Whether she was surrounded by the medieval brick buildings and gothic 14th-century architecture of Italy or the modern skyscrapers and high-tech lifestyle of South Korea, literary and language arts teacher Madeleine Greenwood took advantage of every opportunity to travel, learn and teach.  

When Greenwood was 14 years old, she departed on her first foreign trip: a ten-day stay in Naples, Italy to visit her uncle where he was stationed as a Navy sailor. She was exposed to an unfamiliar language and new sights as she explored Pompeii, Rome and the long-standing landmarks. The thrill of being far from home led Greenwood to develop a strong yearning for travel and to immerse herself in diverse countries and cultures. 

Approaching her junior year at University of California, Irvine, Greenwood’s wanderlust spotted an opportunity in the University of California Education Abroad Program. Motivated by her strong desire to travel and improve her foreign language skills, Greenwood applied for the program, which allowed her to live in Siena, Italy for four months during her fall semester in 2006.

“In college, I knew that it was a good opportunity to go abroad because it’s the only time in your life where you can just go somewhere and just study,” Greenwood said. “There’s no obligation to work or do anything extreme.” 

In summer 2010, more than a year after graduating from UCI, Greenwood and her now-husband made the momentous choice to join English Program in Korea and live abroad in Wonju, South Korea for 13 months. The ease of obtaining a visa as well as the affordable living and traveling costs persuaded them to leave California and reside in the East Asian country. 

“Korea was attractive because you got really good accommodations,” Greenwood said. “They gave you an apartment. You got a travel allowance. They paid for all of your apartment supplies. You got time off that was paid.” 

Greenwood said she admired the distinctive beauty and charm of each country she found home in. Italy, a place full of ancient and medieval history, boasted beautiful renaissance art and a rustic ambience. South Korea, on the other hand, was characterized by modern cities, fast technology and a luminous nightlife. 

As a foreigner, Greenwood had to overcome language barriers and adapt to the new customs of each culture. However, being the outsider helped Greenwood develop the indispensable quality of patience that has helped her to become a better person and teacher. 

“You’re the outsider, and you have to sit and listen, and it’s not your place to come in and try to change everything,” Greenwood said. “So, I think that it helps you become a better listener and an observer later in life and so much more accepting because you lived in a country where you were the strange one.”