Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Provence]

There was recently a drug bust in my city where 7 FT's were arrested. Anyway, to make a long story short my director and office manager called us in to an emergency meeting today. The entire meeting was questioning about how often we go out, what do we do when we go out, and did we know any of the FT's that were caught.

I am a little offended for obvious reasons. My question to all of you is would you put up with this blatant ignorance that all westerns must be involved if a few westerners are caught doing something stupid? Furthermore, how long should I expect this to last? Will this all blow over or will it get worse?

[Jane]

[Underwaterbob]

Where are you? In Seoul 7 foreigners is a drop in the hat, in my neck of the woods it's about 15% of the local foreigner population.

I'd be offended if I were in Seoul, here I'd pretty much expect something to happen.

Be thankful it was your hagwon and not the cops. As for whether you should put up with it or not, what exactly would not putting up with it entail?

[Provence]

[Provence]

[Robot_Teacher]

Is that the case where someone had a closet full of ganja growing recently? All they got to do is a drug test and say no more. Like in Thailand, Korean police can do UA's without warrant. Rather than questioning and probing to detect if you get high, just drop a UA and be professionally discreet about it. That's how I think it should had transpired if they're concerned about illegal drug use in your school. Sounds like a power trip thing.

Instead, you're getting unnecessary pestering for someone elses mistakes. Yea, I guess I'd feel a bit offended too.

[Goku]

Yes and No.

As a foreign teacher, if they approached me asking me if I was doing drugs, I wouldn't be offended. It is biased and uncalled for, yet at the same time I understand what they are thinking because this isn't the first time this has happened. And it's being repeated again and again... by foreign teachers. The percentage of Korean teachers that have drugs compared to percentage of foreign teachers that have drugs are probably staggering. I already have met 4 foreigners that have been busted on drugs. That's amazing. Does anyone know of any Korean teachers that have been busted on drugs? Gyopos not included.

Personally, however, I'd be offended that they'd approach me, based on my character. I am professional down to the milimeter and for them to ask me this kind of question I'd be like... do you know me at all? As soon as they'd approach me with this question I'd give them blank stares and then extend my hand and say... "Hi my name is Mike, I don't think we've met..."

If I had dreadlocks, did things in a lazy way, was constantly leaving school to get snacks, then the question would be warranted. But no, not for someone who wears a suit and tie and acts like a drill sargeant of a platoon at school.

[Straphanger]

Remember where you are, everybody. Being at the same party where another foreigner was busted for drugs makes you a suspect. Don't think they're not watching.

[Jane]

[xCustomx]

The VP at my school called 4 other Korean co-teachers at their homes last Monday to ask about my demeanor in class. He wanted to know if I swear or hit the students because there was a NT at a school in the province that had been swearing at his students. Naturally, he thought that I must also do that.

[Pwillig]

[toonchoon]

i'd ask them the same question. do you do drugs? do you know anybody that does drugs?

then i'd tell them what i think about all the pills a doctor prescribes for something as simple as a sore throat. and tell him that those are the REAL drugs, making people sleepy, drowsy, and otherwise feel great. make a point of saying just cos they're legal doesn't mean they're good.

basically, i'd turn it around on Korea.

[ChinaBoy]

[moosehead]

[caniff]