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Sunday, June 03, 2007

I'm Leaving On A Jet Plane

Well, not for a little while yet. A couple of friends (from my TESL class) and I had applied for jobs teaching English in South Korea. We had to send in our resumes, photos, a medical form (a simple general self-evaluation type), then if we got through that we would have to take part in an interview via phone from South Korea. Thursday night we had our interviews (mine was at 11pm my time, one girl was before me but I don't know what time hers was, and the other one didn't have her interview until 1am our time). We waited all weekend to find out whether or not we passed the interview.

This evening we found out. I haven't talked to the other girls yet, but I passed the interview!

Now I have to gather together two reference letters, a medical report from the doctor, a police check, my diploma, copy of my TESL certificate, transcripts of my marks, and some other items. All of this is needed to optain the visa. We need to get this done this month. In July we'll receive an official acceptance letter, our contracts, and something else that I forget at this moment...oh, probably the visa.

Next comes the airline ticket (though I wonder if that can be obtained prior to getting the visa), and flying to South Korea to take part in an orientation, after which we will begin teaching.

Whew! That's a lot to get done between now and then. I'm going to have to take a day or two off work so I can do the running around I need in order to get my transcripts, police check, etc., because all of these places will be closed by the time I get off work (which is typically 4:30). Taking the time from work doesn't bother me. I even have to ask my boss for a reference letter, and I'm sure she'll give me a good reference; that doesn't bother me.

I'm excited but at the same time, I'm scared. I've never been out of the country (except to visit in Maine a couple of times several years ago), and have never been that far away from my family and friends before. That will take getting used to, and I'm sure I'll suffer home sickness some as well.

Anyway, just wanted to update the blog and let you know what's been going on. I can definately use prayer for this - getting all the documentation done up, and on time; saving money; safe travel and safety in South Korea...and so much more. I'll keep you all updated on how things are progressing, so until then, have a Christ-filled day!

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Congratulations, my friend! I knew you'd pass your interview. How completely EXCITING!!!

Do you know yet how long the TESL assignment will be in Korea?

You are awesome, Shelley!

Prayerful Knitter - Shelly said...

This is incredible! Congratulations!

How long will you be teaching in S. Korea?

I'll surely be praying for you.

susan said...

Wow how exciting. Will be praying.

Shelley L. MacKenzie said...

Thanks all! The contract is for a year, so that's what I've signed on for. I suppose if I love it there, I could sign on for another year. If not, then I'll likely go elsewhere or come back to Canada and find something here.

Charity said...

Congratulations! How very exciting! :0)

Rhonda the Stitchingnut said...

Wow, how exciting! Congrats, Shelley. This will be a really cool experience. You'll be so happy you went for it.

Holly said...

What a great opportunity! Very exciting!

Pilot Mom said...

Shelley, I'm just trying to catch up on my "visiting" and dropped in to find your great news! How exciting for you! You will love the South Korean people, I just know it, and they will love you.

I hope you keep blogging. It would be interesting to hear about your life over there. :)

PJ said...

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! Just like everyone else said....can't wait to hear everything about it as it goes! Great work!

sherriknits said...

Shelley, this is so exciting! God will be with you the entire way. What a great opportunity!