The Low Down

I am taking a little break from writing about my average day in Korea and am, instead, answering questions I have been receiving.

Do you drink bottled or tap water?

I drink bottled water whenever I am at my apartment. I have NEVER been a tap water drinker (I refuse to apologize for this), and that has not changed since I have moved. Unfortunately, I have had a hard time finding a Brita filter, hence the bottled water. At work, I use the water dispenser located in the kitchen area. To be honest, I don't drink enough water in the day regardless of the actual water source.

What type of milk do you drink?

I have found myself really enjoying banana milk (don't knock it till you try it!). Those closest to me know how much I detest regular milk (guess I'll just have osteoporosis at 40), but I am a sucker for a chilled glass of chocolate milk.

What do you have in the way of kitchen utensils?

I was left a pot and pan, spatulas and mixing spoons, one bowl, one plate, two cups, and some Tupperware. I also have one fork, which is leaning at a 45 degree angle (I have no idea how this happened), a spoon, and a pair of chopsticks. I have invested in a cutting board and pairing knife, but I pretty much have all the basics covered now. My kitchen also has a microwave and air fryer for when I feel like going the extra mile with cooking.

Who pays the rent?

My school pays the rent for all 8 of us English teachers at the center. I do not have to worry about anything other than a small security deposit fee that is deducted from my first and second month paychecks.

What does banking look like?

I just opened my bank account this past Wednesday. My bank is two subway stops away from my apartment, so about 6 minutes. I have access to online and internet banking, which allows me full access to my account whether I am in the country or not. Also, I can use any ATM regardless of what bank technically owns that ATM. Basically, I have no limitations when it comes to where I withdraw money.

How much English do the students speak?

This really depends on the schools and the students themselves. For my One Day Mission classes (the food class that I teach multiple times a week), the students are on a field trip to the center I teach at. Because of this, I have a variety of English levels within the classroom. If parents do not send their children to a Hagwon, a private, after-school program that specializes in areas such as English, then those kids have a very limited understanding of English. Some of the higher level students will translate for their classmates, and I also have a multitude of pictures throughout the presentation to provide context. For my actual middle school class I teach, the students are at a beginner level, meaning they have some background and basic understanding of the English language. My co-teacher still has to translate about 80% of what I teach in a given lesson. The adult class, on the other hand, is packed full of students who actually want to learn English, and their comprehension is pretty good on any given day.

How are you handling the language barrier?

I rely primarily on my translator apps, basic knowledge of key words and phrases, and the help of those around me to translate what is being said. If all else fails, I move into the old practice of pointing and explaining with my eyes to have a "conversation" with someone. Sometimes this works, and sometimes it does not. I need to do some more research on Korean classes available near me. The biggest issue is timing. Since I work until 6pm and on Saturdays, my availability is pretty limited.

I have also decided to keep a running list of the most interesting/ unique foods and drinks I have the had the pleasure of trying thus far.

1. Sweet Potato Latte- creamy and sweet, this was similar to a Taro Milk Tea minus the boba.

2. Dessert Sandwich- layers of ham, cheese, egg, and whipped sweetened condensed milk upon fluffy white bread. This was aptly named, yet there was something a tad unsettling about biting into what I thought would be a savory sandwich only to be met with a sweet aftertaste. Quite delicious though.

3. Banana milk- oddly refreshing after eating a bowl of very spicy ramen.

4. Garlic Bread- a surprising twist with the addition of cream cheese as the intestines (a direct translation from my translating app; you always can count on the complete misinterpretation of words at times). Regardless of the sweet factor, the bread was flavorful and soft. I am starting to notice, however, a pattern with the overlap of savory and sweet mixed into one singular food.

If you all have any additional questions, either leave them down in the comment section or fill out the Contact Form at the bottom of the website!

My view heading home from work