Siyu's Migration Presentation by Siyu Han

shan2031 — 2023-11-20 06:12:00 UTC

While I was in school getting my Master's degree, I realized that I didn't really want to work in the USA right away. I was really curious about other countries and wanted to explore opportunities to work in international schools. My boss said to me, "Savannah, you'd be really good in international schools. You have an open mind, are curious, and love teaching. You should definitely try this." That was enough to convince me. I started applying, had a couple of interviews, and got an email from Chadwick International saying "Congratulations!" I spent two months stressing and preparing. The hardest part was getting my visa - I needed to collect a whole bunch of information and getting it all together was ridiculously challenging. There was a deadline for sending it and I was really worried that I wouldn't meet it. However, I did it, I managed to get my visa, and I was ready. I packed up all my stuff and my family drove me to the airport really warly one morning. My mom was trying not to cry, but she was also happy for me. I was excited, but I also was worried about missing my family too much. Once I landed in Korea, though, I was so busy that it was hard to find time to be lonely. I had to figure out where everyone was, learn how to ask for a bag at the grocery store, and figure out how to stop a bus.

shan2031 — 2023-11-21 00:11:07 UTC

I decided to move to start teaching in Korea seven years ago to go out of my comfort zone. Even though I have traveled to other countries for fun, it was my first time to live and work outside of the Philippines. I had a chance to experience the four different seasons and see snow for the first time. We only have two seasons in the Philippines and winter was very challenging. I already knew a few Korean words and phrases from watching Korean dramas but I know even more words know and even have a chance to use some Korean phrases in my day to day life.

shan2031 — 2023-11-21 00:30:49 UTC

shan2031 — 2023-11-21 00:31:26 UTC

shan2031 — 2023-11-22 01:33:30 UTC

I wanted to leave my teaching job in Australia when I heard about a school in the United Arab Emirates that the Australian government was going to help open. This seemed like a great opportunity for a new job and to live in another country and part of the world. I enjoyed living in the middle east for 3 years. After that I wanted to move to an International Baccelaureate school that taught the Primary Years Program. So I got a new job in another Emirate, AbuDhabi. One of the challenges was the hot weather but after a few years I found I got used to it. Most people spoke some English so it was not too difficult to live there plus it was an interesting part of the world. I got to travel to other countries in the middle east too. I then wanted to work at a more experienced IB school so moved to China. It was pretty challenging to live there at times as not a lot of people spoke English but others at the school I worked at were realyy friendly and helpful. I loved learning about Chinese cultue and history. Finally I moved to SK.

shan2031 — 2023-11-22 01:34:47 UTC

In 2010, my husband, first child, and I moved from New Hampshire in the USA to Dubai, United Arab Emirates. We were there for four years before moving to Beijing, China to explore a new country. We then moved to Guangzhou, China and enjoyed the busy lifestyle there. Then, in 2017, we moved to Songdo to join the Chadwick International community in South Korea.

shan2031 — 2023-11-22 01:35:36 UTC

shan2031 — 2023-11-22 01:37:15 UTC

shan2031 — 2023-11-22 01:37:38 UTC

shan2031 — 2023-11-23 04:05:12 UTC

My name is Kenneth Odoi, and I am originally from the United States. I moved to South Korea 2 years ago from Portugal to pursue some new adventures both personally and professionally. Korea is the seventh country I've lived in. Though each new country has presented unique challenges, they have also provided the opportunity to meet new people and help me grow in amazing ways.

shan2031 — 2023-11-23 04:06:11 UTC

shan2031 — 2023-11-23 04:14:55 UTC

This is the third time I have moved to Korea. Accepting a teaching position at CI was very exciting for me! I had to pack up my apartment in Georgia, USA and move me and my dog all the way to Songdo, South Korea. Moving here, I had a lot to prep to do beforehand. I had many documents to get signed and notarized for my visa, for my job, and for my dog. Coming to CI in July 2021 was exciting but also I was nervous because we had to do a 2-week quarantine. It was also a bit challenging when I arrived because I do not speak much Korean nor did I have cell phone service but I needed to meet up with the school hired driver to take me to my apartment. All-in-all everything worked out well and I am very happy here in Korea!

shan2031 — 2023-11-23 04:19:22 UTC

shan2031 — 2023-11-28 04:47:38 UTC

When I was 26 years old, I was offered a job in South Korea. I decided to move and live abroad. I moved away from my home country of the United States and became a teacher in Seoul, South Korea. In Korea, I met many new friends and the woman who would become my wife. That was over 17 years ago and I still live in Korea. Now I have two children and a different job, but that was all made possible because of my decision to move to Korea.

shan2031 — 2023-11-28 04:48:18 UTC

shan2031 — 2023-12-06 04:10:53 UTC

I originally moved to South Korea a few years after university, in order to find teaching work. Moving here was initially a bit isolating as I blended in and looked like a Korean, but my culture (food, language, way of dressing, beliefs, etc.) were very different. Over time, I realized that blending in by my Asian appearance (being half Chinese and half Caucasian) has helped me relate more easily to some people.

One challenge I had to face was appearing to be Korean (I am Caucasian and Chinese). When I first moved to Korea I found this very isolating because Koreans would approach me and ask for directions, but I could not understand them. Other expats would not approach me because they thought I was Korean.

One opportunity I have had is that some Koreans feel that my face is more familiar (because I look Asian, and look more like them) and this causes them to feel more comfortable with me. So, some people trust me more easily and are able to share their ideas or relate to me more easily, even across cultures.

shan2031 — 2023-12-06 04:11:38 UTC