When we get to center one, which is also called Little Fox, I realise it’s some kind of English language school franchise. I left South Africa in such a hurry I was almost entirely unprepared and hadn’t done my research. Very unlike me.
It looks old, and in need of an upgrade, grubby almost, and as if knowing it doesn’t make for the best first impression, Mr Kim says: “Center two very nice, it is new, this center is six years.” Despite its outdated look though, I can’t help but notice the televisions. They’re the central focus in each classroom. They’re huge, bigger than any I’ve seen in someone’s living room. I’m not entirely sure of their purpose but I’m impressed. Korean technology has not disappointed.
Mr Kim then asks if I have spoken to my family yet and I explain to him that I don’t have a laptop. That it is my intention to buy one here. He immediately offers to loan me the money, saying he’ll deduct it from my first full month’s wages. I gladly accept. He then shows me to the computer in the teacher’s room and tells me I should email my family. I happily oblige, desperate to get in touch.
We then go downstairs to meet Alex, whose waiting outside for us. I’m nervous but excited to finally have some flowing conversation, to be able to get the information and low down on what to expect. I’m also curious about the teacher I’m replacing, about who I’ll be spending the next few days with.
He’s waiting for us outside and I spot him immediately. He’s short but attractive, with an inviting grin. He looks American, the basketball playing kind, with an oversized jumper, baggy jeans, shaven head and that distinct swagger and shoulder dip as he walks. “I’m from LA,” he tells me as we wait for Maggie. 
Maggie is one of the teachers at center one. She doesn’t take long to join us. Her big smile and happy attitude is infectious. I immediately relax because her chatty disposition makes for easy conversation. I notice how she’s also casually dressed. Her short hair is clipped right back out of her face, she is also wearing a big jumper and jeans. For the first time since I arrived in Korea, I feel overdressed. I’m wearing my black polar neck, black skinny jeans, my purple scarf that adds that all important touch of colour, and my styled black and white London coat. It’s a relief to know that I won’t have to compete with the Korean’s style, that as foreigners, we can be the exception.
