Korean Job Discussion Forums

[soju pizza]

Wow, I never before realized how much China could be your friend.

[Tiger Beer]

[TECO]

They might also find him dead in a hotel room. Happens sometimes in cases like this.

If he stays in Thailand, the police will definitely catch up with him. Just a matter of time. Especially if he hits places like Kaosan Road or Sukhumivit. He migh not be that dumb, though.

I wonder if he's read Dave's Korean ESL forums over the last few days!

Must be weird to go into an internet cafe and see yourself posted all over Google News as the subject of an international manhunt.

[Hollywoodaction]

[stevie rotten]

i only know him through what he put on the internet (edit: not the swirly face stuff though. i'll take interpol's word for it in that case).
his myspace page has been deleted but a mirror was set up at http://mirror.huffsblog.com/cpasianeilmyspace.htm with the blog at http://mirror.huffsblog.com/cpasianeilmyspaceblog.cfm.htm .
aside from that he was pretty active posting here on dave's. if you're not willing to take len8's or kerrmie's word for it there are some very similar or identical posts on here and his myspace page showing that the wanted Christopher Paul Neil is Peter Jackson here. his last post here was dated Sept. 27th. All his posts can be viewed (for the time being at least) at http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/search.php?search_author=Peter+Jackson

i posted a number of Peter Jackson quotes in the other thread but it got imbedded in a flame fight that only the most patient reader would bother to read through. for those who would like a small insight into the life of an alleged pedophile i'll repost the quotes here. if you have already read them or just don't care feel free to ignore this post. anything in italics is a quote from "Peter Jackson"


Posted: Sun Aug 20, 2006 8:29 pm Post subject: ALL ENGLISH TEACHERS WILL NEED POLICE CHECKS STARTING SEPT
Just joking....

But I do think that background checks should be done on many people. I think I have worked with a couple of men who shouldn't be around children.

They get that dreamy look on their faces when the ten year old girl is sitting on their lap....creeps me out thinking about those guys still in Korea.


Peter Jackson:
Posted: Wed Oct 04, 2006 10:43 pm Post subject: Teacher
[quote]They get that dreamy look on their faces when the ten year old girl is sitting on their lap....creeps me out thinking about those guys still in Korea.[quote]


What, are you jealous?




Posted: Fri Apr 28, 2006 1:56 am Post subject: Sauna Misadventure!
Ok, I love the sauna and jimjibang. It took me over 3 years to get over my fear and now I am hooked. I can't believe I lived so long without going. I was so afraid to walk around in
the buff but now I don't even notice my state of undress or the state of others.

On my last visit, however, something happened which was rather unpleasant.

I was taking a shower. It was after 12 AM and there was no one else in there. Another Korean man comes in and begins to shower. I hardly notice him. He nods and I nod back. He then asked if I wanted my back washed. I said, "No thanks" quite clearly. I thought. Well, apparantly that meant, "Sure, of course!" in his twisted mind. Now I have known for some time that Korean men routinely wash their friends backs. Although I did not know him at all, I thought maybe he was just being friendly.

Well he starts to make his move. I won't go into any detail but let's just say I felt very violated indeed. I pulled away from him. Now I am not super buff and have never been a particularly violent person. He kept manhandling me, even though I obviously wasn't interested. Finally, I turned the water off (even though I was nowhere near finished) and began to head out. He asked where I was going. I said, "Leaving!" He then asked if I was gay. I told him no. He offered some lame excuse for an apology and told me was was gay. He still kept harrassing me as I was leaving, staring and hoping I would change my mind.

Now this was in a regular family sauna. A few minutes before several teenage boys were playing in the water. I know there are Gay saunas here and if one was into that sort of thing he would go there. I wonder if this guy always hits on foreigners in the sauna. Would he hit on some random Korean guy? I doubt it.

This experience will not damper my enthusiasm for the sauna. I will continue going. I might not want to be there after 12AM, though. Maybe the freaky people come out then. Has anyone else been assaulted like this?

The guy was lucky. I am not violent. I know if he had done something like that to any number of my friends he would have received a black eye or lost a few teeth. It made me a bit more wary. The next morning another Korean guy was complimenting my body. Probably just being nice, but after the last incident it made me feel rather uncomfortable.

Regards,



Posted: Thu May 18, 2006 8:21 am Post subject: Thais do it best!
If you want to hear some truly erotic animal noises (farm animals mostly) you have got to meet a Thai woman (or man). They can truly make some "interesting" sounds in the bedroom. Just ask: How does a pig sound? Both comical and somewhat arousing...
Got to love the Thais,



Posted: Sun Jun 04, 2006 9:06 pm Post subject: Cheapest tickets to SE Asia: Recommendations?
Although I have made several trips to Bangkok, Saigon etc, I always seem to pay way too much. I thought I was getting OK deals but a friend from Japan has getting tickets for a fraction of the price. I find it hard to believe that it is CHEAPER to fly from Japan.

If anyone knows a good agency and/or website that offers low cost fares please let me know. I know there are some listed on a sticky here...anyone know the best of the best?

Take care,


Post subject: Which Asian country has the most beautiful women?
Posted: Fri Aug 03, 2007 9:55 am Post subject: Vietnam
Vietnam, hands down. A beautiful, strong people in general!

Post subject: Is it be hard for Western Women to be around
Posted: Mon Jul 23, 2007 2:58 pm Post subject: Fat
Never dated a Korean woman, never wanted to, never will...
(and NOT because of the kankles!)

Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2007 1:23 pm Post subject: Police check
Hi there,
Police checks are NOT needed to get a visa. Public schools will want one but you should be able to stall them. Often they want teachers SO quickly that they will "wait" for some things. I never gave a police check for my last public school job. I was in Vietnam at the time and getting one wasn't easy. I delayed and never heard about it again.

Posted: Tue Jun 12, 2007 9:43 am Post subject: Moms
After being in Korea for about 4 and a half years I came to know a little about the place. Many of my previous beliefs and preconceptions of the place changed. However, Korean moms DID seem to be very annoying, meddling, ignorant, etc. in regards to their children's "education". I could not really compare Korean moms to any other mom so I did some "research".

My sister is an early child educater in Canada, has been for years. Whenever we have a chance to talk she tells me about all the HORRIBLE Korean moms at her pre-school. Unruly, bratty kids and how moms have no regard for rules, routines, etc. Now since I was in Korea for an extended period I would like to set her wrong (as I have done in many cases about other false impressions of Koreans) in this BUT I have to agree with her.

I've also been working at a local high school and happened into a lunch hour discussion. Four teachers discussing a couple "problem" parents, and by the the words they were saying I just knew the moms were Korean.

My brother in law coaches kids hockey and one of the players is Korean. Now my brother in law is of CHINESE decent and constantly laments not only about the bratty un-cooperative kid but about his unruly, meddling mom! I wish I could say, "you're being racist and making generalizations" but....would it be true?

In short, Korean moms can be some of the worst....


Post subject: Which Shakespearian Character would you be?
Posted: Thu Jun 21, 2007 12:46 pm Post subject: Sly
I'm choosing Christopher Sly, think he was in The Tempest but not sure...he's the drunken clown at the beginning!!

Post subject: Is a criminal history a problem for prospective teachers?
Posted: Tue Jun 05, 2007 2:54 pm Post subject: Hi
Hi there,

I'm Canadian so I'm not sure about how the American system works but my brother had a DUI and he had to apply for a pardon in order to get a passport and work abroad. It took quite a while, involved lots of paperwork, etc but was granted without too much trouble.

You would have to check with the authorities in your state for details.

In terms of Korea, background checks are generally NOT done. Public school jobs may ask for them but this can sometimes be avoided.

I know in Canada there are diffferent levels of police checks. Police checks are NOT needed for the Korean visa and I don't think your employer would be too concerned about a DUI. Violent or drug offenses, or crimes against children would seem to be what they would be looking for.

Good luck.

Post subject: MEDICAL / DRUG TEST for PUBLIC SCHOOL
Posted: Tue Jun 05, 2007 12:48 pm Post subject: Medical
Problem is, there is no national regulation regarding health checks (there is in China and other places) and no set way of doing them. When one goes to the doctor, he or she should know (from my Western viewpoint) just what exactly the doctor will test for. It should be clear. How can one consent to something if he or she doesn't know what he or she is consenting to? It might come as a surprise to someone who may have a treatable chronic disease (TB and HIV are two examples) and is tested for it without giving consent.

One may say that having such an illness should prevent a person from working in Korea. But there are no black and whites. HIV, for example, is a very complex disesase affecting everyone a little differently. One can live up to 15 years being HIV + without having a single symptom. An HIV + person would not need to pose a burdon on Korea's health system. Firstly, he or she would not be recommended for treatment by most western doctors until his or her CD4 count (T4 helper cells) reached a low level. Secondly, even if a westerner was HIV positive the cost of treatment would NEVER be covered.

If Korean schools want health checks then this should be a requirement to get the Visa, as it is in China. And let the patient know EXACTLY what will be tested.


Post subject: Porn question
Posted: Fri May 18, 2007 8:46 am Post subject: Encrypt
I've never heard of porn been a problem in Korea. On my first trip there in 2000 I remember reading the customs declaration form while on the plane. I was SO nervous for the remaining hours on the plane because I happened to have a couple Penthouse magazines in my bag. I ended up tossing them in the bin at the airport washroom, only to find out that no one would have found them anyway.

In terms of computers, if you're worried about any "content" there are several ways to encrypt your drive. A friend has highly recommended Truecrypt, which you can download.

If you want to get rid of old files so no one will see, then simply deleting them will not work. You'll have to get a program like Jetico's BC Wipe and "delete with wiping".

Good luck.

Post subject: Volunteer SE Asia?
Posted: Mon Feb 19, 2007 5:06 am Post subject: Volunteer
There are some opportunities to do volunteer teaching in some North and North-Eastern rural locations. You get a small stipend, accomodations, etc. Sorry I don't have any links but a google search should turn up something.

Good luck


Post subject: Teaching without a degree.
Posted: Fri Feb 16, 2007 1:17 am Post subject: No degree
Although having a degree does not necessarily mean one will be a better teacher, it might be a good idea to NOT break the laws of a foreign country. There are always stories of those who have done it for years without problems but remember: Koreans will USE you. They know not much will happen to them if you get into trouble.

Do you really want to risk the fines, exit order, possible black list entry to teach Koreans? It is getting harder even in Thailand to secure a job without a degree but you should be able to find work there.

Korean immigration officials are often not the nicest folks around...teach illegally at your own risk.


Post subject: Where to go for a while (SE Asia)?
Posted: Fri Feb 16, 2007 1:47 am Post subject: Thaialnd and Vietnam
Just booked a super deal (I think!) Incheon to Bankgok, then BKK to HCMC Vietnam and back for 650,000. Flights to BKK alone are about 500,000.

Vietnam is definately worth a gander.....been several times and never tired of it

Posted: Fri Jan 26, 2007 2:06 am Post subject: 75, 000 for a Vietnam VISA?!
My travel agent said the fee for a Vietnam VISA is 75,000 won. I remember getting one a few years ago for 60,000. Has it really increased that much?

Anyone who knows: what is the price if I visit the Vietnamese embassy directly?


Post subject: Any Pogues fans out there?
Posted: Sun Nov 05, 2006 8:36 pm Post subject: Pogues
Definately a Pogues fan! Thanks for that.

Post subject: So many foreign teachers with AIDS.
Posted: Tue Nov 28, 2006 3:52 am Post subject: AIDS
Didn't read the whole thread but just wanted to say:

AIDS IS NOT THE SAME AS HIV+

I'm sure not too many westerners in Korea have AIDS. I doubt any do...as AIDS is defined as someone who NEEDS anti-viral meds which most HIV+ people don't for many years...if you're in Korea with AIDS you would have to be getting treatment which wouldn't be very easy to keep secret (also very expensive). If you were known to have AIDS or even if you were known to be HIV+ you would be deported. So: foreign teachers with AIDS: sounds like nonsense spouted by ignorant cheap sons of wh*ore Korean hagwon owner trailer trash!!


Post subject: must have a return ticket for Thailand? what?
Posted: Tue Nov 28, 2006 7:50 pm Post subject: Ticket
I've never had a problem buying a one way ticket to Thailand and I've done so more times than I can count.

Posted: Thu Jun 07, 2007 1:31 pm Post subject: Previous Records Check
I've just had two separate police checks (one I paid $55 CAN for) for two separate job applications in Canada. I have a photocopy of the clearance form, which just has a box checked off indicating no record plus a box checked for a "vulnerable sector screening" check. It is signed and dated by an RCMP officer.

My question is: it is a consent of disclosure form meant for an organization here so will it be enough for a pubilc school application in Korea? Or do I need to do a whole other check? It's getting redundant and expensive!

Thanks for any help.

post subject: Korean Kids � Behavior
Posted: Fri Nov 17, 2006 12:11 am Post subject: Korea
Actually the VP should be the guy who handles these things. He or she does in most western schools I know of...

I always remember the principal as the guy you NEVER saw unless you were in serious trouble! He or she was always too busy with finances ,etc.

The vice-principal was the dude with the iron rod and I saw him plently.


post subject: Criminal Background Letter?
Posted: Sun Nov 12, 2006 5:51 am Post subject: Checks
It will depend on the school and how serious they are. I know in my case, the last I heard about a records check was just before I was confirmed for the job. I told them, truthfully, that I was in Vietnam and getting one from my country was very difficult. They told me I could get it when I came to Korea but I never heard about it again!

That said, each place is different. I would just very politely put it off, say you'll do it once you settle in, get your bearings, get your lesson plans done (they'll love that excuse). If they don't insist before you sign than you might be ok.

In Korea there's the LAW then there's reality...not always on the same page!

Post subject: Been Held Prison in the Hospital Before?
Posted: Wed Nov 08, 2006 7:46 pm Post subject: Hospital
I was also held hostage in a hospital in Thailand. You think the Koreans are bad?! I too had to wait for funds from home and had to pay an extra bloody day. I know how you feel! It's bad enough being in hospital when you're actually sick but not being able to get out until you pay is aggrivating. I just about destroyed my room if it wasn't for a friend who calmed me down..

One of the downfalls of living in Asia...


Post subject: AIDS Is a Prime Cause for Deporting Foreigners
Posted: Sun Sep 24, 2006 5:02 am Post subject: Deport
If one is the kind of person who drinks too much and sleeps around with random people than he or she will be living very dangerously in any country.

People are responsible for their own actions, drunk or not.


Post subject: "My hot Girlfriend/wife is from Thailand/laos" etc
Posted: Sun Sep 03, 2006 11:45 pm Post subject: SE Asia
I've spent a fair bit of time in Thailand and Vietnam so I will say what I noticed.

Yes, there ARE the old, ugly, fat, mentally challenged (or the current PC word for it), abusive, or psycotic men who married bar girls or the like. There are also those who pay for the sex then dump the girl looking for another "conquest".

BUT, I did meet some of the most normal, attractive, well-adjusted guys who were very happy in their relationships. (One of these guys has posted in this thread!) If fact, the majority of the long term EFL teachers (or other working professionals) that I met in the region were in real relationships with ordinary women.

To make a generalization that all these guys are misfits is just silly.


Posted: Sun Jul 02, 2006 11:30 pm Post subject: Canistan cream?
Does anyone know where one can buy Canistan cream (or something similar)? I believe it is a hydrocortizone cream used to treat varous skin rashes. Thanks for any help.

Take care,


Posted: Thu Jun 29, 2006 7:07 am Post subject: Vietnam
Never had the dog stew here but did eat dog in Vietnam. I was on the back of a motorcycle and my driver said, "Blah, blah, blah beer?" I couldn't hear over the traffic noise. But I thought a beer would be nice.

Well, after stopping by one of his friend's place to pick up some homemade rice "wine", we sped off to a restaurant. I didn't notice anything at first, just that I was the only westerner in the place and got some curious stares. It wasn't until the menu came that I clued in. I couldn't read it but the pictures of dogs gave it away.

I must admit my stomach turned and fear set in. But I didn't want to offend my driver as he was going to be paying.

Well the meat came and most of it was ok. Some was just like lamb. BUT there was some smoked stuffed, cold and very chewy. Then there were some stuffed dog "things" which included cartilage and other unknown parts.

The combination of the potent rice whiskey and the rich dog meat did a number on my stomach and I couldn't sleep for hours. It was like the meat just churned in my stomach.

It was a great experience but one I don't ever want to repeat. I might eat dog again, but the poshintang dog soup thing just doesn't seem appealing.


Post subject: Extended traveling through Southeast Asia?
Posted: Sat Jun 10, 2006 10:02 pm Post subject: SE Asia
I've done several such trips. Depending on what you want to do, about 1000-2000 USD a month will be good. I highly recommend Vietnam, Thailand, Lao, and Malaysia. I've never been to India. Personally I will never step foot in Cambodia again, on account of several negative experiences but Angkor Wat is worth a look.

You probably have heard of Khao San Road in Bangkok and that's a good place to start. You'll meet tons of fellow travellers who know how to go on the cheap. Khao San itself is getting expensive these days, but a few of the off streets still have some good bargains. Not hard to find once you meet a few people.

Travel in Vietnam has improved remarkably in the last few years...easy to get around by bus or train. Avoid An Phu Travel...they royally suck. Go with Hanh or Sinh cafes...they've always been good to me.

One word about Nam: no matter WHAT they say, never give the hotel or guesthouse your passport. They don't need it. A photocopy is fine. I've never surrendered mine, although I have been asked. If they really refused, I'd just pay in advance. That shuts them up. They just keep it in an unlocked drawer and they have no business with it. Hold your ground.

The backpacker area of Saigon is a good place to start...the area is off Pham Ngu Lao street...one of the few places in Saigon where the nightlife goes beyond midnight....just be careful here. There are some undesirables here. Be careful about your belongings.

You can get to Cambodia easily from here, if you chose to go. You might want to head north via bus. Lao is great, especially if you like outdoor recreation, ie kayaking, caving, trekking, etc. I found Lao the most laid back and they had the BEST food...albeit more expensive than Thailand. Most everyone in Lao can speak Thai, English and French so it is very easy to communicate.

Hope you have fun! If you have any further questions PM me. I might be able to recommend some guesthouses etc.

Take care,

Post subject: Can I post poetry here? Anyone interested?
Posted: Thu May 11, 2006 8:52 pm Post subject: Time
Thank you for all the responses, especially those who posted poems. You've given me some courage...

I will post something now. If you honestly hate it or think it is rubbish, tell me...as nicely as possible!

Thanks,

Time

I remember envelopes bursting with money
children bursting with laughter
and bellies bursting with liquor

I can name Curtis and Justin and Brian
And a frizzled haired Egyptian named Mary
OB Lager by the keg-full, stumbling home

I can see trees and mountains on good days
Smell the street scents, so tempting yet revolting
Upchuck by the bucketful, friendly Seoul

I watch the sky at night from a rickety old rooftop paradise, a parody
Lying there, bottles tumbling, beer spilling, Ajumma in a night gown swearing
All this for a moment�s time the perfect white god conquest, I am free

But I watched Fate smile and nod her ugly head as my rooftop makeshift throne
came crashing down upon me with a chuckle
A hacking, heel-wearing vixen cackling as my legs bucked below me

Now time collided with my heels, stopping, forcing me to lie
Upon some other foreign shore alone except a nameless, faceless wh*ore
Who shared my sand, my life, my shame, enroute to die

I shared this spot before with Wilma, so we called her, the sand-formed beauty
My friend created so gingerly and God, did she look pretty
But my eyes fixed elsewhere, upon the shirtless urchin who for 10 baht sold his life

And dear friend whiskey was always there to greet me
To lead me alone along a guarded path, past Wilma�s sweet embrace and there, at last
I swam up to my thighs, heading home, to some familiar place, now way past saving face

Yet I wondered, Heineken in hand, had God created this loathsome beach
And all the trench dwellers who stake their claim so happily upon its sand?
Then the urchin�s smile, alone in my mind, showed a pity and a love, divine.


Posted: Wed May 31, 2006 6:34 am Post subject: One more
Shelter me (A Bangkok Street Child�s Chant)

Shelter me from the meat, from the heat, from the fight
From the noisy toyless day and the cruel scathing night
From the cheating mama-sans and the drug�s short delight
From the hookers and the trannies, from the Devil�s Christian Right

From my mommy, and the pimps, from the merchant selling shrimps
From the ghoulish and the freakish, and the dirty flashing streakers
From the oldies, sick decrepit bearded belly drinkers
From the wounded, poor and sulking who*re*-search stalking seekers

Show me greatness, show me prowess, show me something I can cling to
Show me loved ones who can give like lonely caring wander travelers
Cure this one hurt, lend another, and if I had my druthers
I�d take you to my home to meet the tramp that I call mother


Posted: Sun May 28, 2006 9:50 pm Post subject: Hi Octavius
When I applied for my public school postion back in February the recruiter said that I would have to submit the following:

Criminal records check from back home
Health certificate
two letters of reference

I never submitted any of them. I was in SE Asia at the time and getting the police check from my home country was very difficult and expensive. I couldn't get the health check either.

I've been here 3 months and no one has asked for the documents. About this yearly physical: is it mandatory? Would they fire a teacher who refused?

On principal, I would not agree to a health check unless I chose the doctor and it was done in a country other than Korea. I just don't think any third party should have any private information. I am waiting for the day to come when they ask for this test. I will never give blood or urine. A TB test would be the only thing I would do as even in my home country a teacher has to do this. There is no need to test blood and urine except for HIV and drug use.

Post subject: Caught as Illegal, then what?
Posted: Thu May 18, 2006 8:12 am Post subject: Amen about doing time
Yes, it is a crime, whatever your argument against it. It isn't your country and one must accept this. As one immigration guy put it, "it don't matter about evidence, only I think is enough."

If you want to do privates with no hassle I can recommend Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia...plenty of Koreans in all three places willing to pay the big bucks. Check out Japan, too, where you own your visa which is good for five years.

But, when in the Land of the Morning Smog (or is that Calm?) do privates as you wish. But do the crime; do the time.

Take care,


Post subject: LIAR!!!!
Posted: Wed May 10, 2006 12:33 am Post subject: Yet...
When kids ARE in danger the directer may laugh at you...

Several years back there was an emotionally disturbed, scary alcoholic, former crack addict (by his own admission) who worked at a hagwon. He was later appointed to "head teacher" because, as the other foreigners noticed, he was getting pretty cozy with the boss' wife. The guy was a lunatic, arriving at school "whiskey drunk" pretty much every morning. He often hadn't showered or even been home. He was fresh out off the noraebang or room salon.

Well one day he brings a knife to class. He taught 3 year olds. He scared the grade six girls who described him as "creepy" and "grabby". He managed to infuriate and/or scare the cr*ap out of most of the foreign staff. When all the teachers had a meeting about him, describing their fears for their own safety as well as the safety of the students, the director's wife (who ran the show) called all the staff "unprofessional" and that the head teacher was the cat's meow!

The guy later had a total breakdown, sliced up his arms, made several threats and continued to spiral out of control. All the while he kept his position and the other teachers had to walk on eggs and keep their mouths shut.

Not all hagwon directors are this reckless but some of them refuse to believe foreigners for ANY reason...no idea why...

[krats1976]

He's Peter Jackson.

He replaced me when I left. I never met him and he'd better hope he never meets me. If I ever find out that he touched on of my kids, I'll rip him apart.

[spliff]

Are your kids still at the school or did you take them when you changed schools?

[Homer]

This guy should hang..period.

As for criminal records check for teachers...it will happen anyway and in a sense that is a good thing.

[krats1976]

[JamesFord]

[krats1976]

What a bizarre question. Of course they're still at the school.

[canuckistan]

[seoulshock]

I wonder if there are any others like him on Dave's...

[JamesFord]

[peppermint]

That cadet camp he worked at in the late 90s was where my kid sister, a cousin and at least 10 kids that I used to babysit spent those summers. My sister said she hadn't heard anything untoward at the time, but . .