Korean Job Discussion Forums

[cocochanel]

I'm contemplating teaching abroad, and I want to get in a good amount of research before doing so. I know it won't be "home", which is one of the main reasons I'd like to go there, but I also want to know that it won't be unecessarily rough going. I'm a Canadian in her late twenties, and I haven't done a whole lot of travelling, and I'm curious about Asia. I'm considering a few countries, mainly China, Japan and Korea. What does Korea have over the other two countries? Does anyone have any opinions on any or all of the above countries listed?


cocochanel

[J.B. Clamence]

What are your qualifications, and what kind of jobs would you be interested in? And what do you hope to get out of your experience?

[Howard Roark]

In a nutshell - Compared to China, the pay in Korea is certainly better. The fact that China is commnunist may scare people off too.

Compared to Japan, the pay is actually lower in Korea. However, when you factor in cost of living and a rent-free apartment provided in Korea, you're actually better off in korea in most cases.

Compared to both, the demand for teachers in Korea is high and standards are often low. It's pretty simple for any white dude (or dudette) with a degree in you-name-it to get a job here. In China the jobs seem to be fewer, but I couldn't comment on their requirements. Japan however seems to have some standards and actually want qualified individuals which makes it a little tougher to get a job there.

I haven't worked in China or Japan, but those are my impressions and observations.

[Son Deureo!]

The other thing that Korea has going for it is that moneywise you don't need to invest much to come here. Most schools will provide you with an air ticket up front and your housing is free. That was what made the difference for me over Taiwan or Japan when I was first making my decision.

[Homer]

You allready have some pretty good advice about Korea vs your other choices in this thread coco.

But, have you asked yourself the most important question of them all: "Are you sure you are ready to move to a different country, live and work there and accept that their values and norms differ from yours?"

Ask yourself this, pay close attention to the response and then ask yourself this:
"Why do you want to work in asia?"

Other then that, the others have done a fair job of showing you some of the basic +/- of Korea vs Japan/China.

[crazylemongirl]

coco,
Try looking at waterbaby's FAQS and feel free to bump up any of the threads for more discussion

[cocochanel]

Thank you for your quick replies, there is a lot of information on this board on life spent teaching abroad, most specifically Korea. However, the thing is to get most of it channeled into answering my particular question. I've found an abundance of information, negative and positive that seem to revolve around a few themes: teaching abroad is fun if you're "up to it" (which can be taken in several different ways), teaching abroad can be hell if you're stuck A: working for a bad employer, or B: stuck in a "bad" location. Am I right so far?

cocochanel

[itchy]

===

[Homer]

[Mr. Pink]

Japan is expensive on startups:

You pay your own ticket and startup housing costs.

China isn't as developed:

You might or might not get a ticket. The places were you work won't pay as well, they won't be as developed as Korea/Japan. Also China has a high cost of living for foreigners, as foreigners pay a different price than native Chinese do. China is pretty dirty, more so than Japan or Korea.

Korea seems in the middle:

You can save more money in Korea as the salaries are decent, and you get free housing and a plane ticket to come over here.

Korea isn't as clean as Japan, yet not as dirty as China.
Korea isn't as developed as Japan, but WAY more so than China.
Korean language is easier to learn than Chinese or Japanese for beginner type tyings. Only one alphabet to read.

Why Korea? For many it is the overall best choice. It was for me as I came over here with like $1000 to my name and that isn't much if you want to goto Japan. (I initially did want to goto Japan...)

[rapier]

Homer: "accept that their values and norms differ from yours"..
This is the crucial thing in Korea that we all wrestle with. how can you accept abuse, non- sensical and illogical workplace practices, subtle racism, etc etc etc.?
Basically, you're paid to take s**t here and keep smiling along with it.. If you're prepared for a year of that, in order to save more money than you can in other countries, you'll have it made.

[wylde]

[Butterfly]

There are lots of different experiences within Korea too, you could go and work in Pohang or something, quiet, nice little place by the sea and be a novelty to the local community and enjoy the complete Korean experience. Certainly to your boss, you'll be more of a commodity and thus probably treated better, though don't quote me on that.

I couldn't cope with that life, I'm not into immersion completely, though I am very very happy in Korea; I've been here four years. I enjoy the blend of cultures in Seoul and the urban life. I like weekdays eating dinner in Korean restaurants and time with Korean people in the community where I live, but on weekends I'm headed to the galleries, bars and clubs, events, international restaurants and don't really live the Korean life. Then I'm ready to go back to it again on Monday. It's harmonious and a well-balanced contrast.

I find taking this blend of options for my activities helps me enjoy and appreciate every aspect of my life in Seoul. I have lots of Korean friends, but by and large they are the more internationally aware members of their community, yet Korean enough to help me understand and appreciate my environment. I have lots of Western friends too, but generally prefer only to mix with those who are into taking the most they can from this city, in terms of human experiences.

I have the greatest respect for all those who choose to live outside Seoul, especially the rural areas, but I couldn't do it myself as I've reached the limit of my cultural boundaries, where I can take what I like about Korean culture and society (not the same thing) and leave what I don't.

I think Seoul allows this blend, perfectly. The truly cosmopolitan people and enclaves of Seoul are few but special, they are very enlightening actually and allow you to rationalize the occasional things in Korea which are difficult to cope with when taken as abstract experiences but water off a magnanamous ducks back when there are so many other good things and people to look forward to.

If you come don't be shy and engage everyone so as to find your groove, because it is here somewhere, life is what you make it. Go find some people as soon as you arrive, Seoul got millions of them.



I love it here.

[IconsFanatic]

[the_beaver]

If you spend enough time in Korea you can land yourself a really frickin' sweet gig. I've never heard of a teaching job in any country which matches my conditions with my (lack of) qualifications.

It can be a land of opportunity.