Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Want to Apply for Teach Korea?

For those of you who couldn't make it to the information session last week let us know if you want to set up a phone call or join us in our office to discuss the program more. We are always happy to meet our participants and answer any of the questions they may have!

For those of you who are already interested and counting down the days until the application becomes available so you can apply! You may want to check out this interesting list of books that are great to read before you leave (or after you arrive) to help provide insight into the Korean culture and way of life. They may just help you settle in a little easier.


http://www.lonelyplanet.com/south-korea/travel-tips-and-articles/75861

The Teach Korea program has many benefits:
1) Well-paid teaching position (arranged prior to departure)
2) Free accomodations
3) Entrance and exit allowance
4) Settlement allowance
5) Bonus upon completion of contract
6) 18 working days paid vacation (not including national holidays)
7) Thorough 9-day orientation to help you settle in

Not only that, but it offers participants the opportunity to work in an international setting which allows them to gain employable skills in a global context. Ask us how to apply today! Reinventyourself@aideabroad.org 

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Julia's trip to the Galapagos!

Julia went on a 3 week volunteering trip to Isabela Island of the Galapagos, in Ecuador. She worked at Campo Duro, a tranquil camping getaway, where tourists stay in tents with views of beautiful gardens and eat at a delicious restaurant. She helped out in the restaurant and with the tortoises living in this reserve, as well as spent some time with the giant tortoises at the Breeding Center. In addition to the tortoises, Julia had an opportunity to explore the island and see giant marine iguanas, sea lions and snorkel with the white-tipped sharks. Julia also went on a day trip to hike up to the giant crater of the Sierra Negra volcano and the calderas of Volcan Chico. Check out her video of the giant tortoises "running" towards their lunch!

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Join us in the AIDE office to meet with EPIK for the Teach Korea Program!

We are inviting participants to join us in our office here in Austin, TX for an information session with EPIK for our newly launched Teach Korea program! The information session will be held on Monday, September 13, 2010 from 2:30-3:30PM at: 1220 S. Mopac Exp, Suite 100, Austin, TX 78746.

The Teach Korea program places you in a paid English teaching position in a South Korean school for one year. AIDE has been selected by the Korean Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and the Korean National Institute of International Education to offer this program to qualified candidates. Participants will be a part of the South Korean EPIK Program. EPIK participants teach or jointly conduct classes with a Korean co-teacher. Teaching placements are available in urban and rural locations throughout South Korea. The majority of our positions are in secondary schools (grades 7-12), though a few primary school placements are also available. You will be placed on ability to meet the program's eligibility requirements.

Teach Korea offers one of the best benefit packages for English teachers in the world, with good salaries, free accommodation, and generous paid vacation. In addition to their monthly salary, teachers will receive and entrance and exit allowance to help cover the costs of their flight ticket. Those who fulfill the terms of their contract will also receive severance pay, which is equivalent to approximately one month's salary.  

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Culinary Delight in Shanghai

Included in Lonely Planet's Top 10 Destination Meals are steamed dumplings in Shanghai! I'm sure most of you agree that food can not only be exciting but challenging on the other side of the world. But be sure to try these dumplings while you are interning or visiting Shanghai, as you won't be disappointed! They are steamed dough balls filled with hot broth and pork, crab or veggies. Be careful when you eat them though - the Chinese recommend you nibble at the dough rather than biting through it as the broth will rush out and burn your mouth!

Check out the full article here to see the other Destination Meals: http://www.bbc.com/travel/feature/20100816-lonely-planets-top-10-foodie-holidays


You can also check out the World Foodie guide for tips on travel eating. This article explains how to eat the steamed dumplings properly: http://www.worldfoodieguide.com/index.php/how-to-eat-xiao-long-bao-or-shanghai-dumplings-by-helen-yuet-ling-pang/

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Good Books for Down Time

While you're abroad time will fly as you are either, working, interning, teaching or volunteering! You'll make new friends and spend all your time soaking in the local culture. However, at some point you may find yourself overwhelmed and looking for time to rest and realax. Books can be your best friend while traveling.

This morning we found a very useful site of wonderful books (suited to travelers) that may interest you! Check it out here: http://www.roadjunky.com/article?c=Books

Books, however, are difficult to pack! Look for a book exchange, or just change them with friends you meet along the way. Another option is to purchase some audio books before you leave. 

Don't forget - if you're going to a country whose first language isn't English, a great way to practice your foreign language ability is to buy a book by a local native author and get a taste of the country's literary culture too!