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| CHINA OR S.KOREA? |
| China |
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| S. Korea |
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68% |
[ 31 ] |
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| Total Votes : 45 |
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aphannen
Joined: 12 Apr 2010
Location: Colorado
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 Posted: Fri Apr 30, 2010 9:08 pm Post subject: S. Korea or China??? |
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| Hello All! I certainly enjoy reading everyone's insight on other posts, but I suppose it is time to get in a few of my own words... I, (like many others here) am looking to make my first move into the ESL world. Like many others, I am seriously considering S. Korea (good spot to start, good $ and gain valuable experience for future travels) and looking at cities besides Seoul (Busan tops my list at the moment). Due to the current events between N. Korea and S. Korea, I'm starting to second guess my S. Korea decision. I've done little to No research about China but does any one have any insight on the pros and cons about teaching in Korea vs teaching in china? Does the current unrest in Korea worry any of you currently in the country? I may consider china out of neccessity but prefer Korea (non communist). If this is the wrong forum to post this question, please tell me and I'll take it else where. Thanks, and I gotta say, everyones advice is greatly appreciated...not only on my post but everyone else's as well. Thanks again! |
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Sadebugo1
Joined: 11 May 2003
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| Posted: Sat May 01, 2010 4:05 am Post subject: Re: S. Korea or China??? |
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| aphannen wrote: |
| Hello All! I certainly enjoy reading everyone's insight on other posts, but I suppose it is time to get in a few of my own words... I, (like many others here) am looking to make my first move into the ESL world. Like many others, I am seriously considering S. Korea (good spot to start, good $ and gain valuable experience for future travels) and looking at cities besides Seoul (Busan tops my list at the moment). Due to the current events between N. Korea and S. Korea, I'm starting to second guess my S. Korea decision. I've done little to No research about China but does any one have any insight on the pros and cons about teaching in Korea vs teaching in china? Does the current unrest in Korea worry any of you currently in the country? I may consider china out of neccessity but prefer Korea (non communist). If this is the wrong forum to post this question, please tell me and I'll take it else where. Thanks, and I gotta say, everyones advice is greatly appreciated...not only on my post but everyone else's as well. Thanks again! |
A lot of what you say is accurate. But, just looking at each country from an employment perspective, Korea offers the best opportunities initially with China offering the best longterm. I would also recommend China for the cultural experiences as Korea has little to no desirable culture.
Sadebugo
http://travldawrld.blogspot.com/ |
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fustiancorduroy
Joined: 12 Jan 2007
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| Posted: Sat May 01, 2010 4:35 am Post subject: |
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It would be easier for you to come to Korea. You would also make more money. And while both China and Korea are probably much different from wherever you are coming from, Korea would most likely be the easier country to transition into. It is clearer, more modern, and generally more developed.
China is not a bad choice. It is an interesting country, for sure, and learning Mandarin would not be a bad idea. But at the same time, Korea is not boring and has, I think, a fascinating and turbulent history. Plus, if you learn Korean, you will have a rarer skill than somebody who has learned Mandarin.
In short, I suggest coming to Korea and getting your feet wet and then deciding what you want to do from there.
Last edited by fustiancorduroy on Sat May 01, 2010 4:39 am; edited 1 time in total |
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fustiancorduroy
Joined: 12 Jan 2007
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| Posted: Sat May 01, 2010 4:38 am Post subject: Re: S. Korea or China??? |
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| Sadebugo1 wrote: |
| A lot of what you say is accurate. But, just looking at each country from an employment perspective, Korea offers the best opportunities initially with China offering the best longterm. I would also recommend China for the cultural experiences as Korea has little to no desirable culture. |
Sadebugo, you have traveled extensively and have undoubtedly seen much more of the world than I have. But I'm curious why you are always so negative about Korea. Why is that? I'm also wondering what you mean when you say Korea has little to no desirable culture. I've been to China a few times, have seen a bit of the country, and have learned a bit of the language. I like China, but I don't see how its culture is any more desirable than Korea's is. Care to explain your feelings? |
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Chaucer
Joined: 20 Oct 2009
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| Posted: Sat May 01, 2010 8:04 am Post subject: Re: S. Korea or China??? |
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| fustiancorduroy wrote: |
| Sadebugo1 wrote: |
| A lot of what you say is accurate. But, just looking at each country from an employment perspective, Korea offers the best opportunities initially with China offering the best longterm. I would also recommend China for the cultural experiences as Korea has little to no desirable culture. |
Sadebugo, you have traveled extensively and have undoubtedly seen much more of the world than I have. But I'm curious why you are always so negative about Korea. Why is that? I'm also wondering what you mean when you say Korea has little to no desirable culture. I've been to China a few times, have seen a bit of the country, and have learned a bit of the language. I like China, but I don't see how its culture is any more desirable than Korea's is. Care to explain your feelings? |
I'd be interested, as well. Middle Kingdom my ar*e. China is a vast and diverse "country"--similar to a kind of united Europe in a way--but under Han domination. What makes it better? Its repression--no Kim Jae Kyu for China? Its pollution, visible from the window of any domestic flight? Its people, teeming beyond even Korea's teeming-ness?
Korea is almost a boutique for English teachers. Western mod-cons possible. English speaking host country nationals abounding. Decent money. Affordable housing and living (the distinction from Japan, perhaps). Hell with China. I was in Beijing last July and it was 107 F, and the Yahoo weather forecast was "Smoke". What would Stan Lee say to that? |
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runthegauntlet
Joined: 02 Dec 2007
Location: the southlands.
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| Posted: Sat May 01, 2010 9:52 am Post subject: Re: S. Korea or China??? |
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| aphannen wrote: |
| Due to the current events between N. Korea and S. Korea, I'm starting to second guess my S. Korea decision. |
The current events? You mean the ones that have been going on for 60 or so years? Yeah, not really something to trouble yourself with. |
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runthegauntlet
Joined: 02 Dec 2007
Location: the southlands.
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| Posted: Sat May 01, 2010 9:53 am Post subject: Re: S. Korea or China??? |
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| fustiancorduroy wrote: |
| Sadebugo1 wrote: |
| A lot of what you say is accurate. But, just looking at each country from an employment perspective, Korea offers the best opportunities initially with China offering the best longterm. I would also recommend China for the cultural experiences as Korea has little to no desirable culture. |
Sadebugo, you have traveled extensively and have undoubtedly seen much more of the world than I have. But I'm curious why you are always so negative about Korea. Why is that? I'm also wondering what you mean when you say Korea has little to no desirable culture. I've been to China a few times, have seen a bit of the country, and have learned a bit of the language. I like China, but I don't see how its culture is any more desirable than Korea's is. Care to explain your feelings? |
He had a bad time so he's convinced himself that everyone else must have a bad time so he can blame the country and not himself. And then he'll validate it all with living and teaching in Afghanistan or whatever and not having any problems, blah, blah. Same ole stuff, like a broken record. |
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Sadebugo1
Joined: 11 May 2003
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| Posted: Sat May 01, 2010 9:58 am Post subject: Re: S. Korea or China??? |
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| fustiancorduroy wrote: |
| Sadebugo1 wrote: |
| A lot of what you say is accurate. But, just looking at each country from an employment perspective, Korea offers the best opportunities initially with China offering the best longterm. I would also recommend China for the cultural experiences as Korea has little to no desirable culture. |
Sadebugo, you have traveled extensively and have undoubtedly seen much more of the world than I have. But I'm curious why you are always so negative about Korea. Why is that? I'm also wondering what you mean when you say Korea has little to no desirable culture. I've been to China a few times, have seen a bit of the country, and have learned a bit of the language. I like China, but I don't see how its culture is any more desirable than Korea's is. Care to explain your feelings? |
Hey, fustiancorduroy:
I'm glad you didn't attack me as so many others have simply because we have different opinions of Korea. But, I have to ask you, are you serious in your question above? Are you really favorably comparing Korea to China? How do you define culture? In or near Bejing alone, you have the Great Wall and Forbidden City along with numerous other sites. They are phenomenal! In all of Korea, you only have Bul-Guk Sa in Kyongju and less impressive versions of this throughout the country. Yes, there are many other mundane things to see there but nothing that a tourist would buy a ticket for. What about the language? Well, you could learn Korean and would be a rare commodity but what could you use it for exactly outside of the country? China is the economic power in that area now and Mandarin is hot!!! What about the arts? I can't think of any Korean literature, etc. that is known outside of Asia. The food? Come on! Need I say more?
Why do I have such a distaste for Korea? It's a combination of factors. I guess the main thing is I had to endure the shameless racism and inequities in the workplace during the time I was there. That combined with being in a country devoid of any redeeming qualities took its toll. Oddly enough, I didn't have any negative feeling for Afghanistan during my time there in '08 even though rockets hit our base on average every other night. Go figure!
Now, may I ask you a question? Does it bother you that I am so negative about Korea? If so, why? I love the Republic of Georgia so much that I want to retire there in 12 years. Yet, when someone is hyper-critical of that country, I either don't post a comment or try to see their side of the experiences they had there. I can do this because I am so confident in my own positive feelings for the country. This is why I am skeptical of those who defend Korea so adamantly. I feel that they are trying to cope with their situation and my criticism forces them to question their own beliefs. This is why they lash out at me--I challenge the paradigm they created to survive. The ones who are truly happy there don't bother to debate me on what is ultimately an opinion and not something to be proven empirically.
Anyway, thanks for not lashing out.
Sadebugo
http://travldawrld.blogspot.com/ |
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Sadebugo1
Joined: 11 May 2003
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| Posted: Sat May 01, 2010 10:09 am Post subject: Re: S. Korea or China??? |
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| runthegauntlet wrote: |
| fustiancorduroy wrote: |
| Sadebugo1 wrote: |
| A lot of what you say is accurate. But, just looking at each country from an employment perspective, Korea offers the best opportunities initially with China offering the best longterm. I would also recommend China for the cultural experiences as Korea has little to no desirable culture. |
Sadebugo, you have traveled extensively and have undoubtedly seen much more of the world than I have. But I'm curious why you are always so negative about Korea. Why is that? I'm also wondering what you mean when you say Korea has little to no desirable culture. I've been to China a few times, have seen a bit of the country, and have learned a bit of the language. I like China, but I don't see how its culture is any more desirable than Korea's is. Care to explain your feelings? |
He had a bad time so he's convinced himself that everyone else must have a bad time so he can blame the country and not himself. And then he'll validate it all with living and teaching in Afghanistan or whatever and not having any problems, blah, blah. Same ole stuff, like a broken record. |
RTG,
I apologize if I have offended you. Yes, a "broken record" perhaps but still a valid argument nevertheless. And yes, I was a failure in Korea but have recovered so nicely. I have a secure retirement lined up and can still live the lifestyle of the traveling EFL instructor. Actually, I believe I have reached the pinnacle of our profession so you need not feel sorry for me as a result of my terrible failure in Korea:)
Oh, and for more insight, you should read my other post above.
Sadebugo
http://travldawrld.blogspot.com/ |
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aphannen
Joined: 12 Apr 2010
Location: Colorado
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| Posted: Sat May 01, 2010 10:10 am Post subject: |
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| I can definetely see both sides to this argument...it makes sense to me that China would more fulfilling from a cultural aspect. I think korea makes sense from the "1st ESL experience" stand point, I like that someone pointed out that the culture shock would be less substantial in Korea. It sounds to me like China is an excellent option once I get some personal experience... I'm not too keen on constant smog and pollution at all...I appreciate everyone's insight, keep it coming. Also, if anyone wants to promote their favorite places to live, be my guest!! Thanks again. |
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Sadebugo1
Joined: 11 May 2003
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| Posted: Sat May 01, 2010 10:17 am Post subject: |
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| aphannen wrote: |
| I can definetely see both sides to this argument...it makes sense to me that China would more fulfilling from a cultural aspect. I think korea makes sense from the "1st ESL experience" stand point, I like that someone pointed out that the culture shock would be less substantial in Korea. It sounds to me like China is an excellent option once I get some personal experience... I'm not too keen on constant smog and pollution at all...I appreciate everyone's insight, keep it coming. Also, if anyone wants to promote their favorite places to live, be my guest!! Thanks again. |
I didn't mention it because it wasn't part of your original post, but Japan is the best of all worlds in Asia! You can get a job there but have to look a little harder which some people are reluctant to do.
Gosh! I hope I'm not attacked for proffering such a positive opinion of Japan. And yes, it has culture to die for:)
Sadebugo
http://travldawrld.blogspot.com/ |
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aphannen
Joined: 12 Apr 2010
Location: Colorado
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| Posted: Sat May 01, 2010 10:25 am Post subject: |
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| Sade... Japan would be my absolute first choice if I had my way...what are the odds of getting a job there with no experience...by the way I went the cheap road of getting a 120 hr online TEFL certificate, which I understand is not very useful in many places UNTIL I get some teaching hours under my belt. Like I said, I would go to Japan in a heartbeat, but I've heard they aren't into the online certificates w/ no experience...thus I return to the Korea option. |
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runthegauntlet
Joined: 02 Dec 2007
Location: the southlands.
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| Posted: Sat May 01, 2010 10:27 am Post subject: Re: S. Korea or China??? |
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| Sadebugo1 wrote: |
| runthegauntlet wrote: |
| fustiancorduroy wrote: |
| Sadebugo1 wrote: |
| A lot of what you say is accurate. But, just looking at each country from an employment perspective, Korea offers the best opportunities initially with China offering the best longterm. I would also recommend China for the cultural experiences as Korea has little to no desirable culture. |
Sadebugo, you have traveled extensively and have undoubtedly seen much more of the world than I have. But I'm curious why you are always so negative about Korea. Why is that? I'm also wondering what you mean when you say Korea has little to no desirable culture. I've been to China a few times, have seen a bit of the country, and have learned a bit of the language. I like China, but I don't see how its culture is any more desirable than Korea's is. Care to explain your feelings? |
He had a bad time so he's convinced himself that everyone else must have a bad time so he can blame the country and not himself. And then he'll validate it all with living and teaching in Afghanistan or whatever and not having any problems, blah, blah. Same ole stuff, like a broken record. |
RTG,
I apologize if I have offended you. Yes, a "broken record" perhaps but still a valid argument nevertheless. And yes, I was a failure in Korea but have recovered so nicely. I have a secure retirement lined up and can still live the lifestyle of the traveling EFL instructor. Actually, I believe I have reached the pinnacle of our profession so you need not feel sorry for me as a result of my terrible failure in Korea:)
Oh, and for more insight, you should read my other post above.
Sadebugo
http://travldawrld.blogspot.com/ |
Yes, I know you're a teacher with the D.O.D. and have indeed eclipsed the vast majority of English teachers, but your constant negativity concerning Korea on both the Korean and international boards has become absurdly commonplace.
As I said, a broken record, as is the 'valid argument' argument. Someone having a negative opinion of something is one thing. Someone seemingly looking for every opportunity to broadcast said opinion (especially a negative one) seems to be nothing more than a promotion of an agenda. Especially when they're doing it on the Korea board! When you haven't lived or taught here since... what was it? 2002? There's obviously a bit of an agenda.... |
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runthegauntlet
Joined: 02 Dec 2007
Location: the southlands.
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| Posted: Sat May 01, 2010 10:28 am Post subject: |
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| aphannen wrote: |
| I can definetely see both sides to this argument...it makes sense to me that China would more fulfilling from a cultural aspect. I think korea makes sense from the "1st ESL experience" stand point, I like that someone pointed out that the culture shock would be less substantial in Korea. It sounds to me like China is an excellent option once I get some personal experience... I'm not too keen on constant smog and pollution at all...I appreciate everyone's insight, keep it coming. Also, if anyone wants to promote their favorite places to live, be my guest!! Thanks again. |
You'll have culture shock and smog and pollution in Korea as well, so I wouldn't let your decision hinge on that.... |
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runthegauntlet
Joined: 02 Dec 2007
Location: the southlands.
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| Posted: Sat May 01, 2010 10:32 am Post subject: Re: S. Korea or China??? |
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| Sadebugo1 wrote: |
This is why I am skeptical of those who defend Korea so adamantly. I feel that they are trying to cope with their situation and my criticism forces them to question their own beliefs.
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That is why I am skeptical of those who decry Korea so adamantly. I feel that they are trying to cope with their situation and my positivity forces them to question their own beliefs.
Hmm. Plus I actually live and work in Korea.... and you just hang out on the Korea boards years after the fact. Now that's a bit odd.... |
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