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The 5 things you'd do differently
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edwardcatflap



Joined: 22 Mar 2009

PostPosted: Wed Apr 11, 2012 3:55 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Quote:
I would have tried harder to learn Korean. Then maybe I would feel like less of an arsehole when people from home ask me if I can speak any Korean.



Yes it's funny, I'm learning Korean for basically the same reason - so people here and at home don't think I'm stupid. It'd be a lot cheaper and less time consuming if I just lied about it. Told people at home I'm fluent and told people here I've only been in Korea two months. To be honest the actual language I've learned has made very little difference to my life.
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CarolinaTHeels



Joined: 07 Apr 2011

PostPosted: Wed Apr 11, 2012 7:35 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

OBwannabe wrote:
If I do decide to return to Korea I will check back on this thread often. The frequent reminder of all the things I should have done the first time around will prove very useful. No joke. Great thread!


Yea, hindsight is an amazing thing!
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Chimie



Joined: 05 Oct 2011

PostPosted: Thu Apr 12, 2012 1:12 pm    Post subject: Re: The 5 things you'd do differently Reply with quote

CarolinaTHeels wrote:
I think everyone has a few things they would have done differently the second time around. What are yours?

1) Live in a better location in the city.

For me, I lived too far away from my preferred nightlife spots. Which in Busan was Seomyeon and KSU.

2) Go public school route instead of private

3) Be more professional at work ie dress in slacks and button up instead of wearing jeans and shirt ect.

4) Be more strict from the get go with my classes.

5) Join more clubs / groups and be more proactive in making friends sooner.


I work at a private that has 11 foreigners (soon to be 12) and it's fantastic. You have all the help you need with understanding how things work, you have a nice safety net if you need it as well, there's always someone who can spot you that 30,000 when you've got an unexpected bill.

and as far as #3 goes, my school requires us to dress formally--I'm in a suit every day or at least a nice button up with a sweater. Always a tie.

As far as the #4 goes, I think that might be one of the most important. It's important to make the classes fun for the students, but at the same time, you've got to remember--and make the students remember that you're not their friend. You're their teacher. Certain levels of respect are required in that relationship.

My number #1 Worry less about saving money. Yes, it's important to put away some money every month but don't be afraid to go out and meet new people. Don't be afraid to go out on a Wednesday night--you don't have to drink to have a good time!
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CarolinaTHeels



Joined: 07 Apr 2011

PostPosted: Thu Apr 12, 2012 7:33 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Unless you are some big spender you can go out 3-4 times a week and still save 1mil a month as long as you keep things in moderation.
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fosterman



Joined: 16 Nov 2011

PostPosted: Thu Apr 12, 2012 7:40 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

repeatpete wrote:
I wouldn't have rented 'Hudson Hawk.'


ohh come on! that movie was funny! lol
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