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ecubyrd
Joined: 09 May 2009
Posts: 172
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 Posted: Thu Jan 03, 2013 9:55 am Post subject: Re: Need a change from SK |
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| djg2323 wrote: |
Hello, I am currently teaching in SK and have been for the last three years. I have seen the country and I have become extremely bored here. I have also noticed that the prices of most goods are rising, while salaries are stagnant. My question is for people who have worked in SK, but now work in China:
Which country do you like working in more? Why? |
While I liked SK well enough (did 5 years), I left for the same reason as what you are feeling. The first couple of years were exciting. The last 3 were much less so. I only stayed that long in all honesty because of a girl. I lived in Seoul and it certainly wasn't cheap there. I was able to work my way up to the top of the public school payscale, but I had hit the ceiling.
I've been in China (Shanghai) for 2 years now. There is more variety in things to do/see and places to go. It's cheaper here. I make more and save more here. I personally find people in general more friendly and helpful. There is a different expat culture; much more varied.
I'd recommend a jump over here to anyone that has become bored with SK. I've met many people that came here after working there. Most everyone had good things to say about their time in SK, but they also said they prefer it here. |
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kungfuman
Joined: 31 May 2012
Posts: 1749
Location: In My Own Private Idaho
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| Posted: Thu Jan 03, 2013 11:12 am Post subject: |
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| chinadad wrote: |
| Also echo that Chinese culture is the pits -if anyone disagrees, please describe the kind of culture that you're enjoying |
5000 years of phlegm ! |
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ecubyrd
Joined: 09 May 2009
Posts: 172
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| Posted: Fri Jan 04, 2013 9:22 am Post subject: |
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| kungfuman wrote: |
| chinadad wrote: |
| Also echo that Chinese culture is the pits -if anyone disagrees, please describe the kind of culture that you're enjoying |
5000 years of phlegm ! |
Which is no different than one gets in kimchi-land. |
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tideout
Joined: 05 Feb 2011
Posts: 213
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| Posted: Fri Jan 04, 2013 10:45 am Post subject: |
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| ecubyrd wrote: |
| kungfuman wrote: |
| chinadad wrote: |
| Also echo that Chinese culture is the pits -if anyone disagrees, please describe the kind of culture that you're enjoying |
5000 years of phlegm ! |
Which is no different than one gets in kimchi-land. |
Seriously, you're correct. I thought he was making a reference to SK where it's a sheet of lung juice all over the sidewalks.....disgusting.
On a higher note, I must say both places are somewhat dismal to me but in different ways. I think Chinese folks are more relaxed in their relating to foreigners. The overall system for dealing with things in SK seems more sophisticated to me - everything from banking to contracts etc....Unfortunately I think that neither are particularly good options at this point. |
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teachingld2004
Joined: 17 Feb 2012
Posts: 389
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| Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2013 7:41 am Post subject: korea or China |
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Op, depends on what you are looking for.
I find the students here friendlier,more relaxed, and more willing to learn.
Guess that depends on where you live.
In Korea I made a lot more, but I spent a lot more.
I agree with Simon. Wish I would have left SK earlier and came here.
Here I work at a University, and the pay is 6000 rmb. (first year here) We get our full airfare, bonus each term, and good vacation time. I teach 10 hours of privates a week, and have not touched my salary. Also going on a great 10 day vacation using the money from the privates.
I have never been as relaxed in SK as I have been here. |
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weigookin74
Joined: 30 Mar 2010
Posts: 265
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| Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2013 3:38 pm Post subject: |
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| But is it really difficult to send money home if you're still paying off student loans and such? I mean its great to make similiar salaries but if you can send some of it home, what's the point? I'm an SK vet myself and like what I hear about China. How would I start, maybe a language mill, since they pay higher, then look around or network, etc? |
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weigookin74
Joined: 30 Mar 2010
Posts: 265
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| Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2013 3:40 pm Post subject: Re: korea or China |
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| teachingld2004 wrote: |
Op, depends on what you are looking for.
I find the students here friendlier,more relaxed, and more willing to learn.
Guess that depends on where you live.
In Korea I made a lot more, but I spent a lot more.
I agree with Simon. Wish I would have left SK earlier and came here.
Here I work at a University, and the pay is 6000 rmb. (first year here) We get our full airfare, bonus each term, and good vacation time. I teach 10 hours of privates a week, and have not touched my salary. Also going on a great 10 day vacation using the money from the privates.
I have never been as relaxed in SK as I have been here. |
What do you actually spend per month on a 6000 rmb salary per month? Is it comparable to making more in a bigger city after cheaper living costs are factored in? |
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teachingld2004
Joined: 17 Feb 2012
Posts: 389
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| Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2013 4:18 pm Post subject: change from Sk |
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6000 rmb is good for first year university 12 hours per week.
I am not in a big city, and that is my choice. Life is cheaper here. I don;t know what your lifestyle is. As for me, I just wanted peace and quiet.
It is easy to pick up privates when you work in a university, and I have not touched my salary.
Only expensive thing here are bills because the university provides housing and we pay our bills. I can't stand the cold, so my heat is on most of the time when I am home. |
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DosEquisX
Joined: 09 Dec 2010
Posts: 361
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| Posted: Tue Jan 15, 2013 9:33 am Post subject: |
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| Simon in Suzhou wrote: |
China is infinitely more interesting, more friendly to foreigners, not even worth comparing in terms of culture (Chinese don't know their culture but Koreans do? Ummm what?). Just my opinion...everyone's got one. I know about a dozen teachers personally who have worked in both countries and to a person they are all happier here in China. But that's just among those I know.
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I echo this sentiment.
Have worked in both countries as well. While I make far less money in China, I am way happier in China than ROK. |
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djg2323
Joined: 11 Jan 2010
Posts: 3
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| Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2013 3:16 pm Post subject: |
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| Thanks for the responses. Sounds like China can have a lot to offer. It looks like I will be staying here in SK for at least two more years so I can maximize the teacher's pension payout. |
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