Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Los Angeloser]

Are my students too closed minded? I swear, an old lady(by cultural standards) is in my conversation class. She once worked in the tourism/hotel - Hyatt: industry for many years and told me..."We don't care about the SuperBowl." But really, what's more important in that industry? The event, or an event? I've worked in the industry and it's my belief that leisure professionals care more about the event rather than what type. Why dismiss any event on cultural standards or because you'd rather talk about shopping or your daughter's husband who is traveling with the President? I guess it's more important to speak for others instead of opening the mind. I mean really, how difficult would it have been to ask about how or where the tourists/fans are staying?

Next time, I'll be sure to ask her what she would do if the SuperBowl were held in Seoul next year? I expect her answer to be...I don't care! Would you attend or volunteer? NO!

[ontheway]

[Los Angeloser]

Yes, I do have a difficult job. Especially when my students sign-up for supposedly the most difficult class(free-talking), but can't finish the sentence...Did you hear about...?
I quickly learn that they didn't hear about anything since the last time we met. Hey, at least someone asked about..."the weather?"

But, did anyone need to "hear about" the weather today? I doubt it, on the other hand, I do like to know when it might change quickly. However, I didn't need anyone to tell me it was sunny, cold, and windy today. I figured that out for myself. Granted, it was better than nothing!

[Los Angeloser]

"So, it is up to you to provide them with topics of interest to discuss." I know everyone in the class hasn't worked in the service/hotel/travel industry but the next time that old lady tries to speak for those that haven't I'll quickly inform them(as the professional that I am) that they can answer the same question as well as the old lady or past "professional."

[zombiedog]

I sure wouldn't have held it against my conversation class to be totally uninterested in the Superbowl. Heck, I'm a red blooded American male I hardly give a hoot about it.

However, that doesn't mean there aren't a lot of teachable items from the Superbowl. The commercials alone could fill at least two classes of conversation. Not to mention Madonna, or M.I.A. flipping off the camera.

[andrewchon]

It's less of 'being close-minded' but more of 'idea completely foreign'.

Korea doesn't have a 'sporting' event that stops the nation, where just about everybody talks about anything else but that. In US it'll be the SuperBowl, maybe the Kentucky Derby. In Oz it's the Melbourne Cup, or the football Grand Final. In UK the FA cup final, Grand National, Derby day, Lord's test match. Even if one is not a football fan or a horse racing fan, most can talk something about it.
Korea doesn't have one. It lacks long historical sporting tradition of any kind. High school baseball is the best candidate and it has some romance attached to it but it's very much over shadowed by the pro-baseball now. Only thing that stops the nation in Korea is the university exam day.
So, a better question to ask would be: how would Korea create an event such as a SuperBowl and promote tourism as well?

[Carbon]

[tardisrider]

I'm American, and I was in Europe in 94. People kept asking me about the World Cup, I'd never heard of it and had no idea what it was. Now, I know what the World Cup is and have the same passion for it that I do for the Super Bowl: couldn't care less.

[whyohwhy]

First of all working in the tourism industry where every week different functions occur for sporting, business, social and ceremonial events doesn't mean you have to know all about every single customers background/interest/experience etc. So, I think you are the one being narrow minded in thinking that the world revolves around when the superbowl is played and not your student. Why should she care about the superbowl?

And by your premise if your work at an establishment in this industry and annually (for example) microsoft holds a function at your venue does that mean you should know all about microsoft? And hey, you might be a mac user so again u would have limited knowledge about microsoft

Also, a previous poster claimed that the superbowl is the most popular event on earth. I am not sure if they are being sarcastic but there are more viewers internationally for events such as the olympics, soccer world cup and rugby world cup than the superbowl

The world doesnt revolve around america people. Im american and couldnt care less about the superbowl. never played the sport dont know any of the positions (accept quarterback) or who is who in any team. its not my thing.

So think about how to be more open to your students. you need to get to know them, what are their interests etc. if this particular student worked in tourism discuss what types of events were held there. if there was not a lot of sporting events then that may tell you something

[blm]

[Carbon]

[jrwhite82]

[Carbon]

[jrwhite82]

Don't sell yourself short west coaster. Some famous central and west coast players are from your territory. (Don't play for the Jays though)

Jason Bay from BC. Justin Morneau from BC.

Ryan Braun from Ontario (is that considered central?)

[Carbon]

Two isn't some.



I understand that baseball isn't meaningless in the east, but honestly, the only time anyone cared in Calgary was way back when the Jays made the run. Otherwise, it's hockey and some CFL football all the way.