Korea through Foreign Eyes: Life and lesson

South Korea’s Voluntary Departure Program: A Guide for Undocumented Foreign Residents By Majella P. Pagayon South Korea periodically implements Voluntary Departure Programs , allowing undocumented foreign residents to return to their home countries without incurring severe legal or financial penalties. These initiatives aim to facilitate compliance with immigration regulations while offering a structured and penalty-free departure process. Program Overview The most recent Voluntary Departure Program ran from September 30, 2024, to January 31, 2025 . During this period, undocumented individuals could leave South Korea without facing fines or entry bans, which are typically imposed on visa overstayers. This initiative provided an opportunity for affected individuals to depart without jeopardizing future reentry possibilities, thereby ensuring a smoother transition. Step-by-Step Guide to Voluntary Departure To take advantage of the program, eligible individuals needed to follow these ste...

Arshamae’s Journey: Resilience, Challenges, and Hope from Calamba, Misamis Occidental, Philippines, to South Korea By Majella P. Pagayon Arshamae’s life story is one of incredible resilience, overcoming hardships, and finding hope in the most challenging circumstances. As a Filipino living in South Korea, her experiences highlight the struggles and triumphs many immigrants face. This article delves into her journey, from her early life in the Philippines to her survival and transformation in South Korea. Filipino immigrants in South Korea Resilience stories Immigrant challenges in Korea Inspirational life stories Overcoming hardships The Early Life of Arshamae A Childhood Rooted in Resilience She  was born in Calamba, Misamis Occidental, as the youngest of three children. When her parents separated, she was just three months old. Her paternal grandparents stepped in to raise her, providing love and stability in a challenging environment. Her grandmother, a hardworking farmer, was h...

Reforming Citizenship: A Call for Inclusion of Foreign-Born Children in Korea By Majella P. Pagayon The Journey of Dr. Mohammad Nazmul Hasan: Reflections on South Korea’s Challenges and Opportunities Meet Dr. Mohammad Nazmul Hasan, also known as Nadim, a doctorate graduate from the Korea National University of Transportation (KNUT). Before pursuing his PhD in South Korea, Dr. Nadim completed his Master’s degree at Uppsala University in Sweden. Originally from Bangladesh, Dr. Nadim spent several years living and studying in South Korea while his wife lived in Dubai. Eventually, she joined him in South Korea, and together they welcomed a baby boy. Dr. Nadim had aspirations of contributing to South Korea’s development by leveraging his education and skills. However, due to limitations associated with his student visa, securing employment in South Korea proved challenging. Facing this obstacle, he decided to seek opportunities elsewhere. Today, he works as a scientist at a rese...

Safety First: How Chungju Police Supports Foreigners By Majella P. Pagayon Living Safely in Chungju: A Foreigner's Perspective As a foreigner living in Chungju, understanding the local laws and regulations is essential for feeling safe and secure. Fortunately, the police in this city are welcoming and helpful toward the foreign population. Recently, I had the opportunity to meet one of my students, a police officer named Lee Song-won (이성원 in Korean), who goes by James as his English name. He shared valuable insights about how foreigners can seek help and report crimes in Chungju. James explained that as a foreigner, I have the right to report any crimes I witness or experience, and this information was a relief to me. I was glad to learn about the efforts the local police department makes to accommodate the needs of the growing foreign community in Chungju. He provided me with detailed instructions on how to report a crime and shared the contact information for the loca...

From the Philippines to Korea: A Teacher’s Story By Majella P. Pagayon Bridging Cultures Through Teaching and Storytelling in South Korea A Self-Introduction by Majella Pagayon (Teacher Ela) My name is Majella Pagayon, also known as Teacher Ela, and I am the writer of this blog. I have lived in South Korea for over 20 years, experiencing both the challenges and rewards of adapting to a different culture. Through teaching and storytelling, I have found ways to connect with people from different backgrounds and learn more about life in a foreign country. Life as an English Conversation Teacher My journey as an English conversation teacher started when I moved to South Korea. Over the years, I have taught students from various backgrounds, helping them improve their communication skills. I focus on creating a comfortable learning environment where students can practice and gain confidence in speaking English. Adapting to Life in South Korea Living in a new country comes with a...