Judging by all of the questions I am getting from my family and friends via Facebook, phone calls and private messages, there seems to be a bit of confusion surrounding the time frame on when I’m leaving. So this is the final process, and where I am in it:
I sent all of my paperwork/ Visa docs to my recruiter. It took FedEx about 5 days to get my documents to Korea. UPS was more expensive, and was going to take three days longer. The school is having immigration process it there. When I am cleared, they will then issue my VIN (Visa Issuance Number.) At this point, I will schedule an interview with a Korean consulate. There are only a handful of Korean Consulates in the US. I am very fortunate that Atlanta is one of the cities that actually hosts one. (Many people have to travel to New York or Houston, etc.)
I feel so very Jason Bourne…But with breasts.
My recruiter, James, told me the process normally takes 5 business days to receive the VIN. Then it takes about 5 days to deal with the Consulate and receive my Visa stamp. At this point, the school will issue my e-ticket to Korea. Basically this is a three-week process when one factors in the time it takes for your documents to get to Korea. I chose the quickest shipment, and it was five days. If you’re considering teaching in Korea, and want to skip the country ASAP, it is realistically a three-week time-frame from the signing of the contract to the issuing of the plane ticket. This of course is assuming there are no problems in the process…
When I was ironing out the details of the contract, they were trying to rush me to come over by April 2. I explained that I really couldn’t come prior to the 15th because I needed to pack and wrap up things here in the States. They were great in working with me, so I will be leaving around the 15th, give or take a day. Hey, they were flexible and bendy, so I can be too!
I have already changed my location in Facebook to Jeonju City. I have been networking and familiarizing myself with the area, the festivals, hotspots, etc. I am making friends in my new city, and it’s starting to feel “familiar and real.” I love technology (when it works!).
I sit surrounded by boxes, and covered in indecision about what to keep and what to donate. Every day that passes sees the “donate” stack grow. I think I am just so ready to be in Korea, I want the business over with. I’m impatient with the petty details when there is an adventure on the horizon!
Several of my friends are planning to come to Atlanta next weekend. We had a last hoorah in NC. Now we are planning a “last, last, fo real, ’cause crazy girl’s getting on the plane hoorah!” in Atlanta. I really am going to miss my friends. So. Much! My mom and dad and a family friend are planning to visit the week before I leave….
I turn 23 again tomorrow. It’s the 17th time, and in all the excitement I keep forgetting….
And to leave you with something quirky and fun:
Who needs Mothra?
I keep showing this image to Tocho. I have patiently explained to him that in the off-chance that Godzilla rises from the depths and hits Tokyo by way of Korea, he may be called upon to save us all…..He is completely unimpressed. Christene and I, on the other hand, have already decided to build a paper mache city and make a movie……*
*Why yes I am an easily amused, overgrown child! Thank you for noticing!
Midlife Krisis: Goes Korean 