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ewlandon
Joined: 30 Jan 2011
Location: teacher
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 Posted: Tue Oct 04, 2011 5:29 am Post subject: Why such a range of different experiences in Korea? |
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Title sounds dumb but only because I couldn't ask the whole question in the title.
I was wondering if anyone has any good reasons or theories as to why everyone I meet in Korea or who has taught here in the past is having a great time and staying for 2+ years, while everyone on google searches says you will get screwed.
I did a lot of research ahead of time so I know not EVERYONE on google on on daves talks about getting screwed but it seems like a lot.
I ask because so far I am having a great time (1 month in) and I feel like my hogwon is treating me great and I dont think I will run into many issues with payment etc. Sure my apt isnt very nice but the boss actually put an extra 100,000 (his idea) because the bathroom was so small and they couldnt find me a nicer place sooner. Also I have lived in worst places in the US.
So why do you think so many people seem to have an amazing time and so many people seem to have a hellish time. There doesnt seem to be much in the middle. |
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koreatimes
Joined: 07 Jun 2011
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| Posted: Tue Oct 04, 2011 5:45 am Post subject: |
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Well, first off, when you are having a good time do you automatically think of signing on to Dave's to tell us about it? Usually people with problems come, not the other.
Second, people with problems are more likely to leave so on google searches you will find more people complaining, whereas those who are enjoying Korea use Naver instead.
Why the dichotomy? What would a middle response be? "I am hoping for better days", so they would still be in Korea (just not as vocal).
Last edited by koreatimes on Tue Oct 04, 2011 5:55 am; edited 1 time in total |
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Setaro
Joined: 08 Aug 2010
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| Posted: Tue Oct 04, 2011 5:55 am Post subject: |
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It's logical.
People go out their way to complain. People go out their way to profess a liking for something. There's no inbetween.
People will post on on the net saying how much they hate Korea. because they want everyone to know how much their life sucks.
People will post online saying how much the love Korea, because they want everyone to know how much their life rocks.
No one goes online to post "I'm having a average time in Korea." |
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ewlandon
Joined: 30 Jan 2011
Location: teacher
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| Posted: Tue Oct 04, 2011 5:58 am Post subject: |
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| lol i love your response setero. I guess its just like facebook. |
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zdrav
Joined: 08 Dec 2010
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| Posted: Tue Oct 04, 2011 7:47 am Post subject: |
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| When people are having a great time, they have better things to do than to complain on the internet. The internet's a good source for research, but you should also be aware that those who make the effort to express their thoughts on the internet are a self-selecting and negative bunch. |
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HELICIS
Joined: 15 Sep 2011
Location: USA
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| Posted: Tue Oct 04, 2011 4:05 pm Post subject: |
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After 10 years straight in Korea, I'm ready to move on at the end of my contract. I'm in my 5th contract with EPIK, and this year has been HORRIBLE! The first 3 years were OK. Last year was so-so.
In the other 5 years, I worked at 3 places. One place was great, but could only afford to pay W2m/month. I really missed it after I left and am friends with the owner to this day.
Another place I stayed 3 years was pretty good, but the owner started to lose business to a new hakwan, so I knew it was time to move on. The third place was terrible, it was a bad year and when I finally left, I felt like I was getting out of prison.
You can have lots of different experiences in different places. To try to paint everything with one broad stroke like the OP did, is nonsense. |
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TheUrbanMyth
Joined: 28 Jan 2003
Location: Retired
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| Posted: Tue Oct 04, 2011 4:32 pm Post subject: Re: Why such a range of different experiences in Korea? |
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| ewlandon wrote: |
T
So why do you think so many people seem to have an amazing time and so many people seem to have a hellish time. There doesnt seem to be much in the middle. |
It's very simple. Those who work hard, and seek to improve their qualifications and their situation will generally do so. And to be honest...it's really not all that hard. All it requires is some time/money and half-decent thinking skills. These people are also more likely to have decent bosses/co-workers.
While those who don't bother to improve either at their job or in terms of personal qualifications eventually realize that all they are eligible for are low paying entry jobs and that "putting time in" isn't all that is required anymore. These people are also less likely to have decent co-workers/bosses. |
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chrisinkorea2011
Joined: 16 Jan 2011
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| Posted: Tue Oct 04, 2011 5:38 pm Post subject: |
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Keep in mind too OP, that you are only 1 month in. That is what we like to call the "vacation/honeymoon period" here. If after 6 months to 1 year you still love it, great. Its really hit or miss, however a few things can make a good year turn into a living hell.
Hagwon/PS issues including payment and the children
Failed understanding/assimilation (temporary or permanent)
Bad breakup with someone here (if you date them)
and the list goes on.
Just have a clear head and be open to new things, after all this is korea so there are bound to be plenty of things that peak your curiosity/annoy the hell out of you lol
good luck |
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Adventurer
Joined: 28 Jan 2006
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| Posted: Tue Oct 04, 2011 6:50 pm Post subject: Re: Why such a range of different experiences in Korea? |
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| ewlandon wrote: |
Title sounds dumb but only because I couldn't ask the whole question in the title.
I was wondering if anyone has any good reasons or theories as to why everyone I meet in Korea or who has taught here in the past is having a great time and staying for 2+ years, while everyone on google searches says you will get screwed.
I did a lot of research ahead of time so I know not EVERYONE on google on on daves talks about getting screwed but it seems like a lot.
I ask because so far I am having a great time (1 month in) and I feel like my hogwon is treating me great and I dont think I will run into many issues with payment etc. Sure my apt isnt very nice but the boss actually put an extra 100,000 (his idea) because the bathroom was so small and they couldnt find me a nicer place sooner. Also I have lived in worst places in the US.
So why do you think so many people seem to have an amazing time and so many people seem to have a hellish time. There doesnt seem to be much in the middle. |
You've only been here for a month. I remember when I was here for the first six months. I thought it was so great until fast forward several months later when I had to go to the Labor Board and deal with my boss.
Is your boss paying for your health insurance and pension?
It's not only google that has all these people complaining, you also have warnings from embassies about teaching in South Korea due to the rampant illegal actions of hagwon owners. These things happen too frequently for anyone to ignore, and, even those who like Korea to some extent and have been here for some years, have had some bad experience and lived through it. I've had to help a friend do a midnight run once.
I think Korea is fine. It has its good points. There are nice things about working here for many people, but also it's a horrible place for many people who get screwed. I can't tell you how many people I've known who haven't had to deal with shady actions by a boss. I think I know seven people who had serious issues at one point or another including people who stayed in Korea.
You're kind of projecting and thinking because you're having a great experience after 1 month, then the overwhelming majority of instructors here should be having that same experience. I wish that were the case. It's not. I remember a friend of mine from New York who didn't want to believe any of the negative stuff or hear about them, but, in the end, he, too, was cheated by a public school. They didn't want to give him his flight money.
I am not saying the above to diss Korea. There are some great hagwon jobs, some great public school jobs, and great university jobs. I hope most of them are good. However, too many of them are not, and that's why you read about people complaining and see embassy warnings. |
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southernman
Joined: 15 Jan 2010
Location: On the mainland again
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| Posted: Tue Oct 04, 2011 7:21 pm Post subject: Re: Why such a range of different experiences in Korea? |
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| TheUrbanMyth wrote: |
| ewlandon wrote: |
T
So why do you think so many people seem to have an amazing time and so many people seem to have a hellish time. There doesnt seem to be much in the middle. |
It's very simple. Those who work hard, and seek to improve their qualifications and their situation will generally do so. And to be honest...it's really not all that hard. All it requires is some time/money and half-decent thinking skills. These people are also more likely to have decent bosses/co-workers.
While those who don't bother to improve either at their job or in terms of personal qualifications eventually realize that all they are eligible for are low paying entry jobs and that "putting time in" isn't all that is required anymore. These people are also less likely to have decent co-workers/bosses. |
I used to generally believe that as well. However, from March to August I worked with a head co-teacher who said among other things 'no westerner has real qualifications and that all westerners are hopeless'. I have 5 different qualifications after my name, she only allowed me to give 2 to the POE. Then took me to the VP and complained that like all westerners I didn't want to give my qualifications to the POE.
We had major disagreements and arguments basically because I will be talked down to or belittled by anyone. She even tried to belittle me in front of our students, hense our first full on disagreement (after class). I am no longer in Korea and in all probability will never return. I'm kinda screwed anyway because I wasn't re-signed by my POE. My Open Class was good so it was down to my co-teachers and VP's comments.
You can get screwed in Korea, just like in any job or in any country, don't forget that. I have a passion for teaching and will take my knowledge and skill set elsewhere. I'm lucky enough to have four years experience with 3 very good references from Korea. I'm just relaxing on an extended vacation. I will apply for good jobs in the Middle East or other decent paying jobs.
If you come up against an ethnocentric or worse co-teacher you either have 3 options (in my opinion), quit, take it or fight back. The previous 2 western teachers at my school did the former, I did the latter. Both wrote online about their experiences. |
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wishfullthinkng
Joined: 05 Mar 2010
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| Posted: Tue Oct 04, 2011 8:18 pm Post subject: |
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think about it... it's because it's a new place and many people have difficulties coping with new and different.
the simple fact is korea is not a very easy place to adjust to if you don't have an open mind, and the large majority of foreigners who come here have nothing close to an open mind so they profess their disdain on the interwebs.
however, the rest who do go on and sound the trumpets of love for the place.
just as anything else in life, one's miles may vary. |
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LL Moonmanhead
Joined: 21 Mar 2005
Location: yo momma
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| Posted: Tue Oct 04, 2011 8:24 pm Post subject: |
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| HELICIS wrote: |
After 10 years straight in Korea, I'm ready to move on at the end of my contract. I'm in my 5th contract with EPIK, and this year has been HORRIBLE! The first 3 years were OK. Last year was so-so.
In the other 5 years, I worked at 3 places. One place was great, but could only afford to pay W2m/month. I really missed it after I left and am friends with the owner to this day.
Another place I stayed 3 years was pretty good, but the owner started to lose business to a new hakwan, so I knew it was time to move on. The third place was terrible, it was a bad year and when I finally left, I felt like I was getting out of prison.
You can have lots of different experiences in different places. To try to paint everything with one broad stroke like the OP did, is nonsense. |
Just curious. What is your monthly salary now? |
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eamo
Joined: 08 Mar 2003
Location: Shepherd's Bush, 1964.
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| Posted: Tue Oct 04, 2011 8:48 pm Post subject: |
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I should think the reasons why there are so many varying experiences in Korea are pretty obvious...
We're all different people with different personalities.
We all have different employers.
We all have different kinds of jobs.
Some of us get paid well and have long vacations. Some don't.
Some of us live in cities, some of us live in the sticks.
Some of us are older, some younger.
Some of us are single, some of us married, some of us have kids.
Some of us are extroverted. Some introverted.
Some people are easy-going. Some are wound up tight.
Some like Korean food a lot. Some like most dishes, not all. Some don't like any of it.
Some of us learn to live within a (modern) Confucian culture to varying degrees. Others don't.
I could probably go on but you get the point. There's an infinite number of different situations a foreigner can find themselves in. Because of who they are and because of what Korea and Koreans can be.
We don't all share the same experience here. |
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Malislamusrex
Joined: 01 Feb 2010
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| Posted: Tue Oct 04, 2011 9:32 pm Post subject: |
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| In the words of Momma Gump, life is like a box of chocolates... |
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The Floating World
Joined: 01 Oct 2011
Location: Here
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| Posted: Tue Oct 04, 2011 10:13 pm Post subject: |
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That's not even the half of it. |
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