Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Swiss James]

sounds like a positive step to me- but what do I know..

[mindmetoo]

[Guri Guy]

[Bozo Yoroshiku]

[mindmetoo]

[manlyboy]

[skinsk05]

I don't think the Koreans want 920 more foreigners running around so much as they want to learn English. Enough of them have sucess stories, and their high tech/affluent middle class/educated populace is wanting more-- they are travelling, they are connected and they see what is out there in the world-- they want our opinions, and they want to learn our culture, but they want to guard their traditions too-- kim chi' and han-bok-- in fact, they want to share these things, they want you to like their culture and be interested. They want you to see them and care about them. They are also getting competition, not just Japan, but from emerging 3rd world countries, especially countries where English is widely spoken-- India and the Philipines. These new US allies are taking over the tech sector and manufacturing: it's cheap and tax-friendly to open manufacturing in India, and they speak fluent English (aye, they have Literature in English!) They are also developing call centers, a booming sector. Many Korean graduates are having difficulty finding jobs. They know English and Western culture will enable closer ties with the West (yet they still want their norms respected-- the way elders are addressed, their traditional music and food, diplomatic protocol. . .) If their knowledge of the world sometimes seems limited, in your worldliness, have compassion and help them reach the next level.
Maybe they think the pay/hours are reasonable because that's what they work, plus company/school get-togethers, OT clubs. . .maybe the provincial governments want to hire Westerners to learn about the culture? Many don't understand when foreigners are not happy with "substitutions" because they NEVER worked with a foreigner (or they really lucked out last time with someone flexible and understanding)! Just like some people and get confused or frustrated because they've NEVER worked with Koreans before, and they don't understand what the Koreans want or expect. Most Koreans will listen to you. They want to hear what you have to say and respect that you were educated and come from an advanced culture (they may find some of your habits, food, or culture repugnant, but they'll rarely show it!). It might not hurt to listen to them, see their traditional wisdom (like saving face and being patient) in action through generations. You'll start to notice that much of the worst parts of Korea are a caricature of ourselves! Who do you think taught them Capitalism? Many want English so badly because they want to study in our schools, learn to unleash their creativity, and make original Korean art and modern culture. They want to be the producers (moderate government investment did wonders for Korean Indy films worldwide), the cultural exporters, not the ones who rip off Japanese cartoons and French designers. They want to be innovators.
While your employer may not understand why you are unhappy with your accomodations (there's a bath house right down the street if you need a bath) and they got a wardrobe for you. Maybe they went especially out of their way, furnishing the place, setting up your phone, helping with every detail (and not getting paid overtime for the catering/shopping/etc. . . and they did it with a smile). . .they are definitely well within their rights to question your attitude. THEY don't know what you expected. They hear stories about the West, see Westerners in Seoul or occasionally at a local bar or hagwan. If we don't ingratiate ourselves and take Korea on her terms and open ourselves to new experiences-- especially those we didn't plan for! Those are either the best or the best learning experiences and either way, you win)-- we lose the opportunities to show Koreans the best of our culture. We can't push it--a nd friends make the best teachers, anyway. (How often will Koreans treat the teacher to coffee, lunch, a noribang? That's what they want to share with you. That's what they know is fun with friends. And they want to know you "intimately".)
A week long-course. Again, Korea was always under US tutalege. . . occupation by Japan, China. . .but always friends and beneficiaries and protected by the US (with some British influence). . .we introduced the Western concept of time. Only recently has Korea shortened the school/work week. Things are changing slowly and they are generally trending towards Western Music. Tired of the tacky? Then introduce your students to something great, and go find the closest thing and support and encourage it locally. Use your foreign clout to congratulate the band on their effort. Western TV Reality show has people pairing up in an hour, marrying after a few weeks. . . we have everything available at our convenience and as quickly as possible. Korea leapt into modernity. And let's face it, most foreigners are here for a year. How long can they immerse them in Korean? They'll teach them the basics: to read and write; find a bathroom, work and home; and get food. They'll probably be more than willing to continue helping after that as the foreigor wants/needs. Culture: OK, most people can use chopsticks, but they worry you'll be stuck; they want to prepare you a bit so you'll feel more comfortable. They may want to do the drinking-bonding thing so you're in the club. An orientation is normal for new employees within their own coutries, so extending this to foreigners makes sense (better than "Welcome to Korea. You're on your own."
While the protests and complaints make the news and the blogs, I think most Koreans like us, or don't really spend much time thinking if they like us or not as it's not much of an issue. I think if the local schools hire foreigners who appreciate, care for and teach their children, who respect their culture and them, and are active (or at least visible) in the community, they will think: I don't know any foreigners, but that one guy at the Elementary School was nice. The kids liked him and the men say he was respectful at the bathhouse, even if he was very hairy, and Jin-hee's son won an English contest. . .

[schwa]

Lot of truth written above.

[fusionbarnone]

Yeah. I know the English immersion programs really well. I was asked to "do" one for a few days. I saw no harm in it as I was leaving Korea anyway, so why not I thought.

Their were three "other natives" there in the morning, then, after 5 pm there were two(not including me). The tight@#$% didn't want to spend any more than they had too, I reckon.

The other two English teachers had no intention of staying beyond 8pm and went home at night which, really pissed the organizer off. As for me, I had to stay because I was stranded. I found myself "voluntarily" helping all damn night.

Anyway, after all that hassle, I was told I'd just been paid a grand total of 100,000 won, two months later, and I was in China by that time. What a con. I was probably working for less than 5,000 won per hour. To hell with team playing.

[fusionbarnone]

Yeah. I know the English immersion programs really well. I was asked to "do" one for a few days. I saw no harm in it as I was leaving Korea anyway, so why not I thought.

Their were three "other natives" there in the morning, then, after 5 pm there were two(not including me). The tight@#$% didn't want to spend any more than they had too, I reckon.

The other two English teachers had no intention of staying beyond 8pm and went home at night which, really pissed the organizer off. As for myself, I had to stay due to being stranded. Found myself "voluntarily" helping all damn night. Which, in hindsight, was probably why the camp organizer was pissed in the first place. One sucker only, me.

Anyway, after all that hassle, I was told I'd just been paid a grand total of 100,000 won, two months later, and I was in China by that time. What a con. I was probably working for less than 5,000 won per hour. To hell with team playing in Korea, it's a game for mugs.