Stay in school or take scholarship program? Really need advice...?

Question

i have been going to a junior college for 2 years now. Unfortunately, I have slacked off and done nothing but fail or drop classes.

About a month ago, i applied for a scholarship in korea where you go and teach english to kids in korea for 6 months. They offer unbelievable benefits. At first, they declined me, however I received an email from them a week ago regarding a second chance for admission. My first instinct was to accept, but now i am having heavy second thoughts. These are my final reasons for both:

Going to korea, earning big money and scholarship, for my future, and on top of that seeing my relatives and helping kids is why i want to go.

However, They are asking 6 MONTHS of my time away from home, friends, and girlfriend. Not only that, since i have accomplished nothing in college, i MUST act now and work my way up without wasting anymore time.

I still have not fully decided but i need your opinions. Thanks a lot people

Answer 1

Do you want to go?

Like you said you're first instinct was to accept. Shouldn't you always go with your gut instinct? If you're concerned about being away from family, friends and girlfriend i'm sure they'll all be happy for you. plus there's always webcams :)

It's probably hard for you to be away from your girlfriend out of fear things might be different but If your girlfriend says she's willing to wait for you then I'm sure she's telling the truth. There's always ways around a long distance relationship. What difference will it make if you're 100 miles away from her or 6000 miles away from her? as long as you love her and make an effort to talk to her during this time i'm sure she'll be okay with it and i'm sure she won't want you to miss this opportunity if you are able to go.

perhaps a change in environment will be good for you in you are doing as 'bad' in school as you say you are. once you're there you can see if you can take online courses and make up the credits you need.

Answer 2

Actually, your experience teaching in Korea would in fact boost your resume' should you decide to go back and study in the States after 6 months. Teaching in Korea 'is' a form of 'acting now' since (according to you) you haven't really achieved anything in college. Remember, not everyone in the States can say that they have taught in another country professionally when applying at a University. If ever, teaching in Korea is really a plus for you. In addition, you even get paid. That is hardly a waste of time.

Of course, I am looking at it at a financial perspective. Financially speaking, going to Korea makes perfect sense.

However, I have no idea about your relationship with your friends or whether or not you are seriously considering marrying your girlfriend. So I feel that I am in no position to definitively tell you to go or not to go.

All I can suggest is that have a serious talk with your girl friend. And tell her about the options available to you in Korea. Tell her to be honest with you if she is willing to wait for you and if she is willing to have a long distance relationship for at least six months.

If you love her, and if you're considering marrying her eventually, I think it's only ethical that your girlfriend should have a say on your situation more than strangers replying to you in this forum.