Here Goes

This blogging thing is really dying a death these days; it seems to be dropping down to just one a week without my even noticing! All my efforts to get myself into a better routine keep falling foul of a plethora of other little things that keep popping up out of nowhere. So, here we go with a very general round-up of what's been going on, what's happening, and what's yet to come.

We've been gigging a lot these days with Dead End Friends. Last weekend we had another tidy show at Woodstock on Friday night and another rowdy one at Rocky Mountain Tavern in aid of Camarata Music Company. It was a fun night of music but we were left a little bemused after finding out that we weren't playing for quite the cause we had thought we were. They played up the whole "musical instruments and lessons for underprivileged kids" version, while it has since emerged that the event was mainly to raise money for the company to put on shows. I guess a cause is a cause, but usually if foreigners become involved in things like this in Korea (music, theatre, sports, etc), they tend to bear the brunt of the expenses themselves. I wonder if they're planning a benefit concert to raise money for us to release a CD...

Inspired as I am (not) by my fellow countrymen Bono and Bob Geldoff, we're taking part in another benefit show this weekend; but for an undeniably worthy cause this time. We'll be bringing the rock (ugh I just don't feel comfortable saying stuff like that...) to Roofers in Itaewon to play at a fundraiser for the recent disaster in Japan, on Friday night. One of the organisers is going out with one of my co-workers and seems like a really active and driven person, so we're glad to be able to offer something constructive. If you are around Itaewon this weekend, come out and support the cause. We'll be playing last and the rest of the line-up certainly brings the word eclectic to mind. I'm interested to see how it all works out.

On Saturday, I'm going to head down to Busan with a friend to have a look around the landmarks, get a night out on the tiles, and go watch Busan I'Park entertain the mighty FC Seoul on Sunday. No doubt reinvigorated by my rousing blog last week, things have turned around slightly for us over the past week. Saturday saw us seal a huge home win (3-1) over Jeonbuk Motors, with Dejan (twice) and Molina scoring impressive goals. It wasn't always as convincing as the scoreline might suggest, with Lee Dong Gook briefly bringing it back to 2-1 with an 81st-minute strike. I must also mention the bizarre introduction of Lee Seung Ryeol on 81 minutes (just before their goal) and his subsequent withdrawal only four minutes later. Ok, the manager may have wanted to shore things up by bringing on an extra defender, but surely he could have looked beyond the player he had just brought on! Lee didn't look pleased, and who could blame him? I consider him one of our most naturally-talented players, but Kwan obviously doesn't fancy him...

A positive week continued with a 1-1 Champions' League draw away against Nagoya Grampus, continuing our fine form in that competition. Interestingly, it was the same starting eleven that had defeated Jeonbuk, so perhaps he is now a little clearer on his best eleven (even though it certainly doesn't correspond with mine). We'll be hoping to build that consistency against Busan, who have only picked up one point from four K-League fixtures so far. Their manager, Ahn Ik-Soo was assistant coach at FC Seoul last season, and obviously has a lot of pressure on him if he is to avoid the fate of Gangwon's Choi Soon Ho, who resigned this week following four opening defeats and no goals scored. A big win, and the disappointing start to the season will begin to feel like nothing more than a blip. Djeparov was back pulling the strings this week; Ha Dae Sung and Choi Tae Wook still to return.

Aaaaaand the rest of life... I remembered mother's day but forgot to do anything about it, due to a busy day of Noraebanging (google it, it's not as dirty as it sounds...). Dissertation? Slowly but surely. My sister's manic last-minute rush to submit hers has reminded me of the importance of keeping on top of things: exam June 1st; submission August 31st; still time to play with. Work? Going ok but I did have a bit of a nightmare class this week that certainly checked my self-made image of myself as god's gift to teaching. Ok, I'm not that bad... but not far off at times. I lost sleep over those guys, trying to put my finger on what I was doing wrong. Let's hope I don't have that again for a while, because I really can't deal with it. Job situation? Still favouring Nanjing, and hoping to put pen to paper (you'd swear I was a Premiership footballer) before I go on holiday (Singapore and Malaysia) next week. Anything else? I can't think right now. Over and out for tonight, have a great weekend everyone!

OK

Hope you are well as you read this, wherever you are today! Nothing hugely special to say. Some big things have changed but it's too soon to be chatting about it so I'll skirt the issue for now. Keep it general: work, the weekend, the craic, the future.

Work is fine, good even. My classes are going well and my kids' classes produced a hell of a lot of high-quality written work in advance of their parents coming in to watch them on Thursday. I don't mind observations at all anymore. One parent last time around seemed to think it was a chance for him to ask questions about his own English in the middle of his son's class, but I'm sure that was just a one-off...

The weekend was actually pretty good, considering. We had a mammoth rehearsal on Saturday to really tighten the set up and our gig that night was very assured. It wasn't he craziest show ever or anything like that, but it just felt really comfortable and I was probably as happy with it as I have been with any gig for a long time. A few of our really loyal friends (Ian, Jonathan, Byounghi, etc.) came along so it was generally a fun night with good people. I watched the Ireland match with Tom and Gerry (yes, really) and the less said about that frustrating mess of a match, the better.

Stephen and I had a bit of an unplanned day and night on Sunday which threatened to get a bit out of hand but turned out just to be good fun. With a holiday coming up (Singapore and Malaysia April 15th-25th), the move to China (or somewhere) looming, our 'Dead End Friends' days numbered, and a generally brighter disposition, I'm hopeful that just good fun will be on the menu for the foreseeable.

Let's hope it can start off this weekend. FC Seoul have a chance to get things back on track with a home fixture against Jeonbuk on Saturday. Later that night, we'll be headlining at a charity event in Rocky Mountain Tavern, Itaewon. I'm totally distracted by the Ireland V Uruguay friendly so I'll sign off for now, and get back on it later in the week. Uruguay just went one up... Ugly stuff...

Turn Turn Turn

Spring is in the air: blue skies; signs of life; new school term; St. Paddy's Day around the corner; and football leagues kicking off in Ireland and Korea (Ireland because we can't compete with the EPL, Korea because we can't compete with the deep freeze). It's a time of year when people start looking happier, take the opportunity for yet another 'fresh start', and start thinking about the promise of the upcoming summer. Gigs? Holidays? Outside beers at some roof-top bar? It all sounds so good.

Although I love the weather, the fact that it's not quite as Baltic as it was a few weeks ago, the colour threatening to break through all around, my new students and their bright enthusiasm, March 17th edging ever closer... it's all good... but... what's really getting me is the thought of the football coming back. FC Seoul got their competitive season back underway last night with what could turn out to be a vital 1-0 win away against UAE side, Al Ain. You can watch the goal here. Dejan got the winner but we had Kim Yong Dae to thank for a late penalty save. It looked like a very attacking line-up with Adi, Molina, Dejan, Djeparov and Lee Seung Ryeol all starting. Apparently it was a 4-2-3-1 formation? It's too early to make predictions, but we should have a better idea of what to expect from new manager, Kwan Hwangbo, following the K-League opener at home against Suwon. I actually cannot wait...

Derry City get their return to the top flight of Irish football underway with a really tough opener at home against Sligo Rovers, who will be very near the top of the league come the end of the season, many believe. An 18-man squad, average age under 23, not a whole lot of top-flight experience and missing our talisman and top scorer, Mark Farren; it's going to be a very tough season. Luckily for us, the division is expanding to 12 teams next season, so only the bottom team will have to face the prospect of relegation. Even then, they have a 'get-out-of-jail-free' card with a play-off. New Libya international striker, Eamon Zayed, is keeping a blog here, which will be a good read for footie fans throughout the season. Personally, I think we can surprise a few people this season and that a mid-table finish is possible. Come on the Candystripes!

The End Is Nigh

Hey all, hope your weekend was as fun as mine. We headed out to Bucheon with the band on Friday night for a show at The Park. It's a bit of a funny venue in that it tends to be very polite and restrained during the first half, only to go totally nuts for the second. Jeff was in flying form and we went on for about three encores, including what seemed like a never-ending version of Born to be Wild with plenty of crowd participation. Fun times. I was staying in a really nice motel over there (they do exist) so I stayed as long as I possibly could the next day before they came up to gently insist that I get the hell outta there.

I finally gave in to peer pressure by getting a haircut in Shinchon, but it was what Jim dubbed a, "compromise cut" in that I didn't really cut it up all that short. It was one of those weird experiences we have here as foreigners: put to the front of the queue; the boss came out to cut my hair; about half a dozen staff members gathered round to watch; a generous discount for no particular reason, etc. I know I had to get it done but, I miss my out-of-control-tramp-esque hair...

A couple of our friends were having their last night out n Seoul (unless they come back...) so, after a bit of pool with Stephen and Creego, we headed over to Shamrock n' Roll for grub and a few drinks. Jes was on a no-drinking vow for the night, but this didn't seem to include any of the shots we were buying her... curiously... There were obviously a lot of farewell parties that night, because Club FF was absolutely jammed. Angry Bear were playing before us, and were quite good this time around. They are a nice bunch of blokes too - fair play to them for going down the 'originals' road so steadfastly. I had an absolute ball during our gig. Great crowd, great set, lots of energy. It was just one of those great nights where everything comes together. We were getting a lot of good feedback after the show, but we still need to do more to get our name out there on the Seoul music circuit. I'm looking into getting some posters and leaflets made up for every gig, and just take it out of whatever the kitty is.

Sunday was a lazy one. Ji and I headed to Nowon for Jimdak and watched 'Unknown', the new Liam Neeson flick. It was one of those ridiculous, intelligence-insulting films, that I always hate myself for watching when I occasionally do so. It had some redeeming features in it's action scenes, car chases, Neeson not being terrible (unlike January Jones), but if you're thinking of watching it and there is ANYTHING else on - go see that (in my humble opinion).

Yesterday marked the start of a new 'session' at work and the first day for a new batch of teachers. There was a lot more hustle and bustle in the teacher's room, with new teachers not sure what to do, and 'older' teachers trying to help them out. It seems as though they all got on fine and enjoyed their classes; it isn't a difficult job to get through at all. I'm teaching a higher level than usual this time so it took (and will take) a bit of adjusting. However, they seem like good classes, and I'm looking forward to trying out a few new things and stretching them as much as I can.

Today is a holiday in Korea so I've been studying (some Council of Europe guidelines for selecting methods, approaches and materials - directly applicable to my teaching for once), dealing with job offers (I accepted the job in Egypt...), and I'm just about to go and meet a few friends in Itaewon for dinner. I hope everyone is doing well this week. Bizarrely, it seems as though there was something on the radio at home about 'old friends', which prompted three different people to email me pretty much out of the blue. Small world we live in...

Decision Time!

Just checking in here before the weekend. Session Two of DDE1 finished off today, so it was a short, straightforward day for me and I'm just about to head over to Bucheon to meet Catherine for dinner before our gig tonight. I was a bit cheeky earlier by kind of disappearing after our class party and avoiding the picture-taking and general mass-hysteria of the last day. Of course, as I live in the building, I bumped into loads of them afterwards anyway, which was probably more awkward than if I had just stayed and gotten it over with. One of my classes this time was a bit unenthusiastic (being kind there...) so I think I would have felt a bit false doing the big farewell charade with them. The other classes were great, as they mostly are, and they have a big adventure ahead of them with university (proper) starting next week. It's over ten years since I was in their shoes - teaching is certainly good at making you feel old!

We had an induction for the new teachers at work on Wednesday. Actually, before that, we had to go over to the main campus and stand in front of the parents of the kid's taking our Tuesday and Thursday classes, and introduce ourselves. I didn't really get what was going on (daydreaming was definitely in progress) so when the mic came to me, I waved it away, and my boss wound up having to introduce me as the "shy teacher." Oops! Anyway, the induction was pretty helpful because this time last year, when we were the new teachers, we didn't really know what any of it meant or related to. This year it kind of helped put things in context. More importantly, we got to meet the new teachers, who all seem really dead on. It's great to have an infusion of new personalities joining us on Monday. Most of us went for dinner and drinks after (some stayed later than others....) and there are definitely a few of them I could see myself becoming good friends with, in what is likely to be my last six months at Duksung.

Speaking of which, I need to make a decision about Cairo on Monday. The timing isn't great, because I now have China and Indonesia on the table, so I could have been doing with a few more days to look into those options. Although I know it's a big risk, my gut is telling me to take the job in Cairo (two-year contract) and just throw myself into it. Although it isn't exactly what I was looking for, I need to be realistic about the fact that I'm unlikely to get that. There are a lot of positives: it's closer to home; it's a new area and culture for me to experience; it's a step up and sets me on my way for a lifetime of international school teaching; it's well-paid with good holidays; it seems to be a good school, etc. Some of my research suggests that student behaviour in Egypt might not be what I'm used to in Korea, but I'm willing to bet any money that it's better than what I was used to in England.

I hope you all have something fun planned for the weekend. If I see any of you in person over the next few days, expect me to pester you to fill out a questionnaire to help my sister, Rachel, with her dissertation research. Lot's of other things going on but not the kind of stuff you blog about. Not me anyhow. Fingers crossed it's a good, safe weekend, and that everything looks clearer on Monday.

Spent

Absolutely beat. Long, tough week. Typically, after all my spouting about how great my students are (last night), one of my classes absolutely did my head in today. In fairness to them, I know the blame always lays with the teacher, not the class. There are a few 'rotten apples' in there with really negative views affecting the others. Still, I should understand that some of them feel trapped doing a program they didn't necessarily sign up for. I was very close to telling them they could show up, I'd mark them as attending, give them work to cover, and that they could then go on their merry way. Thankfully, I didn't. Those are the ideas that a week of poor sleep and long hours inspire. What bugged me most is that they drew blanks on the topics they should be covering in their other classes, in my big end-of-week review class. None of us really know what the other is teaching. That's what happens when there is no curriculum, guidance, focus, point...

I've spent the time since I knocked off, applying for more jobs (few interesting looking ones on ">this website), talking to the wonderful Zee about singing, and practicing some of the songs I might be singing in a 'Rock of the Ages' gig being put together by Craig, an institution in Seoul expat rock circles. It's going to be tough but, wow, I'm looking forward to singing this:

Furey's taste in music creeping ever deeper into mine with each passing year. Tonight I'm going to watch Zee at The Local in Haebangcheon with Cheon because I need to experience something refreshing and talk with people about music and life and maybe some football! I doubt I'll be online over the weekend but keep me in your thoughts for my interview tomorrow. Oh, and happy birthday to Catherine and Stephen. I'll see you both tomorrow - unless one of you decides to be an awkward pain in the arse and do something 'different'. Have a great weekend everyone!

The Quirks

Today's blog was going to be about the single best thing about my job which, as much as I moan about it, is probably the best I've ever had (aside from handing out clubs at the Pitch n' Putt to the two customers an hour the place usually attracted): my students. This week, they have been having six classes a day in a foreign language, various evening seminars they are required to attend, a curfew that means they have to be in their rooms at 11pm (which I'm not wholly against, to be honest), and all of this whilst dealing with what is, for most of them, their first experience away from home following High School. It wouldn't be unreasonable of them to be angsty, negative, tired, unenthusiastic, even rebelliously disruptive. However, I go to class everyday to find them (after some gentle prodding) receptive, eager to work, respectful, creative, and fun. We did our first stint of conferences (one-to-one meetings) with them today. Even though it was at the end of a long day, towards the end of a long week, it's still my favourite part of DDE. It's a proper chance to get to know them, figure out their strengths and weaknesses, pick up on a few of their glaring inaccuracies that may well go undetected amongst their classmates, and make sure they're comfortable with asking questions when they need to.

I was going to write about that: their cute wee notes; the funny things they write in assignments; the times they get me tongue-tangled in class; how they make me care less about the other things at work that bug me. I was. But then I got a concrete offer from Cairo English School, started having several conversations simultaneously, got wickedly tired from not having been able to sleep all week, and realised that it has crept up near midnight without my noticing it. So it's just going to be this, for the simple fact that now I can tick 'blog' off my to-do list. That's just how cool I am. Goodnight all.

How Does This Happen?

It's coming up on 1am and this day has just flown by. I had a fun class this morning with EunHee and ChaeYoung. The conversations I have with those two go places those with few others dare! This morning it was monogamy, the rule of threes, choosing your life partner, regrets, friendship between men and women... Any language teacher is happy when their students aren't backward about coming forward: that might be why these two are probably my favourite...

From there it was a whole load of report writing for my kids' classes, which was actually a pleasure because it gave me an opportunity to give a lot of credit where it's due. I hadn't taught kids before at Duksung, and I really enjoyed it this time around. Bright, enthusiastic, and refreshingly smart-arsed; I hope I'm as lucky with my next two groups.

Cram some ramen down my throat and it was off to see Bomin and Junu for their first class of my second month teaching them. They are great wee kids but it's hard for me to keep their attention for over an hour and I sometimes have to resort to just clowning around and acting the eejit to keep them on track. They are so young and have insanely busy schedules (Bomin has school, after-school academy, piano, violin, ballet, and English), so I know how important it is for them just to be kids sometimes.

An hour on the phone with Ji (who just bought me an FC Seoul season ticket); dinner in Suyu with Milan Kundera; a natter with Catherine about level tests, life, love, and card shuffling techniques; an application to International School of Myanmar (in keeping with the theme); finding some reading material for my dissertation; and my day is almost done. I wonder what creative ways I'm going to conjure to avoid working on my dissertation tomorrow? That's the spirit!

First Offer!

Amazingly, I woke up to an email offering me the primary esl job at Cairo English School, which I interviewed for last night. Although it wasn't a bad interview, I really wasn't expecting to hear anything positive back from them. The upshot of it all is that I have to seriously consider whether I should take a job that involves moving into the unknown in almost every way, or turning it down on the absolute off-chance that something more suited to what I had been hoping for, shows up. It's a tricky one, it really is.

All the same, it's encouraging that I had a successful interview, and positive that I at least now have a choice. There is a lot to think of in terms of Ji, my career, leaving Korea, the band, the 'bother' in Egypt, moving to primary education and, of course, CATHERINE! Rob - I'll be calling your Dad if you reckon that's ok with him. Smart people out there, I want to hear your pearls of wisdom. No need to tell me that it's the largest and most densely populated city in Africa - I'd be lost without you, Lisa!

We finished up the first session of DDE1 this morning with their exam, final interview, and class party. Although I've been here nearly a year, the final day is always odd and difficult to explain to those who don't work here. Mass hysteria, screaming girls, picture request after picture request, and a bunch of very ordinary, but uncomfortable, foreign teachers. I really do enjoy this job, though. There are annoying aspects (well, one - aspect), but we have a lot of freedom and the students are consistently great. My homeroom made a little poster and cake for me as a surprise. I walked in on them as they were preparing it, so had to pull out the old acting skills later. Still got it! Or not... Oh, decisions...

Going to meet a few of the other teachers to mark the end of the session with a beer or two in Suyu. For those of you who are in Korea, our Muse tribute is at Club Spot (Hongdae, the wee park thingy) at 9pm. Judging by the rehearsals, I think it should be quite good! Wherever you are, I hope you're doing well and have a great weekend.

PS Come on Murray!

In The Zone

Just a quick wee post tonight because it's coming up on midnight and I have a busy day ahead. Four DDE classes, an hour of conferences, and a kid's class with the parents in. Oh how we all love the old open classes. Still, they are a good bunch of kids and I'm too busy to worry about it too much so I'll make sure I have it well-prepared and I'm sure it'll be fine.

Looming large on the horizon is the Muse cover gig with Cheon's band in Hongdae on Saturday night. Somewhat worryingly, we haven't actually rehearsed yet, but I know the songs fairly well and we meet tomorrow night and Wednesday. The last time I played with those guys they knew everything inside out, and I'm sure it'll be the same tomorrow. I have a new desire to improve my front-man act, having witnessed a master of the trade at RMT last Saturday night. I didn't even catch their name, but those guys were just in their own bubble of euphoria and it was infectious. Mel said to me at the time, "you'll just have to up your game", and I intend to! There's a fair chance that no-one I know will be there next Saturday, so I have a chance to just get carried away and enjoy the songs.

In other news, I have my first international school interview (on skype) on Thursday evening with Cairo English School. It's an IB World School and looks like it has a good set-up, so it's nice to have at least a bit of interest. Looking at their vacancies, I'm not sure what they might even have for me, but it's a sniff, and that's better than what I had been having up until I heard from them. How does one dress for a skype interview?

Here's a video I just put up on facebook from our crazy gig in Gwangju the weekend before last. Hope all your weeks have gotten off to a good start.

Whoosh!

Not sure where today went at all. Absolutely packed day of teaching. DDE classes from 9:30-2:20 conferences from 2:30-3:30 and kid's classes from 3:50-5:40. Those of you who do this all the time, I salute you. Tomorrow it's DDE 9:20-4:20 then another class at 6. I'll be a happy man to see the weekend. That is for sure.

The good thing about being busy is that it stops your mind from drifting and I, for one, just tend to keep my head down and get on with things. More potential research subjects contacted (up to six now (make that seven as I write)), another job applied for (in China this time), songs chosen for a gig coming up in early March, Muse songs gone over for the gig next weekend, tax documents readied for tomorrow, and a bit of a read of 'Time' to make sure I don't totally lose sight of what's going on out there in the big bad World.

The Muse gig is going to be a test of my falsetto (it's currently failing miserably but I'm spurring it on), but something I'm looking forward to as it'll be my first real taste of a 100% Korean gig. I'll be singing for Cheon's other band, in front of a (I expect) fully Korean audience, in a Hongdae club I've never been to before. Forgotten how good Muse are? Here's my favourite from what we'll be covering on the night:

The early-March gig is going to be a 'Rock of Ages' event with a number of singers covering the likes of Iron Maiden, Whitesnake, ACDC, ZZ Top, Van Halen, and so on. Definitely beyond my comfort zone, but that's generally a good thing I think. I just chose the songs I'd like to try, and there are a couple I'm really looking forward to. I'll leave you with one of them. Hope you are all having a happy and productive week.

Busy Busy Busy

It's all go this week since our Duksung Dynamic English (DDE) intensive classes started. My teaching schedule is usually pretty light but, a few times a year, we have these intensive sessions during which time we are pretty much under pressure all day everyday with class, prep, marking, conferences and lesson planning. On top of that I'm still trying to apply to as many schools as I can for August (Cameroon, Honduras and Sri Lanka today), keep finding research subjects for my MA dissertation, sort out my tax return documents for Friday, learn songs for an upcoming Muse cover gig with Cheon, keep on top of my other classes, and trying to grab a few moments for myself here and there too.

The classes themselves are going very well. We are preparing our homeroom for the TOEIC Speaking test, which is fine because I have taught it before. The students don't have a textbook for that class, which is a challenge, but they are an eager bunch. This is actually their first experience out of High School (they are freshmen due to start Uni in March), so it must be a daunting experience for them all. They're doing well. It's interesting to note how much more submissive they are than the older students I taught last term. They have clearly had all their creativity drummed out of them at school and it'll take a while for some of them to claim it back, it seems. The other classes are using a new textbook created by Tom, one of the teachers here. We have only been using it since Monday, but I can already say that it's a brilliantly useful book, rich in resources, varied, cleverly linked together, and perfectly suited to it's purpose. Tom leaves in late-February, but he will certainly have left his mark here.

Last weekend was, quite simply, the best of the year so far. Eleven of us made the trip to Gwangju, in total, and it ended up being two days filled with laughter, music and card games! The gig at Speakeasy was packed and the crowd, as usual, were amazing. Cheon had a bit of a blow when his bass took a tumble and picked up a scratch. The result was that he ended up getting more hammered than I have ever seen him, and it's a credit to him that he made it through the gig, let alone pulled off some stunning solos. I'd say Jeff also had his best 'Dead End Friends' gig so far. There was a period towards the end when he just closed his eyes, tilted back his head, and was very clearly right in the zone. We don't have anything as a band until late February, but this gig was just what we needed to give us the confidence to add a bit of swagger to our step.

That's that for me tonight. Looking forward to relaxing a bit on Saturday night with a few beers and Korea V Iran in the AFC Asian Cup quarter-finals. Korea were as frustrating as ever in their 4-1 win over India last night, although Son Heung Min, Ku Ja Cheol and Ji Dong Won all impressed aside from their goalscoring contributions. Not taking more of their chances resulted in ceding top spot in the group to Australia and facing a tougher quarter-final opponent than they might have otherwise expected. I hope it isn't something they live to regret...

Job Please!

Hey all. Hope you had a good weekend. I had loads of thoughts pop into my head all weekend long about little things I'd like to blog about. Low and behold, I have veered back into the sensible lane of life earlier in the week than usual this Monday, so I'm going to blog about something else entirely. I can sum the weekend up by saying that it was a case of: Friday being messy and random; Saturday being fun and sociable; and Sunday being lazy and restful. That'll do.

I have been freaking out today about getting my CV, cover letter and teaching philosophy into shape so that I can get down to applying for International School jobs this week. Top of my list is Chadwick International in Songdo, Incheon. It looks like an amazing school and fits my teaching philosophy and ideals nicely. I got my CV up to date and looking the way I want it to without much bother, but my cover letter has been a different story. It's so hard trying to only include the most pertinent information without squeezing it in to such an extent that it's impossible to tell one point from the other, or give it any natural flow. Here's how it is at the moment, before I sleep on it and come back for another bite in the morning. Maybe you could drop my a wee private message with some pointers, if you see something obvious? If not, normal non-job-application-related-blogging resumes tomorrow.

I would like to apply for the position of Middle-School Social Studies teacher (commencing in August this year). Having completed a Post-Graduate Teaching Certificate in Education (Citizenship) at Canterbury Christ Church University, Kent, England, in 2006, I am a fully-qualified teacher. I am also currently completing the dissertation for my MA in Citizenship Education, due for submission in early August, 2011. Additionally, I have been working as a teacher in Korea and elsewhere since 2006.

At present, I am an English language professor at Duksung Women’s University in Seoul. This job provides ample opportunity to adopt creative teaching techniques and act as a facilitator developing the long-term language development of my students. Many of the classes are project-based and, because of my educational background and commitment to the promotion of human rights in education, they are geared at developing relationships between staff and students that are harmonious and mutually-respectful.

My heart has always been in secondary-level education and, having completed my MA and broadened my horizons and skills-base as an English language instructor, I am keen to continue my long-term teaching career in an International School.

Chadwick International has been of particular interest to me since I first read about it in the Korean press in mid-2010. Although the technology and facilities in general are hugely impressive, what really caught my eye was the commitment to creative and innovative teaching styles. The school also aspires to provide the IBDP, which is the focus of my MA dissertation. I see myself as a global citizen whose teaching style is underpinned by a commitment to human rights and respecting the individual needs of each pupil and member of staff. In Chadwick International, it appears that I have found a school that does the same, and more. I sincerely hope to have the opportunity to have my application considered, and discuss these issues in greater depth at your earliest convenience.

Yours sincerely,

Hello Weekend

As suddenly as it appeared, it went away. Yes, no more mopey Brian. For a few days, at least. Good day; feeling back up at 75% or so. Less-pointless-than-usual meeting in the morning. Good study session midday really getting into the research strategy section. Enjoyable prep and children's classes (smart, smart kids - the only major problem is how much faster they get through the activities than I expect!). Finishing straight of 'On The Road', where it's all really coming together and the thoughts are bouncing around my head. Nice dinner and conversation with Steph (and a lovely little gay Christmas present that I'm actually chuffed with). Back home, sweet home. Funny how things seem a bit brighter so suddenly and for no apparent reason.

That could all change when I head to Xanadu Travel tomorrow morning to try to sort out my visa for China. If I can't get it sorted I have basically thrown away... I actually don't want to think about how much money. Still, I'm positive. The thing about Korea is that, somehow, there always seems to be a way round these things. Cross your fingers for me.

Got some great ideas from Steph tonight about a lesson I wasn't feeling so comfortable with. Hopefully it'll be all good tomorrow. Always get a bit frustrated at myself for seeing asking for help as weakness. I'm sure my life would be a lot easier if I wasn't so hell-bent on pretending I don't need a hand, when I do. I usually do make a new year's resolution (which struggles on til about mid-Feb, if that) so I guess this year I should try to criticise less and ask for help more. I have some program development work to do with Kevin tomorrow, so that's as good a place to start as any.

Meeting the boys in Gangnam tomorrow at 8 before our gig at 10. It's refreshing to me that I don't even know where the venue is, never mind what it's like. I'm determined to enjoy a few beers and sing those songs as though I have never sung them before. Gotta get the fun back into it. If you happen upon Gangnam tomorrow night, and know of a place called 'Readers', drop by and say hello.

And with the completion of this post comes the satisfaction of ticking everything off my snazzy new to-do list (thanks Ji) for the day. Oh, the little pleasures of life.

RIP Gerry Rafferty. Check out this cover of his classic 'Baker Street' by the Foos. Night all.

Anyone Got Any New Year's Resolutions? (Not About My Mother)

Ok well happy new year everyone. Apologies for my lengthy absence but I'm sure you all survived. At least I hope you have. Blogging wasn't on the agenda when I was home. Once I had gotten over being moody, self-obsessed and spoiled (see last post), I had a great time at home with Ji and was more torn leaving than I ever have been before. Highlights included:

• A couple of good nights out, including one in Dublin with a few old friends.
• Visiting the Guinness Storehouse (although not sure I can handle drinking it in Korea again now).
• A million great home-cooked dinners, including Korean dinner cooked by Ji.
• Quality time with the family.
• Catching up with Rob, Ryan, Lisa, and too many others to mention (although there were even more I didn't get to see).
• Beautiful snowy Ireland.
• My all-grown-up sisters making me increasingly more proud of them.
• Business Lounge at Frankfurt airport.
• Getting an upgrade for Frankfurt-Seoul (albeit two days later than planned).

Still a bit too flat and getting-back-into-the-swing-of-things to blog properly but just trying to force myself to anyhow. Straight back into classes when I got back (teaching kids this month and next, great wee groups), first weekend of the year was a complete blur, not really feeling any new year's optimism at all I'm afraid! Here's a video from our gig at Stompers last Friday that I'm pretty proud of, even if it wasn't the greatest gig I've ever been involved in.

Best get on and let you carry on with your day with depressing you any longer! Just wanted to check in. Will be back on form soon, no doubt. Will leave you with the defining song of my past month by the greatest rock singer I have ever heard. Happy new year everyone!

Perfect Timing

I guess you have to be careful about what you write online but let me just say, I'm glad I'm going home for a couple of weeks tomorrow. My blood was absolutely boiling earlier after a meeting with my boss when the injustice and, for want of a better word, bullshit I have to deal with here from time to time reared it's ugly head once again. Being called disorganised because I ask my boss to do something which will help us all be better organised and being disliked simply because I don't lay back and take it like some other people I could mention. The beauty of it all was that she didn't want to give me my evaluations. Why? Because they were, as usual, well above average and that doesn't fit in with her theory of liking the teachers who simply lick up to her most successfully. Nonsense. The amount of extra work I put in FOR MY STUDENTS that goes totally unnoticed is fine by me. I think it's part of the job. But actually being treated less well because I have the balls to point out when she's wrong and I'm right, that does make you wonder what the point of it all is. Ok maybe I'm being naive, that's the way it is, bosses just like people who nod and smile and don't rock the boat, but I'm going to stick to my guns. Worst case scenario I work somewhere else from March. The beauty of it is that, as I'm a good teacher, there's actually nothing she can do to hurt me. So much for me being careful about what I say on here. One last thing, it was suggested that my top priority should be my job and that I should always be sat in the teacher's office on the off-chance that she wants to tell me that we have a pointless meeting tomorrow morning. Ok, I'm done...

Just finished packing and I have that nagging feeling that I have probably left something really important in my flat. I got some soju, makkeoli, kim, pretty landscape pictures, home made soap (the things students give you...) and Korean sweets to bring back. I was toying with bringing over some Hite D for Rob because I can't remember if it was out when he left, but I'm not sure how much he'd appreciate a can of fizz when I could just buy him a nice.... Smithwicks, or something. I'm not looking forward to the journey but I AM looking forward to meeting Charlene, Lisa and Kev (ok Caomhain...) for a few beers in Dublin and getting back up to Moville on Sunday night. I've brought back a few bits and bobs to study but I'm promising myself that I'm going to take it easy and spend loads of 'quality time' with the family. The chores can hold off until January, and I'm sure they'll be fine.

In a weird way, I'm sad to be leaving Korea for a couple of weeks and missing Christmas dinner at Gerry's with Catherine, Thomas and their gangs. Mind you, I am chuffed at the thought of having a beer with Gerry in Derry and hopefully seeing Rob, Hee Young and Jamie on Christmas Day. Ok, you might be reading this not knowing who any of these people are, but I'm sure the sentiments of getting to see people you haven't seen for what seems like an eternity aren't lost on you (ok I saw Gerry last Sunday, but I've never met him in Derry). I haven't seen my sister Rachel in two years!!!

I'm probably going to be busy for a few days and I'm leaving my laptop here (aaaah!), so next time I blog I'll be in my sitting room at home in Cooley, looking out at a field full of cattle, snow-covered Moville, and Lough Foyle. Weird. Have a great weekend everyone.

Oh - one final thought. The locations of visitors are usually fairly easy to figure out (think Mongolia, Barcelona, Leeds, Australia, Slovenia, Incheon, etc.) but WHO THE HELL do I know in Iceland? Identify yourself, you're doing my head in.

Close Your Eyes, Stick A Pin In A Map

It might not even be Christmas yet but, if you're looking for work at an International School next summer (as I am), then it's time to get on it. Next year could be a real crossroads for me, with a girlfriend and life of my own in Korea, but a niggling feeling that I'd love to try something new. There will be jobs available in Korea (and probably at Ji's school), but there's no denying the excitement of looking through the job postings in Bali, Kenya, Poland (among many, many others) and wondering, 'why not?' I don't know about you, but the place where I do my best thinking and decision-making is at home. I'm going to enjoy fourteen sweet days back in the land of my birth (beyond fourteen is generally the point where I slowly start wanting to leave again) and come back ready to face 2011 with a firm goal in mind. There'll be lists of pros and cons, chats with my nearest and dearest, beer-inspired claims that I am going to 100% definitely do x or y, only to think the exact opposite the very next morning. Words of wisdom are welcome, but with my MA finishing in the summer, my patience running out with TEFL, my desire to start really putting my training into practice by teaching something I am passionate about, and the looming job crisis for teachers best exemplified by this Scottish example, I know 2011 is the year to get on to the IS circuit. I can recommend a fairly good blog about IS teaching here, but any further links are more than welcome.

I was in Asia-Pacific International School today covering English and AP history with some forensics thrown in at the end of the day for good measure. Every day I spend there is great for my dissertation, which will focus on (as yet unselected) international schools in the research section, which I aim to begin in January. Ji is pretty keen for me to apply for the social studies position opening in the summer, but working with my girlfriend is an idea I'm just not comfortable with at the minute. She rightly pointed out earlier (girlfriends tend to be right, don't they?) that, as I'm looking for my first IS position, I'm not really in a position to be choosy. Still, I'd like to throw my hat in the ring at a few other locations first, and see what comes of that. I don't know, but sharing a workplace and a private life with something must be tough. Or maybe I just need to grow up.

I have been receiving calls and emails throughout the day from students querying their grades or asking for clarification in specific areas. As I've told them, I'm happy to answer their questions, but it is a little frustrating that I have already given them all the information in their course syllabus at the beginning of each term and as I assigned each piece of assessment. Still, it's only natural that they would pay more attention now even though, in reality, it's a bit too late. The student grades effect who gets full/partial/no bursaries for the course, so I made pretty damn sure that I put a lot of thought into finding a fair and clear evaluation method that I could justify if I had to. I'm confident that the majority of my colleagues did the same, but there was one teacher boasting about how he just made all the grades up, so you can't blame the students for questioning us in a way. Although almost all the people I work with are professional, creative and talented, the odd lost soul teaching English because they can't find anything else they can do (like the person mentioned above), does really hit the morale of those of us who think what we're doing might actually matter.

I spent like what seemed forever sorting out the final marks for my general English classes during free periods today. There was a bit of confusion when a student's paper who I've never taught showed up in one of my piles, but we soon located where it should have been so minor panic over. Once I have met my boss to go over a few things, handed in my final grades and tied up a couple of loose ends with two of my students tomorrow, I'll be officially done for the semester. Then starts the process of getting ready for home, Christmas and making sure I don't leave anything important behind. Now, where did I leave my passport...?

The Final Countdown

I bet there's a certain guitar riff bouncing around your head right now... Am I right? Sorry. Well, not really. All right I'll try to replace it with something else...



I have no idea whether or not that link will work. I spent a couple of hours yesterday uploading Dead End Friends videos onto facebook. Some worked, others didn't. I'm still none the wiser as to how it operates but I think I put enough on to cover us for the next few months at least. We had a fun gig at Ting Tings last Saturday for the Rubber Soul event, which raised an impressive W9,000,000 or thereabouts as far as I understand it. The gig itself was a bit strange as Jimbo was kinda tucked away in the corner so he and Jeff couldn't hear each other very well. As the guitar amp was right behind me, that's pretty much ALL I could hear. When you're watching a band, you have no idea how different it sounds onstage to how it sounds out on the floor, I promise you. Still, we're tight enough these days that I don't think it hurt us too much. Although the new band is going well, there's still just that undefinable something missing. We have a bit of a break now before we play with 'Sticky Fingers' at Stompers on New Year's Eve (not best pleased about the venue, but it's good to be playing). January will include gigs in Gangnam, Gwangju and Bucheon, so we should have a chance to work on the performance element of things and, perhaps, rehearse less.

Today I've been conducting final interviews with my General English girls. I've already had three hours of it on Monday (that was fun after the FC Seoul win on Sunday and ensuing celebrations) and an hour this morning. In general, the students have been pretty good but, as their levels are SO similar, it's tricky trying to identify the more able candidates in such a short time. My hope is that I'm able to be fair to everyone and not face any angry doubters when I come back in late-December. It seems that at Korean Universities, there's much more scope for questioning grades than what I was used to. I get the feeling that, at Magee, you basically took the score you were given and that was that. Here, I definitely get the impression that the grades we give are open to negotiation. In saying that, my instinct would be to take time to give the right grade, then stick with it. No doubt that may be tested over the coming days...

Having effectively wasted Monday and Tuesday, I now have more to do before going home on Saturday than the time to do it all. Final grades, one-to-one lessons, a meeting with my boss to get things arranged for January, sort out the chaos going on all over my desk, pack for Ireland, pick up a few presents from Korea, get this unruly mop on my head sheared (I believe sheared is the appropriate verb at this length) and try to spend some time with Ji before I leave. It has been quite the year, and I'm looking forward to some down time before whatever comes in 2011.

Rubber Soul

Hey there, I hope everyone is doing well. It's cold in Seoul and colder on the British Isles so chances are that if you're reading this blog, you've probably been doing a fair bit of shivering over the past few days. Tough it out, it's December! If, on the other hand, you're visiting from Australia then I hate you and you should feel bad about yourself. Jealous? Me?

I've been having a busy following a predictably packed weekend. Rehearsal was good on Saturday but we had an eerie few minutes towards the end when we realised we were the only people in the whole studio. They wouldn't leave for a bomb shelter without telling the waegooks, would they? Funny how paranoia starts seeping through at times like these... It was Cheon's birthday so we headed to 'El Bliss' right next to FF for a fancypants (thanks for getting that stuck in my head Annie) dinner. It's strange that somewhere so swish and upmarket is right next door to FF, which is... whatever the opposite of swish and upmarket is. The gig that night at Woodstock was, "just a gig" as Jeff put it. We were fairly tight and played well enough without the night being really noteworthy for any reason. The place was pretty much empty when we got there (they'd been having a punk night since 8pm) but a good few of our brilliant friends came along and ensured there was a good atmosphere throughout the gig. I can say without doubt that it's the first time I've been asked to sing 'Gangster's Paradise', repeatedly. I'm from Donegal. We don't have rappers, we have Daniel. Maybe I could do a Daniel rap, or... maybe not.



This weekend we're playing as part of the Rubber Soul event taking place in several venues around Hongdae, as well as in a couple of North American cities. We'll be playing at 11.15pm at Ting Tings in Hongdae, which is just a few doors down from Club FF. I'm looking forward to taking part in such a big night for a good cause. Of course it's always good to play at a new venue too. We were in having a look last week and it looks as though it's going to be pretty nuts if there is a good crowd in. We'll be finishing the live part of the night off following on from Sotto Gamba, who are one of the best band's I've heard in my time in Korea. They have two great vocalists, a 'funky groove', play great original tracks and are great to watch live. Check out their videos on their facebook page here. If you're in Hongdae that night, you could do worse...

Monday was NOT just the same old Monday. I'm not really sure why, but I was full of beans (a word that is making me slightly ill after that video...) all day. The morning classes were great, I did a bit of prep for my Lit Review, got my classes ready and they went really well. No Monday blues, no weekend hangover, no energy dip. I'm sad to say, I can't tell you why. I think it was just a fluke. I even got to catch up with family on skype later in the night. Only a week-and-a-half until I'm back on Irish soil for a couple of weeks. I'm really, really looking forward to it.

Yesterday I spent the whole day writing my draft Literature Review. I made the usual mistake of reading for too long and starting the writing too late, but it is just draft so it doesn't matter too much on this occasion. Now that I'm writing my dissertation, I'm paying much greater attention to small details than I have ever done in the past. Also, reading 'Succeeding with your Master's Dissertation' by John Biggam is really helping to focus my work. Aside from prepping and teaching my two DDE classes last night, writing the review took up my entire day. In saying that, I actually enjoyed it, which is a good sign if I decide to opt for further study once I get this MA out of the way. I know some of you are also working on your dissertation these days. I've said it before, but that Biggam book is a must-read.

And then it was Wednesday. It's another full day of classes, conferences, 'volunteer' supervision and study. The big global event today is, of course, the first leg of the K-League Championship final between Jeju United and FC Seoul on the southern island. There's a nice preview as part of this week's The Outside View podcast here. The good news for us is that Ku Ja Cheol is out injured for Jeju, having been so influential from midfield all season and for Korea U-23s at the Asian Games last month. The bad news for FC Seoul is that I'm going to miss the first half because I have to 'volunteer' to supervise a TOEIC study session. The loss of my support is going to be a big blow (I know), but I'm hopeful they can come away with a draw at least and set things up for a big finish at Sangam World Cup Stadium on Sunday. It's going to be cold, but it's going to be worth it... I'm already dreading three straight hours of oral exams with my General English girls on Monday morning. I know what you're thinking. Shame on you!

If you found the first video offensive, best not click on this one... Have a good day everyone. A special welcome to those visiting from the Korean blog list.

What the be-cheese-us!?

A piece of research I was reading today for my MA (Hugh Starkey: Language Education, Identities and Citizenship: Developing Cosmopolitan Perspectives) spoke of language teachers being pigeon-holed according to their nationality. I'm sure that strikes a chord with other people living somewhere other than where they grew up. "Oh you're from Ireland? Ireland is bankrupt. Irish people love to drink. Irish food is like Korean food (!!??)." etc, etc. "Your friend is English? He must be a gentleman." Need I say more? As a result of this, I keep a weary eye on the news from home. Please don't do anything to embarrass us! The recent story of a judge sending a man on a pilgrimage who shouted abuse at a Garda, for example. That'll sort him out! However, that story almost becomes complimentary when compared to what I heard on bbc 5live earlier. In these times of financial hardship, government unpopularity on an unprecedented scale, rising emigration among the young who can't get qualification-appropriate work at home, and a general sense of apathy, the Irish government have come to an ingenious conclusion. They know just what is needed! Incredibly, Minister for Agriculture Brendan Smith has just announced that 1 kilo blocks of cheese will be made available to the needy for free "in time for Christmas". Not only is it internationally embarrassing, it is an insult to the intelligence of people who have had a lot to endure over the last couple of years. I'm certainly not in any rush to get home. Where do I sign that contract extension?

My day started with some proofreading work being thrown on my desk at the last-minute before it was needed. What a shocker. It was actually quite fun because it was an end-of-term course evaluation form for the English Department on campus. Most of it was what you might expect, related to the level of preparedness of the professors, quality of class materials, etc, etc. However, just thrown in there was the question, "Is Confucius Korean?" I'm not quite sure what that has to do with anything... More alarming were the mentions of cheating during exams. "Would you say there was a lot of cheating during the exam?" Possible answers ranged from "a lot" to "not much". I got the impression that a certain amount of cheating was expected, maybe even acceptable. Last week I informed the office that having marked the exams of two of my five classes without anyone getting 100%, there were then FOUR together in the third class. A little suspicious... The girls in the office just had a bit of a giggle. I do sometimes think about the possibility of doing my PhD in Korea in the future. Some of the things I've seen since I started working here make me worry about how highly-regarded such a qualification might be elsewhere in the world.

Before I go, a quick shout out for "The Outside View" podcast, which was absolutely top-notch this week. I'm looking forward to their play-off preview next week and it's great seeing the strides the pod has made recently. I've decided that I'm going to have one focus per week for my blog which I'll be doing a bit of research into with the hope of creating something a bit more substantive once a week, at least. A lot of my co-workers seem to have been speculating about 'fan-death' recently, so I guess that's as good a starting point as anything. Have a good day everyone!