Korean Job Discussion Forums

bundangbabo · Joined: 01 Jun 2008

I'm a nice guy - but over the past couple of weeks I have been in conflict with my staffroom but it seems to have died down.

Do you think I should buy them anything as a christmas gift? Like a big cake or something that they all can share? Like a peace offering?

What about the principal and the VP? Get the something or get them nothing? Will it be a loss of face for them if I buy them a few pairs of socks?

What are you lot doing? (PS)

BS.Dos. · Joined: 29 Mar 2007

Have a look in your local bakery and see if the sell these big jars of boiled sweets (candy). I had a jar which I use to hand out to some of my 3rd graders. The other day, all the teachers had a meeting in the library so I got the sweets out and put the jar in the middle of the table we were all sat at. They went down really well. Cost about 12,000 for a big jar. Think I've seen them in Tescos/Home+ as well.

cruisemonkey · Posted: Thu Dec 18, 2008 7:43 pm Post subject:

I limit my gift giving to my return from winter holidays in February, and then to the principal & v.p. This is a strategic ploy to garner favor and timed just before the two-week 'spring break' at the end of Feb. when both the above are considering whether or not to have their foreign, English (cruise)monkey come in everyday to do a camp or give him an additional two weeks off. Cool

bundangbabo · Joined: 01 Jun 2008

Cheers chaps - I have decided I'm getting my staffroom *beep* all. The VP and the principals crimbo present will be my presence teaching these kids into the new year and onto the end of my contract.

My co-teacher will get some nice chocolates and a card!

sojourner1 · Posted: Sat Dec 20, 2008 3:40 am Post subject:

Candy and fruit gifts go over very well in developing and maintaining relationships here. They also love bakery things too. (I hope Korea doesn't use shortening, but I know they probably fry and cook with the garbage oil as Korea seems to accept very low quality)
I feel guilty to feed that to anyone, especially kids, because I know it causes heart disease so I try to understand what doesn't have it.

I'm going to try oatmeal raisin cookies. (I have to bake since you can't buy and mine are better as they contain NO hydrogenated oil and have more cinnamon and raisins) I'm sure they've never had this and would enjoy it. And then I'll explain and show on the computer what it is and how I made it. After all, Korea didn't start liking Spam until the US army showed them what was an easy meat that is easily kept without refrigeration. Same for pizza and bakery goods. The Americans came and turned them on and now 55 years later, here we are at it again.

cruisemonkey · Posted: Sat Dec 20, 2008 4:02 am Post subject:

sojourner1 · Posted: Sat Dec 20, 2008 4:19 am Post subject:

cruisemonkey · Posted: Sat Dec 20, 2008 5:24 am Post subject:

Yes, let's move on...
How do you say SPAM in Chinese?

I still like the "easy meat"... reminds me of what's-her-name.
Nevermind. Wink