Korean Job Discussion Forums

[littlelisa]

Is it usual to give your coteacher a gift for Teacher's Day? I have a great co-teacher, so I don't want to neglect to give a small gift if one is expected/appropriate. I might bake something, so I thought asking ahead of time would be a good idea.

[I'm no Picasso]

I think it's a great idea. I've found Korean culture to be a very gift-giving culture, so I don't think it would be thought at all inappropriate. My co-teacher recently took me to the bank to sort out an issue with a bill that can only be paid during working week hours, and even though there was no solution, I remembered that she mentioned hating instant coffee. So I brought her a little French press and package of real coffee as a thank you. She was unbelievably touched.

Our co-teachers don't get much thanks, from what I understand, for any little extra things they do for us, and all of the time we take of theirs, which I think far surpasses what we realize, in terms of paperwork especially. We're not as responsible for that as the school and the system are, but I still feel like it's a cool thing to do to show our gratitude every once in a while. Especially if you're lucky enough to have a good one.

And who knows? If more foreign teachers start being nicer to their co-teachers, maybe we won't be as likely to be seen as a burden in the future, and will start getting better treatment on the whole....

[Ya-ta Boy]

If you're into baking, bake something for the whole group, not just your teacher. The idea is for students to show appreciation to their teacher, but your gesture would be a prize winner.

[Shan84]

I'm so clueless. When is teacher's day?

[bogey666]

I'm not into "days" and other such commercial crap.

that said.. I knew I'd have 3 coteachers coming in so flying in I bought them all baseball caps with Chicago written on it.. pink for the women, they loved them, Koreans love such things.

during the year, every several weeks I go out and buy chocolates or tchou at Paris Baguette and walk around the teacher's room and give them out to all the women teachers (which are all young except dept head). They love that.

I know my coordinator'handler this year is also fond of chocolate (almost a guaranteed hit with any woman, maybe even more so a Korean woman) so I buy her chocolate from time to time, and when I want to express my appreciation for something.

re"teacher's day", I'll get them something the day they get ME something (I'm always treated to sweets and cakes, etc that teachers usually make for the entire office)

[T-J]

[fromtheuk]

I'll leave my current school on May 13th. My co-teacher has been fairly good to me. She is around 40, and married with a kid.

What should I buy her? Any good suggestions will be appreciated.

[loggerhead007]

Always a good idea. Praise and ass kissing doesn't hurt either. Swallow your pride and you'll enjoy the ride. If you're confrontational you won't.

[sinsanri]

double post--computer problem or malfunction at daves.

[sinsanri]

[fromtheuk]

Your post doesn't make any sense either!

Sorry to disappoint you, but I will start work at another school, right after this contract ends.

So, what should I buy my fairly nice co-teacher as a leaving present?

Any good suggestions are appreciated.

[harlowethrombey]

Choco pies for everyone in the office/school, personal gifts for each of your coteachers. A nice new tie and small card for the Principal and VP.

Total cost: maybe 50,000 KRW

Engendering good will the next time you want a vacation day or to avoid deskwarming: priceless.

[fromtheuk]

I can't stand my colleagues, I'm glad I'm leaving.

I am only going to buy something for my co-teacher. On the last day, I will organize a brief meeting with the P, VP, and head teacher, and give a short, diplomatic, thank you and goodbye. Actually, I'll probably only organize a meeting with the P.

The VP called my new school recently and lied to them, saying I didn't notify my school of my absence during 2 sick days.

I did notify the school by phone and they were the first sick days taken in 2 years, and I was genuinely unwell.

I am clueless about this, I don't want to get something cheap for my co-teacher. I'd like her to be impressed. Where do you get the choco pies from?

[cruisemonkey]

OP,

You have it all backwards - you don't give gifts on teachers' day... you receive them.

[sinsanri]