Job Discussion Forums

[italianstallion39]

I'm teaching at a university in Korea,and I have one of the best problems in the world: I have too much free time. Sometimes I have 3 weeks, sometimes a month, but I don't want to just travel around just sight-seeing and staying in hotels around the world, as I think this is a bit frivolous and a waste of money. Does anyone have any ideas about meaningful ways to spend free time?

[Sheep-Goats]

You could do some research, or work on your publications or knowledge of your field, like any university staff member would normally do back home.

[dajiang]

I played a lot of pool,
and I got to be quite good at pingpong last year in Beijing.
Have recently began to play the guitar.

There are usually a couple of student hobby groups on the campus, you could join one of them.

Of course there was always the never ending search for teaching materials.

Regards,
Dajiang

[Guy Courchesne]

How about picking up a new hobby? Blogging, writing for travel mags, photography, etc. You could even earn a few extra bucks by publishing travel articles.

[ls650]

[moonraven]

Sheeps-Goats gave you a solid suggestion--one which might help you move up the faculty ladder, too.

I write. I produce theater. I teach little kids how to cook. I help out by giving technical assistance to an agricultural cooperative.

[Nauczyciel]

Who's next to reply?

[Ben Round de Bloc]

Along with the odd days off here and there, I get 3 "long" vacation times per year: 2 weeks for Xmas/New Year, 2 weeks for Semana Santa, and 3 weeks for summer break in August. I use about half of my summer break for my self-imposed obligatory trip "back home" to visit family. During the rest of my vacation times, I seem to keep more than busy enough. I get together with local friends who are often difficult to get together with at other times because of our work schedules. I do things around my house, read, eat, sleep, go for long walks, rent or borrow movies, go to the beach . . . and wonder how vacation times can fly by so quickly.

[Gordon]

Publishing is a good idea. When you do leave Korea and apply for another job, employers may ask you what you did with your time in Korea. What will you say? They know you had a lot of free time and if you can show them a couple of publications then it will help your prospects substantially.

You can also work on a distance masters, many good ones out there. Keeps your brain active too.

[hamel]

move up the faculty ladder? that is a funny one.

it sounds very negative, but university teaching jobs in korea are basically dead end and temporary. so relax and explore the country or where you live during your longish vacations. mixing with others is also a great idea. many university teachers have to suppliment their meager earnings with privates during the vacations too.

have a great break.
hamel

[eslHQ]

I am also in Korea and I have nowhere near that amount of time off but here's what I did:

Joined a local rock climbing gym
Met many great foreigner/korea rock climbers
Climbed a lot
learned web design
made a website about rock climbing in korea
explored photography
played guitar
got a dog


on a korean note, get a car and explore. once you get away from the cities, the country is beautiful.

[Cardinal Synn]

[Sweetsee]

How about starting a family? Sure would take care of that free time.

[Guy Courchesne]