Interacting with people of different cultures and ways of living has always intrigued me.  The yearning to experience different cultures has always been omnipresent.  Like learning about foreign culture, language has always been of keen interest.

      Throughout my life I have always been outgoing and willing to try new things.  A yearlong position as an ESL teacher in South Korea is something I believe I can both excel at and enjoy.  Interaction between cultures and languages today is unavoidable for any country or people.  It is with this in mind that I think being cross-culturally comfortable and having a strong grip on English is essential. 

      I think I would make an excellent ESL teacher.  I am very comfortable interacting with students and faculty.  I make friends easily.  I have found from past travels abroad that I usually can interact with someone even though a language barrier may exist.  I think teaching in Korea would be a great opportunity for me to experience Korean culture and also help students learn English.  Getting along with students is essential, not only for mutual respect, but also for the students’ learning.  Education takes place more easily in an environment of mutual respect.  Along with this respect, interactive and discussion based lessons are essential. 

      I have taken many language classes in Spanish and one in Czech.  In all of these I found that when the teacher used only the blackboard or simple notes and grammar, that learning was somewhat stifled.  For me, learning a language is all about the interaction with that language in as realistic an environment that a classroom will provide.  My classes will emphasize this learning through interaction, discussion, visual aides, and the students’ verbal conversations with each other and myself.  Also, emphasis must be placed on homework assignments and students studying at home.  My classed would ensure that homework is given and tests are administered to foster studying and learning as much as a student can outside the classroom. Student learning takes place much more rapidly when the students’ are engaged and enthused.  I plan on incorporating this philosophy in my teaching.

      Cultural differences can be vast and intimidating.  However one thing I try to keep in mind when traveling is that human nature is essentially the same everywhere.  Extend respect and gratitude, and you will receive the same back.  Nearly everywhere, family values are cherished and serve as a key foundation to society.  Respect and trying to assimilate as best one can are essential when in a new culture.  Cultural differences are easy to overcome because at the core I believe humans are good natured with many of the same values.  Language is of course the main barrier to easy assimilation, but one can get by on respect, understanding, and wit.  Cultural differences are to be embraced and valued, not rejected as foreign deviation.