Something that many of us don’t think about before we leave our home countries to teach abroad is - different countries have very different laws.

Things that we take for granted as being “not really a big deal” can carry steep penalties when we are outside of our home countries.

Korea is an amazing country to live and work in but having said that, there are a lot of people who dwell on the negatives... don't be one of those people...

Hello, I am a certified teacher originally from Toronto, Ontario.

After graduating from teachers college I had a lot of trouble finding a job. I substitute taught for a little while but then I decided to go back to school and pursue a Masters degree in Developmental Psychology.

After graduating, I knew I wanted to travel but at the same time I needed to make money. I also wanted a change of scenery and was longing to meet new people and see new things. At that point, I decided I should seek a job overseas. I did some research and contacted Footprints. They got in touch with me very quickly and I expressed to them what I was looking for.

People that travel overseas to teach English are often a unique breed.

This is a story about a teacher looking to do something different in the land where eating live octupus is not only accepted, it's encouraged.

Here is the story she has to tell of her adventures soaring over the Korean peninsula:

Korean Immigration Makes Drug Testing Tougher

As of April 1, 2011 Korean immigration is going to be enforcing stricter medical exams for any foreigner applying for an Alien Registration Card (ARC). Currently Korean immigration requires foreigners to go through a number of medical exams that include, but are not limited to screening for TB, HIV/AIDS and other contagious diseases as well various narcotics. Starting April 1, the drug screening will be stricter and there will be specific tests for marijuana use now.

Footprints Teacher's at English Village Hit iTunes with Their Song

Three Footprints Teachers in South Korea have some fun in their free time and they put together an incredible song called "Kickin' it in Geumchon".

Perspective From Max Beaumont - Footprints Teacher in Korea

Max wrote this in his blog after North Korea attacked a small island in north eastern South Korea:

Was South Korea shot at last night? I think I saw a Facebook status mentioning something about North Korean missiles or something. Not sure.

I walk into school this morning, and what's the first thing the teachers say to me? Hey Max! You look tired today. What'd you do last night? Well first off, thanks Mr. Ahn, you're looking pretty tired yourself if you don't mind me saying. Also, apparently your country was shot at last night. Should we talk about that?

by Tamara Povarchook, Placement Coordinator for Korea & China

There’s no need to deny it – yes, you’re a professional teacher and a good role model to children, but on the weekend you like to get your drink on (and bust a move or belt out a ballad). So do most of the locals; this is how stressed-out university students and overworked businessmen maintain their sanity. Drinking is a big part of Korean culture.

For those of you who would like to experience Seoul’s nightlife, you should definitely pay a visit to Hongdae – the area of Seoul surrounding Hongik University – which is famous for its bars and nightclubs. Most of the bars open between 8 and 9pm, but the real party doesn’t start until much later in the evening.

There used to be an event that happened on the last Friday of every month, called Club Day. For ₩20,000, club-hoppers received a wrist band that admitted them into around 20 clubs, with one complimentary drink at the first venue. This event ended in 2011 after a 10-year stint, as some of the smaller clubs were experiencing financial problems. I got to participate in this fateful event, and I’m glad I did, but once was enough for me.

We arrived in Hongdae around 11pm and started the night off right with a gourmet hamburger from Kraze Burger. This place is a must when drinking is involved (or if you’re just feeling homesick and in need of some delectable Western comfort food). My friends and I ended many a night on the town in Seoul with one of these fabulous burgers. Another popular eatery in the area is Dos Tacos, which has some of the best Mexican food you can find in Seoul.

We devoured our burgers while waiting in the long line for the first club. We got inside and turned in our drink tickets for an unrefrigerated bottle of Hite each – it was warm, but “free” none-the-less. We didn’t particularly enjoy this club because it was a very small space with a super low ceiling, and it was incredibly cramped and stuffy. So, we promptly moved on to the next venue.

The beauty of not having to pay cover was that we could just leave and continue on our club crawl as we pleased. We tried to hit as many of the clubs as we could to experience the various atmospheres. They differed in terms of the music played: from electronica-style house, to hip-hop, to rock; as well as the décor: some of the biggest clubs boasted vibrant lights and lavish furniture. The people were so laid-back and sociable, and the energy was tremendous.

The club that stands out most in my memory was so packed that we did not even have to make an effort to dance. By this I mean that the crowd just swayed back and forth while we were caught in the middle of it, and we had no choice but to sway along with everyone. It was actually quite entertaining, but I ended up getting burned on my arm with a cigarette. Ouch!

We finally ended our antics at 6am – at which point a few stragglers were still going into the bars. We grabbed breakfast from McDonald’s and hopped back onto the subway to make our journey home.

I can’t for the life of me remember the names of the venues we visited on our club crawl that night; however, there are some noteworthy bars in Hongdae with names I’ll never forget, including Boobi Boobi, Lesbos, and the Ho Bar chain: Ho Bar, Ho Bar II, Ho Bar III and Luxury Ho Bar (for the classiest variety, I suppose?).

For a memorable night out with your fellow expats and a chance to party with the locals, Hongdae is the place to be. Although Club Day is now a thing of the past, there is no doubt that you’ll have a good time here on your own club night of sorts. This is also the spot to find the best Halloween parties and other Western celebrations. Always remember to look out for your friends, practice common sense, and drink responsibly (Soju hangovers are the worst!). Happy clubbing!