The Visa Has Landed

After receiving my official contract and notice of appointment from the Metropolitan Office of Education, I sent off my documents with my visa application to the South Korean Consulate in Chicago. After just a few short business days, my visa has officially arrived!

Next is the flight... I have been in contact with the travel agent that my recruiting agency recommends- Flight Centre. My flight has been narrowed down and now I just need to get it booked to get that price locked down before fuel costs get any worse!

This weekend I got to go to my college town and see some people, which was so nice. Kind of a last hoo-rah. I met up with a friend named Sarah who just got back from a year in Russia, and she was full of helpful tips such as... Bring mouthwash/toothpaste with flouride in it! Not every country puts flouride in the drinking water like the U.S., and consequently, she came back with a large handful of cavities... No fun. Also, pack everything you think you are going to need, take out half of it, and then you'll have plenty! (That one will be tricky for me- I'm a classic over-packer.)

Sooooo, that's a glimpse into the current situation- it will be exactly one month from today that my flight leaves, and I'm sure that month is going to fly by! (Pun definately intended.)

The Waiting Game...

So, all of my documents were couriered last week, and received in South Korea last Friday (according to FedEx). So, likely, they were not viewed until last Monday, US Central Time. I received an email saying that my documents have been received by my recruiter's Korea office and that they have been forwarded to the Ulsan Ministry of Education. "It will take some days for them to review your documents. We will let you know of any updates soon."

So now I wait.

And wait.

And wait.

Once they do review my documents, they will be sending me back the contract and Notice of Appointment so that I can apply for my visa. (Yes, redundant- I know... but it's really the only news I've got!)

Actually, I stand corrected- I have been in contact with an über helpful person. I got in contact with her through her blog: aliainkorea.blogspot.com. She has been kind enough to answer the plethora of questions that I emailed her- and with great detail! I have got some definite peace of mind since she has taken the time to quell my questions.

Also, my recruiters have taken the time to create a Facebook group for all of the people who have accepted contracts for Ulsan so far.

So, that's the news for now. I realize this is a bit dry, but come August, this thing should start getting packed with fun info!