Korean Job Discussion Forums

[philinkorea]

Okay
Now Im sorry if this post may seem somewhat strange. Actually I love Psychology etc. Anyway, recently I spoke to a guy who was a counsellor here as thats the type of work im interested in myself. We were talking about our characters and he said he thought I was a bit different to the typical counsellor due to seeming quite extrovert. I found it quite a strange statement at first since Id always consider myself to be quite the opposite.

I can see now how Ive really changed in Seoul. From having seemingly this very deep experiences travelling Australia, those open roads etc exploring a personal spiritual world now it all seems so different. Getting more from just being with people, not real quality time alone.

I dont think this is necessarily a bad thing but i spoke to a friend who said felt very similar. The quick pace of Korea, perhaps the culture also, this group orientated rather than more individual western style. Found it all quite interesting

Wonered what you thought??

[Koreabound2004]

Well I am not living in Seoul, but I too am interested in psych, introversion and extroversion.....

I am quite an introvert, by all definitions. I was terrified to teach actually, but I am doing it. It is difficult at times I find, since I feel that teachers natuarally should be extroverts.

I guess as a follow up, I want to know if you think an introvert can be a successful teacher?

I wanted to get in to the field of Soc. Work or Education, and counselling seems to appeal to me....but I now am thinking of a combo, and want to try guidance counselling in schools. Counselling is more appealing to and introvert I believe.

[manlyboy]

Living in Seoul has made me less extroverted compared to when I lived in Jakarta. In Indonesia, everywhere I went people would come up to me and strike up a conversation. Very easy to make genuine friends there without even trying. Building friendships with Koreans, especially Korean guys, is not so easy. I've been here two and a half years, and there's probably only one Korean guy whose friendship I would consider sincere. I know people who've been here for ten years and have never had any male Korean friends at all. I'm less inclined to come out of my shell around Koreans while I'm still getting to know them because a) they may be sensitive types who get offended easily, and b) they may come out of their shells themselves and display some behaviour that I really don't want to see: (One time, I got talking to these two guys in a bar. After just a few minutes, they both stand up and start yanking their balls! Apparently, this was a drunken tough guy way of saying they were lifelong friends. But I didn't know that at the time. I thought I was being propositioned. I'm less eager to strike up conversations with Korean guys in bars these days.)

[philinkorea]

koreabound 2004

you sound really similar to me mate and to have similar interests. I always thought my more introverted style was more suited to counselling. Im not the best teacher but Im prett sound and you just kind of come out of your shell and change and make an art out of it i think.

are you planning to do this counselling education stuff in korea. that would interest me. theres lots of money in educational psychology. i decided i didnt want to be part of england education, or even england at the moment. let me know about your stuff and enjoy korea.

[mindmetoo]

Teaching has made me more comfy in front of crowds. That's for sure. Four years in America made me more extroverted. In Canada, well, Ontario, it's generally rude to just strike up convos with strangers. In Seattle, no one was freaked out by that. At first I was but I got to liking it.

[Zed]

Living in Seoul has made me more beligerent.

[d503]

I'm a die hard sort of introvert. However I generally perform well in front of crowds. I've taught or spoken in front of people since I was young (thank you mother). However, I am extremely unlikely to strike up a conversation with you, I hate being put on the spot in classes, and in all honesty wandering around a park lost in my own world is far more enjoyable to me than mingling with a bunch of people.

That being said I think an introvert can make a good teacher. People learn in all different ways, and require different needs, so I think in the end it matters more whether you are willing to make sacrifices and adapt to your students needs. But I think this applies to both extroverts and introverts.

[Mashimaro]

Koreans seem averse to introspection, probably because it requires independent thinking which is not there strong point.
This has probably rubbed off on me to some extent.. probably a good thing as I was way too introspective before. I feel like I've found a good balance, which I hope lasts

[philinkorea]

[matthews_world]

While living in Korea, I wouldn't say I've been more extrovert, but I've been more forward with people. Asking for help, where can I find this place, etc. I plan to use this newly-learned strategy to my benefit whenever I return home.

[jajdude]