Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Aidge]

Well, I've done it. No more asking about this school or that school - I've signed on and I'm comin' over! I decided on a new, small school with a reliable recruiter. I'll be the only foreign teacher for now. I've never been away from home for this long, and I've never left the country really. SO...I'm inviting any positive tips or wise warnings for my situation. I'm green, open-minded, excited, hoping to meet friendly fun people even though I'm the lone teacher at my school. What should I do? Also, does anyone have good church recommendations? I'll appreciate any good hook-ups or ideas for the new girl. Also, I'm just outside the city - in Suji. Thanx



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[Dalton]

Congratulations.

Here's some positive stuff- I've been the only teacher at the school 3 times and I liked it. Churches seem to be all over Korea and I've seen many that advertise English sermons Sunday mornings. Read up on culture shock. It's subtle and you should be aware of the warning signs. I have a personal theory that many bad experiences here are because of culture shock effects on younger, first time teachers. Read up on the Korean alphabet. It's easy to learn. Some sites 'say' Korean words and phrases for you to practice if you wish.

On the whole I think that if you do the best job you can for the students, save money and keep a happy demeanor at work then you will likely have a very good experience. Don't get hung up on the details. Don't get hung up on anything negative (posts, conversations) that 'sounds like' your situation. If it didn't bother you before then why now? Save money. Connect with others for shopping trips, advice etc. Maybe there is a popular foreigner hangout in your area to meet people. Get someone at your school to legibly write down taxi instructions to your apartment. Don't get upset about your apartment. Save and buy some knick knacks or useful items. Stuff can be cheap here. Used furniture stores seem plentiful.

Good luck and have fun!

[mezdupa]

[ajuma]

When you get here, get a business card from your school. If you get lost, you can show the card to a taxi driver and get "home". Sure helps if you don't know where the heck (wish I could use the other word...more appropriate!) you are!

[Aidge]

Thanks everyone, these are great tips! Keep 'em comin!

[peppermint]

sometime when you've got a few hours free- hop on a bus and just take the round trip. Make note of anywhere that looks interesting and the bus route so you can get back there. It's a good way to get familiar with things, and very cheap too.

( Don't do this if you live in Cheong ju though. They don't believe in round trips there, and you WILL end up in a rice paddy)

[Eazy_E]

Find a way to keep busy! Get a laptop or PS2 if you don't have one, something to watch movies on. I highly recommend a gym pass too. It's pretty expensive here, but well worth it for dealing with the stress and finding something constructive to do with your free time. People at the gym are often friendly too. Plan some trips - getting around this country is easy and pretty affordable. The new high speed train is fun.

I have been the only foreign teacher at my school for a whole year, and I still have my sanity intact (as far as I know). It can be done!

[Alpha]

If you need to withdraw money from your bank account, look for ATMs in the subway. Your ATM card won't work in Korean ATMs, although you can get cash advance using your credit cards. Also, buy a pocket sized English-Korean dictionary so that you can kind of communicate with Koreans without having to resort to playing pictionary or inventing a new body language. If you have difficulty communicating with your employer, or co-workers, use these two sites to translate what you want to say in English to Korean (vice versa,) and hyave them read it. It's not totally accurate (sometimes certain meaning, and subtleties of the word gets lost in translation,) but people will get the gist of it, and understand what you are trying to say. http://worldlingo.com/products_services/worldlingo_translator.html http://www.systransoft.com/ Good luck, and welcome to Korea.

[OiGirl]

[The Hammer]

This is your dad speaking.

After you get settled in open a savings account.

I say again...

Open a savings account.
Save your money.
Don't forget to save your money.

This has been a PSA from your dad.