Korean Job Discussion Forums

Zanniati · Joined: 04 Apr 2011

Alright, so, I've read a ton of threads on giving gifts to the heads of your school when you show up in Korea. Most of them simply say "Buy some liquor." I really don't want to do that. I also don't want to deal with the headache of figuring out who the heck I'm supposed to actually give gifts to. Instead, I was thinking that I would bring some books to give to the school. I wanted to give them "Goodnight Moon", "The Phantom Tollbooth", and a Calvin and Hobbes book. Maybe a Dr. Seuss book and "If You Give A Mouse A Cookie". Basically, I was going to bring some of my favorite children's books and donate them to the school. Do you think this would be a nice gift or would it not really work because it's not for any individuals?

tl;dr - I don't want to get anyone liquor. I don't want to buy for a bunch of individuals. Would donating some of my favorite books to the school be a good gift?

ChrisLamp · Joined: 27 Jul 2010

if you give an inch they will take a mile.

Zanniati · Joined: 04 Apr 2011

sojusucks · Joined: 31 May 2008

OP, you want to be nice when you get here, but this is a different culture and you should wait and see how things are and how they go before you throw gifts around the workplace. And ChrisLamp is right in that if it's a bad school, they'll see your giftgiving as a sign of naivete about Korea and weakness, overall. The ESL industry in Korea can be a nasty place, if you end up at a bad school. If everything goes well, there will be plenty of time for you to buy them a gift.

jinks · Joined: 27 Oct 2004 Location: Formerly: Lower North Island

Definitely hold back on the gift-giving. Spend some time checking out the school/personnel so you can target your giving more effectively. You didn't mention if you were bringing your own copies of your favourite books or buying new copies. Second hand stuff is looked down on in Korea, so you might want to think about that.

Skippy · Joined: 18 Jan 2003 Location: Daejeon

Well unique foodstuffs can be a an OK idea. Thou at times it will be tried and then ignored. So keep it simple and spend a modest amount. Korean thing honey is a luxury item. So some nice regional honey. Also consider getting health related items like some tea or herb or medicine from where you are. (Keep the Mary Jane hidden)

Just remember some things will be taken and you will be given a smile. Later said items end up in the garbage.

One good item is get knick knacks and touristy stuff - key chains, post cards, little stuffed animals or something neat from where you are! Once again spend a modest amount but do not break the bank.

The books are a ok idea, but they just might be wasted. Also most principals will likely have limited English ability.

Also do NOT waste your money getting any candy for the kids, likely too many and they will not like what your get. Kids get stickers and knick knacks.

yeti08 · Joined: 04 Nov 2009 Location: Anyang - Pyeongchon

Give them the gift of English.

Boom. Next problem.

earthquakez · Joined: 10 Nov 2010

Don't get into a pattern of giving gifts. Give selectively both in terms of people and when. Otherwise you'll be expected to do the same over the next year or years you are at that school.

At a public school it's the Principal and VP who should get gifts when you go there. I gave them both English leaf tea in souvenir London tins. When I got to know my co workers I contributed snacks. I bought my last hagwon boss a really good photographic book on the castles of the UK. He loved it and was a decent man so I'm happy I did it.

schwa · Joined: 18 Jan 2003 Location: Yap

Echoing comments above, dont worry about bringing gifts. Its not expected.

An ill-conceived gift or some innocently botched protocol is far more likely to cause you problems than no gift at all. What your new higher-ups are most appreciative of on first meeting is a presentable appearance & a genuine smile.

Bring the books anyway. You might get some good classroom use out of them & other teachers might like to borrow & use them.

loubird · Joined: 27 May 2010

I disagree-- giving gifts is a nice way to start off the year. I also have not fallen into a pattern of giving gifts, I just did it the once and have been repaid a zillion times by my co-workers.

I just gave chocolates to the principal (an older woman) and then a larger box of chocolates to the head teacher (and person who hired me) to share with the other teachers. Gift giving is a part of Korean culture, especially Korean business culture.

I just had a very long discussion with some of the moms I teach after school about this. They said that as long as you made an effort it would be looked on favorably.

The gifts don't have to be fancy, but the sentiment is appreciated.