Korean Job Discussion Forums

[therooster]

Well I'm here (Korea) and so far a bit of a mixed bag .

I came with very low expectations thanks to this board and in some ways find myself pleasantly surprised .

After working in Thailand I find the proffesionalism at my school is outstanding . The materials are great , the students are friendly and warm , the co-teachers have been very surportive and I've been set up nicely and had everything taken care of for me . The school set up my bank account , internet connection , gave me a computer moniter (I managed to crack my lap top screen) , offered and bought anything I thought my apartment lacked , drove me around to do medicals , I work 19 , 40 minute classes a week , get free lunch , they took it's me to dinner gave me a private office with internet and computer , are giving me 2 extra weeks paid holidays than my contract stipulates etc...and all with me not even having to ask .

I'm based out in Yongin , which seems a nice quirky little spot . No westeners, other than a few old friends I know , to be seen anywhere . Yet no ne gets in my face , gawks or points me out to their children etc. Sure it's only been a week , but listening to you folk this is a supposive daily occurence.....

Korea culturally is nothing short of fascinating . I feel happy and certain I'll never be accepted as part of this complex social structure , but that really doesn't bother me . People have been friendly, helpful and kind , and really that's all that counts to me .

The food I've tried is good , the beer isn't at all bad , and both at a fair price ..... even for a South African .

All in all it makes me think you all are a whinging bunch of wussies , with ridiculous expectations .

1 week and barely a scrap of culture shock and I feel totally relaxed and pleased with what's on offer . Well , except I forsee a long celibate year ahead , as you'd be pretty thick to not forsee this environment really doesn't nurture that kind of thing ....

Oh ...and what the *beep* is up with that starcraft ?

[bgreenster]

Oh dear. I feel like you have posted on here enough to know better than to write this. Consider yourself warned, Mr. Korea-is-Wonderful-After-One-Week. Just ask poor Incognito.

On that note, I'm glad it's working out for you so well

[I-am-me]

You are still in honeymoon mode. Give it another couple of months then let us know how you feel here.

[therooster]

Yap away , but wrong tree .

I'm a horrible cynic and a bitter bastard . It's not wonderful , it's just not nearly as sh!tty as you guys make out .

I'm not looking to turn into Charisma man , or make millions for doing nothing , or have people lay out the red carpet for me ....so what Korea offers at this stage is suits my needs . You guys sound like kids that just found out there is no santa claus . Serves you right for buying into your own hype .

[in_seoul_2003]

[bgreenster]

[in_seoul_2003]

[therooster]

[Bibbitybop]

Don't diss the people on this board, even if most are here to vent about the problems in Korea. If you do, they won't help you when you have a legit problem.

Korea throws many curveballs and beanballs to English teachers. The ones that are loving are not on here writing about it most of the time, they are out living it up. So expect dave's to be about 66.6% negativity. The other 33.3% are cool as f()ck folk and represent the good side of ESL teachers.

[therooster]

[aldershot]

gdddnnchnggg!!!!

[Garnet]

Thanks Roost!

I'm going to become a S. Korea newbie myself soon (end of this month). I'm not sure what to expect (I've heard both the positives and the negatives) so I appreciate hearing about all the good things that you've experienced.

I don't expect that all will be sunshine and roses (perhaps far from it), but I at least want to start things off with a positive attitude and see where things go from there.

G.

[therooster]

Garnet...don't get me wrong...I'm not joining the "korean cheerleading " squad . But despite me looking for it in every corner , I've yet to find any evidence that there isn't a good time to be had here .

Easy work . Decent money . Beer .

What more does a man need ?

I work for a government school and this might have a lot to do with my experience . They put me through a stringent selection process and once passed I suppose they decided I was worth investing time in order to keep me here (mistake...I'm crap) There's no altriusm about it .

With that said I've really found people to be very warm , even if it's on the surface .Annoyingly formal in certain cases and my backs sore from bowing . But hey ...whaever....Is it any different anywhere else ?

If anything it's interesting .

[in_seoul_2003]

[Qinella]

I know this is irrelevant to your thread, but if you are interested in improving clarity in your writing, it would be possible to express your weekly teaching load thusly: nineteen 40-minute classes.


As to your thread, glad you're having a good time. A lot of horror stories shore up on this board and others.