Korean Job Discussion Forums

[GJoeM]

Just wondering -- have any of the long term University teachers in Korea here on the board made the move to universities in Japan? And how did it work out?

I am not asking about the private college scene in Japan -- no disrespect to those private schools, I have been there, done that, many years ago; I paid my dues and put in the hard graft, got my MA and teaching certs and diplomas etc -- I am curious about university teachers here on the board who then moved to university jobs in Japan.

Is it any better in Japan? Or is moving to Japan just jumping from one hassle to a slightly different set of hassles? By 'is Japan better', I mean is Japan less rude, less hostile to outsiders, less cynical, less pushy and 'in your face' crude as daily life is here in Korea -- I have been teaching in Korea at the university level for about ten years, and am now finding that the pushy brashness is really getting to me. I shrugged it off and treated it lightly for years, but now it just makes me feel drained. The constant confrontation here is getting to me -- years ago, I believed that with time, I'd get to know more Koreans, see more depth in the society, and feel more at ease ; but no, the longer I am here, I realise that from the Korean perspective, it's all about power and head to head clashes, facing 'the weaker one' down, win and lose, crush and vanquish in relations here in Korea, and not at all about easing into life and society the more you know the country.

I know full well that Japan also has nationalism, anti foreigner sentiment, ultra materialistic views, problems with cost of living etc – but I just hope for something a little more refined -- and less damn hostile.

I am getting exhausted by the unfriendly coldness of Korea. Yes, it's not always openly aggressive here-- but Koreans sure do know how to create cold exclusionary vibes, and how to make people feel uncomfortable and unwelcome.

Thanks in advance for any of your views and opinions about it.

[Died By Bear]

I only know of one guy from these boards that made the jump over to Japan (University, MA, etc). Tiger Beer. I doubt he checks this board anymore, it's been at least 6-7 years since he moved. However, he's one of the most sincere and honest people I've ever met on these boards, so if you find yourself not getting the answers you hope for here, pm me with your info and I'll contact him on FB. There's a pretty good chance he'll get in touch with you and answer what questions he can for you.

I'm sure you'll understand that I couldn't just give out his personal information to a total stranger, so you'd have to give him yours first.

Cheers.

[GJoeM]

Thanks Bear -- will PM you.

[Chaparrastique]

[sigmundsmith]

I went over to Japan to do the Westgate program for a semester (needed a break from Korea) but I came back. The reason why I mentioned this is because that I worked for 2 people who have been working for Westgate for at least 4 years.

One of them (and this might give you insight) was born in Taiwan but did all her education in Canada. Her degree in Canada majored in Japan and Japanese language. She participated in an exchange program and lived and studied in Japan for 1 year.

She earned a masters degree in Applied Linguistics at Oxford University.

She speaks 3 languages fluently (English, Chinese, Japanese) and when I left Japan she was telling me how difficult it was to get into Japanese universities.

As I was leaving she told me the in 2014 she we will be working for a Hagwon in Tokyo but because the visa system is different in Japan, has lined up 2 universities in Tokyo to work part-time. The 2 universities had her work 9 hours and 6 hours per week respectively.

Trying to get a permanent job in Japan is now so difficult according to her. She told me that this was the best method for her to get into the system.

So, be aware that getting a Japanese university is a lot more difficult than Korea. Of course, someone on here may refute that but I am only giving my own personal knowledge from 2013.

Yes, I have worked for bad universities with terrible management and administration.

I am lucky know that I like the university that I work at where I am autonomous.

If you are lucky to find that job (like mine) then all the negative aspects you mentioned in your original post disappear.

Hope this information helps you.

[GJoeM]

Chaparrastique said, "Its terrible to be surrounded by tiny-minded negative people who hold all the cards. As you get older, you become far less tolerant of their BS. you start giving it back. But you're in an unwinnable situation. Thats Korea."

Perfectly said Chappa -- indeed, the older you get, the harder it is to put up with the rudeness and lack of basic manners -- but there is nothing that you can do about it : if you do get into 'defence mode' and 'have my say mode,' and stand up to the flow of crassness, sure, you could manage it for one or two confrontations -- but you'd just wear yourself out because the abrasive rudeness is endless in Korea. From the rude corner store clerk -- who looks icily straight through you, even though you have been going there for years-- to the cold stares in the streets to the unfriendly neighbor, to the aggressive dry cleaner -- it's non stop rudeness and confrontation in Korea.

[GJoeM]

Sigmund, is your uni in Korea? It sounds good.

[drydell]

Met a chap at a Hokkaido ski resort last year who worked at a Japanese Uni.. Gets same vacation as K uni's but has long teaching days and has to be in 9-5 everyday. They had over 100 English teachers at his uni too.. Didn't sound too tempting... But I know that's not same everywhere..

[GJoeM]

Thanks drydell -- did your mate enjoy his job? What was his feeling about living and working in Japan, and can I ask, what was your impression of Japan compared to the life and general attitudes to foreigners here in Korea ?

[Tiger Beer]

[Tiger Beer]

[Tiger Beer]

[GJoeM]

TigerBeer, thanks so much for your reply -- I really appreciate it, and will read it closely. There is so much detail -- I thank you for the time you took.

It's posts like yours that make Daves such a valuable source of help and guidance.

[Died By Bear]

[The Cosmic Hum]