Korean Job Discussion Forums

[teachingld2004]

I like the quarters, but I would not give them away. I would get as many different states as I can, and show the kids that they are all money, the same amount, but the states. You can use them when you ask "what is the same and what is the difference". There can be many uses for them.

About Starbucks coffee, I personally dont like it. It taste bitter to me.

I suggest you bring (also as teaching aids) maps...subway and bus. ANd these are free!!

[MissCanada]

I brought a bottle of Canadian whiskey and a box of chocolates for my boss. She loved my gifts, and has gone out of her way to help me in sticky situations since. Koreans love Canadian whisky, so I think its the best gift to give.

[wwidgirl]

Weird. I always wondered why my grandmother took buckets and buckets of creamed honey back to korea with her. Actually I still wonder why. She always took honey and coffee back with her whenever she went to visit korea. She always came back with socks, underwear and some korean food like keem (seaweed) and some medicines I think.

When I go to korea, I'm taking a few pounds of starbucks coffee with me since my sister works at starbucks and gets a pound every week for free. I guess coffee is expensive in korea?

[Qinella]

[tzechuk]

Where did you buy it from, qinella?

[eamo]

[skinsk05]

I like the quarter idea-- though a few other coins can help teach their numbers (and are cheaper:).

Cheap plastic stuff from China and candy is cheap and plentiful here. I use a candy for a prize with my college students. It shows it's a friendly competition, and the winner always smiles.

The boss might appreciate a magazine or book from home, something that is appropriate just sitting on his desk. He might be leaving other gifts there so he can tell people the foreign professor gave him that (makes him look good and international and respected). . . he's probably tempted by the honey. . .

I also bring some of those ashtrays, shot-glasses, magnets, snow globes and a few nicer, more typical hand crafts from home or with special meaning -- good for Korean friends who invite you home for dinner, the secrataries who stay late and help you out, the lady at the bath house who can introduce you better (in Korean) than you can, anyone who goes out of their way to make your life easier . .

[desultude]

I get little gifts from where ever I am traveling for the kiddies at camp. Stuff from S.E. Asia that is unusual (and cheap) goes over really well. I have been getting bamboo dragonflies from Vietnam for the last two years- and the kids at camp almost fight over them! They cost about 3 for $1 U.S. A couple of years ago I came back from Australia with tiny koalas and kangas- they were a huge hit.

My kids also love quarters for something special- I give each of my homeroom students one on the graduation day of camp.

Once I asked the director of my program what she would like me to bring back with me for her and she said chocolate. I brought back Godiva from the States, and it was coldly received without a thanks. That one I just don't understand. Man I love the children- they are so uncomplicated.

[skinsk05]

I like the bamboo dragonflies. . .
I want one!

I brought US flag pins to Cambodia once-- a hit among children-- well isn't everything.

I also brought W home. . . when I subbed, especially, or did a show and tell on Korea, I'd give W to kids who answered questions correctly. My little neices and nephews like the large numbers on the bills, and well, a lot of 100W were mistaken as quarters by my brother and used in parking meters downtown, oops. . .

Still, cheesy gifts that say "Colorado" have been hits here! Even if the ashtrays, "soju" glasses and snow globes are made in China!