Korean Job Discussion Forums

[DosEquisXX]

Job's kind of boring. But it sure isn't a lot of work, at least in public school.

Dave's often attracts the most cynical and miserable foreigners in Korea. So, don't take everything said here as if it's the norm. Most of the foreigners I knew are plenty happy being in country.

[chellovek]

[bobbybigfoot]

It all depends on what you are looking for.

If you are looking for a meaningful job, then don't come to Korea.

If you are looking for some fast cash, it could be the place for you.

If you are looking to party it up, then Seoul is the place.

Just know that for the most part ESL in Korea is on the meaningless side. If you are cool with that, then come on over. Water's warm.

[ESL Milk "Everyday]

I wouldn't say it's an entirely meaningless job... if you do it right it can be kinda fun and there is a challenge in trying to keep things fresh and exciting for your students and yourself. The key is to not just teach the book and try to bring as much to the table as you possibly can... I don't know about anyone else but I'm given a lot of freedom in what I do so it means I'm doing a lot more independent research and coming up with my own ideas as opposed to just going through the motions.

But yeah, there is a lot of downtime in public schools and that can lead to too much thinking and Internet addiction and all of that stuff... and sometimes not doing anything can actually be worse than being super busy... and you can feel the whole routine-ness of it all to be a bit much sometimes.

[marsavalanche]

There are good jobs and bad jobs. Just be super picky and make sure you get a good job.

Don't be fooled by the amount of cynical people here. There are more good jobs than you think, but this place is flooded with bitterness and negativity which would suggest otherwise. Good luck.

[asylum seeker]

This same thread with the same answers has been made on average about every two weeks for the last four years that I've been looking at these forums. Can't people read before they post?

It's pretty obvious what's going to be said for the next ten pages so I will summarize it now so we can let the thread die in peace until the next one in approximately 14 days.

Answer- "Everything's totally awesome in Korea- the only people who ever complain are lazy, psychotic, drug-abusing, ex-homeless, loser pedophiles who failed to get jobs at McDonald's in their home countries."

That about covers it I think.

[stimpleton]

Trying hard not to be cynical - I'm reaching the end of four and a half years here, and going home for good.
On balance, my time's been pretty good - met some good people, seen and done things I never would've if I'd been at home etc. That said, there are bad things too. My wife being 'downsized' two months after we'd signed on for a third year at our first employer was less-than-fun, but we found new jobs together, and our first year there was fantastic.
The second year, which is mercifully coming to an end, was complete poop from start to finish. Increased workload, decreased prep-time, and a serious feeling among all the staff that the director didn't give a rat's butt for anyone or anything at work other than student numbers (among other issues) all contributed.
I think that people's experiences here are influenced by luck as much as anything else. I wouldn't recommend people to stay away from Korea as there are some great places to work, but I also won't be raving about it when I get back home.

[bamboozler]

[murmanjake]

[cragesmure]

[Junior]

[enchoo]

Just make sure you get all the specifics of the job before you get on board any ESL jobs. Also check reviews of any esl jobs. I have lived both the ESL teacher life, university ESL teacher life, and the USA public teacher school life. PM me if you need specifics....

[TECO]

[cyui]

What is the point of this thread? Not sure if you wanna justify comming
to Korea or justify staying in your home country because..of whatever reason you are seeking.

[silkhighway]