Korean Job Discussion Forums

hubba bubba · Joined: 24 Oct 2006

So, I've pretty much stopped posting here. There is so much negativity and general bs, that it's not worth my effort. But I want to share my story for those who are new. I hope that at least one person can pick up on how to have an awesome time in Korea. So check it:

7:30 this morning. I'm lounging around drinking coffee and watching world sports on CNN. I get a call from my homeboy at school. He tells me that I can have the day off cuz Monday is sports day, and they need to practice. Also, since Monday is sports day, I might as well stay home too, cuz there will be no classes. Assah! Four day weekend. This is coming off another four day weekend due to a schoolwide field trip.

What is the difference between a four day weekend and sitting at school doing nothing? How do you get months off instead of sitting at school doing nothing? Well, there are a few factors. First, work at a public school. You're fuc-ed at a hagwon. Secondly, you need cool administration. I'm at a "hardship school", so I fortunately have very professional coworkers.

If you are lucky enough to get that, or even not, then listen up. Here's the real deal.

You MUST make yourself well liked by students and staff alike. I don't think anyone has ever said that here before, so I'll say it again. The secret to having it good here is doing whatever it takes to make yourself well liked by students and staff.

So, how do you do that? Well, I can only tell you what works for me. Your results may vary.

I don't kiss a$$. I don't bring rice cakes and sheyat to school. Although, I might do something like that soon, just to show my appreciation. I don't teach the well to do kids on the side, even when asked. I don't give candy. I don't play pabo waegook at the lunchtable. Although, I do eat the nasty food, and give about a hundred "Hi"'s everyday.

What I DO do is rock every single one of my classes to the best of my ability. Hungover, sick, whatever. You gotta show up strong, everyday. I'm not a trained teacher, and everyone at my school knows that. In a way, you have to prove yourself. I do a lot of prep. I put a lot of energy into my classes. When you work with a coteacher, they know if your are half a$sing it or not. And if you don't give a rat's a$s, word gets around. Same same if do your best.

While I'm on it, I might as well comment on "going with the program". Jesus, please wear sandals. Go to fish head soup and norebang night, once or twice, at least. Follow the customs of the culture you have chosen to live in. Sheyat. Everyone knows that you are an "outside person". Just make an effort to fit in, be cool and watch the magic happen.

Fair enough. I know that this doesn't apply to everyone. Just want to give insight to new teachers. Please refrain from hating. As we all know, you can be in Thailand, or you can be in your classroom.

See you Tuesday,

Hubba

ChuckECheese · Joined: 20 Jul 2006

Even with all those days off, you sound somewhat depressed... Shocked

I envy you.

The_Conservative · Joined: 15 Mar 2007

BS.Dos. · Joined: 29 Mar 2007

^I concur.

That's what I need to hear: as it is, from the hip.

They say nice things happen to nice people.

Enjoy your day off.

cbclark4 · Joined: 20 Aug 2006 Location: Masan

Now I'm pissed I do all that and then some, and I didn't get the day off.

Laughing

cbc

spliff · Joined: 19 Jan 2004 Location: Khon Kaen, Thailand

Good post but does "wearing sandles" really matter that much? I don't, simply can't find any that will fit me - size 12 triple E width (the width is what does it, when I stick my foot in the front it gets about 3/4 of the way in and my heel is only half on the shoe. I don't want to be walking/teaching with uncomfortable feet.

poet13 · Posted: Thu Apr 19, 2007 9:13 pm Post subject:

double post

poet13 · Posted: Thu Apr 19, 2007 9:14 pm Post subject:

Well said.

Spliff - you need to cut up a Michelin radial....

Binch Lover · Joined: 25 Jul 2005

GREAT post. That's some great advice right there. The people I've met here who are unhappy tend to be the ones that b1tch about every little thing. They just can't get their head around the fact that they live in a different country and people have different customs. It might not be what they're used to, but they're the ones who have chosen to live in a different culture so either accept it or fvck off home.

About being liked by your coworkers.... SO IMPORTANT. As the OP said, no need to kiss a$$ but make an effort. Don't wear long leather trenchcoats and sunglasses to school and act aloof (I've met a couple of that type). Be a nice person, smile, don't complain about the trivial things but fight your corner if you have to... choose your battles! People will respect you a lot more for it.

The Bobster · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

A rare moment at Dave's when positivity is ruling the day ...

Big smiles, and thanks, bubba.

pkang0202 · Joined: 09 Mar 2007

Definitely concur. The the teachers like me and my students like me.

When my school f-ed up my schedule, it was great to the teachers come into the admin office and take my side.

When I told a few of my students I wasn't going to be their teacher and a new guy is going to teach them, they went crying to their homeroom teachers.

Being successful in Korea has a LOT to do with the social aspect. You can't sing, you hate stomach the food, or you don't do this or that. Just make an effort. If they go out for galbi and you are a vegetarian, then go anyways. Tell them you don't eat meat and they'll order something for you.

Socializing is very important. And if your coworkers and your students like you, then you will find less to complain about, and more to appreciate.

milkweedma · Joined: 15 Dec 2006

I really liked to read what the op said. Im experienced with workin cram school in Taiwan and will be in korea shortly so I can relate to what he/she said to what happened to me.
However what first occurred to me after reading the op was that FTs have a multiplicity of personality types and ways of doing things so fitting them all into a narrow range of 'successful' or 'liked' teachers is IMHO a very very difficult task. Not to mention the cultural and language implications that I observed in Taiwan one of which was a very narrow outlook not only in a world or information sence but also when it came to the task at hand. For example my friend dressed neatly compared to myself and he also gave the impression that he put a lot more into prep time by asking the Chinese teachers more questions than I did and fussing over homework books, flashcards etc. I on the other hand dressed more casual and did prep in 30 secs usually but always did my level best to teach the kids the best I could in class by rotating between games (yes hangman and Bingo were my favorites) and reading and reciting from the studentbook and written and listening excercises from the workbooks and cds. Point is, the kids did learn at my bushiban (hagwon) despite the cram school system being entirely money driven and where profit came a distint second. My friend was labelled a better teacher than myself for what I can see as superficial reasons and if you really do try the best you can then that is all that really matters. I have a conscience and it is still a guilt free one cos I know in my heart that I tried despite poor communication/support at times from my boss and chinese teachers. A general lack of co-ordination was all that was systemically wrong because our teaching books were good content wise.
I did work for two other schools which were a complete waste of time if you have a conscience.
Being liked is not the issue but everyone wants it because were human. I hate the politics involved cos I wanna just do it the best I can without negative interference. cheers.

milkweedma · Joined: 15 Dec 2006

I really liked to read what the op said. Im experienced with workin cram school in Taiwan and will be in korea shortly so I can relate to what he/she said to what happened to me.
However what first occurred to me after reading the op was that FTs have a multiplicity of personality types and ways of doing things so fitting them all into a narrow range of 'successful' or 'liked' teachers is IMHO a very very difficult task. Not to mention the cultural and language implications that I observed in Taiwan one of which was a very narrow outlook not only in a world or information sence but also when it came to the task at hand. For example my friend dressed neatly compared to myself and he also gave the impression that he put a lot more into prep time by asking the Chinese teachers more questions than I did and fussing over homework books, flashcards etc. I on the other hand dressed more casual and did prep in 30 secs usually but always did my level best to teach the kids the best I could in class by rotating between games (yes hangman and Bingo were my favorites) and reading and reciting from the studentbook and written and listening excercises from the workbooks and cds. Point is, the kids did learn at my bushiban (hagwon) despite the cram school system being entirely money driven and where profit came a distint second. My friend was labelled a better teacher than myself for what I can see as superficial reasons and if you really do try the best you can then that is all that really matters. I have a conscience and it is still a guilt free one cos I know in my heart that I tried despite poor communication/support at times from my boss and chinese teachers. A general lack of co-ordination was all that was systemically wrong because our teaching books were good content wise.
I did work for two other schools which were a complete waste of time if you have a conscience.
Being liked is not the issue but everyone wants it because were human. I hate the politics involved cos I wanna just do it the best I can without negative interference. cheers.

milkweedma · Joined: 15 Dec 2006

I really liked to read what the op said. Im experienced with workin cram school in Taiwan and will be in korea shortly so I can relate to what he/she said to what happened to me.
However what first occurred to me after reading the op was that FTs have a multiplicity of personality types and ways of doing things so fitting them all into a narrow range of 'successful' or 'liked' teachers is IMHO a very very difficult task. Not to mention the cultural and language implications that I observed in Taiwan one of which was a very narrow outlook not only in a world or information sence but also when it came to the task at hand. For example my friend dressed neatly compared to myself and he also gave the impression that he put a lot more into prep time by asking the Chinese teachers more questions than I did and fussing over homework books, flashcards etc. I on the other hand dressed more casual and did prep in 30 secs usually but always did my level best to teach the kids the best I could in class by rotating between games (yes hangman and Bingo were my favorites) and reading and reciting from the studentbook and written and listening excercises from the workbooks and cds. Point is, the kids did learn at my bushiban (hagwon) despite the cram school system being entirely money driven and where profit came a distint second. My friend was labelled a better teacher than myself for what I can see as superficial reasons and if you really do try the best you can then that is all that really matters. I have a conscience and it is still a guilt free one cos I know in my heart that I tried despite poor communication/support at times from my boss and chinese teachers. A general lack of co-ordination was all that was systemically wrong because our teaching books were good content wise.
I did work for two other schools which were a complete waste of time if you have a conscience.
Being liked is not the issue but everyone wants it because were human. I hate the politics involved cos I wanna just do it the best I can without negative interference. cheers.

milkweedma · Joined: 15 Dec 2006

I really liked to read what the op said. Im experienced with workin cram school in Taiwan and will be in korea shortly so I can relate to what he/she said to what happened to me.
However what first occurred to me after reading the op was that FTs have a multiplicity of personality types and ways of doing things so fitting them all into a narrow range of 'successful' or 'liked' teachers is IMHO a very very difficult task. Not to mention the cultural and language implications that I observed in Taiwan one of which was a very narrow outlook not only in a world or information sence but also when it came to the task at hand. For example my friend dressed neatly compared to myself and he also gave the impression that he put a lot more into prep time by asking the Chinese teachers more questions than I did and fussing over homework books, flashcards etc. I on the other hand dressed more casual and did prep in 30 secs usually but always did my level best to teach the kids the best I could in class by rotating between games (yes hangman and Bingo were my favorites) and reading and reciting from the studentbook and written and listening excercises from the workbooks and cds. Point is, the kids did learn at my bushiban (hagwon) despite the cram school system being entirely money driven and where profit came a distint second. My friend was labelled a better teacher than myself for what I can see as superficial reasons and if you really do try the best you can then that is all that really matters. I have a conscience and it is still a guilt free one cos I know in my heart that I tried despite poor communication/support at times from my boss and chinese teachers. A general lack of co-ordination was all that was systemically wrong because our teaching books were good content wise.
I did work for two other schools which were a complete waste of time if you have a conscience.
Being liked is not the issue but everyone wants it because were human. I hate the politics involved cos I wanna just do it the best I can without negative interference. cheers.