Korean Job Discussion Forums

[shostahoosier]

Is there a GEPIK orientation for returning teachers?

I saw somewhere on here that they want GEPIK teachers to go to this once a year.

I went to the one last fall (September 2009).

I heard that there was one this spring, but my co-teacher couldnt sign me up...she claimed "it was full"

I know they're boring, but I like going to them to network.

[fugitive chicken]

They've been promising to do that since I got here 2 years ago...still hasn't happened yet...

[Chambertin]

^ That would sound about right.

My orientation has been sitting in the English room with my contract and a good book.

[sojusucks]

They're beyond "boring." There are many possible issues related to teaching in Korea and living in Korea that could be discussed and all are simply ignored. Instead, you will be treated like a newcomer to Korea and you will also have a GEPIK pep rally. Network all you want because, frankly, there's nothing else to do.

[shostahoosier]

I know they're boring...I've been to one so no warning needed.

I just want an excuse to socialize with more foreigners and maybe to replace some of the ones that left at the end of their contract last month.

[sojusucks]

These GEPIK seminars are actually getting worse.If you end up going to Anseong, the food will be bad, the dorms are a joke without AC, and you will be in the middle of nowhere. Even the GEPIK junior-level employees treat experienced teachers like dirt. Their attitudes are condescending, to say the least. It's a terrible situation but GEPIK has had plenty of time to put together better programs than this. At the end of every GEPIK orientation and training seminar GEPIK always asks for feedback and suggestions. Do they even read any of it? Obviously not since they have no idea how to put together a relevant and interesting session for foreign teachers.

The presentations are made by speakers who have never taught in public schools. The speaker who presented about co-teaching had never been a co-teacher and had never even worked with a co-teacher. The advice was "get along." It's like that.

The EPIK programs for experienced foreign teachers are much better with workshops that involve discussions of relevant issues with excellent speakers, including experienced public school teachers. Also, the EPIK programs involve sightseeing and traveling. It may be just a trip to a couple of museums and NANTA, but at least EPIK is trying to introduce foreign teachers to some of the better activities in Korea. GEPIK just leaves foreign teachers in dorms and expects no one to drink. "Stay here and talk among yourselves while we leave" is hardly a positive way for GEPIK officials to deal with foreign teachers at seminars.

[wylies99]

[shostahoosier]

I agree that there are shortcomings to orientation and that it could be more useful...but the root of my question was if anyone knew if there was an upcoming date for returning teachers.

[fugitive chicken]