Spend some time in South Korea and parlay that into a job at the Korean Consulate in Canada? That’s exactly what our alumni, Alexandra Woods, did last month.
Alexandra came to Footprints with a Bachelor’s degree in Education with the desire to teach and travel – sound like anyone else you know? She headed over to Incheon, South Korea in June of 2003 and spent her year there traveling extensively throughout South Korea - taking the time to explore the country.
She returned to the Vancouver are in August 2004 and started living her Canadian life again. Recently Alexandra applied for a job in the Korea Consulate here in Vancouver and GOT IT - Congratulations!!!
Alexandra’s official title is ‘Administrative Assistant to the Consul General of Korea’ – that sounds pretty important!
She has been there for just over a month and in that time has had the opportunity to help organize a number of events including the recent Korean Film Festival here in Vancouver.
No Regrets - Alexandra Woods
Since my return to Canada, I have been reconnecting with friends and family, trying to explain my experiences to everyone, over and over again!
I spent 2 years in Incheon, Korea teaching English (for 1 of which I was Head Teacher at the school). I taught in a big school with some wonderful teachers from all over the world, all of whom I still e-mail every day. I did have some teaching experience here in Canada but it didn’t completely prepare me for a room full of 4 year olds who understood no English (‘“sit down” does not mean hit Young-ha with your book!’)! I loved working with the kids though. Korean students are the warmest, friendliest people. They hug you every day, and bring you their left over candy, or a bug or 2 hamsters (I kept them for about a week!). I traveled around Korea, met people from all over the world, tried salsa dancing, Korean classes, and shopped more than I ever have before. I now have the best shoe collection ever! I had students to my house for “tea,” tried to fit 12 people in my apartment for Christmas, watched the FIFA soccer championships with millions of other Koreans all weari ng red t-shirts (Dae Han Min Guk!) There were some times where I wanted to get on the next plane and come home, but the overall experience was irreplaceable.
After returning home and spending a year trying to get used to working 9-5, finding an apartment, and having to drive everywhere, Footprints saved the day again and sent me some information about a job here in Vancouver. At the Korean Consulate I am able to use the experience I got in Korea and put it to use here. I use my understanding of Korean language and culture to liaison between the consulate and the rest of Canada, and I help the Consuls who don’t know as much about Canadian culture and history. Just recently I helped organize a Korean film festival at the Vancity Theater (how fun is that!).
So when you’re first considering teaching overseas you really don’t know where it will lead. The opportunities will never cease to surprise you.
Thank you again Footprints (Ben and Jeff) for being supportive of me the whole time I was in Korea and also for continuing to provide fantastic opportunities.
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