Korean Job Discussion Forums

[butter808fly]

Hi everyone. I finally got a job in S. Korea. Ill be arriving in Suwon at the end of July. Im so very excited and already asked my fellow teachers tons of questions.. but Im also kind of nervous. Im kind of a shy, awkward girl so the whole new social scheme is making me kind of nervous. Also, just the whole moving to a different country where I dont know anyone, cant speak the language etc is new and strange.

Im kinda nervous that I might be fired, or the children wont like me, or the teachers wont like me. Ha... but alas, that can happen in the states too.

Im sure Ill make it alright, and will learn a lot about another culture as well as a lot about myself in this whole process. Any encouraging words or comments are welcome

I may be nervous, but I have an open-mind and heart.

[Corporal]

Wow, the title of this post brings back an old song.


Our house had the biggest patio
our house had all the summer shade,
we had patio lanterns.....
I'd spend half the night making lemonade,
which we drank a lot, we were all so shy,
shy and nervous.....

[The Man known as The Man]

[Swiss James]

I'm sure it'll be no stranger than moving away to college.
One thing for shy people out here though, try not to get too freaked out if people stare and gawk at you, it's just because you're funny looking.

[Corporal]

[inkoreaforgood]

Corporal wrote:

Wow, the title of this post brings back an old song.


Our house had the biggest patio
our house had all the summer shade,
we had patio lanterns.....
I'd spend half the night making lemonade,
which we drank a lot, we were all so shy,
shy and nervous.....



That's Kim Mitchell, Patio Lanterns. Haven't heard that one in a long long time.

[The Great Toad]

[ajuma]

If you're shy, you'll (sometimes) have to force yourself to be a little more outgoing. You'll also have to work on classroom management, since obviously you're not a "yeller." Figure out what you're going to do with the little darlings when they misbehave BEFORE you get in the classroom. (Do a search...lots of good advice about this topic)

A lot of Korean hagwon teachers are shy (not just because of English skills...just because it's their nature) and they manage. You'll be fine as long and you keep that open mind...and smile a lot!

Oh...one other thing: A lot of shy people think that others may be talking about them...and this feeling is compounded by the fact that you don't know the language. Give people the benefit of the doubt...(OF COURSE they aren't talking about you!!! ) And if they are...it's all good!

[royjones]

[butter808fly]

Thanx for the tips and encouragement. Im great with kids usually, so that shouldnt be a problem (as long as I keep my ground and not become a softy).. yes smile, a great tool that costs nothing.

[PatrickSiheung]

Well sounds like you already have some experience with kids. That gives you a bit advantage when starting.

Everyone has given good advice about what to expect here. You will get stared at a lot But you do get used to it.

My suggestion to you is try and pack some home snacks for when you arrive in Korea too. If you're like me, you'll need it. When I first arrived in Korea my stomach was doing flip flops from excitement and nervousness. I couldn't stand the thought of eating Korean food at first either LOL. I was hungry for a few days =) So bring something you're used to. You may appreciate it once you get here.

You like Ramen? Try and eat the spiciest ones you can Your choice of foods increases dramatically if you can handle hot stuff.

Also take some time to get to know your fellow teachers once you're here. I lucked out when I first came and had a good group to work with. They became my life line. They showed me around Korea and helped me to adjust.

You'll be getting here during the hot and humid season... be prepared

You should also take some time to learn some Korean. Definitely learn how to read. It's really easy. And learn how to ask for something politely and how to say thank you.

You can get along okay without knowing any Korean, but learning even just a little bit makes things SO much easier.

At first Korea can be hard to adjust to, but like many of us here, once you get used to things you may find you really enjoy it and won't want to leave. I'm back for my second time myself and I'll be here for at least another year.

Just think :
Interesting cities.
Cheap movies.
Good food and drink.
Lots of fun places to see.
Cheap transportation.

You'll never be bored here.

[Universalis]

I was quite shy when I first started teaching, but I quickly developed a classroom persona. In other words, I found myself forced to be more outgoing, assertive, and talkative in the classroom.

But outside of class, I was still the same guy. Students would often comment on just how different I was outside of class than in class. YOu just might take the same path I did.

It will be difficult at first, but I'm sure you'll do OK. Good luck!

Brian

[jajdude]

Hi butter808fly,

Good luck on your trip to a foreign land. I have spent a few years in Korea but that doesn't mean much other than knowing a little language and what to expect. If you like learning about something different than back home then this experience should provide some of that. It can be hard sometimes. If you have read this board much you will know that.

Anyway no particular suggestions from me or anything. Just good luck. I'm in a bit of a similar boat as you. Even though I have been over in Asia about 7 years, I'm heading off to a new place soon! I'm excited and a little concerned how I will manage as such an ignoramus of the new country. But I've done it before. We all have on this forum! That's why It's cool here. We all know we're foreigners!

Good luck

[Real Reality]

Korea is wonderful. Korea is dynamic.
You will have opportunities to experience things you may not have had an opportunity to experience in the States.

Crucial Information from EFL-LAW.com
The following is information we highly recommend you follow if you are coming to Korea or are in Korea
1. If you come to Korea, you must have a return ticket out or cash resources to get you out should an emergency arise.
2. If your employer asks you to work in breach of Labor Laws or Immigration law, you must refuse. Under no circumstances must you work in breach of Korean laws. It is far better to be dismissed by an employer than breach Korean law.
3. If your employer asks you to work without Immigration authority (visa processing,) refuse. You can be fined heavily and given an Exit Order baring you from return for 5 years.
http://efl-law.com/crucial.html

For Young Koreans, U.S. 'Main Enemy'
In 2004, ...people aged between 20s to 40s picked the U.S. as Korea's biggest enemy, but people over 50 said North Korea (52.5 percent) is the key enemy. "The Korean people's structure of consciousness has become very flexible so that it cannot be identified with the concept of anti-communism and many Koreans treat the U.S. as the number one enemy, which tells us that anti-Americanism is notably increasing," added Prof. Koh.
http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200406/200406300034.html

Why the Bereaved of the West Sea Naval Battle Want to Leave Korea
Reading a condolence letter from the USFK commander to mark the second anniversary, the wife said, "The Americans remember my husband and his brothers-in-arms better than Koreans... Frankly, I hate Korea." Some parents said that they are more scared of people who consider the U.S. a bigger enemy than North Korean leader Kim Jong-il, who killed their son.
http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200406/200406290047.html

Watch a Video on Dynamic Korea
http://www.korea.net/learnaboutkorea/library/video_korea.html

Things we won't miss when we leave Korea...
http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/korea/viewtopic.php?t=13955&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

Korean IT Products Enjoy Brisk Sales in United States
http://neasia.nikkeibp.com/wcs/leaf/CID/onair/asabt/news/317251
Korea in Dire Need of Arab Experts
http://times.hankooki.com/lpage/nation/200407/kt2004070217293211980.htm
Korea Blocks 40 Web Sites to Bar Spread of Victim's Video
http://times.hankooki.com/lpage/nation/200406/kt2004062717200911960.htm

[Swiss James]

way to go RR, someone nervous about coming here, looking for reassurance and you wade in with your usual pessimistic schtick.