Korean Job Discussion Forums

[DanseurVertical]

In reference to GEPIK / EPIK, well, maybe you are alone.

I mean that in the sense that maybe you're the only foreign English teacher at your school, and are given very little guidance or feedback from anyone at your school or local education office.

I am unsure of how much language barriers (even if they're not that difficult to break through) and funding have roles, but I repeatedly feel in the dark. In some ways that's OK, because by nature I'm very independent and willing to explore and learn on my own. But often I feel like I could so easily be informed of certain information, yet am not. And I don't take this personally, since for the most part I feel well liked or wanted as a teacher.

I say this in regard to little matters, like for example, that my classes are cancelled on a given day. 10:30 arrives, I've not taught, and upon asking, I'm informed that the students are now leaving school. Or, for example, that the 10-minute shuttle (maeul) bus to the subway station stops in front of my apartment every five minutes and is therefore considerably more convenient than walking and considerably cheaper than taxi cab.

But also in regard to big matters, like resources for learning Korean. Neither the teachers in my department nor the coordinator at our district office has any knowledge beyond the most obvious option of classes at Yonsei University. Yonsei University is also 2 hours from me, meaning that it's not in fact an option. Eventually, I learned from another teacher about a local language exchange group.

I don't know how they are so oblivious to basic matters that would so significantly improve the quality of a foreign teacher's experience in Korea. It's not like they have never dealt with foreign teachers before, especially in the case of the district coordinator. My understanding of the district coordinator's role is murky at best, but if nothing else, is this not the principal duty?

[Chet Wautlands]

The only way to get in the loop, and ultimately the best way to enjoy your time in Korea, is to start learning Korean and practicing what you've learned with teachers at your school. Once you do this, you become part of the family... at least a little bit.

There really is no system set up to support foreign teachers....

[northway]

I used to live where you live, and I'd be quite surprised if it took you more than an hour and fifteen minutes to get to Yonsei. Unless you're assuming an hour long bus ride once you get into Seoul, which is rather unlikely, you're way overestimating the time. I get to Myeongdong from Pyeongchon in about 45 minutes or less, generally, so while I've never been to Yonsei, I really can't imagine it would take nearly as long as you're saying it will. It might be worth considering the Yonsei courses, as you'll likely get more out of them than you will a language exchange. There's also the option of YBM courses in Seoul, something you can probably work out with a public school schedule.

[DaHu]

so in other words, the title to this thread should be "You ARE alone"

[blm]

[DaHu]

It's a power thing. Keep information all to yourself, to show that you have the power and everyone else is clueless.

Then you reveal your power and all must scramble at your whim.

[wishfullthinkng]

the gepik budget was reduced to 0 on tuesday, so if you are in gepik you might very well be alone soon if you are here at all.

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2011/07/117_91266.html