So now that my first (and second day) is over and done the one thing I will say is that it was memorable! I don't think I will ever forget the awkward questions I was asked, all the compliments I received, and the most heart-pounding moments of my life! First of all I walked to my school which is only a 10 min walk, but by the time I got there I was a sweaty mess. Fully decked out in a dress skirt, blouse, and blazer I was overly dressed compared to the other teachers. But, that's cool because it does not matter what you wear as long as you wear it with confidence....right? My first class was all sorts of awkward! I work with 5 co-teachers...3 females and 2 males. My first class was with my young male co-teacher. I did my introduction and open the floor up to questions, in which the first one was "Do you have a boyfriend?" (namja chingoo). Now this is a REALLY common question in Korea.
I said "No" and one student in particular was very happy at my answer :P The rest of the class immediately made the connection to my male co-teacher and basically tried to match-make the entire class. The funny thing is that this one student was asking me about my 'ideal type' and 'what I look for in a man' but it was in Korean, so my co-teacher had to translate and it was like he was actually asking me these questions which embarrassed him and and gave the rest of the kids a field day. So far EVERY class I have taught has asked me that same question.
That same student asked if I would date a Korean man, and knowing where this was going I said I would not date a High School student (because that could very well be illegal and just wrong...for me). Honestly though, that class was very enjoyable and I wowed my students with my knowledge of k-pop and Korea (Assa!---Yes!)
All that and it was only 2nd period!