Q and A with the Rudes
In this section we have created a question and answer column for all our readers! If you would like to know more about us, the application process, what we are up to, or what it is like living in Korea... ask away! We may not answer all the questions asked, but who knows... you may be featured in our next post!
Posted by ~Mrs. Rude~
Welcome to our first post of Ask the Rudes, where we take time to answer your questions. We will begin with a paraphrased/condensed version of the questions we have been answering since we have decided to take on this adventure!
Dear Rudes,
Why did you decide to do this? How did you decided on South Korea? How long are you going to teach there?
~The curious masses
Dear curious masses,
As with all decisions we adults make, there were a multitude of factors behind this life change. Let me start by saying Mr. Rude has always wanted the Rude Dudes to do something (anything) abroad. Prior to making this decision Mr. Rude and I were in fact shopping for a house. When we kept finding the process pushed back we decided it was not meant to be for the time being. I, Mrs. Rude, was always reluctant to go teach abroad because I LOVED my teaching job and did not want to risk losing such a great job in a great school working with such great people. I got my current job after applying in 13 school districts and about 18 job interviews (I swear, for once, I am not exaggerating!!). Mr. Rude’s brother and his wife came to visit after Christmas this past year we got to talking about their experience teaching in Korea. At this time they were planning on returning to Korea in March. When they AGAIN invited us to join them in teaching abroad I said, “YES”. Mr. Rude’s response was, “QUICK sign us both up so she can’t back out!” This spur of the moment agreement/idea was due to the fact that going and spending a year teaching in Korea sounded so NICE! I have spent that last two years doing my Masters and will be finishing up in June (Praise Halleluiah!!). I have also had a very difficult class this year and was ready for a change of pace. |
The real commitment came when we found out a full-time position for Mr. Rude's job would be postponed for some time and I was able to get my application for sabbatical approved. This means that when we return I will have a job with my school district, without applying again. While I am not guaranteed my school or grade level, I am crossing my fingers that I end up back with my team. Why South Korea? As we said, Mr. Rude’s brother Ian and his wife Denise had been teaching in South Korea for two years. When we started our plans they were going to be returning. Sadly, they had to change their plans. So they are in Cambodia and then off to teach in Thailand. While this was a huge disappointment, we are hoping to still get to spend time with them while we are over there. Due to their experience getting jobs, they are able to give us lots of advice, which helps us with the application process. How long you ask? For now…a year. That is how long my sabbatical leave is approved for and our contracts in Korea lasts. If we decide we love it and we NEED to do another year, I can apply for an additional time off and we will take it from there. ~Mrs. Rude |