Korean Job Discussion Forums

[knarf]

Im interested in teaching english in South Korea wondering what the political discourse is like there. Are Korean's generally open to discussing political issues? If I were to find a H.S level job, would using social/political issues as topics for discussion be something that would be ok or frowned upon? Would I find college students and/or adults who would be open to discussing such topics? perhaps in exchange for 1-1 conversation that some seem to get paid for?

I ask because I recently finished my master's thesis, which involved research on North Korea and U.S./South Korean security policy. I feel a TEFL job would provide an awesome opportunity for me to immerse myself in Korean culture and develop a better understanding of NE Asian society from within. With a background in social sciences, i am interested in South Korea from a variety of standpoints, especially including security, economic, and education policy. I feel this is an excellent opportunity, and would greatly appreciate any thoughts.

thanks!

[spliff]

You don't discuss - god, sex, politics or the king in a classroom. Common sense, dude.

[Suwon23]

I don't know about H.S. classes, but I'd hazard a guess that neither your students nor your co-teachers would be crazy about the idea. Private lessons are another matter, I suppose. I've had plenty of open-minded discussions about politics with Koreans, but don't expect them to give away any flaws or non "sparkling" elements of Korean society. You wouldn't go to America and expect a frank, thoughtful discussion of Guantanamo.

[nicholas_chiasson]

You would however get at leat 40% of people to say Guantonamo sucks. However the three KOREAN newspapers that have defended the current govt. have been accused of 'pro-japanese' sentiment. Korea. If you're not with us, you're Japanese!

[michael5799042]

[aka Dave]

[esglumac]

My students told me to my face that they hate George Bush They are High School....

[Smee]

[Landros]

You might be better off discussing such topics and things outside of class with friends. It is just a matter of finding the right person to talk to I guess. Debates I do in class are usually a little more general like smoking/ non smoking or Ideal jobs or something. Drinking is a popular topic.

University students have to do military service so don't expect many unorthodox answers. You'd probably have more luck belonging to a group like the Royal Asiatic Society - Korea.

http://www.rjkoehler.com/2008/06/09/ras-lecture-on-traditional-korean-music-dance-and-1880s-chinese-korean-relations-and-early-summer-tours/

[sojourner1]

Koreans don't like politics and wait until the last minute to talk politics and then don't talk about much out of saving face in maintaining pride. The campaigns are held off until the last few days before an election such as with the presidential election last December. They do express nonverbal emotions that indicate the truths, but the truths are never talked about nor apologized about, so it seems as to save face as to not degrade national pride in their country and narcissistic selves. This is true on the individual, work place, and national levels; all alike. Sounds silly, but that's how it is. You must understand Korean culture. LOL Yes, I was told this several times in a hagwon by the corrupt lying 2 faced director trying to get over on me and make me out to be the one in the wrong. Shame on her.

Korean friends I know told me last November and December that politics are not talked like in America and no one likes politics over here so I refrain from talking about anything other than saying what the American president does is not what the American people mean to do nor is where their hearts stand. Really none of these phony guys and gals are friends, just people getting free English lessons by associating with me as to advance their skills and living. I believe what I've seen, experienced, and learned is typical of Asian people and culture, but its all the same in principal despite different languages and styles of doing things. No Asian country is into talking politics or any other negative talk that undermines the pride they have in their own country even if it's blatantly the truth.

And that's Asian culture and politics 101 in short from a foreigners perspective. This is not Kansas...

[knarf]

Thank you all for your replies... I definitely appreciate the insight of you all who have already treaded these waters.

Spliff, get out of here with your "common sense, dude." Seriously, where do you come from that politics are not to be discussed in a classroom? Did you never take any government classes in school? I think you got "classroom" and "dinner party" mixed up. I'm not talking about having heated debates on hot topics with students, but the discussion of pertinent social issues in a developing capitalist democracy. In my time teaching HS in the States, I have had plenty of productive discussion on politics in the classroom. And obviously I understand that it is a wholly different society and culture, and there may very well be cultural differences, which is why i posed the question.

Suwon, I dont expect many Koreans to point out flaws or attack their own system, I understand its a society built on pride and saving face. Again, Im not looking to have major debates or try to impose my views, Id just like to garner a better understanding of social issues important to Koreans and from a Korean point of view. And besides, promoting the discussion of social issues is an important part of democracy. Oh, and Ive had plenty of frank, thoughtful discussions on Guantanamo here in the States. There is a large portion of the constituency that doesn't unabashedly agree with Bush Admin policy, especially here in NYC.

aka Dave, I kinda figured as much on the hit and miss of it all... what level were your conversation classes, HS?

esglumac, I think id get along quite well with your students...

Smee, that's what its all about, understanding Korean culture. as i said before, Im not looking to judge or impose my own views, but rather hope to develop a better understanding of Korean society and viewpoints.

Landros, will definitely check out the RAS - Korea... thanks for the recommendation!

sojourner, thanks for your input... though im sorry to hear you feel your Korean "friends" are just using you for your conversational ability.

thank you all again, your insight is much appreciated!

[michael5799042]

[cdninkorea]

I'm going to go against what everyone else is saying here.

I didn't specialize in North Korean affairs, but it is an interest of mine. I sometimes talk about it with my students and often talk about other political issues.
Many of my students are not hyper defensive about their country if you approach it in the right way, i.e. non-confrontationally. If you start off with an attitude of 'us versus them' then it should be no surprise that they do the same.
To give one example among many, two weeks ago an entire class argued that Korea is not a developed country, while for the sake of balance, I argued that it was developed.

I teach adults. High school students are a lot less worldly even compared to their North American counterparts because they study for their university entrance exams and nothing else; if it's not going to be on the test, they don't learn it. Maybe they'll be interested anyway; I don't know. But in my experience adults are the way to go if you want to talk about politics.

[peppermint]

OP your job is to get the students talking, and most Korean students won't have much to say in terms of politics beyond "Japan is bad. Bushie is bad, American Beef is bad, Dokdo is ours". Discussing politics in a foreign language is damned challenging, even if you're interested, and near impossible if you're not.

The other thing to consider if you're at a public school is the Korean teacher's union. They're very political, nationalistic and somewhat anti American/ pro North Korea. It's not wise to step on their toes. Just because you don't like Bush, that doesn't mean you'll be in their good books

Might be better to play it safe and get them talking about stuff they're familiar with at least at first. If you want something vaguely political but not loaded- ask them if they'd like to travel to Japan or China. Chances are you'll get at least one answer with a political bent.

[Smee]

Yeah, I was trying to say that you're better just giving current events a very wide berth. Maybe you'll make some friends who are interested in discussing things, but you're not going to want to bring these things up at work. Your opinions will not be accepted or welcomed, even though your colleagues and students will have all kinds of (negative) things to say about everything else. There is not much tolerance here for teachers with opinions that go against the grain, especially when that teacher brings them up in class.

Stick to easy, general issues, or for more advanced learners maybe try to teach them how to debate. Teach them how to cite facts and argue points.