Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Gaber]

If you're worried about meeting people, SMOE is one of the best options. Just make sure you make orientation. You be locked in a mountian retreat for a week with 100+ other new or returning teachers, it's practically impossible not to make a few lasting friends. Being the only waekuk at your school is sometimes a bit lonely, but you get a lot of computer time, so most people spend there time chatting or facebooking.

[harlowethrombey]

THe problem is you're assuming any place on Earth wouldnt be nicer than Michigan. . .

[Ukon]

[KYC]

I had no idea so many people on here are from Michigan! I'm also a Michigander and have been in Korea for almost 2 years. I'm heading home in August. I know the economy back home is horrible right now, but I really need to go home and get a lot of things done. Korea is just a long vacation for me. I feel like I need to go and rejoin the real world.

I'd definitely recommend Korea. There are pros and cons to every situation and Korea definitely has its cons. I've had my fair gripes about working and living in Korea, but I'd choose it over Michigan any given day. I wouldn't go back unless I really had to.

It's also a million times safer in Korea. In Michigan, I wouldn't dare to walk home past midnight.

[tinamarie04]

Thanks for all the advice! KYC� I know what you mean! I don�t go outside past 10 by myself and I�m looking forward to being able to be outside at night haha I guess that�s a sad thing to look forward to but if you�re from the Detroit area you know what I�m talking about.

Ein07912v�. I�m a 22 year old female so I�m not too excited about the ladies, but yes they are very pretty =)

Well your post have made me feel slightly better about moving, I think I just need to take a deep breath, get on the plane and tell myself it will be a great experience!

[Pwillig]

Well, just be sure your school will supply you with basic close-combat weaponry to defend yourself against the looming North Korean invasion.

I recommend an AA12.

[thomas pars]

go for it. it sounds scary but it aint such a big deal really. There are many foreigners here. lots including myself from michigan. Trust us. You'll be so glad you did.

[jkelly80]

Be social at your orientation. You'll make lasting friends. I made of ton of friends at my SMOE orientation--except for this one Kiwi guy who had lived in China. He had a lazy eye and would constantly tell me about his athlete's foot flare ups.

[Sergio Stefanuto]

[Sergio Stefanuto]

[little mixed girl]

wtf?
what's with all of the michigan hate?
i'm from michigan and i love it.
sure the economy sucks, but the people are nice the winters are great (i don't get people that don't like winter!) and it's home to the U of M!

OP, korea will probably be fine.

i'm not working there, i'm working across the sea.
but i've been there a number of times on study abroad and later as a break from japan.

my suggestion is to NOT work in hagwons, unless they are some of the bigger chains (cdi, pagoda).

if you are going to be the only foreign teacher, and that worries you, you need to ask yourself HOW worried you are going to be.
the people around you probably are not going to be seriously studying english, so it'd be up to you to study korean.
sogang offers a free online study course.

things are going to be different, and doing everything is going to take time and effort.
if you keep that in mind, you should be ok.

be open to hanging with the teachers if they invite you out.
they'll probably be older, but give it a try.

taking some breaths and thinking/looking at your situation from various stand points can help a lot.
but knowing that you will face cultural problems is a good first step.

i'd say go for it for a year and see how you feel.

i felt that my second year abroad was my most trying, the first year was getting used to things.
and of course, have ppl from home send you vernors, red pop and other goodies. don't be afraid to ask!

[weebil]

didnt know there were so many michigan refugees. we should form a league and fight crime or something. or just have meetups on the weekend.

[OnTheOtherSide]

[redaxe]

Stay in the US and try a little harder to find a job before moving to Korea as an economic refugee. Teaching English in Korea SUCKS. There ARE jobs out there, and you can find one. You just have to want it more than the next guy.

[Ukon]

Living in Korea rocks....don't believe the haters

Granted, if you end up at a bad school, things will suck quite a bit.....

I love my school and super high pay, low hours, etc....

Others are working in hell and mention frustrations of daily life in korea...

What frustration? Not at my job....