Korean Job Discussion Forums

reimund · Joined: 01 Oct 2007

I've read the FAQ, and the basic jist of it is, Japan has a more costly standard of living, so one would likely end up saving less compared to teaching in Korea. And there are of course the cultural differences and whatnot.

My question is related to my personal situation, however. I'm Korean, and I've lived in Los Angeles my entire life. I've visited Korea often, though, maybe once a year up until 8th grade, and then a few times after that. So, I am familiar with the city and the lifestyle - I doubt I would have much of a challenge living there, since I can speak the language pretty well, too.

I also have family and a couple of friends in Korea. So I would definitely have a support system, which would be invaluable during times of stress or need. But the downside is that I could become complacent and live a fairly routine life since I already have established friends and family.

Japan, however, would be an entirely new culture and environment for me. I think it would test my personality, will, and character, as I would have to make new friends, fend for myself, etc. It would definitely be a bit of a challenge, but a bit exiting, too. Razz

The downside is that, if the situation gets bad, I have nowhere or no one to turn to, without any support.

So I'm trying to compare the two, to see which situation would likely be best for me. I have heard of all the nasty horror stories in Korea, while I've read relatively little in Japan (besides the NOVA issues). What are the chances I'll get myself into a really BAD situation in Korea? And is Japan that much better? I suppose I won't really know how good/bad it is until I get there. But basically, I just want an experience that is new, refreshing, yet something that is a bit safe and doable. Which would you suggest, given my situation?

xCustomx · Joined: 06 Jan 2006

If you want something new and refreshing then why not go to Japan? You've been to Korea several times, you live in LA, which has tons of Koreans and you have a bunch of Korean friends. What would be so new and refreshing if you came here?

If you come to Korea then you'll have an F4 visa and can quit any job if you find yourself in an unpleasant situation. I think you can do the same in Japan since your employer does not control your visa. If you go to Japan and decide it's not for you, then why not make the short flight over to Korea? It sounds like you've already made up your mind about Japan, and if you're not worried too much about money then I think it's the place to go.

Personally, if I could make the same amount of money in Japan then I'd be over there in a second.

PRagic · Joined: 24 Feb 2006

You sound quite young, so I'll be quite frank. You should come to Korea. If you need input to make a personal decision of this sort, then you are probably not ready to operate outside the boundaries of your families social saftey net.

This isn't meant to be a cut down. Many are not prepared to tackle a new work environment, let alone a foreign culture. It's best that you are honest with yourself.

chris_J2 · Joined: 17 Apr 2006 Location: From Brisbane, Au.

Korea is better than Japan for ESL, in most respects.

waynehead · Joined: 18 Apr 2006 Location: Jongno

If you're worried about getting caught in a rut in Korea, just be aware that after 3-4 months in Japan the newness will wear off and you'll find yourself in a rut there, too.

Probably. Maybe you're the type of person who's constantly seeking new adventures and for whom things can be endlessly new and interesting, but for most people after a while in anywhere things become routine and dull.

If you accept that as true, then at least in Korea you'd be better equipped to engage the locals, you'd know your way around, and you'd always have that safety net.

samoanz · Joined: 12 Mar 2007 Location: South Korea

chris_J2 · Joined: 17 Apr 2006 Location: From Brisbane, Au.

For starters, the Jet Program is not open to people over 40. Which counts me out. And NOVA are on very shaky ground financially, & may go into liquidation. Search, & you'll find a post.

And I did say most, not all respects. A Canadian I spoke to at a recent induction course in Korea commented that the Korean induction course was far superior to the Jet Program.

samoanz · Joined: 12 Mar 2007 Location: South Korea

laogaiguk · Joined: 06 Dec 2005 Location: somewhere in Korea

While a Westerner, you will probably still encounter racism from the Japanese due to the fact that you are Asian (and not even Japanese Asian to boot). It won't be horrible, but it will be there.

Still, I would say do Korea for a year, save a bit of money and travel over to Japan to check out the jobs and then go over. It would be safer and cheaper for you I think. It will still be there in a year (well, maybe not NOVA Smile

).

daz1979 · Joined: 29 Apr 2006 Location: Gangwon-Do

little mixed girl · Joined: 11 Jun 2003 Location: shin hyesung's bed~

if you want to test yourself, why not go to japan?

when i was in university i knew that i wanted to spend some time in either japan or korea after graduation.
for korea, i went there in '03 and '04 for summer school at yonsei, then i went again for a week in '05.

there were more people i knew in korea, and that does give you a support system if you are moving to the other side of the world.

but i decided to go to japan. japanese was my major and i hadn't gone to japan during my time in university.

it is hard not having friends waiting for you, but you can get to know people here. there will probably JETs in almost every area you go to. and, even if it's just for a year, it's still a good experience.

if you are interested in JET, you still have time to apply. the application is due in november.

if not JET, ECC seems to be pretty good.
many places will either provide you with housing, or help you find it. it may be subsidized too.

Tiger Beer · Joined: 07 Feb 2003

JAPAN.

WHY Japan? It's harder to get jobs there. With either country you choose, if you end up staying longer, you'll work your way up the ladder to better jobs. In Japan, you need to be in the country to do it. The place is much more competitive, and much more interesting.

Korea will always be here. The jobs are plentiful, and you can get a job from just about anywhere in the world at anytime. They will fly you over and everything else. It's just way too easy to get a job here.

Japan would be the more interesting place to get started with ESL, etc. I like Korea myself, but I wished I'd done things the other way around starting with Japan first.

TECO · Joined: 20 Jan 2003

Japan is better. Very Happy

At least it was for me.

Mileage will vary, and that's a fact.

Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't want to live out in the sticks in Japan. However, if I had to choose between, say, Tokyo, Seoul and Taipei - I'd jump at the opportunity to get set up in Tokyo again with a descent job.

chris_J2 · Joined: 17 Apr 2006 Location: From Brisbane, Au.

Mosley · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

samoanz is spot-on about JET vs. EPIK...there is no comparison. JET is there, in large part, to spoil (mostly) young Westerners rotten and have them go home and tell all & sundry how wonderful Japan is. And guess what? It works.

JET turns down several thousand applicants every year while EPIK can't meet modest quotas...that tells you a lot right there.

The age thing: if you are over 40, you have 2 strikes against you if you apply for JET. It's not impossible to get on but it's tough.