When I first came to Korea over two years ago, there was a dearth of groups or clubs available to the expat teacher. Most people seemed to spend their extra curricular time drinking and wondering what to do with all their free time. My how times have changed.
Want to climb a mountain, go to lunch, bar hop, learn some new teaching skills, or just make friends? In all odds, there's probably some sort of group or club dedicated just to that. Some of these have been around a while, others are new, but they're all dedicated to making your stay in Korea just that much more pleasant. Now there's one more.
First of all, let me introduce myself and what I do. I came to Korea in 1995 and since then have worked at three different placement agencies. Many of you will know me from this. I earned a good reputation as being straightforward and honest. Some of you also know me as the immigration and legal matters answer guy. Regardless of whether you know me or not I've always worked with improving the lot of teachers in mind. Now I'm on to something new.
It seems that with as many fine groups and organizations around, most are either too narrow in focus or too limited in services. This is why I'm helping to create the TESOL Association. Under the auspices of one group, we will provide English teaching seminars, job referrals and networking, group tour and travel, hash sessions (of the non-smokable variety), and a legal and immigration answer center. Plus whatever else you or I deem helpful to the expat community. I say you because this is to be a group run by the expat community. There will be an elected body so I need people with good organizational skills who want to serve. This is a chance for many in the expat community to do something good for yourself and for others.
The ICC Institute in Yonsan-dong has agreed to sponsor the group. This means we will have use of their spacious and new facilities. They are also one of the best job information centers in Pusan with the advantage of not being a placement agency. They are located at subway stop #23 (exit#7) and the number there is 868-5556. ICC will also be providing e-mail and a website very soon.
The framework is in place for a very good club that will be able to provide a variety of services. The only thing needed now is good people of which Pusan has plenty. If you're a teacher, expat or Korean, this club is for you. So, if you've survived the hot Pusan summer with body and mind intact, come to our fist meeting. It will be on Saturday, September the 27th at 2:00. I hope to see many of you there. The new TESOL Association, Pusan's one-stop shopping for expat services.