Life Update

I realized that my blog has tapered off in the past few months, but as my time in Korea comes to end I have found it difficult to squeeze in blog updating time. I have been in Korea for almost 11 months and I can't believe how fast the time has gone. It's incredible to think of all the things I've done, the things I've accomplished and the people I've met. However, I will not delve into those things now as I still have eight weeks left and don't plan on writing a "farewell" blog for quite sometime. The purpose of this entry is to update everyone on what I will be doing after Korea. I had thought about spending another year here, but I after much thought and consideration, I decided to apply to graduate school and try to get not only my master's, but also my teaching license. About three weeks ago, I was accepted to St. Cloud State University's MA in TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) program. I chose to apply to this particular program because a) it's close to home b) it's rather inexpensive c) I can get an MA and a teaching license at the same time and d) I could apply and be admitted without a GRE score. I wasn't too concerned about being accepted as I did pretty well in undergrad and I have a bit of experience with the field already. What I was concerned about was the possibility of a Graduate Assistantship. The GA position is quite the jackpot. Not only would I get paid for 20 hours of work a week, but I would also have 8 of my graduate credits paid for. I received a year long position as a TA for college ESL classes and as long as my grades are good and I do a good job the first year, I can hopefully be awarded the same position next year. I have to be in St. Cloud by August 21st for orientation and classes start August 24th. It will be a whirlwind of activity before then as I settle back into the states and get adjusted to life as a college student once again.

My last day of work is July 24th and on the 25th I leave for Thailand. I will be spending 9 days between Bangkok and Phuket (with a side trip to Phi Phi Island) with my two favorite people in Korea. I'll be home August 4th and as much as I'd love to spend time with everyone I know, I will be spending time with my family and I am looking forward to every moment of it.