Korean Job Discussion Forums

[No_hite_pls]

This is a topic I've have been thinking about for long time. I taught orientation for the new foriegn teachers coming to Korea. Many of the new arrivals to Korea came up to me and said that they were going to buy a scooter or motorcycle in Korea. I said "why don't you buy a car used ones are very cheap here" they said admitly no, because "driving a car is way too dangerous."

scooter or motorcycle=safe
car=dangerous



NHS doesn't even cover accidents on motorcycles/scooters in this country because they are so dangerous. I personally know four people that had to spend over a week in the hositipal do to motorcycles/scooters injuries.

What other stupid things newbies to Korea say that you can think of?

[WadRUG'naDoo]

"I love it here!"

[IanChops]

"I'm going to learn Korean." and then looking down on longer termers who are not fluent.

[wishfullthinkng]

[Zackback]

The boss will appreciate my input as to how the students can learn English more effectively. I'll just reason with him and be very logical and he'll see the truth as to what I am saying.

[cdninkorea]

I think I can best contribute to this thread by writing things I used to say and think when I was a newbie (I've been here now for almost 7 years).

- "I love how clean everything is" (I lived in Cheongdam at the time and had yet to venture far).
- "I wonder why Japan has such a large sex industry while Korea has none?" (I believed my co-workers who insisted that Korean culture is conservative)
- "Why do so many women hold hands on the streets? Are they lesbians?"
- "It's going to be great to be in a country where students are respectful to their teachers" (I learned very quickly how wrong that one was).
- (believing that Korean girls don't have sex outside of marriage) "What will I do?"

I'm sure I'll remember more later.

[Stan Rogers]

What the Hell is wrong with these people? Why can't they speak American?

[BigBuds]

[soomin]

[litebear]

[whyohwhy]

In this bar on a date. 2 white guys came in (we were the only foreigners in the bar). started up the usual conversations - where you work, how long you have been here. These 2 in country for 1 month earning 2.1 per month at some hogwan chain telling me how great it is (30 hours, start at 2 finish by 8/9 pm). they asked about me (i work university gig) and my circumstances (their draws dropped) so inevitably, they ask how can i get a job there? can you get me a job there? what qualifications do you need? etc.

Gave them the basic process and that they need to pay their dues first. Mind you these guys were straight from university over to here so still learning the ropes.

But it is still cute to hear them be so positive about their jobs

[Mix1]

They don't really make eye contact much do they?

They don't really move outta the way much do they?

They really like their gadgets don't they?

They like their brands here aren't they?

What's that smell?

[tiger fancini]

"Korean food is terrible"

Korean food isn't terrible, but it takes time and effort (and preferably friendship with some Koreans) to learn how best to appreciate it.

[Steelrails]

"No."

As in...

Did you know any Korean people back home?
Did you associate with them frequently and as close friends?
Were you familiar with Korean food?
Were you familiar with KPop?
Were you familiar with Confucian precepts?
Are you familiar with and acclimated to certain conservative values?
Did you talk to Koreans about what life is like living in Korea?
Did you check any message boards to see what behaviors might be common here that you might find bothersome?
Did you read up on Korean history and politics?
Are you familiar with religion in Korea?
Are you comfortable or can at least tolerate being around people whose values and concepts run contrary to yours?
Have you ever spent a significant time as a minority, either in a circle of friends or where you lived?
Are you comfortable with sitting and listening to someone for 45 minutes to an hour?
Do you like children? Can you relate well to them?
Are you comfortable in the spotlight?
Do you make friends easily?

Did you have a Korean person look over your contract?
Did you research your employer?
Did you look into your city?
Did you brush up on the language?
Did you have any experience with teaching or instruction, particularly in the language field or with the age group you are teaching?
Do you have any experience dealing with bureaucracy and government mandates?
Do you have any experience being involved in a government-run job?
Do you have any experience with a rather hierarchical work environment?
Are you truly here to teach? (Oh that's a bad one....)
Are you willing to accept the idea that a non-English speaker who has 10 years experience teaching might know some things about teaching?
Do you understand that at times you will be selling something that the person may feel they have no use for or interest in?
Were any of your parents teachers?

Do you think the reason you're having such a hard time adjusting and dealing is in any way your fault?

Now for the record, I don't think there's anyone out there, including myself, who can say "yes" to all of those and saying no, even to a bunch does not mean that bad things will happen. But I'd submit that the more "no"s one says, the greater the chance that they'll have a hard time adjusting, though I'd also agree that there is a greater chance of them falling into "blissful ignorant newbiedom" and spouting off all the honeymoon statements...

A big part of things is preparation. If you know what you're getting into you can better handle the crap that may come. If you go in with some blissful fantasy about how things should be, well its probably not going to work out that way.

But still, it amazes me how little people look into things before they come here. You would think moving halfway across the world into a completely alien environment would cause people to put a lot more thought and preparation into things, but...

No.

[soomin]

Ooh~ I like your list of questions, Steelrails ^.^

I'm always surprised when I ask newbies "Why did you choose Korea?" and they shrug their shoulders or say "I found it on google..." or "It was randomly assigned to me," or something along those terms... I mean, adventurous is nice, but going somewhere without an inkling of information... isn't there another word for that? lol