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aske
Joined: 25 Aug 2010
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 Posted: Thu Sep 02, 2010 11:19 am Post subject: Opinions on Korea |
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I realize this is a vague topic, but I have a few questions regarding Korea. I'm welcoming all viewpoints, but I'd prefer details over disparagements.
- Is Korea heavily Westernized? By that I mean, is distinct Korean culture something that is widely evident, or is it reduced to more of a superficial status compared to Western influences?
- Is Korea an enjoyable place to be, or are many foreign language teachers here because of other reasons (social reasons, financial reasons, fleeing problems in their native country, etc.)?
- Is the teaching industry regarded highly as a professional institution here, or are teachers mainly unqualified puppets who are primarily interested in what they do outside the classroom rather than in it?
- How easy is it to make friends with people? Are foreigners always estranged from native Koreans, or is ethnic interaction common? |
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ginsenglove
Joined: 17 Aug 2010
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| Posted: Thu Sep 02, 2010 1:11 pm Post subject: Re: Opinions on Korea |
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| aske wrote: |
- Is Korea heavily Westernized? By that I mean, is distinct Korean culture something that is widely evident, or is it reduced to more of a superficial status compared to Western influences? |
Korea has opened up alot over the last 20 years, but remains uniquely Korean. There are western influences, but the Korean culture is still widely evident.
| Quote: |
| - Is Korea an enjoyable place to be, or are many foreign language teachers here because of other reasons (social reasons, financial reasons, fleeing problems in their native country, etc.)? |
Some people like Korea and some don't. Most foreign teachers are in Korea because they can't find a job at home or can't find a date at home either. Thus, the perception in Korea is that most foreign teachers are 'undesirables' or , or the 'rejects' of their respective countries.
| Quote: |
| - Is the teaching industry regarded highly as a professional institution here, or are teachers mainly unqualified puppets who are primarily interested in what they do outside the classroom rather than in it? |
The teaching industry is not highly regarded at all. 90% of the foreign teachers in korea are unqualified. As long as you have a pulse, you can teach english in korea. |
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aske
Joined: 25 Aug 2010
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| Posted: Thu Sep 02, 2010 2:03 pm Post subject: Re: Opinions on Korea |
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| ginsenglove wrote: |
| aske wrote: |
- Is Korea heavily Westernized? By that I mean, is distinct Korean culture something that is widely evident, or is it reduced to more of a superficial status compared to Western influences? |
Korea has opened up alot over the last 20 years, but remains uniquely Korean. There are western influences, but the Korean culture is still widely evident.
| Quote: |
| - Is Korea an enjoyable place to be, or are many foreign language teachers here because of other reasons (social reasons, financial reasons, fleeing problems in their native country, etc.)? |
Some people like Korea and some don't. Most foreign teachers are in Korea because they can't find a job at home or can't find a date at home either. Thus, the perception in Korea is that most foreign teachers are 'undesirables' or , or the 'rejects' of their respective countries.
| Quote: |
| - Is the teaching industry regarded highly as a professional institution here, or are teachers mainly unqualified puppets who are primarily interested in what they do outside the classroom rather than in it? |
The teaching industry is not highly regarded at all. 90% of the foreign teachers in korea are unqualified. As long as you have a pulse, you can teach english in korea. |
Thanks for your responses. So if I have no problem getting a date or a job here, I should probably not bother with Korea? Some people say they love teaching there so much, but I don't see the attraction. I thought maybe I was missing something.
I think the most important factor is professionalism. From what I've seen so far of this industry it's the exact opposite; as you said, people are considered to be rejects from their native countries and little more.
Have you met anyone involved in the industry that is a competent, respectable teacher? |
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Kurtz
Joined: 05 Jan 2007
Location: ples bilong me
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| Posted: Thu Sep 02, 2010 2:49 pm Post subject: |
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I think the questions you're asking have a very negative bias, and seem more out to mock people in the ESL industry than heartfelt questions about Korea and ESL teachers.
Your first response is from someone who joined this website very recently, which either suggests he/she is very new, or was banned from Dave's for some reason, or is someone who has another account and likes to use the safety of a second account to write cliched comments.
I think you should stay home, as your tone and attitude suggests one of superiority and narrow mindedness that the fact that a few scrawled lines by someone on an internet forum could sway your opinion, I think that speaks volumes of your general low mentality too. |
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aske
Joined: 25 Aug 2010
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| Posted: Thu Sep 02, 2010 3:26 pm Post subject: |
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| Kurtz wrote: |
I think the questions you're asking have a very negative bias, and seem more out to mock people in the ESL industry than heartfelt questions about Korea and ESL teachers.
Your first response is from someone who joined this website very recently, which either suggests he/she is very new, or was banned from Dave's for some reason, or is someone who has another account and likes to use the safety of a second account to write cliched comments.
I think you should stay home, as your tone and attitude suggests one of superiority and narrow mindedness that the fact that a few scrawled lines by someone on an internet forum could sway your opinion, I think that speaks volumes of your general low mentality too. |
I asked them honestly. I only am exposed to negative comments here, and from what I've observed so far about the industry is that it does seem to attract people who aren't qualified. That is not an uncommon estimation, either.
I am sincerely asking for input. If you disagree with other posters, then by all means please explain. Like I said in the initial post, I prefer details over disparagements. |
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Hugo85
Joined: 27 Aug 2010
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| Posted: Thu Sep 02, 2010 3:51 pm Post subject: Re: Opinions on Korea |
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| aske wrote: |
Thanks for your responses. So if I have no problem getting a date or a job here, I should probably not bother with Korea? Some people say they love teaching there so much, but I don't see the attraction. I thought maybe I was missing something.
I think the most important factor is professionalism. From what I've seen so far of this industry it's the exact opposite; as you said, people are considered to be rejects from their native countries and little more.
Have you met anyone involved in the industry that is a competent, respectable teacher? |
The Korean government sets the requirement to determine who is qualified to teach ESL in Korea and who isn't. Some may simply meet these requirements while some may exceed them by far, but all do meet them.
Do all spanish teachers in the USA have masters in education? No, probably not. I doubt many countries solely have foreign language educators who have the diplomas you seem to consider worthy of consideration.
If you are happy where you are and don't see the appeal, don't move.
PS: Your last sentence is just trolling innit? |
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mr. simmons
Joined: 31 Aug 2010
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| Posted: Thu Sep 02, 2010 3:53 pm Post subject: |
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Korea is very cool.
I dig the place. |
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Kurtz
Joined: 05 Jan 2007
Location: ples bilong me
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| Posted: Thu Sep 02, 2010 4:02 pm Post subject: |
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Firstly, don't take Dave's too seriously. Many people such as myself drift along to kill a little time, keep abreast of visa changes, and perhaps find somewhere nice to eat and drink.
Everyone on an E-2 is "qualified" in the sense that we meet the general criteria of an English teacher, even though many, or I daresay most don't have an actual teaching certificate. Many perhaps have some kind of TESOL certificate though.
ESL teachers get put in the "loser" category by many. I read the same old BS, can't get a job in their own country, can't find a boyfriend/girlfriend and those characters do exist, but one shouldn't paint the entire ESL community in that way, there are some very smart, funny people here that came to Korea for some kind of adventure.
You have to ask yourself how many people are working in their home countries in say a bookshop who have an Eng Lit degree, or working in a health shop that have some kind of herbal medicine degree. The fact is many uni degrees can't be used in the real world. Just because some people prefer to use their degree to teach English doesn't mean they are a loser, or are fleeing or the other reasons you provided.
I will say I think many ESL teachers are very lazy, myself included, and it's damn easy to fall into the trap of the easy life Korea provides. It takes a strong will to get out of the ESL bubble here. I'll stick it out a while longer for the money, but plans for escape have been made.
In terms of living, everyone has their own opinions. I think the quality of life is very low due to high populaton density, but there are factors which make it decent living too. |
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oldfatfarang
Joined: 19 May 2005
Location: On the road to somewhere.
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| Posted: Thu Sep 02, 2010 4:03 pm Post subject: |
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The whole post is a troll.
Fail. |
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jvalmer
Joined: 06 Jun 2003
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| Posted: Thu Sep 02, 2010 4:11 pm Post subject: |
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| Korea is terrible, don't come. |
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brento1138
Joined: 17 Nov 2004
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| Posted: Thu Sep 02, 2010 4:11 pm Post subject: Re: Opinions on Korea |
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| aske wrote: |
I realize this is a vague topic, but I have a few questions regarding Korea. I'm welcoming all viewpoints, but I'd prefer details over disparagements.
- Is Korea heavily Westernized? By that I mean, is distinct Korean culture something that is widely evident, or is it reduced to more of a superficial status compared to Western influences?
- Is Korea an enjoyable place to be, or are many foreign language teachers here because of other reasons (social reasons, financial reasons, fleeing problems in their native country, etc.)?
- Is the teaching industry regarded highly as a professional institution here, or are teachers mainly unqualified puppets who are primarily interested in what they do outside the classroom rather than in it?
- How easy is it to make friends with people? Are foreigners always estranged from native Koreans, or is ethnic interaction common? |
1) Hard question to answer... I find that Korea is just westernized enough so that you don't suffer too much from culture-shock when you first arrive. Lots of people speak English. The culture isn't that hard to grasp, really. I mean, people are civil and it's not to hard to figure things out. The people who have intense problems with Korean culture probably find problems wherever in the world they end up... Anyways, I find Korea is a nice balance of westernization plus true traditional culture. But I find that the longer you're here, the more you'll realize the culture doesn't exist in buildings, food, etc... but in the people and their customs, or as they call it, "thinking pattern"
2)Yes, it's enjoyable, but lots of it depends on your everyday life. Think of how you will spend most of your time: at your job. Like, getting your job figured out is so important. If you get stuck with a crappy job, like at a hakwon where the owner doesn't care about his school and only cares about the money, and all of his co-workers hate it there... the negativity will be rampant and it will affect you.
This said, I believe it's a small percentage of people who end up in that situation, yet the number seems inflated, since the internet brings all of those people together in a tiny corner and it seems like Korea is crowded with thee situations. If you're applying to a hakwon, research it like mad. If it's a public school, talk to the teacher who you're replacing. Every single time I've gotten a job, I've interviewed teachers from that school and heard happy stories. I therefore ended up having a great time with every position.
The truth is that Korea is very enjoyable, and people here are having a damn good time, extending their contracts, staying here 5 years instead of the 1 year they had originally planned. It's not because they are losers or in debt. I'm very well off financially now, and choose to came back here "just one last time" as I looked back the last time I left. I can get a job or get educated back home no problem. So why am I here? It's simple. Personally, this has been the BEST time of my life! I say that easily... even better than my time in Europe. Better than back "home" because I feel I learn new things every day here, and work a great job, with a comfortable life, in a cool city, with great friends and co-workers. Life is good here! And after 5 years or so of living in Korea, I'm not bored with it at all. I've been here 3 times in total, this is the third, the end of the trilogy. It's sad that I one day have to end my stint in Korea, but I think it's for the best. I do not see myself here forever, and my life dream isn't to live in Korea forever. But damn, I'll always look back at this time when I'm older and easily say: that was the best time of my life. No question about it.
3) Being a "puppet" teacher is really all up to you. If you view the job seriously, you can be very respected by your students (ie. they will bow to you, and greet you every time they pass you)... Most of my friends seem to take their job seriously, and sometimes during a beer on a Friday night we end up talking about teaching... Not everyone is a pro teacher, of course, some people come here for a fun year, and I see no problem with that. Sometimes the school doesn't regard you as seriously, which I believe to be the bigger problem (maybe they had a foreign teacher before you who was a clown, who knows)... The trick is to find a school that takes you seriously, so you can be a seriously good teacher.
4) I've made a whole lot of Korean friends. It's different, I admit, than my western friends. After years here, I don't know how to exactly describe the difference... I'll just say Koreans are quite warm once you get to know them, and once you're in the circle of friends, you're in. Anyways, it is super easy to make friends here, easier than back home. Perhaps in some cases, maybe Koreans will start a friendship with you due to your "exoticness" (yes, as laughable as it seems, I believe it has a bit of truth to it) or maybe they want to practice their English... who knows. But it's true that Koreans in general seem to be very interested specifically in having a "foreign" friend or friends to show off. And making friends with fellow expats is the easiest thing in the world, since you have so much in common to talk with them.
Anyways, Korea = good times. Come over, and enjoy. |
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aske
Joined: 25 Aug 2010
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| Posted: Thu Sep 02, 2010 4:23 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks brento, that was very helpful. What's your opinion on Korean cities? Most notably, is it easy to get around? Is the population density you mentioned solely a problem, or is it nice to see people more often? Is it possible to walk down the street to buy food or get something to drink like in Manhattan, or do people usually need some other mode of transportation like in midwestern cities? Are strangers friendly to each other (greet each other on the street, etc.) or do they mostly try to maneuver through the crowds?
Anyone else who has opinions is free to answer as well. I appreciate any details people can provide. |
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Oliver
Joined: 19 Apr 2008
Location: Seoul, Korea
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| Posted: Thu Sep 02, 2010 4:26 pm Post subject: Re: Opinions on Korea |
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| aske wrote: |
| - Is Korea heavily Westernized? By that I mean, is distinct Korean culture something that is widely evident, or is it reduced to more of a superficial status compared to Western influences? |
Of course Korean culture is something that is widely evident. You don't step off the plane and see NYC, right? The first thing that hits you is the language. It is, well, different. Soon after arriving here you learn that culturally Korea is worlds apart from the West. Learning and respecting that culture is important if you are to survive here. Western culture is a drop in the ocean here. A few McDonalds isn't going to change that.
| aske wrote: |
| - Is Korea an enjoyable place to be, or are many foreign language teachers here because of other reasons (social reasons, financial reasons, fleeing problems in their native country, etc.) |
I can't speak for the rest. However, financial reasons were not my main motivation for coming here. Korean culture is unique and enjoyable. The food, kindess of the people and opportunities to enjoy a decent standard of living are some of the reasons that I came back.
| aske wrote: |
| - Is the teaching industry regarded highly as a professional institution here, or are teachers mainly unqualified puppets who are primarily interested in what they do outside the classroom rather than in it? |
From what I can gather Korean teachers are respected a lot. The English teaching profession may not be viewed as highly. Regardless of public thought about English teachers it is important we respect our workplace. If you work in a public school, for example, you should act in a way expected of public school teachers. Common sense really.
| aske wrote: |
| - How easy is it to make friends with people? Are foreigners always estranged from native Koreans, or is ethnic interaction common? |
I don't know what 'estranged from native koreans' or 'ethnic interaction' means. However, I can say that from experience making friends anywhere takes a bit of effort. Take the plunge. Don't just sit back and wait for people to find you. You've got an interesting personality then let people see it. Meeting new people takes confidence. Don't be afraid to strike up a conversation. That may mean that you need to learn a little Korean. Don't be alarmed. You are in Korea. Not The UK, America, Canada, South Africa, Australia, Ireland or New Zealand. Learn the lingo, do the dance. |
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Hotwire
Joined: 29 Aug 2010
Location: Multiverse
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| Posted: Thu Sep 02, 2010 4:46 pm Post subject: Re: Opinions on Korea |
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| aske wrote: |
I realize this is a vague topic, but I have a few questions regarding Korea. I'm welcoming all viewpoints, but I'd prefer details over disparagements.
- Is Korea heavily Westernized? By that I mean, is distinct Korean culture something that is widely evident, or is it reduced to more of a superficial status compared to Western influences?
- Is Korea an enjoyable place to be, or are many foreign language teachers here because of other reasons (social reasons, financial reasons, fleeing problems in their native country, etc.)?
- Is the teaching industry regarded highly as a professional institution here, or are teachers mainly unqualified puppets who are primarily interested in what they do outside the classroom rather than in it?
- How easy is it to make friends with people? Are foreigners always estranged from native Koreans, or is ethnic interaction common? |
1. Westernized on the outside, not on the inside.
2. Depends on you. People are here for a variety f reasons lol, not all are the same.
3. On the outside they will say you are highly respected as you are a teacher. You will realise after about 6 months that you are merely a hologram to them with a 'Speak English' programme built in..
4. You can make friends easily enough but beware of being used for free English lessons. I find no matter how hard I try with K friends it always boil down too them using me to compare all Korean things = great to Western things = bad.
Gets old after a very short while and I no longer bother. |
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brento1138
Joined: 17 Nov 2004
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| Posted: Thu Sep 02, 2010 6:28 pm Post subject: |
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| aske wrote: |
Thanks brento, that was very helpful. What's your opinion on Korean cities? Most notably, is it easy to get around? Is the population density you mentioned solely a problem, or is it nice to see people more often? Is it possible to walk down the street to buy food or get something to drink like in Manhattan, or do people usually need some other mode of transportation like in midwestern cities? Are strangers friendly to each other (greet each other on the street, etc.) or do they mostly try to maneuver through the crowds?
Anyone else who has opinions is free to answer as well. I appreciate any details people can provide. |
Very easy to get around. Most convenient country in the world, by far. Cheap, fast, lots of buses, subway, transport, cheap taxis. And you can walk outside your home and be in a 5 minute walking radius of hundreds of restaurants and shops. It's packed in. Lots of people, so they usually rush past you... But when you stop to greet someone, they're often very kind and helpful. It's the friendliest BIG city I've ever been in, for sure...
Not to mention you can leave your wallet on a table, go away for 5 minutes, and it will still be there, or returned to the staff at the shop...  |
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