Korean Job Discussion Forums

genezorm · Joined: 01 Jul 2007 Location: Mokpo

word to that...i think once your have done some hard time in korea....being the only foreigner is not bad.

if i was fresh off the plane for the 1st time, i'd want a job with a lot of whiteys

Oreovictim · Joined: 23 Aug 2006

That would be difficult because I'd never take a job without talking to a current foreign teacher. Sure, you could talk to someone who you're replacing, but that's not the same.

Hypothetically, if my boss decided to have only one teacher (me), I'd be okay with it.

Fresh Prince · Joined: 05 Dec 2006 Location: The glorious nation of Korea

Dome Vans · Guest

I actually prefer to work as the only native teacher in my school. Having heard the stories about people working with other native teachers, it kind of isolates you because you don't need to make the effort with the other Korean teachers. Also if the other native teachers are weird or nuts. Then you're stuck with them. Best alone, then you can always socalise outside school hours with people you do want to spend time with.

From personal experience, the other Korean teachers are really nice to me. Giving me fruit, drinks etc. I've always felt very welcome. Maybe I'm lucky in that sense that I fell on my feet here.

If the contract is good and the school looks nice, then go for it. These are the two most important elements for me.

Ya-ta Boy · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Established in 1994

pest2 · Joined: 01 Jun 2005 Location: Vancouver, Canada

Its better if you are a woman and not fat. If thats the case, they might hang w/you after work.

If not, you wont make friends with them, probably.

However, Busan is a big place and u will meet some other people... just not through work.

I was the only foreigner at one school, and I got along OK when I was there, but it was pretty superficial and icy...

Alyallen · Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2007 10:58 pm Post subject:

I'm the only waegook at my public school and these are the reasons it's a good thing....

1) Not having to speak with or see other foreigners who will somehow piss me off. (I like people but I am the first to admit that I am not the easiest to get along with when stressed)

1) I'm a rockstar at my school because I'm "special". The job is cake.

2) My Korean, while hardly studying, has gone from non-existant to being one of the better foreign Korean speakers in my town.

3) I agree with the above statement that I think it's easier to get along with your Korean co-teachers and boss if you're the only one. I think there's more empathy towards me. [/quote]

I just took yesman's comments and tweaked it a bit. Nothing wrong with working with other foreigners but I did end up in unnecessary and ultimately stupid arguments with them from time to time. At my school now as the foreign teacher, it is sweet sweet silence....

But I don't know if I'd want to be fresh off the plane in a hagwon alone...

koon_taung_daeng · Joined: 28 Jan 2007 Location: south korea

I feel like this guy sometimes

http://youtube.com/watch?v=hb2NjlDMImw

Chloe11 · Joined: 23 Jul 2007

Funny - I just accepted a position at the only foreign teacher at a school in Deokcheon. It's my first time over. Frankly, after two years of dealing with dozens of idiots at work, it will be nice to not understand all the gossip for once Wink

ceesgetdegrees · Joined: 12 Jul 2007

blondieLass · Joined: 30 Apr 2007 Location: Yongin, South Korea

I'm hoping to come over in a couple of weeks and the job I'm considering seriously would be as the only foreigner.

It's a bit daunting but a huge part of my reason to go work abroad is to experience living in that country and get to know people from country.

Making some friends will be a bonus but it won't matter if they are Korean or a fellow foreigner.

demaratus · Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2007 6:08 am Post subject:

I do have some experience teaching English to children, and I would be coming early so presumably I could observe and co-teach before the other teacher left. I kinda think it would be nice to have at least one foriegner there to keep me sane. I am mainly coming to Korea for the experience, I liked the experience I had in Taiwan but I believe that Korea will afford a similar or better one. I also have the travel bug and have big travel plans while I am there and for after I leave. My only real worries about this particular position would be the area (unknown to me) and the lack of opportunities for social interaction. I am not a reculse, I like to be social and would like to be more active when I am in Korea than while I am here.

butlerian · Joined: 04 Sep 2006 Location: Korea

Whether or not I was the only "waegook" teacher would be among my lesser concerns. The contract and "actual-likely working conditions" would be much more important to me. But, of course, we all have different needs.

willneverteachagain · Joined: 17 Dec 2006

not a chance in hell would i take that job

JMO · Joined: 18 Jul 2006 Location: Daegu

I'd recommend it after the first year. It really does depend on the coworkers though and it is hard to know that before you take the job. I get on really well with my co-workers so I love my job, the kids treat you better, you have more sway and you can't get played off against some idiot foreign coworker on contract issues.