Korean Job Discussion Forums

[br1027]

I just got accepted to SMOE! I do plan on accepting, but I was hoping to talk to someone over there now or someone who's taught in Seoul in the public school to just hear about their experience. Please PM me!

Thanks!

[mmstyle]

There are tons of SMOE teachers on here, and about 100 who got canned the day before they were to get on their scheduled flight over. I suggest you be more specific as to what it is that you are hoping to learn.

I'll start: "dis"orientation will take up your first week. If it is like it was when I went, it will suck, you will be treated like a child, the food will suck, the coffee will be dishwater. If you are lucky, you learn something useful, meet people who will become friends, and end up at a decent school with a decent apartment...or you might not. It's all luck of the draw. Good luck.

Be prepared to be very, very confused when you first get to your school if this is your first time in Korea. If not, you know what to expect. If you are confused, post here. Some people will give helpful advice, and others will simply say, "Welcome to Korea."

[winterfall]

Hate to tell you, its almost impossible to give a generalization. It depends on your school. If your their first FT and its a very low ranked school. Your first 6 months is gonna be hell. If they've had another FT before, and its an average school. It should only take you a couple months to adjust.

[Ramen]

You handsome? You've got it made.

You fat and/or ugly? a year of hell.

[hapigokelli]

[br1027]

Well, I'm not fat and don't think I'm ugly. I am korean-american and don't speak a word of korean other than "hello" and "thank you" so I'm not quite sure how they'll perceive me. I'd like to think they'd judge the teacher on personality and teaching ability and not simply by looks alone. Or is that wishful thinking?

[oldfatfarang]

[Caffeinated]

[The Gipkik]

They'll judge by your looks first and your personality later, but it's not so harsh. If you are at least cute or attractive you'll do okay. Bring a sense of humor, lots of patience, stand up for yourself, but be diplomatic. I have found a combination of kindness, but honesty to work for me here. Don't let anyone push you around. In most public schools, the principal is the landlord, the vice-principal is the manager, and your coteacher your partner/supervisor. At my school, my principal is nice, but completely irrelevant. She is a total boob. My coteachers are good people and work hard to make my life here pleasant. It is hard to generalize about each public school as it is a fiefdom in and of itself. Be flexible, a straight shooter, and don't be afraid to argue your point--nicely of course. As others have said, your apartment and school are a crap shot so good luck!

[drama_addict]

Don't hold your breath.

With SMOE, I wouldn't consider my position secure until you're signed in at orientation.

Last year, over a hundred new hires were called literally the day before they flew out that their jobs no longer existed.

With SMOE there's no way of knowing what your situation will be like as everyone's is different. You might get a fantastic school with great co workers, or a hell hole with nazis riding your backside everyday. You won't know until your first day of school.