I called the consulate today to confirm all the info I had and ask a couple of things. I figured oh, no big deal, it's in Chicago, I'll be using all English, I know how to be professional and calm over the phone, it's just a quick info-gathering call, blah-blah-blah.
Dialed. Automated system picks up in Korean. Fast Korean. I understand it once I'm about halfway through the English spiel that followed, but it doesn't matter because FOR ENGLISH, PRESS 3.
Okay, 3.
A few more buttons later, I get FOR VISA, PRESS 1.
Awesome. 1.
A man picks up and starts talking in rapid Korean.
[omitted] [omitted] [omitted] I did not prepare for this what the hell did he even say aaaah what do I say ummm umm uhhh [omitted]...wait. It's in CHICAGO. He probably speaks fluent English, and even if he doesn't, he'll just transfer me to someone who does, so just start talking, idiot.
(Above paragraph of mental panic took place in about 2 seconds of probably very awkward silence.)
I started talking in English and everything was fine, but still. I 100% should have been ready for that and 100% was not.
It's funny now, but it was definitely not funny while I was still on the phone. Just like all my other language-related mishaps, actually...I can laugh later, but at the time I'm usually terrified.
[x] call consulate
[ ] get a return envelope from the post office
[ ] get a money order from the bank
[ ] throw things in a bag and call it packing
[ ] catch the bus to Chicago
Time to finish off the rest of today's checklist.
Monday, June 30, 2014
Saturday, June 28, 2014
Visa Phase 2 is GOGOGOGO
Just received my visa approval number! Woohoo!
Now I get to fill out MORE paperwork and take a trip to Chicago~ Why? Because getting the E-2 visa is a 2-step process. The first step was in Korea, and my school took care of that part (which is why I sent my documents over there a few weeks ago). The next step is visiting a Korean consulate with a bunch of duplicate documents, a visa application, and the approval number that I just received. The plan right now is to gather almost everything tonight and tomorrow, call the consulate on Monday morning to confirm a few things and get more information on time frame, and leave via Megabus for Chicago late afternoon. I'll meet my friend in Chicago that night and crash at her place for a few days while I get things done at the consulate, and I'll be riding the Megabus back to Cincinnati with her on Thursday afternoon.
The potential problems:
The fun stuff:
Now I get to fill out MORE paperwork and take a trip to Chicago~ Why? Because getting the E-2 visa is a 2-step process. The first step was in Korea, and my school took care of that part (which is why I sent my documents over there a few weeks ago). The next step is visiting a Korean consulate with a bunch of duplicate documents, a visa application, and the approval number that I just received. The plan right now is to gather almost everything tonight and tomorrow, call the consulate on Monday morning to confirm a few things and get more information on time frame, and leave via Megabus for Chicago late afternoon. I'll meet my friend in Chicago that night and crash at her place for a few days while I get things done at the consulate, and I'll be riding the Megabus back to Cincinnati with her on Thursday afternoon.
The potential problems:
- I'm in Chicago from Tuesday to Thursday. They probably won't be able to process it within that time. Actually, they almost definitely won't be able to. However, I've already thought of potential solutions to this, which I will elaborate on once I get more information (probably Monday or Tuesday).
- They need an interview. Since mailing my documents in is an option, I'm thinking that phone/Skype interviewing will be an option, which means I don't have to worry. If I can get it done while I'm there, great. If not, fine.
- My friend has a normal job, so I'm probably going to be spending a lot of my daylight hours wandering around Chi-town by myself. Note to self: look up stuff to do during the day.
The fun stuff:
- CHICAGO. Granted, it's only for a couple of days, but still. I'll probably post about it once I get back (and maybe while there) in order to break the monotony of "visa visa waiting visa waiting waiting waiting" posts. It's not Korea, but it's more fun than my usual stuff.
- FRIENDS. Well, friend in the singular. This week is probably going to be the last we'll see of each other before I leave, which is both sad and exciting.
- PROGRESS. I'm not just sitting here waiting anymore - I have things that need to be done, and I have clear(ish) steps to take. Studying is important, but it doesn't feel like it gets me any closer to departure. This does.
Thursday, June 26, 2014
Delays...
My recruiter's initial estimate for my visa approval was the end of last week, so since Friday I've been jumping every time I get an email notification on my phone. I just got an update, and it looks like things are going to take a bit longer. Luckily nothing's wrong with my application - immigration's just a bit backed up right now, so they're going to take a bit longer with my application because my departure date isn't for a little while. Not super thrilled about it, but 1. there's nothing I can do, 2. at least it's not a problem with my application, and 3. I should still have the same time frame for departure. With that in mind though, I'm going to be extra antsy about getting to Chicago as soon as humanly possible for the second portion of the visa paperwork. They might have the same backlog of applications.
Thursday, June 19, 2014
Aaaand more waiting
Still waiting on visa approval. My recruiter says I should have an approval number by the end of this week (hopefully). Once I have that, it's time to plan a visit to Chicago. I could just mail all my documents in, sure, but that involves mailing my passport (yes, the actual passport) so I would prefer going in person. Plus, one of my good friends just moved to Chicago and is still waiting on her roommate to move in, so I have a place to stay and someone to chill with.
On another note, my friend Ashley got her city placement - she's in Seoul! She doesn't know where exactly yet, but at least we're in the same city~ I foresee lots of study parties in cafes and lots of regular parties in clubs/restaurants.
I also finally got in touch with the teacher at my school. Turns out the first email I had been given for him wasn't even his...and now I look stupid before I even get there. Sigh. At least I'm in touch with him now, which is what's important. All of his answers to my questions were super helpful. He said the area is newer, which is what I'd heard from a friend who lives in Seoul, and gave me some advice on the apartments. Apparently all the humidity in Seoul causes mold, so a de-humidifier is now on my "buy as soon as I get there" list. He's also been at the school for a few years (and even left to try another school but returned because this one was so much better), which is definitely a good sign. He mentioned that a lot of teachers tend to re-sign for at least one more year and that only 2 are leaving in August, both for reasons that don't involve not liking the school. Low turnover rate/lots of re-signing is definitely good, especially for someone like me who plans to stay for a while. My other big worry was training - would I be dropped in the deep end from the get-go or would I have some time to learn how things work? I was hoping for a week of training/observation, but based on his email it sounds like I'm going to have more than one week. Score.
All in all, it looks like I got very, very, very lucky with this school.
On another note, my friend Ashley got her city placement - she's in Seoul! She doesn't know where exactly yet, but at least we're in the same city~ I foresee lots of study parties in cafes and lots of regular parties in clubs/restaurants.
I also finally got in touch with the teacher at my school. Turns out the first email I had been given for him wasn't even his...and now I look stupid before I even get there. Sigh. At least I'm in touch with him now, which is what's important. All of his answers to my questions were super helpful. He said the area is newer, which is what I'd heard from a friend who lives in Seoul, and gave me some advice on the apartments. Apparently all the humidity in Seoul causes mold, so a de-humidifier is now on my "buy as soon as I get there" list. He's also been at the school for a few years (and even left to try another school but returned because this one was so much better), which is definitely a good sign. He mentioned that a lot of teachers tend to re-sign for at least one more year and that only 2 are leaving in August, both for reasons that don't involve not liking the school. Low turnover rate/lots of re-signing is definitely good, especially for someone like me who plans to stay for a while. My other big worry was training - would I be dropped in the deep end from the get-go or would I have some time to learn how things work? I was hoping for a week of training/observation, but based on his email it sounds like I'm going to have more than one week. Score.
All in all, it looks like I got very, very, very lucky with this school.
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
TOPIK
My paperwork has arrived in Korea and now I just wait for it to be processed. I'm guessing it'll take a week or so, so no more updates on that front for a bit.
Meanwhile, I've been looking into prep for the TOPIK. (Click the link to read about it on Wikipedia~)
For those of you who didn't click the link, the TOPIK is basically a Korean proficiency test with levels from 1 (you know basic survival Korean) to 6 (you're practically fluent, congrats).
In order to study at a Korean university (as a full student - language programs and exchange programs can be different), most schools require a TOPIK score of 3 or higher. Pretty much any job other than native English teacher will ask for your TOPIK score on your resume. There's even a separate business TOPIK, but I'm just taking the standard exam.
The first exam after I get to Korea will be in October and there's another toward the end of November, so the first thing I'll have to do is decide which one I want to take. Registration for the October exam is in August (right around when I arrive, actually), and registration for November isn't until October. I'm thinking I want to take the October exam so I can get a measure of my abilities as close to arrival as possible. Why am I not waiting until I've learned a bit more and gotten more practice so I get a better score? Because this test doesn't actually affect anything. I don't need to take the TOPIK until closer to the point where I apply for grad school, but I want to be able to see just how much I've improved over time. TOPIK scores are valid for 2 years, but I'm considering taking the test every year so I can measure improvement better.
One of the first things I'm going to have to get for myself once I get to Seoul is another TOPIK study book. (I say that like I'm only going to get one. Ha.) I recently bought one online for $30 because it looked helpful and was all digital, and so far it's looking like money well spent. It has tons of helpful things in it, including a 47-page pdf of idiomatic expressions, grammar separated into beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, and a pdf of the 6000 most common Korean words. On top of all that, there are video files (that I haven't looked at yet) with analysis of each section and what constitutes a "good" answer in non-multiple-choice sections, and practice tests.
I'm trying to study now, but I just can't motivate myself to do much of anything yet. Everything seems too far off. Hopefully my friend Ashley, who's going through the EPIK program instead of a private school recruiter like I am, will be placed in Seoul as well so we can study together once we're both in Korea.
Meanwhile, I've been looking into prep for the TOPIK. (Click the link to read about it on Wikipedia~)
For those of you who didn't click the link, the TOPIK is basically a Korean proficiency test with levels from 1 (you know basic survival Korean) to 6 (you're practically fluent, congrats).
In order to study at a Korean university (as a full student - language programs and exchange programs can be different), most schools require a TOPIK score of 3 or higher. Pretty much any job other than native English teacher will ask for your TOPIK score on your resume. There's even a separate business TOPIK, but I'm just taking the standard exam.
The first exam after I get to Korea will be in October and there's another toward the end of November, so the first thing I'll have to do is decide which one I want to take. Registration for the October exam is in August (right around when I arrive, actually), and registration for November isn't until October. I'm thinking I want to take the October exam so I can get a measure of my abilities as close to arrival as possible. Why am I not waiting until I've learned a bit more and gotten more practice so I get a better score? Because this test doesn't actually affect anything. I don't need to take the TOPIK until closer to the point where I apply for grad school, but I want to be able to see just how much I've improved over time. TOPIK scores are valid for 2 years, but I'm considering taking the test every year so I can measure improvement better.
One of the first things I'm going to have to get for myself once I get to Seoul is another TOPIK study book. (I say that like I'm only going to get one. Ha.) I recently bought one online for $30 because it looked helpful and was all digital, and so far it's looking like money well spent. It has tons of helpful things in it, including a 47-page pdf of idiomatic expressions, grammar separated into beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, and a pdf of the 6000 most common Korean words. On top of all that, there are video files (that I haven't looked at yet) with analysis of each section and what constitutes a "good" answer in non-multiple-choice sections, and practice tests.
I'm trying to study now, but I just can't motivate myself to do much of anything yet. Everything seems too far off. Hopefully my friend Ashley, who's going through the EPIK program instead of a private school recruiter like I am, will be placed in Seoul as well so we can study together once we're both in Korea.
Monday, June 2, 2014
First set of documents mailed!
I mailed a bunch of paperwork to Korea today, and I'm so nervous that I forgot something. I swear I checked the document list and email and everything else at least a dozen times but there's still that part of me that says "you didn't do it right." Hopefully that part of me is wrong.
Unfortunately, I did run into a little trouble with the number of passport-sized photos I needed. The number kept jumping...the website said 2, then the email said 4, and when I asked my recruiter to clarify, he said 6. I originally only had 4, so I had to go back and get more printed. The people at Walgreens were super helpful, still had my photos from the last set on file, and even found some coupons for me, so at least it wasn't a hassle to get more.
The guys at FedEx were also really helpful (though I cringed at the request from the woman in front of me - she had printed pieces of paper and asked to have them scanned into MS Word documents. Uhhhh that's not how it works...). I had no idea how to properly fill out the forms and what the best balance between speed and money was for sending my documents. Obviously I want them there quickly, but I'm not about to drop $100+ if I don't have to. Luckily for me, the faster option was also the cheaper one - express was around $56, while the slower option was around $80. If I remember correctly, it should arrive around June 9th.
So now I just wait until I hear back from the school/my recruiter. I'm not sure how long the whole process will take, but the next step is either taking or mailing a second set of documents to the Korean consulate in Chicago. Since a friend of mine is moving to Chicago in just under 2 weeks, I'm hoping it'll take long enough that she'll be there and I won't feel bad asking to crash on her floor as she's trying to get settled. I'd rather not mail the documents if I don't have to, since I would have to mail my actual passport (not a copy), and I'd like to pay Chicago another visit. We'll see how that plays out.
Unfortunately, I did run into a little trouble with the number of passport-sized photos I needed. The number kept jumping...the website said 2, then the email said 4, and when I asked my recruiter to clarify, he said 6. I originally only had 4, so I had to go back and get more printed. The people at Walgreens were super helpful, still had my photos from the last set on file, and even found some coupons for me, so at least it wasn't a hassle to get more.
The guys at FedEx were also really helpful (though I cringed at the request from the woman in front of me - she had printed pieces of paper and asked to have them scanned into MS Word documents. Uhhhh that's not how it works...). I had no idea how to properly fill out the forms and what the best balance between speed and money was for sending my documents. Obviously I want them there quickly, but I'm not about to drop $100+ if I don't have to. Luckily for me, the faster option was also the cheaper one - express was around $56, while the slower option was around $80. If I remember correctly, it should arrive around June 9th.
So now I just wait until I hear back from the school/my recruiter. I'm not sure how long the whole process will take, but the next step is either taking or mailing a second set of documents to the Korean consulate in Chicago. Since a friend of mine is moving to Chicago in just under 2 weeks, I'm hoping it'll take long enough that she'll be there and I won't feel bad asking to crash on her floor as she's trying to get settled. I'd rather not mail the documents if I don't have to, since I would have to mail my actual passport (not a copy), and I'd like to pay Chicago another visit. We'll see how that plays out.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)