By Nicole Brewer
Greetings GTs! So this month’s GT of the month is an expat currently residing in South Korea by way of the States Lynn Brown! We are truly enjoying profiling the globe-trotters of the iluv2globetrot community as they are all such amazing people with wonderfully inspiring stories. Check out Lynn’s of moving from the non-profit sector to being a University professor currently in South Korea. Enjoy!
1. Can you tell the I Luv 2 Globe Trot Community a little about yourself (where are you from, what do you do, where are you currently based, hobbies, etc.)
I was raised in the southern of most southern states, Mississippi, although I was born in the Philippines. Being from a military family, living abroad was not a new concept. Before embarking on my adventures abroad, I was living in Washington, D.C. working with a local non-profit organization, work I hope to continue upon my return to the states, at some point. I’m currently based in South Korea. I’ve lived here going on 4 years now. I work as an Associate English Professor at Silla University in Busan. When I’m not teaching, I like to write. I’ve been writing since college and living abroad has been an amazing muse in fueling my creativity as a writer. I also like to go hiking, hanging out at the beach, and playing Ultimate Frisbee on the weekends.
2. How many countries have you traveled to?
I’ve traveled to 4 countries in addition to South Korea. I’ve been to Thailand, China, Philippines, and Japan.
3. What is your dream destination and why? (think bucket list destination)
I’m a big world history fanatic. I’ve been such an admirer of European history since I was a little kid. I’m completely infatuated with its rich history from Alexander the Great to Constantinople to The Crusades to The Norman Conquest to England, to the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, etc… I also appreciate the amazing architecture of the cities, especially the Roman Coliseum and Vatican City. I’m all about walking the same streets as many prominent figures in world history.
4. What made you decide to first live an expat lifestyle?
I honestly never thought I would be living abroad. I always wanted to take trips or whatnot to places, but it never crossed my mind to live abroad. Moving to South Korea wasn’t an adventure I actively pursued, although I did live here as a child when my father was stationed here in the early 80s. Everything just came into place. I lost my job in Washington, D.C and my good friend from college approached me about moving to Korea. I saw it as a sign. All roads lead to Korea. So, here I am.
5. How is it working for a University abroad?
Working at a university has both its ups and downs. I enjoy the flexibility of my schedule. My schedule allows me the time to focus on my writing. I love having the liberty to teach my classes how I want; which allows me to be creative with lessons. Unfortunately, the down side to teaching university in Korea is not always getting the information you need in a timely manner. And having an expectation that the students’ proficiency will be high at the college level was a mistake I made. You can’t have any expectation for what your class/students will be like. It’s something you discover within the first week of classes.
6. Where was your most recent travel destination you trotted to?
I went to Okinawa, Japan in February.
7. Which, if any, foreign languages do you speak?
I speak elementary Korean. I’m also currently learning Spanish.
8. What do you have planned for yourself next? (any projects you’d like to promote, etc). Do you foresee yourself continuing that expat lifestyle for long?
My contract in Korea will expire next year, so I’m working on trying to get a teaching job in the UAE. I’d like to live in Dubai for a couple of years and then make my way to my bucket list destination, Europe. And all the while, continue writing and working on my first book. I do plan to live abroad for the next 4-5 years. After that, I plan to go back to Washington, D.C. and return to working in non-profit.
9. What are some words of wisdom you would like to give to future inspiring globe-trotters and expats?
Traveling abroad will be one the greatest experience you’ll ever have. It will enrich your life in ways you can’t even imagine. It’s something everyone should experience at some point in their lives. Living abroad makes you feel like you’re a part of a global community. You’re no longer an American citizen, or an Irish citizen, you’re a citizen of the world.
Coincidentally, we’re both Southern belles who made our way to South Korea! Thanks for sharing your experience, Lynn, and happy globe trotting! 🙂