| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
Sprite06
Joined: 20 Sep 2010
|
 Posted: Wed Jan 19, 2011 9:22 am Post subject: "Rare" gifts to give P, VP, CT at public school? |
 |
|
I'm an American male, planning to teach in Daegu through EPIK this coming Spring.
I've read a couple threads about bringing gifts, and decided that I want to do that.
Some people have suggested nice liquors. Is this a risky thing to bring given I don't know anything about the principal, vice, or co-teach? Or is alcohol always a good gift in Korea?
What kinds of things are super expensive or rare to find in Korea that would make good gifts in 2011?
Thanks for your help! |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
emmajuno
Joined: 11 Sep 2010
|
| Posted: Wed Jan 19, 2011 10:01 am Post subject: Re: "Rare" gifts to give P, VP, CT at public schoo |
|
|
| Sprite06 wrote: |
I'm an American male, planning to teach in Daegu through EPIK this coming Spring.
I've read a couple threads about bringing gifts, and decided that I want to do that.
Some people have suggested nice liquors. Is this a risky thing to bring given I don't know anything about the principal, vice, or co-teach? Or is alcohol always a good gift in Korea?
What kinds of things are super expensive or rare to find in Korea that would make good gifts in 2011?
Thanks for your help! |
If they're strong Christians they might not drink. I brought some English tea with me. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
fred zepplin
Joined: 21 Sep 2010
|
| Posted: Wed Jan 19, 2011 10:25 am Post subject: |
|
|
Hey Sprite, may I ask you whether you have been accepted by the Deagu education board? Its just I'm currently waiting on their decision but it seems a bit late, if you have already got a decision it looks extra bleak.
Cheers |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Sprite06
Joined: 20 Sep 2010
|
| Posted: Wed Jan 19, 2011 10:42 am Post subject: |
|
|
| fred zepplin wrote: |
Hey Sprite, may I ask you whether you have been accepted by the Deagu education board? Its just I'm currently waiting on their decision but it seems a bit late, if you have already got a decision it looks extra bleak.
Cheers |
Did you apply through a recruiter or EPIK?
I was accepted by the board.
My contract / Notice of Appointment is on its way now. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
fred zepplin
Joined: 21 Sep 2010
|
| Posted: Wed Jan 19, 2011 10:45 am Post subject: |
|
|
| I applied through Korvia. You? |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Sprite06
Joined: 20 Sep 2010
|
| Posted: Wed Jan 19, 2011 1:15 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| fred zepplin wrote: |
| I applied through Korvia. You? |
I applied directly. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
sojusucks
Joined: 31 May 2008
|
| Posted: Wed Jan 19, 2011 1:54 pm Post subject: Re: "Rare" gifts to give P, VP, CT at public schoo |
|
|
| Sprite06 wrote: |
I'm an American male, planning to teach in Daegu through EPIK this coming Spring.
I've read a couple threads about bringing gifts, and decided that I want to do that.
Some people have suggested nice liquors. Is this a risky thing to bring given I don't know anything about the principal, vice, or co-teach? Or is alcohol always a good gift in Korea?
What kinds of things are super expensive or rare to find in Korea that would make good gifts in 2011?
Thanks for your help! |
Until you get to know them it's hard to pick something "perfect", and you shouldn't spend too much money unless you are certain they will like what you buy. My advice? A nice Starbucks mug is always a popular gift and you don't have to "break the bank" to get them. But it's up to you and how much you want to spend. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
tealeeds1
Joined: 08 Jan 2011
|
| Posted: Wed Jan 19, 2011 4:26 pm Post subject: |
|
|
dos everyone bring gifts when they start?
i didnt... will this reflect poorly on me? they havent done owt about my water..!
maybe ill buy some when my first paycheck comes through...
on the gift note, ive noticed alot of gift boxesets on sale... nice boxes of whisky, some of posh oils, even one of posh beef and another of mushrooms... one that stood out in particular though was the Spam giftbox..!!
who the hell gives the present of Spam??! surely spams one of the worst meat inventions ever lol, no matter how fancy a box you put it in |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
sojusucks
Joined: 31 May 2008
|
| Posted: Wed Jan 19, 2011 4:29 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| tealeeds1 wrote: |
dos everyone bring gifts when they start?
i didnt... will this reflect poorly on me? they havent done owt about my water..!
maybe ill buy some when my first paycheck comes through...
on the gift note, ive noticed alot of gift boxesets on sale... nice boxes of whisky, some of posh oils, even one of posh beef and another of mushrooms... one that stood out in particular was the Spam giftbox..!!
who the hell gives the present of Spam??! surely spams one of the worst meat inventions ever lol |
I did at one school and I didn't at another. It's not an obligation but some want to do it. At a good school it will help you make a positive first impression and at a bad school it won't make any difference.
BTW, those gift boxes are on sale right now for the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday. Koreans love Spam, especially older Koreans. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
olsanairbase
Joined: 30 Aug 2010
|
| Posted: Wed Jan 19, 2011 6:30 pm Post subject: Re: "Rare" gifts to give P, VP, CT at public schoo |
|
|
| Sprite06 wrote: |
I'm an American male, planning to teach in Daegu through EPIK this coming Spring.
I've read a couple threads about bringing gifts, and decided that I want to do that.
Some people have suggested nice liquors. Is this a risky thing to bring given I don't know anything about the principal, vice, or co-teach? Or is alcohol always a good gift in Korea?
What kinds of things are super expensive or rare to find in Korea that would make good gifts in 2011?
Thanks for your help! |
Eons ago I gave a shot glass to my Principal from a Hard Rock Cafe. He made use of that later that evening and was very pleased with its ability to hold his whisky, which is more than I can say for his own ability to do the same. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Boating3
Joined: 05 Dec 2010
|
| Posted: Wed Jan 19, 2011 11:50 pm Post subject: |
|
|
It's so hard to think of gifts.....especially when you don't even know male or female!!!
Koreans love food and love to share it. They often bring random snacks to share among everyone. That being said.....consider bringing some western snack food, like unique candy, or think about making brownies or cookies---western style!
For non-food, I don't know! Others please help!! So hard when you don't know the teachers yet! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Caffeinated
Joined: 11 Feb 2010
|
| Posted: Thu Jan 20, 2011 12:49 am Post subject: |
|
|
If organization and planning skills could be given, I'd advise you to pack your luggage with nothing but.
Something edible and individually wrapped. Nothing too weird like licorice  |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Skipperoo
Joined: 05 Jul 2010
|
| Posted: Thu Jan 20, 2011 4:57 am Post subject: |
|
|
| How many people should one consider in terms of gifts? I was going to just bring a bottle of whisky for my boss, but I don't want to offend my other colleagues an superiors. What's the common practice? |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
RMNC
Joined: 21 Jul 2010
|
| Posted: Thu Jan 20, 2011 5:15 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Just don't bring any gifts at all so you don't have to worry about who and what. You're there to get paid, not give them presents out of your own pocketbook. Hell, YOU are the present if you do a decent job and show up to work sober. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Sprite06
Joined: 20 Sep 2010
|
| Posted: Thu Jan 20, 2011 7:00 am Post subject: |
|
|
| RMNC wrote: |
| Just don't bring any gifts at all so you don't have to worry about who and what. You're there to get paid, not give them presents out of your own pocketbook. Hell, YOU are the present if you do a decent job and show up to work sober. |
Maybe so,
but I expect my experience in Korea to be largely determined by my work environment and relationships with my co-teacher and superiors. I'd much rather spend some money now and get off on the right foot with them.
People have said that at a bad school, gifts won't do anything. I'm willing to take that chance though. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
