Korean Job Discussion Forums

xanderspuppy · Joined: 01 Dec 2006

Thoughts on this potential job appreciated.

1) Have been asked if I would be happy using PowerPoint in my lessons, photos from home etc. At first I didn't think this would be a problem but I wondered, how likely is it that the menus on computer programs such as Word and PowerPoint will be in Korean, or in English?

2) I was told I'd be the first ESL teacher they've ever had at the school. Will they have high expectations which I won't be able to meet or might it be an advantage? It means I won't be able to talk to any ESL teachers who have worked there to give me any info.

Bibbitybop · Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Location: Seoul

Public school or hogwan?

Explain to them they need an English-language computer/OS.

And please don't give them free reign to your photos. If anything, some photos on a cdrom should do, and there's no way you should let them dig through your files (they seriously might try to "see what's best" when they just want to snoop).

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

More than likely they'll be in Korean. Ask for installation of English Microsoft Word Programs, on the schools notebook or pc.

The plus side of being the 1st teacher, is that you're not expected to live up to the standards of previous teachers, as there aren't any. The downside, is that for winter & summer camps, you'll have to network, & start from scratch. And create your own lesson plans / agendas

By photos/ j.pegs they just want some pics of where you're from. Landscapes, cityscapes, indigenous animals, eg. They're not really interested in your baby or personal photos. If they are, just tell 'em no!

MarionG · Joined: 14 Sep 2006

If you're working for a hogwon, summer and winter camps won't be a problem as you'll be working at the hogwon.

I am the first ever native teacher at my hogwon, and although there have been bumps, I've been happy and I think they have too, as they want me back.

I would explain, re PowerPoint, that while you would be happy to use it, (and are familiar with the program, if that's true) it would be very difficult for you to use a Korean Language version of it.

Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004

I'm sure they mean first foreign teacher, and whether it's a public school or hagwon, they probably have at least one Korean EFL teacher (who may or may not speak English).

nomad-ish

peppermint · Posted: Sun Dec 02, 2007 3:12 pm Post subject:

I think it can definitely work out well, so long as you're an experienced teacher.

Teaching aside, I wouldn't recommend it to newcomers to Korea. There's a few legal hoops that neither you and nor school might know about, and there'd be a lot of room for cultural misunderstandings that might not happen if either side was a little familiar with the other. Could be a recipe for a lot of trouble on both ends.

jlb · Joined: 18 Sep 2003

Fishead soup · Joined: 24 Jun 2007 Location: Korea

1: Tell your Korean co-teacher to prepare some basic Wh questions with your students before you enter the classroom. The reason for doing this is unless your Korean co-teacher prepares some questions for the students the whole class will be a massive waste of time.

Sometimes these kinds of things are best not done on the first day. After a month the students will be more likely to ask more questions.

Show just a few questions on powerpoint. Then with the rest of the pictures color photocopy them and laminate them. Put the students into small groups give each a page with at least five pictures on it. and get them to ask you questions.

nobbyken · Joined: 07 Jun 2006 Location: Yongin ^^

You could download openoffice for free on all the PCs you use.
http://www.openoffice.org
Choose any language.

Your principal may be totally unprepared for managing non-Korean staff, there could be conflicts.

EDIT: Use google earth to show kids where you live. Ours loved it with gasps of awe.

mrsquirrel · Joined: 13 Dec 2006

Is it your first time away from home? Do you need company of others? Do you need to have conversations that are more than 10s long?

If so life could be difficult.

If not then life will be grand.

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

Top 10 things to do, to avoid culture shock, when isolated in Korea:

* Learn about the Country & it's culture
* Keep in touch with family by cellphone / email
* Take up a hobby (eg photography)
* Make Korean friends
* Make friends with Expats
* Learn the language (Hangul)
* Have an open mind
* Counterbalance loss of old friendships with newly formed friendships
* Be patient
* have a backup Support Group

tiger fancini · Joined: 21 Mar 2006 Location: Testicles for Eyes

I agree that it could go either way. If it's a government public school you should be ok, because there is always the Education office to fall back on. At least they will/should have a clue about what a foreign teacher needs and is entitled to.

If it's a private place, then things could get a little tricky. I was the first foreign teacher at my private high school, and it's been a bit rough at times. The principal basically thought that the contract could be interpreted in any way he chose. I was getting paid for each class that I actually taught for the first 3 months of working here, despite my contract saying I was on a monthly salary. As this is a high school, during exam time and other times when classes were cancelled (like the school marathon day), I wasn't getting paid! They also weren't aware that pension and medical insurance had to be deducted for the first 3 months I was here, despite me telling them repeatedly that they had to do this. After a lot complaining, and finally a threat to contact the labor board, my salary was straightened out. The accommodation provided was pretty poor and devoid of any comforts. No structure to my curriculum, basically I was told "teach what you like", and I've never been assesed, never been given any feedback, or even been asked to hand in any lesson plans! Apparently this school is one of the most "prestigious" high schools in the country, with a long history and students from very wealthy backgrounds. Thank goodness I was only given a 6 month contract, and have just 3 weeks left.

However, you could get a great place that treats you amazingly well. It's all just luck of the draw.

xanderspuppy · Joined: 01 Dec 2006

ESL Girl · Joined: 03 Sep 2007

Woah- you are not working through a government program?! Be careful - I met a couple foreigners a little while back who were hired directly by their schools. They are having a hell-of-a-time in small towns. They were given no textbooks, which is especially sucky being they didn't have any ed. experience or ed. degrees. I am not saying that textbooks should be your crutch, but they do give a lot of structure.
Moreover, they too are the 1st Engl teachers in their schools. One teaches all her classes on her own. Again, let me remind you she had no teaching experience prior to this.
Will you be in a small town? Think this over carefully. Although you do get paid a few hundred less with a government program, you do get an orientation and the chance to meet people in the same boat as you. You are going to be in for a long year if you don't know anybody...
Sorry if I am being very negative. Just be prepared.