and much more.

ExpatKerri

  • Kerri posts great weekly videos about travel, expat life, and all things Korea!

Semipermanent

  • Part travel show, part cultural documentary, this series shares the stories of interesting expats while showing the city through their eyes. One to watch!

QiRanger

  • Long-time expert expat, Steve Miller (QiRanger) releases popular travel videos and video blogs about travel and Korea. Great, engaging videos on a number of awesome topics including new Korean beers and Korean pizza vending machines.

Michael Aronson

  • Awesome parodies and songs from this former New Yorker and now honorary Seoul citizen. He writes songs, make music videos, and talks about Korea! Don’t miss these!

If you have any favourite expat video channels about life in Korea or China, send us an email: [email protected].

 

Weird facts about North Korea

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15 Weird Facts about North Korea

1. Kim Jong-Il was so afraid of flying that he would travel in 6 custom-made armor trains, built just for him.

2. Kim Jong-Un’s basketball hero was Michael Jordan.

3. Most traffic control is performed by female traffic directors (reportedly handpicked by Kim Jong-Il for their beauty). Traffic lights are switched off to save electricity.

4. North Koreans can’t turn off the Government radio installed in their homes. They can only reduce the volume.

5. Many North Koreans have not heard the news that humans now walk on the moon.

6. No dogs are allowed in Pyongyang (the capital).

7. North Korea has the fourth-largest military in the world, at an estimated 1.21 million armed personnel.

8. Only military and government officials can own motor vehicles.

9.  North Koreans must abide by one of 28 approved haircuts. For example, unmarried women must have short hair. Married woman have many more options.

10. Women are not allowed to ride bicycles in Pyeongyang. Men are only allowed to bike through parks, alongside streams, and next to the Daedong River.

11.  The elder brother to current leader Kim Jong Un, Kim Jong Nam, was passed over  to become the heir apparent leader after being arrested in Tokyo in 2001 for traveling to Disneyland on a forged passport.

12.  Pyeongyang is built similarly to Seoul, with a big river running through it — the Daedong River is North Korea’s equivalent of the Han River in Seoul.

13.  According to South Korean government + UN estimates, some 154,000 North Koreans live in prison camps.

14. According to Kim Jong-Il’s biography, he was born under a double rainbow as a new star appeared. He  started to walk at 3 weeks old, and claimed to be able to control the weather by his moods.

15. With the exception of residents in the captial city, the Internet is almost completely inaccessible in North Korea. Access is granted by permission by government authorities.

 

What are some other weird facts you’ve heard about North Korea?

Sources

Life in the countryside

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Live in the countryside: Eumseong

This is a town with no Lotte Mart or E-mart, no subways or shopping mall, and definitely no Dunkin’ Donuts.  It was rare to see a new foreigner, and there wasn’t the same “bustling nightlife” as you find in bigger Korean cities. Live in the countryside was a little bit different than life in the city.

 

 

Eumseong is best known for being the birthplace of Ban Ki-moon, UN Secretary General.

 

One of the things I miss most about the countryside is the bus ride to Seoul. It was the one time where I could totally switch off and let my mind wander.

 

I loved how close I was to authentic Korean culture. The friends I made then are friends I will have forever! Now, I live in Seoul. I have more access to Western amenities and expat friendships.

 

My Korea was a lot smaller back then. I love Seoul, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss the quiet town of Eumseong.

 

Life in the Countryside of Korea was an amazing experience and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Whether it is the city or the country, make the best of what you have! You’ll miss it the most when it’s gone.

 

The Best Amusement parks in Korea

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The Best Amusement parks in Korea

There are several large Amusement parks in Asia and each of them, provide us with a lot of entertainment. Here follows the best amusement parks in Korea:

Everland

Everland KoreaThe Scoop: Everland is the first family park in Korea, and holds over 40 exciting rides and attractions. Along with the thrilling amusement park, Everland also includes Safari World and Herbivore Safari (featuring white tigers, tigers, lions, bears, giraffes, elephants and more), Caribbean Bay (one of Korea’s coolest water parks), Everland Speedway (the first ever racing track in Korea), and so much more! You can also enjoy the many festivals that take place there each year. To see all of Everland’s attractions and rides, click here!

How To Get There: Express Bus –  From Seoul Nambu Terminal or Dong Seoul Bus Terminal, take an express bus bound for Everyland (1 hour ride).

  • Subway + Bus –
    ① At Exit 6 of Gangnam Subway Station (Seoul Subway Line 2), take City Express Bus (jwaseok bus) No. 5002 (50 min ride).
    ② At Exit 13 of Gyodae Subway Station (Seoul Subway Line 2), take City Express Bus (jwaseok bus) No. 1500 or 1500-1 (80 min ride).
    ③ At Exit 2 (Seoul Subway Line 2) or Exit 3 (Seoul Subway Line 4) of Sadang Station, take City Express Bus (jwaseok bus) No. 1500-2 (80 min ride).>br>
    City Bus –
    From Suwon Intercity Bus Terminal, Suwon Station, Singal, Yongin City Hall, and Yongin University, take city bus No. 66 or city express bus (jwaseok bus) No. 600 (40 min ride).
  • When To Go: Opening Hours: 9:30am – 9:00pm
  • Cost: One-day Pass — Daytime : adults 37,000 won / Teenagers 31,000 won / children 26,000 won
    Nighttime : adults 30,000 won / Teenagers 25,000 won / children 22,000 won
    Two-day Pass — Adults 59,000 won / Teenagers 50,000 won / Children 45,000 won
    Admisstion Ticket — Daytime : adult 30,000 won / Teenagers 25,000 won / children 22,000 won
    Nighttime : adult 24,000 won / Teenagers 22,000 won / children 20,000 won. * Nighttime tickets are sold from 17:00
  • Contact Info: Everland Website

Lotte World

Lotte World Korea

  • The Scoop: Lotte World is listed as the world’s largest indoor theme park in the Guinness Book of World Records, which is reason enough to visit! Lotte World’s indoor theme park is called “Adventure,” and there is also an outdoor one called “Magic Island.” There’s also a pretty sweet castle to gaze at in the background! To check out all of the attractions, rides, and festivals happening at Lotte World, click here!
  • How To Get There: Get off at Jamsil Station (Line #2 and #8) and get out at exit 4.
  • When To Go: Opening Hours: Mon – Thu: 9:30am – 10:00pm / Fri – Sun: 9:30am – 11:00pm
  • Cost: Click here for all the ticket info!
  • Contact Info: Lotte World Website

Seoul Land

  • Seoul Land KoreaThe Scoop: Seoul Land is a fantastic theme park, complete with 40 rollercoasters, an Adventure Theater, Movie Theatre, Story Land, regular festivals, and a very cool Laser Show held in the evening. It is located at Seoul Grand Park, and has a beautiful view of Mt. Cheonggyesan. It also has an area called “World Square,” which holds traditional architecture and folk items from around the world.
  • How To Get There: Exit 2 of Seoul Grand Park Station (Seoul Subway Line 4).
  • When To Go: Opening Time — 9:30am / Closing time — 6:00pm – 10:00pm (Closing time depends on the seasonal and festival schedule)
  • Contact Info: Seoul Land Website

These are among the best amusement parks in Korea!

…brought to you by Adventure Teaching… 

Gwanghwamun

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Gwanghwamun: a Landmark and symbol of Seoul’s long history

Gwanghwamun is one of our favorite spots in Seoul because it provides great mountain views, people watching and long stretches of walking. It is central to so many spots (the Palaces, Insadong, Cheonggyecheon Stream, CineCube (our favorite indie movie theatre in Seoul) & Line 5 (purple).

A bunch of countries’ embassies can be found in the area of Gwanghwamun, as well. Plus, we love the King Sejong Statue. And in the summer there are in-ground fountains that offer must-needed relief from the city’s heat.

If you could pick one spot in Seoul, what’s your favorite? Tweet us @ATAbroad or send us a message on Facebook! We’d love to hear.