Confused...

So the dilemma continues. Who to choose. So I was set on Seoul school right but, then Daejeon school called and told me to give them "Suckers University" number. So I did, they called and got them to ship my degree immediately.WTF???!!! How the hell did they do that. Anyway they have beyond proven themselves to be helpful versus Seoul school. So I'm back to going with them. I haven't broken it off with them yet. Thats the update for today. (Korean thank you= Ko map sum ni da)

The Riff Raff i tell you!

So I still haven't recieved my degree, but I'm becoming ok with it. So lets begin. Yesterday, I almost gave up on my Korea dream, looked for a lawyer to press charges against the school (because they are personally taking money out of my pocket), and planned my return to Atlanta. All this, because of a few road blocks. I like to think I'm built ford tough and all, but I'm telling you, throw a few consecutive road blocks in there and I'm ready to give up at times. I do have a no quitters spirit though. I'm sure you can tell I use my blog for a pep talk and therapeutical purposes but moving right along... So prior to my whole tantrum, I had decided that I would go with the first company that had offered me a position in Daejeon. It's not a bad position. They were flexible with the start date, offered a prepaid flight, and complimented me quite aggressively but, still I was waiting on one offer. The offer in Mokdong, that boasted African American teachers on multiple contracts. This school not offering to much more to me, other than great location and a promise of familiarity with black people, made me jump through hoops. They asked for several references on top of the ones I offered initially, questioned me via email correspondence, and just generally dragged the process to the point that I thought that they were stringing me along. So, I decided to go with the first one and prepare myself to leave as soon as possible. I started consolidating my belongings and making my packing list like the one below:
*Deodorant (every site, blog, contact...stresses this seriously)
at least 3 tubes of toothpaste
*contacts, glasses, contact cleanser, eye drops
*computer
*110 to 220v converter (important if bringing American electronics)
weaves or wigs( if thats your thing. It's my quick fix for cuteness!)
*make up ( just a jump start kit. Im sure as much as koreans are into their looks, there is a stock load)
*At least 5 proffessional tops and bottoms for each season
*slippers( you'll need these for work)
*summer and winter clothes( including pjs, club clothes, workout gear)
*seasonal outerwear ( you may need to figure out how to pack or ship later a super *heavy coat, rainboots, an umbrella, etc)
*walking shoes and your favorite shoes in moderation( my hardest task yet)
perfume if you like
You dont need to much accessories (you'll find that easily)
*a large bag or purse tat can fit everything if you like to be fashionable( you wont have a trunk to store the day's belongings once you leave the house
*general entertainment activities that are small and packable(like a favorite book or game)
For the most part just remember alot of South Korea is very Metropolitan, so many of the little things you can find there.

This is when I first began the actual process of consolidation. This is my pile after consolidation.lol.


I still have time though because "the string along school" called and said that playing with my emotions was not their intent. They even gave me numbers to contact their current teachers. I conducted some research to see if they came up on any blacklist but, fortunately they did not. So I accepted the offer. I officially start on October 12, 2009! Finally! That's my update for now. Anyong Hi Kaseyo (Korean=good bye)

So....

Hey world. I'm guess I'm back for the time being. Life has been slow going for a while, and I did not want to transfer that to my blog. The summer is just about over and I am kind of floating right now with no direction. After 3 months, I still have not yet recieved my degree from Clark Atlanta university. I have turned down so many good jobs in Korea due to the fact that I cannot get my visa without this small, lack luster piece of paper, that cost me 40,000... and that's an estimation.
So... My life is on hold. Although, I have continued to move forward with the process anyway.People that know me understand that things always work out at the last minute for me, somewhat stuck in a forever state of recession. Most would call a day late a dollar short syndrome, I'd like to think of it as rather I'm recieving a late payment for my hard work and hey, late payment is better than no payment.
I digress. So I'm working with a company called Star Teachers and they are placing me at what seems like(you can never really know can you) a cute school in Daejon. At first, I was opposed to a smaller city. It's not rural, but I'm a major city kind of girl. I think I have acute ADHD or something b/c I'm always on the go. Anyways, I was opposed to going until I spoke to the recruiter. Boy did she prove my friend's flattery theory right! All she had to do is tell me how beautiful I was and how smart I sounded, and I was sold to the woman with the black hair.lol. I also did some research of my own and found that Daejeon is a metropolitan city and is the Science capital for Korea.They've also recently added and express route to Seoul. So Now I'm all excited and bubbly inside. Actually, I think this will be better for me because I think it will help me to learn the language and I'm told the apartments are bigger in smaller cities.





To get an E-2 visa you have to acquire the following:

1. original university degree (or notarized apostilled copy)
2. 3 sealed transcripts
3. criminal background check (CBC) (notarized and apostille authenticated)
4. health statement (2 copies)
5. a copy of the information page in your passport
6. a resume
7. passport photos
8. a signed contract

I have every last single thing except...oh what's that you say..yup, my friggin degree! All because I chose to go to a lazy behind, over expensive, bootleg, private institution! I've really been hot about this all day. Then, when I do get it. I have to rush it to Georgia get it notarized somewhow and then rush it off to get it apostilled. Thats not it! then, I have to ship it to my people so they can tell their people to set up an appoinment date.Once I get the go ahead I have to take a two hour trip to Boston to the Korean Consulate to get it stamped. The end! Sike!!!!!!!!! nope Lastly, I hope... I go somewhwere (it slips my mind at the moment) and get my visa stamped then I can move forward to leaving. I have about four weeks to get this all done and my degree hasn't arrived yet. I hope I dont have to turn this position down. tear tear.