Gyeongsangbuk-do EPIK Teachers Go To Seoul and the DMZ
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Mona Shin(Gyeongbuk EPIK Coordinator, Youngyang MS)
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This October, a group of more than one hundred Gyeongbuk EPIK teachers, co-teachers, and POE supervisors went on a highly anticipated cultural field trip to Seoul and the DMZ. Participants visited several sites of historical importance in Seoul, such as the famous Gyeongbok Palace and the National Folk Museum, and spent several hours at the various sites of the DMZ. It was an activity packed trip of sights, learning, and community building for EPIK teachers.
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The Seoul/DMZ trip was a great time full of learning and new cultural experiences. As foreigners, we learned more about the culture of our host country and gained new understanding of the intricacies of its history. Furthermore, it was truly wonderful to share and travel together with other Guest English Teachers in Gyeongbuk. Hopefully, this trip is just one of the many memories we will make together!
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Teachers¡¯ Resource Site Under Construction
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There are a dime a dozen ESL sites on the internet and more pop up everyday. But ours is extraordinary in that the ideas and lessons have been developed by fellow GETs. At the last In-Service Training held in Gyeongju in October the GETs agreed to create a platform to pool and share teaching resources. One of Gyeongbuk GETs, Seiphemo Monnapula, and the other volunteers have been working hard since then. We are happy to announce that the website (http://sites.google.com/site/gbepik)is now up although with very scant content.
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Teachers, we need your help to generate the content. Please share with us your lessons and ideas! Please email them to Mona Shin, at mona.shin@gmail.com.
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Let¡¯s Be HAPPY!
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- Amy Kue( Bonghwa Naeseong ES)
H.A.P.P.Y. Coordinator
Yeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do
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The first year of life in South Korea is always interesting. It's a time when Guest English Teachers can explore all of what South Korea has to offer. The food, culture, historical sites, language, and people are just some of the facets to find fascination with. However, in many cases, after the initial year either boredom or complacency begins to set in. It so happens that my circumstances (living in the small city of Yeongju in Gyeongsangbuk-do) and disposition led me to acquire a mix of both. After my first year, I found myself restless for a new challenge. Doing the same job day in-and-out and spending my weekends doing the same things over-and-over became too monotonous. In an attempt to break this mundane cycle, I immersed myself in Taekwondo, but was still seeking something more.
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As an avid volunteer back home, I was itching for ways I could get more involved in my local community. I lucked out when a Korean friend of mine took a position at the local Yeongju Volunteer Center. I immediately offered my services. I knew there were ways I could contribute, regardless of the obvious language and cultural barriers.
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After speaking with a few other native English teachers in my town, I realized others shared my interest. We agreed it would be nice to have a small connected group of foreigners who could occasionally volunteer during their free time. My Korean connection to the volunteer center was enthusiastic about the formation of a group as well, which only fostered our motivation to continue with H.A.P.P.Y.¡¯s development.
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After recruiting as many interested native English teachers as I could, we organized H.A.P.P.Y., our local foreigner-friendly volunteer organization. In April of 2009, H.A.P.P.Y. (or Helping and Promoting Progress in Yeongju) became official with 15 starting volunteers.
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The H.A.P.P.Y. acronym is simple, optimistic, and easy for Koreans to remember. The name came about from the need to express our desire to become more involved with our local community without seeming overbearing or imposing. Our goal is to contribute to the positive growth of Yeongju and its surrounding areas by providing native English teachers the opportunity to engage in the community in ways they otherwise would never be able to.
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H.A.P.P.Y. held its first event at a local apple orchard on April 26, 2009. The organization was invited to join a family volunteer group in trimming flower buds at the apple orchard outside of the city. Since then, H.A.P.P.Y. has been back to the orchard twice to keep up with its progress. Both times H.A.P.P.Y. volunteers worked alongside other volunteer groups from the local community. The second time was with the local High School Boys Volunteer Group and the third time with both the High School Boys and the Family Volunteer Group.
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Additionally, H.A.P.P.Y. members have also served jajangmyeon (ÀÚÀå¸é) to the elderly and showcased our organization at the October Yeongju Volunteer Festival. For the festival, we offered face painting and made Jell-O flavored popcorn balls and grilled cheese sandwiches, which we sold to earn money for charity. In the end, we raised nearly 200,000 won to donate. Some of our recent discussions include plans to work with the elderly, animal shelters, the homeless, the youth, and orphanages around Korea.
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Although H.A.P.P.Y. has grown in many positive ways since April, we have also faced some challenges. The most obvious of which is the language and cultural barrier. The lack of proper communication and fear of overstepping boundaries has restricted H.A.P.P.Y. in some ways. Our actions are directly dictated by the Yeongju Volunteer Center's decisions. Although they have been very accommodating, there have been instances where the group wishes we could help without having to be helped. The continuous turnover of foreigners has also proven to be cumbersome to H.A.P.P.Y.¡¯s growth. As we all know, native English teachers frequently come and go in this business.
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Regardless of the limitations, creating and watching the H.A.P.P.Y. group grow to fruition has been incredibly rewarding. H.A.P.P.Y participants have had the opportunity to bond with local families and students, encourage a positive language and cultural exchange, and simultaneously provide a service to the community. We have met so many wonderful families and individuals who have enjoyed spending time with us and have even invited us into their homes.
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After showcasing our group at the volunteer festival, we gained the respect and appreciation of many locals. In many ways it showed that we are more than just foreign teachers who invade Korean schools, teach a little English, and then take off without a trace. More importantly, H.A.P.P.Y.'s participation highlighted that we wish to be part of and to enrich the community. Our involvement in H.A.P.P.Y. has given us a chance to see a different side of Korean culture that transcends what is learned in the classroom. H.A.P.P.Y. has also made foreigners feel included in Korean society. It has opened doors and hearts. In many cases, it seems it has actually abolished our outsider status. I have had other members comment that they no longer feel they must fear the dreaded ¡°foreign native teacher¡± stigma.
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Adrienne Urban, a H.A.P.P.Y. member, stated, ¡°I am so grateful and a bit surprised how receptive people have been in regards to working with us and learning what we're about. The reason I began this was to give outreach to the community, but I definitely feel the community has embraced us back.¡± Fellow EPIK teacher Bob Berenson agrees that being a H.A.P.P.Y. member allows him to interact with more Korean families, and in the process, he has developed a newfound respect for Korean people.
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The Gyeongsangbuk Volunteer Center was so pleased and impressed by H.A.P.P.Y. that, as a token of appreciation, they presented us with a special award plaque for our unique and noble involvement in Yeongju. Arirang TV also asked us to co-host on their ¡°Travel Diaries¡± series¡¯ episode of Yeongju. Several H.A.P.P.Y. members accompanied the Australian host during her adventures to Sosu Seowon, Seonbichon, and a local peach orchard. The episode aired on Arirang in August of 2009. This sort of recognition has been incredibly rewarding, not only as a visible appreciation of our efforts, but in our intangible roles as community members. H.A.P.P.Y. members can leave Korea with fond and worthwhile memories to last a lifetime. H.A.P.P.Y. has recruited 20 volunteers since its conception and strives to continue its services for years to come.
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Andong Teachers Give Back
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Sara Long(Andong Gilju ES)
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Andong in Gyeongbuk province has dramatically expanded its GET program. From three teachers starting in the fall of 2008, the program has increased to sixteen for the fall, 2009 semester. Surrounded by sites of historical and cultural significance, beautiful mountains and hiking trails, Andong has a lot to offer. But, the best resource is that of her people. All of the EPIK teachers have received a warm welcome in this lovely city which truly is the ¡°Capital of the Korean Spirit¡±.
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In an effort to give back to their gracious hosts, a group of Andong EPIK teachers have volunteered to teach two evening English classes for the fall semester. Initiated by Andong Office of Education Supervisor, Mrs. Li Song Suk and coordinated by Andong GET leader, Andrew Caldwell, these classes commenced the beginning of October. Specific students have been targeted.
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The first class was opened to all teachers and administrative staff in schools in Andong. The second class was opened solely to staff that work at the Andong Office of Education. The focus of both classes is ¡°Survival English¡± - topics that would be useful to those traveling abroad and needing practical English conversation. A few examples are: Introductions, Making Plans, Checking into a Hotel, and Ordering in a Restaurant. These topics are also useful for students who may encounter foreigners in Korea needing help. The participants in the classes have been great - all have been so receptive and appreciative! It has been such an enjoyable experience for all involved.
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Many thanks go to: Mrs. Li Song Suk (Supervisor), Andrew Caldwell, (GET Andong leader), and EPIK volunteers: Sara Long, Alice Mitchell, Bonnie Mole, Tom Mole, Alissa Murphy, Ilana Stol, Katie Wells, Scott Williams
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When the foreigners of Andong aren¡¯t busy teaching, they are also busy learning. In an effort to broaden communication with Korean co-teachers and the community, a Korean language class was organized and began at the end of September, 2009. The class meets every Tuesday at 6:30, under the instruction of Yoon Jung Kun at Young Moon High School. The class focuses on conversation, and is attended by EPIK teachers at several levels of Korean language ability.
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Outside of the classroom, several teachers have also turned to learning Korean martial arts. It¡¯s both a way to master body language and stay healthy, with so much time already devoted to teaching and learning English and Korean language. At least two EPIK study Taekwondo, and six (including one TALK scholar) study Hapkido, making for a very dynamic group. It shows the commitment to be active members of a Korean cultural tradition, and is also a fun way to interact with Korean students outside of the school routine.
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Between helping Korean teachers after school with English, studying Korean language, and practicing martial arts, there isn¡¯t a single weekday where the Andong foreigners are completely at rest. They are both teachers and learners, dedicated to giving and getting the most out of their experience.
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