School's Out for Winter!

Well, school's out for the students anyway. Tomorrow, I'm supposed to go on an overnight retreat with my school. I think there is only one other English teacher going, so I am bringing a book a two. I've heard these trips end up being a lot of boozing; unfortunately, the thought of drinking makes me feel a little ill after Christmas.

Also unfortunately, my camera got stolen. I would be more depressed since I was in love with my canon point-and-shoot, but this actually happened a little while ago. I might try and go to Yongsan Electronics Market tonight to buy a new one since I hear we are going to the seaside for this workshop.

Diversity in Korea

It's interesting to talk to my students about Korea and diversity. Like the student project contrasting Korea and Western countries in my last post, most seem to have a pretty skewed perception of what America is like. I think the idea of a 'melting pot' (or 'salad bowl' to go with the more current metaphor) is not something they have any frame of reference for. Likewise, even after living here and being surrounded by Koreans every day, it's hard for me, as an American, to conceive of a nation of people in which everyone has the same history and cultural traditions.

Recently, the New York Times posted an article on the increasing number of mixed ethnicity children in Korea. Interesting read.

Now You Know

Differences of Korea and the English Circle Countries

...
2. Appearance

Korea
Koreans are the yellow race. Although on average Koreans are shorter than The English Circle Countries' people, they have a few fat people than The English Circle Countries' people. Koreans have black hair color.


The English Circle Countries (America, England)
The English Circle Countries' people are two kind of race. One is the white race and the other is the black race. Although on average The English Circle Countries' people are taller than Koreans, they have more fat people than Koreans. Also they have big nose and golden hair and the multiplicity of eyes color like brown eyes and blue eyes.
...


Now you know. That is the difference.

I read this student report on one of the classroom walls and was vaguely amused.