Hello, everyone!
My name is Odhran, and I’m the new English teacher at Kyonggi Elementary School. I come from little Ireland. I’m delighted to be part of the English team here at Kyonggi, and I look forward to spending many happy years with you all.
My hometown is Galway, a beautiful city on the west coast of Ireland. I recommend trying our local salmon chowder and brown bread if you visit. They’re best enjoyed while looking out over the vast blue Atlantic Ocean. If you’re lucky, you might even catch one of Galway’s rare sunny days during your travels! I try to return whenever I can to visit my family, friends, grandmother, and two cats: Rocky and Nabi.
I first came to Korea eight years ago to teach in a public school and was fortunate to be placed in Geoje. I only planned to stay for a year, but the welcome I received convinced me to stay. Now, I feel like I have two hometowns: Galway and Geoje. I’m still in touch with some of my Geoje students, who are taking their college entrance exam this year! I hope to build equally meaningful relationships here at Kyonggi.
I love exercise. Hiking and playing rugby are my favorite ways to stay active. My favorite hiking spots in Korea are the beaches of Taean and Saryangdo Island off Geoje. I also enjoy spending time at home studying Korean.
Learning Korean has given me a practical understanding of what it’s like to acquire a second language. It has helped me empathize with my students and support them through the learning process. I try to make my classes dynamic and full of conversation. My goal is for students to love learning so much that they continue studying for themselves – even when I’m not there to tell them to!
You can usually find me in my classroom on the third floor. Come say hello if you have time!
