Korean Job Discussion Forums

[casey's moon]

[Swiss James]

don't roll your eyes at me young lady- now get in that kitchen and MAKE ME SOME GODDAMN HONEY TEA!!

[fidel]

Don't bring anything, it's not expected. This is my second year at my current high school and I've yet to even meet the principal. As for that quip that Koreans only drink ggod whisky, bollocks, never heard of Captain Q!

[eamo]

[tzechuk]

[casey's moon]

[Qinella]

So it seems honey and whiskey are still the leading gift ideas. I was thinking of Crown Royal for the whiskey, which is considered a top shelf brand in the US. It's the only whiskey I'll drink (not a big whiskey fan). As far as the honey goes, I have no idea what the hard white honey is. I will just go to the health food store and buy some local made honey.

The dried salmon idea sounds a bit tacky, imo. Don't they already have fish in Korea? I'd kinda like to bring something that says foreign, as people always like to get things from other countries.

The teacher whom I am replacing at the school said the principal will most likely try to befriend me, as he did him, since I'm the only foreign teacher and the principal wants to improve his English. I appreciate the warranted cynicism from some, but there's just no way I'm going to show up without a gift. Even if it serves as a paperweight and never gets used, I believe it's the thought that counts.


Also, for the kids, I have bought several types of chewing gum, a bag of Cream Savers (savory hard candy), and twenty packs of Garbage Pail Kids cards (fun little trading cards with goofy, gross characters on them). I also got a Koosh ball to toss back and forth to the kids during Q & A sessions. I'll probably hit the dollar store to see what else I can find. If anyone has suggestions, serve 'em up!

Cheers,
Qinella

[Ody]

[Grotto]

if you want to bring something for your students get a big bunch of 'Warheads" super sour candy.

I brought a big bunch back with me and my students love them.

[Qinella]

[peppermint]

pencils with erasers on the end. for some reason they're kind of rare here.

[teachingld2004]

I would bring over some ground coffee. The coffee here is expensive and not the best. I dont mean "starbuks" either. That they can get here.

When I go home I bring a branc called 8 o'clock that is a grand total of 2 or 3 dollars a bag, and I think it is great coffee.

As far as the kids go, I would not give them things right off the bat. They do not know garbage pail kids. We may think they are funny, but they may think they are gross. (of corse to them peeing in the street is not gross, so go figure...)

You can bring pencils with erasers (that ws a good suggestion) but only use them as prizes whne needed. If you give them thigs right off the bat they will come to expect it, and perhaps get angry when you dont give them things.

Also, don't be so concerned about gifts right away. It is nice for you to bring coffee (i love coffee) or honey if you prefer, but this can be saved for Christmas, Choosok, or Lunar New Year. That is when people will give you all these strange gifts. (well, most likely not for christmas.) I did get a few pair of underware from students, and plenty of spam. Spam I gave away all except one can that I still ahve from 3 years ago. Guess it is time to throw it out. That is something I amy but proberly not eat if I was desperate, or if I needed to throw up. Just the smell gets me sick.

This year for Lunar New Year I got great stuff, 4 bottles of olive oil, pine nuts, and this wonderful shampoo and conditioner from the body shop.

Just remember to bring FOR YOURSELF some of the foods you love the most. Welcome to Korea

[tzechuk]

[redbird]

I was thinking about bringing over a bunch of quarters with the design on the back of my home state of Illinois. How do you think that might go over as a small gift? Or would other states be more interesting?

[Qinella]