Canadian expat Janine works as an ESL teacher in Suwon City, South Korea, an experience that she's enjoying immensely. She describes some of the steps she took to move to that country and her appreciation of the people and her surroundings. She also shares some tips on what to do - and not to do! - in South Korea.	Janine MacLean

-Where were you born?

I was born in Eastern Canada, on the island of Cape Breton and grew up on a farm - the complete opposite of my life today, now that I think of it...

-In which country and city are you living now?

I live in Suwon City, South Korea. My city is home to Samsung's main headquarters and the famous Hwaseong Fortress. Suwon is also well known for its high quality galbi, or Korean BBQ, and for its soccer team: the Suwon Bluewings.

-Are you living alone or with your family?

I lived alone for the first few months and then broke down and adopted two cats. They make the solitide a little more interesting, and there are so many animals that need adopting in Korea - it was an easy decision to make!

-How long have you been living in South Korea?

I have been here for about six months now, and I haven't yet run out of new things to do, eat, or try. I still have a long list.

-What is your age?

I am 23 years old. I came to Korea a few months after graduating from university.

-When did you come up with the idea of living in South Korea?

I had known friends who had taught English overseas and have cherished the experience. Although I wasn't sure teaching was really for me, I wanted to travel badly and I heard I could make enough to pay my student loans and still travel and live well. Again, easy decision!

-Was it hard to get a visa or a working permit?

Not at all, within two weeks I had signed a contract with my school, they flew me to Seoul and picked me up at the airport, and then within a few weeks they flew me to Osaka, Japan to get my E2 working visa. An all-expenses paid trip to Japan, however short, is always nice!

-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?

No. I had already agreed to a health plan with my school before even coming to Korea. Generally, if you work at a Hagwon (or private institution), your boss will pay 50% of any medical bills and you pay the other 50%. Considering how inexpensive things are in Korea (my friend just got her wisdom teeth removed for 5$), 50% is usually not a lot to pay!

-How do you make your living in South Korea? Do you have any type of income generated?

It was so easy to find a job in Korea - the hard part was accepting a job at a school that I felt good about taking. Anyone who wants to teach ESL in Korea should check out Dave's ESL Cafe for updated listings and then just apply to any jobs that strike your fancy. It was very easy for me to find the job I wanted, for the amount I wanted to get paid and for the benefits I was looking for (health insurance, vacation time, work hours, etc.). Within two weeks I had found the job I wanted and within another two weeks I was on my plane to Korea!

-Do you speak Korean and do you think it's important to speak the local language?

Korea is such an interesting country and it's funny to see how unnecessary it is to learn the language - although many Koreans have a dislike for foreigners living in their country and ignorantly avoiding learning a few words of their language. I think it's important to learn as much as you can, not only because it makes things like taking a taxi or buying milk easier, but because it shows that you care enough about the language and culture of Korea to try and learn. It's pretty awkward at first because the language is so entirely different from English (or any western language, for that matter), but eventually you get over any embarrassment and your Korean improves...slowly... I hope to be able to speak a lot more in my last six months. So basically, while it is not essential for you to learn the language (a lot of menus and signs are translated and there are people you can call to help you translate) I think it is important to learn as much as you can as a sign of respect to the country that is employing you and paying you a lot of money.

-Do you miss home and family sometimes?

Christmas was kind of lonely, but Korea is such a great place to be because you can get cheap flights and package deals almost anywhere in Asia. Over vacation my friends went to the Philippines, Cambodia, and Malaysia and I didn't hear anyone complaining about homesickness. You meet so many people here and your coworkers become your family, so there is still a way to celebrate your holidays and you always have people to talk you through it if you get homesick. The times I feel the most homesick is when I'm sick in bed - otherwise I am so busy with work and going out on weekends there is just no time!

-Do you have other plans for the future?

Right now I am really happy where I am! Korea is a great place to pay off student debt, travel, and meet new people. I do plan on going back to school, but whether that will be next year or the year after, I don't know. It's nice to know I'll always be able to make a living in Korea.

-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?

Most contracts for ESL teachers in Korea include the employer paying the rent for a single apartment. These things are tiny, but they are habitable and they include a washing machine, drying rack, small kitchen, a bed, a TV and fridge, and air conditioning. What more do you need?

-What is the cost of living in South Korea?

For ESL teachers the cost of living is so low because the highest cost of living in the country tends to be rent, and as teachers our rent is paid for. You will need to pay your monthly bills - cable/internet, electricity, gas, phone - but they don't usually add up to a lot. I would say I spend under 100,000 won (100.00CAN) a month on bills - which leaves me about 2000.00 CAN to live on for the rest of the month. Since you can eat out every night for 1-10$, you can live off of 2000 $ and have a pretty extravagant lifestyle. Needless to say, I've bought a lot of shoes.

-What do you think about the Koreans?

I love most Koreans that I meet. They are hospitable and caring, and they always try to help you whenever possible whether it's a Korean coworker taking you to the doctor when you're sick, or a cab driver giving you an impromptu Korean lesson on your way to work in the morning. While some Koreans see foreigners as intruders and are particularly unhappy about the US Army presence in their country, the vast majority take care of you like you're one of their own. Although it helps if you're not from the US (sorry guys).

-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in South Korea?

The positives have outweighed the negative aspects in every respect for me, so far. Sometimes I get mistaken for a Russian prostitute by drunk Korean men, sometimes I get pushed and kicked on the subway, and sometimes Koreans are just plain unfriendly. You just have to remind yourself that there are unfriendly people everywhere.

The positives are: my awesome job - I didn't even know I liked teaching, but my kids are amazing and the experience is awesome, being able to travel around the country on their affordable and excellent cross country transportation system, having oppotunities that not many people have, being able to explore cities without feeling unsafe (crime is not a normal thing here and people are so respectful for the most part). This country has been good to me. I am sure there are people out there with a more negative experience, but if you come here with the right attitude you'll cherish your experience.

-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in South Korea?

Never assume you can walk just because the light is green, Korean drivers make their own rules. Don't feel safe just because you're on the sidewalk either. Mix your tchiggae with your rice for a more pleasurable experience. Never use the "come here" hand motion that we are so used to in western countries; Koreans do it the opposite way with your fingers facing down and it is rude to do it the other way. Never write someone's name in red. Never laugh at the ridiculousness of "fan death" in the presence of a Korean, they firmly believe in it. Do everything with an open mind, try new things, learn some Korean - you'll do great!

-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about South Korea?

You can check out my blog at http://janinemaclean.blogspot.com/. Good luck with everything!