21 Nov
One of the first questions my friends back home ask is, “So what does your day actually look like?” They imagine early mornings, chaotic classrooms at 8 a.m., and me collapsing into bed by sunset. But the truth is: my routine is the complete opposite. My schedule is flipped, flexible, and honestly one of my favorite parts of living in Seoul.
My Slow, Cozy Mornings
Most days I wake up around 9 a.m.- a luxury if you’re used to a traditional 9-to-5. The city is already buzzing, but I get to start my morning at my own pace. I usually head out for a run along the Han River or drag myself to the gym (because if I don’t go first thing, it’s not happening).
After working out, I make breakfast at home. I’ve retired my daily eggs-and-kimchi-fried-rice phase and am now in my overly-topped yogurt bowl era. Then comes the best perk of a late work schedule: doing errands while everyone else is at work. Banks? Empty. Post office? Empty. Grocery store? Just me and the sweet grandmas.
Catching Canada While They’re Awake
After errands, I FaceTime my parents. My morning is their nighttime, so they’re usually in pajamas and ready for bed. It’s a little ritual that keeps me grounded, even from across the world.
Switching Into Teacher Mode
Around 2:15 p.m., I start getting ready for work. I grab an iced coffee, pick out something comfortable but presentable, and head out. My 30-minute commute is perfect for a podcast, mindless scrolling, or reviewing my lesson plans.
I get to Creverse around 3 p.m. and spend the next hour printing worksheets, decorating slides, chatting with coworkers, and debating the most important part of the day: what snacks we’re getting during break.
After-Hours in Seoul
When work ends at 10, the night is still young. Seoul doesn’t sleep, and neither do its cafes or chicken shops. My coworkers and I usually grab something comforting- BBQ, kalguksu, ramen, or fried chicken. There’s something magical about eating hot pot at 11 p.m. with people who get exactly what your day was like.
My Midnight Wind-Down
I usually get home around midnight. That’s when the real reset begins: shower, TV, procrastinating lesson prep, then finally finishing it and crawling into bed around 1 a.m. It’s not glamorous, but it’s my rhythm- and it works.
This Is Why I Love My Job
Living and working at Creverse means my routine doesn’t look like anyone else’s, and that’s exactly why I love it. The freedom of a late-start day, energetic evenings, and peaceful nighttime walks home has become the perfect fit for me.
If you’re considering teaching abroad, this day in my life as an English teacher in Korea might just be the change of pace you’re looking for.
Michelle Duquette, Marketing Assistant
Michelle Duquette is from Toronto, Canada and moved to South Korea in 2015. She has a Bachelors in English literature and a Masters in ESL Education. Michelle has taught at Creverse campuses in Gangneung, Songpa, and Mokdong and currently works as a CDI and April Trainer. Michelle never set out to be a teacher but fell in love with Korean culture and the excitement of being in the classroom. Michelle lives in Seoul with her partner and two cats, Cherry and Frost.