Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Nuggets]

Going into SMOE next month and wondering what are some experiences that other teachers have come across at a public school, apartment, etc.

[Rory_Calhoun27]

have you talked to your coteacher yet? do that if you can.


what I hoped to be a good year for me became anything but after a while. but I hope others can learn from my mistakes.... and I've had enough.

[Nuggets]

It's smoe, they won't let you know where you will work or live til AFTER orientation.

[MalFSU1]

I teach at two elementary schools for the EPIK program. Public school defnitely has some positives including normal 9-5 work hours, decent amount of vacation, the chance to make extra money teaching after schools(still within the 9-5 hours), and more job security. Your happiness all depends on your school(s) and co-teachers. My first school is so-so but I absolutely love my second school. No school is the same, so it's really just a luck of the draw.

If I could give you some advice it would be to not sweat the small stuff, pick any battles you may have VERY wisely(pretty much don't say anything unless it's a money or contractual issue), and lastly brush up on Korean manners and culture. Good luck and enjoy your time !

[hockeyguy109]

Hey OP,
It's SMOE. You won't know whether or not you are hired till about 2 hours before you plane leaves. So don't get too excited yet.

If everything falls through, let me know. I can get you a sweet little gig at a quaint Hagwon called Wonderland.

[lovebug]

nuggets,

everyone's SMOE experience depends on their school in general and most importantly, your coteachers and principals/vps.
if you have an issue, you're supposed to go through CT first, then VP, then P, then district supervisor, then SMOE head office. if you jump up to SMOE first, they'll just send you right back down the chain.
so many issues are more at your school's discretion.
often, if you're CTs are awful/mean/lazy, etc, you'll have a hard time enjoying yourself. they can also be amazing and helpful.

i'll add to the words of advice:
firstly, i can't emphasize MalFSU1's advice more. try to go with the flow on some of the smaller issues so you have (ideally) more wiggle room for bigger issues.
i would refrain from whipping out your contract whenever there's an problem. try to work it out before shoving in your school's face. use as a last resort. korean work culture does not stick to a contract as much as western work culture does.
saying that, when you think an issue is important and you think they're trying to take advantage of you somehow, do stick to your guns. keep in mind if you do extra work because you're a bit of a pushover, you're being unfair to the next person who'll take your job because now the school will have an unrealistic expectation of his/her responsibilities. this has happened to a few teachers i know.
work hard as a teacher and show how your genuinely care about your students and about teaching. become an asset to your school. create an environment where they want you to be happy because then their students are happy.
work really hard at building relationships with your coteachers. some are so bad, that it won't matter what you do, you'll never break through, but it is definitely worth trying. if they are responsive, they will do amazing things for you.
keep in mind that it's not common to be friends with coworkers who are of a different sex and age than you.
do research about korean culture and ask lots of questions. know what nunchi is. when you think you're at the brunt of it, say something to your coworker and explain how it upset/inconvenienced you.
when you get to orientation, try to meet people who are serious about being here and teaching (some will have taught in korea for some time but at hagwons). get good advice at orientation. stay in touch with the people who seem to be building good relationships at their schools. create a good support network with them so you have good people to go to when things come up.

a lot of people on dave's might tell you this is all a waste of time, and no matter how hard you work with your school, they'll end up screwing you anyway. i would advise you to make your best effort at first, and at least you know you tried ....

[nomad-ish]

[Nuggets]

Thanks for all the advice, especially lovebug. it almost seems like when I get there, I'll have to kiss ass to get my way around. I'm horrible at that. But, I hope this helps anyone going into the public school system.

Oh, and what does "OP" mean?

[nomad-ish]

OP means original poster, i believe.