Job Discussion Forums

[dynow]

I'm curious as to what it's like teaching there, and also how much cash you can really walk away with in a year.

Typical contracts seem to range from 1.9 to 2.3 million won. 2.2 million won is $2400 USD. Also, i see most contracts pay for your flat as well, and half your medical. With a cell phone and food being your only expense, i would imagine you could stash away quite a bit of money, no?

Anyone done this before? How much money were you able to leave there with?

I love Poland and absolutely despise teaching Korean children, every experience I've ever had has been unbearable, but I am curious if there are any Ex-Korean English teachers out there in Poland.....

[Tumteetum]

Korea is a mad, crazy place compared to Poland. Most people I know, myself included, love it and hate it in equal measures.

Entertaining the students is more important than actually teaching them English but there is little or no snob factor about teaching, which Ive met a few times in Poland.

You'll also find a strong emphasis on American English (eg. you teach burrer, not butter) . And for non US/Canadians it can be hard to get a job in Seoul. I think you're American for some reason though.

I wouldn't consider teaching Korean children for the reasons you mention. There are also adult Hagwon jobs but they are split shifts.

As for money - I saved GBP 6k easily and I bought myself a fair range of gadgets while I was there, travelled, ate out almost every day and drank a load of Beer and soju (its not that difficult considering you get 3 months pay in your last month - severance, month in lieu and last month) .

[dynow]

6 thousand pounds. 12 thousand dollars. damn.

i actually really love Korean food, i had a korean roommate for two years, so i would most likely be cooking for myself most nights. i don't drink that much either, and have little to no interest in gadgets, so i could probably sack away some serious bucks in a year's time.

but.......i just don't know if i could handle that country for an entire year. or maybe it's just that i am currently teaching the 10 year old korean boy from hell.

the money makes it quite tempting though.

[Tumteetum]

Korea is much more of an adventure and I'd say if you have doubts, don't go. I went blind knowing virtually nothing about it and just took it as it came.

I had a lot more fun in Korea and a better social life, and I found most people were there for fun rather than to develop a teaching career, which I accept can be a downside for some people. In saying that. the few teachers I've met here who have done both countries, prefer Poland (but they're in Poland so the reverse could be true if you met people who had been to both countries in Korea!).

The actual teaching in Korea is the real downside - whether it's kids sticking their fingers up you arse when you turn your back on them, or adults giggling inanely for 50 minutes, you are basically just a trained, round-eyed monkey.

[dynow]

hmmm....trained, round-eyed monkey....sounds like my old job in the states!

for all that dough I could leave there with, I'd gladly wear the monkey suit. I worked a corporate job for 3 years. I lost all my pride many moons ago.

I just know i'm not ready to leave poland for a very long time. Korea is but a little thought in the back of my mind. Maybe in 3-4 years when I want to buy a flat or something, it will seem more realistic, but I would be going out there for money and only money. Nothing more. Well, and maybe good food, minus the dog meat dishes.

[Mr. Kalgukshi]

If you wish to discuss living and teaching in Korea, please do it on the Korean Job Forums that are specifically for that purpose and where there is a wealth of relevant information. Separate registration is required.