The Push to Be White

I faced the camera with the air of someone awaiting a root canal.  Always preferring to be behind the lens rather than in front of it, and liking to capture…

What to Know Before Coming to Korea

Even the inexperienced traveler could tell you that there are some significant differences between Asian culture and Western culture, and although I’ve lived in Seoul for over five months now,…

Thoughts from a Nation Builder

In light of President Obama’s recent State of the Union Address (which can be found here, and is well worth a viewing), I thought I would toss in my two…

Language and Our World

As an individual with a degree in linguistics, it goes without saying that I am fascinated by language use around the world.  I love exploring the field so much that…

Our Global Community

I had about seven different ideas for what to write about this week, but after a thought-provoking New Year’s Eve discussion about xenophobia (which may or may not have been…

The Foreigner’s Guide to K-Pop

For those of you who have not had the joy of being exposed to K-Pop (Korean pop music), this upbeat genre features both male and female groups which generally have…

Discovering the Beauty of Dependence

I had a revelation yesterday.  Well, actually it began last Friday.  Well, actually I’ve been piecing things together for the past several months, but didn’t begin to articulate it until…

So You Want to Teach English…

Though it may have never been a job that you’ve considered, or even have any experience in, teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL), can be a great way…

The Media and Our View of the World

The media is a really beautiful thing.  TV news reports, magazines and papers allow us to understand events transpiring in every country, despite our current location.  One glance at BBC’s…

Working Overseas – The Unexpected Complications

It probably goes without saying that I love to travel.  I love being able to slip in and out of cultures, explore new countries, and meet people with life experiences…

The Five People You Meet in Seoul

Seoul is a happening place.  It’s so happening that the city is hosting the G20 Summit at the end of this week.  Yet within this bustling metropolis there are countless…

Linguistic Lows and Pablo’s Woes

Sometimes, living overseas really sucks.  Every insignificant activity, from ordering another round of drinks, to trying on shoes, becomes a challenge, and it’s exhausting to spend so much time struggling…

On Learning to Love America

I have always resented it- that stupid red, white and blue sticker that I carry around on my forehead, for the entire world to see and judge accordingly.  I hate…