Korean Job Discussion Forums

HardyandTiny · Joined: 03 Jun 2003

OP
It's a difficult theory for a foreigner in South Korea since foreingers are not offered the same protection under law.
Yes, in the written law, they may be, but not that's not reality.
You would have to take into consideration the relationship between how law enforcement officials handle various types of situations and the extent of their authority.

Socially, legal matters excluded, I think there are definitely things which I do not understand.
I think a classic example, related to many folks on this board, would be the idea of passing or failing a student in an English institute.
I know from my past experience with English teachers in Korea that there is a tremendous pressure to pass adults who are not worthing of a passing grade.
I've heard stories of young men crying and begging to be passed even though they showed up to less than 50% of the classes and failed all their exams. Their companies had sent them to these classes, and expect a passing grade, and at the same time expect them to work overtime rather than attend their evening English class.
The unwritten code may be to take the bribe?
To have sex?
Maybe the code is to just pass them?
Yes, that happens. We don't understand all the codes.

But then, basically, everything that is wrong here is wrong everywhere else. And, maybe, sometimes, they need us more than we need them?

kiwiboy_nz_99 · Joined: 05 Jul 2003 Location: ...Enlightenment...

Paji eh Wong · Joined: 03 Jun 2003

Tiger Beer · Joined: 07 Feb 2003

I would definetely have to agree with whatthefunk, as a really broad brush of all Asians just doesn't apply whatsoever. We're talking about alot of really different societies and people here on this continent. But anyhow, I'll take it as Leeroy's perspective of most likely teaching predominately northeast Asian students most likely found in Japan, Korea, and China. (Although actually even these 3 very similiar countries have enormous differences and personality traits when dealing with each other, with foreigners, on every level).

leeroy12 · Joined: 01 Jul 2003

Tiger - I see where you're coming from with regards to Asians mixing. The articles you link to, though, refer to immigrants. I was referring to temporary students...

Tiger Beer · Joined: 07 Feb 2003

Just as a rough rough answer.. probably Asian students mix into the general population as much as western teachers mix into the local population.. (they do).. but they also due to linguistic needs, familiarity with things back home, and all the rest.. probably do gravitate to the familiar while often tasting the unfamiliar.. (or something like that) - just a rough thrown-out there answer.. I don't really know though..

Son Deureo! · Joined: 30 Apr 2003

Medic · Joined: 11 Mar 2003

We waeguks who are teaching English aren't at the bottom of the totem pole or at the bottom of the hierarchy. The DDD (Dirty,dangerous and difficult) workers are the ones who really cop the crap. Their rights are abused constantly. The Koreans here who do have a complex about their worth take out their fustrstions on the poor Asian workers. It's a thing of the people who are at the bottom end of the dominant culture needing to feel good by misstreating anyone they consider lower than themselves.

." Eastern cultures are less accepting of westerners 'penetrating' their social code than the other way around, especially when western people are seen to be undisciplined in their behaviour, showing of emotions, etc... "

Was acutely aware of this the other day at the bank. Two foreigners (a couple in fact) were having trouble getting money from the ATM machine. Anyway a member of the staff came and gave them some help, but I was a little embarassed to hear their desperate emotions and their showing how relieved they were to get some money from their cards. I kind of wished they had shown a little more restraint and been a little quieter.