Irene Jimenez

On the 12-hour flight to Seoul, the guilt of leaving my parents back home was heartbreaking. At 23 years old, the same age as my mother when she left Mexico for the U.S to have a better life, I moved from the U.S to Korea. Someone who has never left her hometown, nonetheless her country. Because of their sacrifices, I have always looked for opportunities to better myself in my personal and professional life. Here is how being an EPIK teacher has changed my life so far.

On my arrival in my new city, I got greeted by my co-teachers and staff. I was taken to my school and introduced to the principal. Being told by him to take care of their students showed me how much he believes in me. Afterward, we went to a Korean BBQ and fried chicken for dinner. So delicious! They were happy to know I was willing to try any food. They were also eager to learn more about me and where I was from in the U.S. I showed them pictures of my family and hometown. They were also surprised I knew some Korean dining etiquette. Of course, by having watched K-dramas since I was in middle school. Being welcomed positively, I become more excited to start teaching. In the following weeks, I introduced myself to my students, who were surprised that I also spoke Spanish. It was also comforting to find out that one of my co-teachers can speak Spanish and previously has lived in Mexico before.



During these four months, my co-teachers and students have been a part of my growth as a teacher. In the classroom, my experience varies due to class size and grades because I teach at two schools. My elementary school ranges from 7-12 students and one class per grade. While at my middle school, there are 31 students and nine classes per grade. I learned how to adjust my teaching style to fit their needs. Understanding my students is essential because their lives outside class are unknown to me. They may nod off their heads due to lack of sleep. I try to interact with them as much outside of class. Such as staying a few minutes after class to show me their TikTok video or to show a drawing they drew of me. Compared to the beginning and now, I have numerous students saying hello with their smiley eyes. Being patient, communicative, and caring for your students is essential as an EPIK teacher. They will become more engaged if they see how much you care about their learning and well-being. I have one student who did not want to participate before. Little by little, he became more engaged and now fully participates. With my co-teachers, I made sure to show them how much I appreciate them with a small gift and note. As an EPIK teacher, taking your co-teachers constructive criticism is essential to improve your lessons. I have taken them seriously since I have little experience in teaching compared to them. They may think they are just my co-teachers, but I also see them as mentors. I hope to become just like them in the future.



Outside of teaching in the classroom, I have taken every chance to learn more about the Korean language, culture, and lifestyle. Such as visiting many museums (my favorite so far, Gyeongju National Museum). Wearing a Hanbok at Gyeongbokgung Palace and paddle boarding at Gwangali Beach in Busan during the sunset. Or eating cold noodles for the first time on a hot sunny day. I have made many new friends and have gone on trips with them to experience Korea together. I also learned how adventurous I am, whether with others or alone. Although I have enjoyed trying new things, I always remember my parents, who never traveled anywhere. I call them every Saturday and tell them what I did the previous week. The smiles on their faces of excitement and how proud they are of me. I hope one day I can take them to Korea and show them how beautiful the world is outside our small town back home in the U.S and Mexico.

I want to end this by saying to share your experience! I knew about the EPIK program because, in middle school, a previous EPIK teacher had talked about the program. They encouraged everyone to apply when they were older. Thanks to them, I knew about this program at a young age. I hope to inspire others to do the same through my social media. This experience has been fantastic, and I am grateful to have been chosen as part of the Spring 2022 intake. It has been a new world for me. I can only wonder what the following months have in store for me.