And so it begins

Hello, my name is Quinlin and I have a life goal of traveling the world to teach English. I am incredibly fascinated with contrasting cultures and am compelled to find out more about the way other people live. I have been unsuccessful in quenching such a thirst to understand cultures that differ from my own by exposing myself to textural resources. Instead, I have decided that it is my bestowed destiny to travel the world in order to live as others live and experience what others experience on a daily basis. Thus, came the name of my blog; for the remainder of my life, I will be taking a walk in others' shoes...in my neighbors' shoes...my worldly neighbors...OUR worldly neighbors to see what life is like for people around the globe. I hope you join me on this incredible adventure to seek out a better understanding of our vast planet and to better grasp the humanistic approach to our world that so many have neglected.

I am currently a 5th year undergrad student studying education. I will complete my degree studies in May. I will then have a BS in English and Social Studies Education. So why, Quinlin, would you travel the world teaching English if you want to experience their culture? Isn't that doing more harm than good by inflicting western culture upon their own? That's an excellent point and see what I'll be doing is not forcing the English language upon others that don't want it by suggesting that English is the elite language and should be spoken by all; rather, I will be seeking out positions around the world that have a pre-established ELL (English Language Learner) program. Since my degree is in English Education and there is, after all, a high demand for English native speakers to teach English globally, it works out quite well. Plus, I can't imagine doing anything other than teaching. It is my passion, my source of happiness, my love, my motivation, and my beacon of light. Thus, it is all congruent and works out quite well.

My first step in this life long process is South Korea. I have done much research and have found South Korea to be the most simplistic starting place for teaching ELL (English Language Learner...you still with me?) Since that discovery, I have thrown myself into as much Korean exposure as possible. I attend a Big 12 school and am fortunate enough to have access to the resources to get me involved with Asia. However, if I continue on this topic I will only digress. So, back on topic. In order to make my first dream come true of teaching English in Korea, I have since filled out an application with Korvia. They basically help you network. They find companies that you might specifically want to work with and pair you up with compatible programs. I submitted my application here and within two days, I heard back from a Korvia representative via e-mail and within three days I was speaking with a Korvia representative on the phone. She asked me a few questions about what I wanted to do, where I want to teach, why I think I deserve to hold a position and why I want to teach in Korea. This got the ball rolling. From here, she sent me further information about more specifics such as salary and placement. She is now working to find me a program that will sponsor me. She talked about me attending an orientation in August and being placed in my first pick, Seoul. I would also highly recommend prying into this website. I have been following this Canadian couple for months now and they have helped me out substantially.

This is all I have for now but look forward to sharing my future stories of (hopefully) success with you all.

Believe and be the change you wish to see.

Quinlin