Korean Job Discussion Forums

[mavsfan5]

Has anyone ever been to a graduation at an elementary school here? I think they are coming up soon and was thinking about going to see some of my hagwon students graduate. Just wanted to know what to expect.

[yeoja]

If you know a lot of the students, then expect to face lots of cautious families of your students thanking you for teaching their child(ren) and lots of kids running up to you for a picture.

If you don't, you'll stand in the corner somewhere and try hard to not be noticed by people yet everyone in the room'll take a look at your weigook-ness and either mutter or come up to you for a friendly, English chat.

Korean: Hello!
You: Hi there
Korean: (giggles and runs off)
(to mum) I talked to the foreigner!

Unless you're prepared to pay through your nose for over-priced flower bouquets for all your students, don't bother buying them at the front gate of the school. Just smile and say "congratulations" and ask them which middle school they're going to, and if they're excited about wearing uniforms or something like that. And, if you're lucky, a family might invite you over for their family's (or families') celebratory lunch.

Have fun and remember the V sign when you're taking pictures