"Homesick for Busan City" Even Before I Leave My Amazing Placement

REMINISCING 

Nearly two years ago when I first arrived here in South Korea, I remember never having even heard of the city of Busan, where I would be placed in, and where I would ultimately spend all this time living and teaching and exploring. Since then, I have grown to absolutely love this city! It reminds me so much of Davao, Philippines, and Seattle, Washington, where I have spent a considerable amount of my life before ending up here. It was a foreign place but, once I arrived, it felt oddly and wonderfully familiar. 

Out of curiosity, I reread my blog post about the day I found out I would be coming here: July 30, 2013's Placement Ceremony. Just, wow. I feel so blessed that, though I didn't get what I thought I wanted, I ultimately got what I didn't even know I needed. Part of this was being placed where I believe I would have the most impact. Of course, I didn't do everything perfectly - not in my lesson plans, my working relationships, my homestay life, not in my dreams of traveling far and wide and studying the language to achieve proficiency. But it is through experiencing my limitations more acutely here in Korea that I have faced the tremendous and painstaking challenge of...extending grace to myself. 

Note to Current and Future ETAs: 

Please Be Kind and Gracious! 

To Yourselves, Too!

Your time here is limited. You may spend one to three years of your life here (more if you really fall hard for the country like some Fulbright Korea alumni), which is not that long in the greater scheme of things. Before you know it, you will be like me - sitting in the gyomushil at work, clipping two-years' worth of front pages of your city's local tourism-focused newsmag, missing your placement hardcore while simultaneously cringing over the pain of using scissors! 

DYNAMIC BUSAN

"Twice-monthly newspaper of Busan Metropolitan City, Korea" 

I stayed in school for 12 hours today, yet only taught two 50-minute classes, so I was in dire need of a project. I had saved up every issue of Dynamic Busan since I arrived at my school, (with the intention of eventually doing something collage-y or artsy with the fantastically vibrant landscape shots of the city), so today was a day of sorting through the mountainous pile on my desk, cutting up the main photos and date stamps on the front covers, and browsing through the rest of the newspaper for photos of places I had been at or events I had experienced. This is what my late afternoon/ evening consisted of. 

Sookhee took note of my large-scale newspaper cutting but apparently already guessed the reason why I was bent on such a project. She asked me just to confirm over dinner, and I explained that I was doing this because I would miss Busan so much! She nodded her head, and said, "I knew it" 

I arranged the cover photos by date. I am missing only two issues: November 2013 and April 2015! Where have these issues gone?! My collection will not be complete :(

I was really not paying attention to much of the written pieces, but I randomly stumbled upon this short opinion piece. It's written by one Sohail Jannessari, who, like me, also greatly appreciates the city. It made me feel better reading this knowing that I wasn't the only one who "fell in love with a city two continents away from my home." I suspect that the inexplicable sorrow he experienced when getting on his plane to go back "home" will be something that I will be experiencing in less than two months...

Spring 2015 Busan YDAC | Video of Yeongdo Girls High School's Journey

As a Fulbright ETA, one of my favorite events in the semester is YDAC (or Youth Diplomacy & Activism Conference). Overall, this is my fourth time coaching a team of students for YDAC and my third time coordinating for the Gyeongsangnamdo region.

You can read about previous YDACs Yeongdo Girls High School has attended here and here. The experience of preparing students for this English writing and speaking conference has always proven rewarding, though certainly not without its challenges. I will be making a separate post with photos and more detail, but, for now, here's a video I snapped throughout our last few days of prep work to document my students' journey through YDAC! 

App: Snapmovie/ Song: "Sweet Disposition" by The Temper Trap

Date Night w/ My Co-Teacher | Samgwangsa Temple's Festival of Lights!

One of the cooler [and more unexpected] aspects of my time here in South Korea has been the absolutely fantastic Fulbright co-teachers I have been blessed to work with. To date, I have worked with five - three "official" ones, and two who, for various reasons had to temporarily sub in for my "official" ones. They have all been extremely helpful, accommodating, and adventurous! 

My second Fulbright co-teacher was Jane. Even though she is no longer assigned to me, she still takes the time to spend time with me at school (taking walks around the school grounds, giving me rides home after staying late at work), and outside of school (asking me if I want to go on day-trips with her on the weekends). If it weren't for her, I would see less of Busan!

The video and photos below show one of our many adventures together!

There were probably thousands of these tags, containing people's full names, address, and wishes

The lanterns were in different colors

This whole temple was absolutely enchanting in the evening

My beautiful, adventurous co-teacher! 

A Few Sundays in the Life of a Filipino Pastor Serving in South Korea

In honor of October being Pastor Appreciation Month, I'm posting a video to celebrate Russel, one of the many amazing pastors who have now graced my life! But, before that, here are a few things we have learned from Russel as a pastor, as a family member, as a brother, and as a friend.

A FEW THINGS WE HAVE LEARNED FROM RUSSEL

He has been always encouraging me in every way. I was very shy to share the Gospel in front of many people but, because of him, I dared to stand in front of many people. Even though he is older than me and more mature than I am but we always talk like friends. When he shares the Word of God, I enjoy his preaching very much. People call him pastor, preacher but I always call him brother. He has never excused about that. Spiritually, mentally always he is mentoring me as a leader, as a pastor, as a brother, moreover as a best friend. This is very short word to describe about him. You are an amazing person ever I met. Love you brother, Russel. - Amit

Pastor Ruzz is a one of a kind person. He is seldom to find. Pastor Ruzz, I wanna say thank you for being such a great spiritual adviser. You have taught me how to be brave in facing life's hardship. You have taught me that God is so big that we have to be hopeful when situations seem to be hopeless. Thank you for always keeping me and my family in your prayers. I also pray for your journey. - Amy

Jesus said, "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you." And because of this He wants us to follow God's commands and to remain in His love...By surrendering everything to God and giving all of our faith to Him we, as children of God, will surely acquire a true and complete Joy in Christ. This made me realize how blessed my family and I are being loved and taken care of by God unconditionally! - Badeth 

Whatever you do work for it with all your heart as working for the Lord, and Jesus is Lord we are His slaves. These are the passages that struck me most through Pastor Russel sermon - Blessy 

I was totally blown away by the words and sermons every Sunday. By faith I received them in Jesus' name. God be the Glory...My life has been changed and is now emerging in what God spoke to me through you, Pastor Russel. Thank you. Your prophetic words are light for my path; the words help me to keep my focus on the Father. I thank God for speaking through you. It gives me courage to keep pressing into God and not to look to the left and right, but to have a singleness of heart. That is, to please the Father. God bless you and the ministry. I pray every need is met and every desire is fulfilled in Jesus' name. God is good! - Sheila

Dear Russel Jeondosanim! You are truly GOD's person! Your kindness and faith will be remembered. Whenever I hear your sermon, I can feel how much you put your time, sweat, and prayer as well. Thank you for being here for us at Ttanggeut Church. Best regards - Connie

I will always remember the day we had lunch at Febias. You shared your dreams and desires to us. I was so excited for you! I thanked God for bringing you close to Him. I can sense that God has great plans for your life. I hope that your love for God will continue to grow even through difficult times. Be faithful even in small things. May you experience the joy of loving and serving others. I praise God for your obedience and perseverance. Hope you can visit us soon. Please allow us to give you some financial help. Love, Tita Ellie

Russel has touched the lives of many people within our neighborhood even at his young age. He has shared the gospel to almost everyone of them. Even in our province, he would go even to the barracks of the army to proclaim the good news. He is a man of faith, and a generous giver, willing to make sacrifices for others. - Paul

Russell once said, You know what Ate? I Am A Millionaire, and I think Everyone is!" Then he showed me bundles of receipts he purposely kept and said, "If we only learn how to count our blessings, we'll see how rich we are and how God provides!" - one fine morning conversation. He collected all the receipts he bought, from books to even small things like pen or toothbrush and etc. After that, I started to collect receipts, too...hahaha just to prove if I'm a millionaire, too! I also often borrowed that memory to illustrate a point in preaching - Esther 

Being with Russel for many years, it taught me the value of empowering my hands and equipping my life so I can have faithful service to the Lord. The value of taking actions and addressing people's needs as Jesus did while doing His ministry. And not only the spirituality of the people. It turned me into a doer from being a spectator of those people in need - Julie 

God does everything for His Glory. It shows me that God has a plan and His plan is for His own desires, desires which include me - Kerry

I feel so glad that I met this guy as my friend. Every time I visit the Christian Service, I really feel happy and blessed that I have the chance to know the word of God. I think often about people who influenced my life. One of those influences for me is Ruzzle. I want to thank you our Dear Pastor Ruzzle Ocampo for preaching the word of the Lord. Thank you for the times we've shared, especially during our bonding moments (when we have our devotion). We didn't do it often but I still remember when we did. I watched you interact with others, share the Gospel with us, and pray for us. God bless you always Pastor Ruzzle. More power to you and I'm so proud of you! - Marjherie

God is the center of all creation. Everything is created for His glory. God is including us to take part in the restoration of His original plan for His creation by placing every aspect of our lives under the Lordship of Christ. Pastor Ruzz's sermon helps me examine my life, my relationships, and my future plans. It serves as an encouragement to bring it under the lordship of Christ! - Mark 

Through my conversations with Russel, I am becoming more and more convinced that, despite everything I see to the contrary, the world is actually becoming a better and better place! This new perspective has shot through my pessimistic view of creation and humanity and has challenged me to recalibrate the way I think about and treat the material/natural world, as well as how intentionally and joyfully I live my life. Russel keeps reminding me that, as a Christian, I am not only to be a passive witness to this upward trajectory towards glorification, but an active agent helping bring about heaven on earth - Mimi

In my view, my nephew Ruzz had a rough childhood. But God got a hold of his life and has turned it into a trophy of His grace. I am so thankful to God for what He has already accomplished in his life and what He is still building him to be. God has a special work for him to do and I am praying that he finds it and pursues it passionately - Tito Abe

I remember the time we had a trip to Jeju Island and he challenged me to read verses in the Bible. And the passage that struck me most was Jeremiah 29:11. And so true, God has a perfect plan for everything. You just have to wait and be faithful for God's purpose is greater than your heart desired. I am so proud of this man (Russel) for he is such a really, really good friend of mine, and all of his advice and encouragement really changed me a lot. I do believe as if he has a magic tongue (not magic tricks, ha...:)) that whenever he speaks, it really touches and awakens people's hearts and minds. I'm so proud of you, Ruzz! God bless you always, and thank you! :D - Irene

God is your happiness. Do not depend on something or someone to make you happy. Those are some lines that I remember during his sermons that has struck me most - Xymon

The very thing that I have learned from Pastor Russel's sermon is all about knowing how big our God is. God is bigger and greater than what a human mind could imagine. No wonder he always mentions that everything we do and how we live our lives should bring glory to the King of kings. Moreover, I am always moved by the introduction of his sermon (something I think is almost constant) and that is to pray for our loved ones who haven't known Jesus Christ or haven't heard the Gospel. I am moved by his heart's desire to reach out to our loved ones through prayer so that they could experience as well the gift of Salvation that we believers are enjoying through the grace of our Lord Jesus. This invitation of Pastor Russel to pray for our unsaved families and friends is already a message indeed! :) - Joan 


Russel, I am sure you will be a powerful man of God who is using you by His hand. Your sermon always have touched our hearts. Please work hard for the Kingdom of heaven so that it will make Him pleased, cool wherever you are, whatever you do. I hope everything may go well with you by His favor. God bless you! - David 

FILIPINO PASTOR IN SOUTH KOREA

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this post! If I missed a message from you, please send it to me and I will include it here. I hope you enjoyed the video, especially since I hazarded my life on multiple occasions just to get these few clips (he is extremely camera shy)!

Dressing Up in a Hanbok for the CamKodian Inaugural Ceremony at HJC & My Multiple Roles as Greeter, Singer, and Dishwasher for the Evening

Since I came back from the states, all of the talk at Holy Joy's English Service seems to revolve around the Cambodian-Korean NGO they are working very hard to establish by next year. From zero Cambodians in attendance on Sundays, we now have anywhere between 5-20 in attendance during the worship or singing portion. After the singing, they are whisked off to another floor and another room at Holy Joy, where, I presume, they receive more information about how they can help make this NGO a successful reality for them, their families, their communities, and any other Cambodian who immigrates to Korea. 

During David Jibsanim's announcements, I learn that a few of the church leaders make regular (aka daily) visits to a location closer to the Cambodians' place of residence. There they hold Bible studies, and receive Korean language instruction - among other things beneficial to them (like help with establishing a Cambodian restaurant). Hearing this made me feel better, knowing that there was a steady and personal effort to connect with this particular group of foreigners in Korea. I applaud this church's deeply-concerted work to reach people, especially foreigners in the area, and share with them the love of Christ through practical means.

However, because I don't always understand what is going on around me and because a lot is lost in translation during service, I have more or less been feeling bewildered these past few months at Holy Joy - feeling excluded as another foreigner who does not share the same nationality as those on whose behalf all of the planning and outreach is aimed; silenced by the guilt I feel at the realization that my self-centeredness is likely preventing me from sharing in the awesome work that my church is doing to welcome others the way it has welcomed me (well, minus the establishment of a Filipino-American NGO, of course); and feeling a bit like it is only a matter of time before the English Service disappears altogether. 

With all of that said, I am doing what I can to combat feelings of not belonging by, at least, being a part of the behind-the-scenes work. 

THE CAMKODIAN INAUGURAL CEREMONY

For this event, I was asked to wear a Korean hanbok and greet our guests at the entrance of Holy Joy. With the help of a jibsanim and a samonim, I was ready within a few minutes.

Most of the people in attendance at tonight's CamKodian Inaugural event held at the basement sanctuary of Holy Joy Center

Cambodian Leaders visiting Korea. Church leaders took it upon themselves
to give them a tour of Busan and of Yeongdo upon their arrival

When the ceremony started at 4:00 p.m., I hurried over to the stage to sing a couple of songs.

Professor Gabriel and me singing

The senior pastor speaking to his foreign guests through a Cambodian translator.
Of course, since everything was in Korean-Cambodian, Cambodian-Korean, I had no way of understanding
any of the great things that were being said

A korean girl playing a traditional instrument

The extremely talented son of David Jibsanim performing for the evening

This couple sang beautifully!

Receptionists

Traditional Cambodian dance

Harmonica players

Our singers, who had traveled from Seoul that day and who returned to Seoul that very night back to their studies!

Dinner on the 8th floor

Saying grace before the meal

Some of our beautiful guests

Meanwhile, I had changed out of my hanbok and had donned on an apron, washing hundreds of dishes this evening. This kitchen was my dream kitchen, with its huge and deep sinks, flexible and powerful faucets, and ample storage and elbow room!

Out of all the roles I played this afternoon and evening, I was most comfortable and most confident in my role as dishwasher

This is the view of Nampo-dong just outside the church balcony 

I wish the CamKodia NGO the best! With this kind of dedication, I can see nothing but success in its future.

All Photos Courtesy of David Daeil Lee 

Post-Dinner Evening Stroll in Yeongdo's Coastal Trail with Host Mom

CHUSEOK HOLIDAY BEGINS!

Today is the start of my 5-day Chuseok vacation! The days leading up to this break were filled with questions about what my plans were.

With great excitement, I told other teachers that my plans were: ...*drum-roll please*...

Absolutely Nothing! 

DEALING WITH THE GUILT OF HAVING FREE TIME

I am free! This past year, I have struggled mightily against the guilt of being free to just relax. Being free to pause in my tracks. Being free to not have a schedule. Being free to not have an agenda. Being free for self-care. This past year, I have struggled with this peculiar guilt and am still learning and implementing ways to safeguard my sanity, my health, my time, and my energy. 

THE EVENING STROLL

MY SATURDAY CONSISTED OF ME...

...waking up slow and getting up late, eating brunch while Skyping my sweet Mama in Washington, and then spending the rest of the day reading, napping, watching video clips, napping, pinning parts of my dream home on Pinterest, napping again, waking up for dinner with my Korean host mom, washing dishes, doing laundry, and then taking a walk together afterwards.  

The evening was beautiful - from the moment we stepped outside the apartment complex and saw the near-full moon to the very end, when we sat facing the twinkling lights of the Busan coastline and chatted in the near-dark. I made verbal observations about how much safer Korea is compared to the Philippines (or even compared to the U.S.). 

THE SAFE HAVEN THAT IS KOREA

Walking around at night, I don't feel like I have to constantly look behind my back, or remember my Arnis or Taekwondo, or keep a deathly-grip on my smartphone in case it is snatched. I feel safe here! This safety gives me more freedom to enjoy the walk, breathe in the scenes and the fresh air in one gulp, and just appreciate Connie's brisk walk and personality.

There was a small group out for a night picnic and actually grilling something delicious in the dark. The smoke and the aroma added a touch of warmth to the tingling coolness of the night air. Among many others, we passed by a young family, the father carrying a baby strapped across his torso, while his wife walked arm-in-arm beside him. The sight of this family warmed and gladdened my heart! At one point, Connie collided with what looked to be a disoriented wasp and ended up squashing it with her next step by accident. Very unfortunate fellow.

We returned to the apartment to find that my host dad had arrived, and was hanging our clothes up to dry in the balcony - quite an unusual sight in Korea, I think, especially among the older married folks! 

Fulbright ETA Ray Sawyer Guest Teaching at Yeongdo Girls High School!

ETA FROM AN ALL-BOYS SCHOOL GUEST TEACHES AT AN ALL-GIRLS SCHOOL

One of the coolest things I did during my first grant year was to coordinate with another teacher for a day school swap! I worked with Fulbright ETA Ray Sawyer from the all-boys Busan High School in finding a day where I was off and his school was in session and vice versa. The scheduling was a bit tricky to do, especially towards the end of the year when the schools are busy with all kinds of testing, but we planned it well ahead of time and added more fantastic memories to our year of teaching!

Knowing Ray's dynamic personality (he really was meant to be assigned in "Dynamic Busan"), and my students' excitement every time there is a guest teacher, especially a male guest teacher, I knew that this was about to be AMAZING. 

And it was. 

Here is a photo story of his time at YGHS as well as the email I sent him the night before! 

RAY TEACHING AT YEONGDO GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL

Ray Teacher graciously handling the attention of the girls.
Anytime a male teacher comes to Yeongdo, the girls are beyond themselves with excitement!

Hello Ray!

I apologize for giving this to you so very late. Please do not be anxious about tomorrow’s classes. The best thing for everyone concerned would be if you just showed up and had fun with the students – whatever that may look like. They will be ever so excited to see you! Like I said before, my classes were recently switched up after the midterm results came in, so I will give you the observation notes I have taken on my Monday classes below, as well as other information about the day ahead!

Teaching a word association lesson that had the students very alert and engaged!

• This Monday, June 9^th, you can take either bus 71 or 508, both of which will deliver you right across from my school. You will hear, “Yeongdo Yeoja Godeung Hakgyo” over the speakers, indicating where you should get off. This will take you approximately 20 minutes from Nampo Station, so time yourself or just ask the bus driver or other passengers where you should get off for the school. The first class starts at 10:40 a.m. Please feel free to arrive about 30-40 minutes before the first class begins. This will give us time for a mini tour of the school, (which is a lot smaller than your school), meet the principal and vice principal, and head to the class and get a feel for it.

·         The principal is a woman; she is serious-looking but kind, and has expressed a desire to talk to me in Korean as she does not know how to communicate in English very well. If you can, please feel free to squeeze in as much Korean as you can when you meet. I think she will appreciate it. No pressure though (this coming from an ETA who has not really spoken much to her principal this year at all, except through my Fulbright co-teacher).

·         The vice principal is a man, who was hired this March. We have not interacted much at all. His English is also very limited, so my co-teachers do all the talking for me.  Both of these introductions will probably be very brief, so don’t worry!

Ray was confident and energetic, easily taking the students along for the ride with him

You can see our names on the board written in Hangeul

I had to fight off a twinge of jealousy seeing how incredibly attentive the students were to him in the front of the room!

                                    

Class 1-1/2 B (If you want)                                  10:40-11:30 a.m.

·         Past Topics: Learning the 50 U.S. States; answering the question: “What did you do this weekend?” using Who, What, Where, When, How, Why in complete sentences at the beginning of class. Also, covering a lesson on “First Impressions” using photos of different people who may or may not be famous or infamous (Ted Bundy, Trayvon Martin, Debra LaFave, Oscar Pistorius, Maya Angelou, a former Filipina “comfort woman” during WWII, etc.). The “First Impressions” lessons definitely reveal a lot of prejudices, which was quite interesting.

·         Class Personality: This class is generally very loud. There are mini groups of girls who are very talkative and are usually immersed in their own conversations as I teach. I have to often shush the whole class and remind them to work or keep working. I am more brusque and sharp when dealing with this 

     I will introduce you at the beginning and ask them to give you their full attention and keep the chatter to a minimum. With this in mind, I have no problem stepping in and shushing the class if they get too out of line while you’re teaching a lesson. If my doing that would be too distracting for you, then I will refrain and support you in whatever you do in the classroom! Remember, they are girls, but you can definitely be firm with them.

·         Co-teacher: Kim Eun Yeong. She is very sweet and the students adore her. She will usually do her own work in the back of the classroom, and will cheerfully help out, walk around class, or translate for you if you ask her! 

The class in session

Free period/Lunch + Free Period                       11:40-2:20 p.m.

·         We have a couple of hours of free time, during which we can eat lunch at school, outside, take a walk around the grounds, chillax at the gyomushil, or do whatever you want! I can show you a bit of the island, too, if you’d like.

Ray divided the class into two teams and had them compete!

Class 1-5/6 C                                                         2:30-3:20 p.m.

·         Past Topics: Same as above

·         Class Personality: This class is lower in their English abilities, but is a generally good class. Students in this class request for me to play the “50 Nifty United States” song I think partly because they like it and partly to try and derail my lesson plans. Haha. This group of students has a good, responsive attitude, which I love them for!

§  Sleepy students: Lee Yu Bin, Kim Yu Bin

·         Co-teacher: Yun Suk Hui, my awesome Fulbright co-teacher! She spells her name “Yoon Sookhee” but I like to stay true to the Revised Romanized Korean version. Haha!

Movement around the classroom was good

I sat in the back of the classroom with my co-teacher - both of us just absorbing another teacher's teaching style.

Class 1-5/6 B                                                         3:30-4:20 p.m.

·         Past Topics: Same as above

·         Class Personality: A very talkative class, but one where there are individually attentive students, making the class not only bearable but actually good. During brainstorming sessions we’ve done in the past, they have been enthusiastic and creative! I am easier going with this class and can often joke around with them (possible on an individual level). There are many students who if you don’t talk to individually are so shy that you will miss out that they actually know how to read, write, and speak in English!

·         Co-teacher: Kim Eun Yeong again  

Students laughing and smiling!

RAY TEACHER'S CELEBRITY STATUS

At the end of class, another group of students streamed inside the classroom and happily and immediately crowded around Ray

The girls were both super shy and super aggressive, all at once! Hahaha

Students had some time to say hello, introduce themselves, and ask Ray some important questions before the next period began

A Few More Things to Note:

• Each class will have roughly 12-25 students. This is a huge gap, but I can look up the exact number on the roster tomorrow at school!
• My co-teachers are very awesome. They will be very shy and timid, so please don’t match their shyness, and feel free to chat them up!
• The gyomushil is definitely a lot smaller than yours, made up of women teachers. They are all very friendly though so there is nothing to worry about here! 

Requesting some photos

And here we go! Celebrity status

This moment made me wonder why I hadn't done a school swap earlier AND with more teachers

Ray found one of his past colleagues working at Yeongdo! What a truly small world!

Ray perhaps a bit exhausted after teaching two classes at my school

Some shots in front of the main school building.
My school is definitely smaller than Busan High School, where he teaches!

One last pose before heading out together!

THE AFTERMATH: TOUR & COFFEE

Before he left, I took Ray up to Kosin University so he could see just one of the awesome views of the island. As we went, people looked at us out of curiosity. We ducked into a coffee shop and grabbed something to drink and something to snack on before he left to go home for the day. My island pride was definitely on full display. It was just a shame that the day was cloudy/foggy so we couldn't see very far out. However, we did have time to briefly reflect about our grant year and share future plans. He is going back to the U.S., while I am set to renew for a second year in Korea. 

TIPS FOR ETAS PLANNING TO SCHOOL SWAP/GUEST TEACH

• Ask your Fulbright co-teachers for your semester schedule, including holidays, testing days (when you might be off), etc. WAY AHEAD OF TIME
• Think of a few ETAs who you'd like to swap with and exchange semester schedules with them also way ahead of time!
• Plan at least one swap, but the more, the better! 
• Notify your co-teacher/administrators of your plan in advance so they can prepare whatever paperwork (if any) for the other ETA's visit
• Send out an email chock-full of information (class levels, class times, lunch/break times, co-teachers' names, previous topics you've already covered, class personalities, etc.) at least 1-2 weeks in advance (not the night before like I did - sorry Ray!)
• You don't necessarily have to bring your most involved lesson plan the day you guest teach. Something simple, interactive, and fun will be perfect for a 50-minute lesson! 
• Expect and be prepared for students to swarm you. Welcome their curiosity about how old you are, where you are from, and, most importantly, if you have a boyfriend or girlfriend
• Arrange your schedule so that there is time for you and the guest ETA to debrief over coffee or lunch before or after the actual teaching!
• Take lots of pictures, and blog about it! I'd love to see how other ETAs' experiences go with their school swaps!  

MY QUESTIONS FOR YOU

If you have done a school swap before (or something similar), what worked and didn't work for you and your guest teacher? What were the highs and lows of your experience? Share your ideas and experiences in the comment box below!