There really are good times while teaching in Korea

(Be sure to check out pics I just posted to my previous blog...all courtesy of Gon)

So most of you have heard my frustrations with my teaching experiences in Korea (thus far). Kat suggested I blog about the positives because there really are many. Also, those are the times where I can laugh and shake off the bad behavior. These are the times when I realize that I just might be able to survive teaching in Korea. :)

First of all, let me tell you the names. Oh the names these kids come up with. I wanted to give them English names to use in class, mostly to help me be able to keep kids straight. Now, I feel a bit bad about having them "change their names" for me, but most of the kids seem to enjoy it, and they do it with their Korean teachers anyway. So, I let them choose names. Some of these came from a list I put on the board (including Brian, Ben, Sam, Steven, Kimberly, etc....where did I get those?). Others came from the kids' minds, and I have no idea where these minds have been. Some of the highlights include:

Baguette
God (I have two)
Homer
Chicken
Top
Bella
Kaze
Rarph (no, that's not a typo)
Bank
Gun J
Magic Force
Dumbledore
Voldemort (Dumbledore and Voldemort sit next to each other)
Baby Bear
Turtle
Superman
LaBron James
Whap
Gangsta
Johnny Depp
Dino
Big Joe
Gucci
Messy
Ostrich
Beyoncé
Fiona
Wow
Pringles (and a Potato Chip too)
Buggy
Heart Breaker
Homeple (?)
No Pain No Gain
Wind Breaker (this made me laugh)
Crocodile
Sexy Boy

There are many other hilarious and just plain strange names, but I'll leave you with this list. I hope it brought you laughter.

Next good story: yesterday after school my English Conversation class (I teach an after school class everyday) came in. There were some boys talking in the back of the room, and then one said, "Teacher, teacher. Make up?" And I said, "No, I don't wear makeup. Just on my eyes." He responds, "Ohh...eyeliner?" And I said, "Yes, eyeliner." "Ohhh. Very good. Beautiful. Teacher, you sexy girl." So I responded, "You better watch out! My husband will come and fight you, and he is very big." They all said, "Ohhhh....don't!" Pretty cute/comical.

Then today, I had my last (pretty much, except for Friday) day of introductions. In one of my classes, I was introducing my family:
"Iowa has a lot of land. If there is a lot of land, what would a good job be?"
"Farmer!"
"Yes, you're right! A farmer is a good job to have in Iowa. This is my father, Brian."
"Ooooooh, very handsome! Big guy!"
"Yes, he is very strong. What do you think my father's job is?"
"Farmer!"
"Good! Yes, my father is a farmer. This is my mother, Jane."
"Ooooooh, very pretty. I love Jane!"
"Haha, yes. What do you think her job is?"
"Farmer!"
"No, not a farmer."
"House-uh Wife-uh!"
"No, not a housewife."
"Model!"
"No, but my mother will love you."
That dialogue is for my mom. Hope you enjoyed it and want to come teach in Korea soon! :)

One more highlight: a student walked into the room this morning wearing a yellow t-shirt (they're supposed to wear uniforms) that said, "Everythings good! Everyone's singing black music," on the back, and on the front was a black guy with a fro. No joke. My response: laughter, and "WHHHAAAA??"

So there really are many bright spots during the day. It's sad that the frustrating ones are the ones you remember. I also wanted to say that I love my Level 1 students. I recently realized that Level 1=6th grade, Level 2=7th grade, and Level 3=8th grade. The Level 1 students are soooo sweet and just about the cutest little bugs you've ever seen. They also seem to have better English than the older grades, so I find that interesting. The class I saw this morning was especially sweet, so that was an excellent start to the day. I look forward to many more hilarious and fun moments.