Korean Job Discussion Forums

[wylies99]

04-24-2009 15:28

Find More Positive Things
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/opinon/2009/04/137_43770.html



By Basil Keilani

Recently, I read an April 18-19 article by John Huer which carried the title, ``Are English Teachers Unhappy Here?" Frankly, the article omits too much.

He seems to feel that English teachers are misguided. That would be fine if there weren't people of other races and nationalities who have complained about abuse.

He seems to think it's justified to mistreat people from countries like the Philippines, because they are not from higher status countries. That's not the mentality of people in the United States, where Huer resides.

He states that it is quite common for employers to mistreat employees in the United States just as it is in Korea. That may or may not be true. It's speculation. That has not been my experience.

Furthermore, unlike in our home countries, our employers cannot avoid paying social security, and it's not common place for them to break our contracts. When foreigners often find their rights violated, it's simply going to displease them.

He made some comment about the teachers being of the backpacking variety. I speak three languages fluently, I hold a certificate in social studies and French, and I've taught in the United States.

I'm not a backpacker, nor are my friends in Korea. He's engaging in wild stereotypes. Even if I were a backpacker, it doesn't justify workplace exploitation, and it shouldn't matter even if I were from Mongolia. People need to be respected as people.

One of my friends from Australia worked in Korea. He was exploited more than once. Finally he moved to Japan. He is happy in Japan because he is not exploited and is treated well. Obviously, one's environment does affect how one relates to a place.

Huer is not a foreigner, and he apparently feels no empathy for foreigners, regardless of their race. I wonder how he would feel if he had banks stamping in his passport because he was a foreigner withdrawing money, though it's an illegal practice for banks to stamp passports?

How would he feel if he were denied a bank card or told a bank card would work in Thailand, and then not be able to get money? Would he be so happy and grateful, or upset? We deal with such things. It's also on top of that to have our contracts violated.

I, for one, like Korea. I like my students. I like my job. I also like bulgogi, kimchi and I try to learn the Korean language. I have been here for some years.

I think instead of simply blaming foreigners when a large percentage of them complain, how about making sure banks, immigration and employers treat us the way Huer is treated in the United States of America?

That's all we ask ― to be treated as we treat your compatriots who go to our country instead of bashing us and blaming us when we complain that we are not getting that treatment.

The embassies of the United States and Canada warn teachers about working here. Why is that? How about listening to some of the complaints? That said, I respect most Koreans and I am glad I came here.

I do believe it's possible that most teachers are happy, and you are more likely to hear from people who complain ― but how about improving things for foreigners so that people will say more positive things.

Korea does have great things about it, but how about encouraging us to say more positive things, not by denying the problems, but actually listening to us and making positive changes?

Basil Keilani has been an English instructor in Korea since April 2006. He was formerly an instructor in Dallas, Texas, and is certified in social studies and French. He can be reached at [email protected].

[wylies99]

It's good to see that someone answered Huer in a constructive way. Does anyone know this writer?

[Adventurer]

[The Bobster]

BRAVO!!! DAMN STRAIGHT.

[cdninkorea]

[bobbybigfoot]

Well said.

[stevieg4ever]

I read Huer's article on why Koreans find it hard to learn English. It was complete rubbish. This guy clearly doesnt know what he is talking about.

This article is excellent!

[stevieg4ever]

And is it me but does Huer look half Korean??? I wonder...

[CentralCali]

Saturday I read his "article" and really got the impression (as with his previous scribblings) that he's playing one huge joke on the KT. Anyone else think that's the case?

[red_devil]

[Adventurer]