Korean Job Discussion Forums

[JongnoGuru]

I always try to make myself useful. Haven't always succeeded, but I try.

[Plume D'ella Plumeria]

I agree with what another poster said about an observable difference between the hakwan kids and the non-hakwan kids. In my elementary school, I can usually tell very quickly who is hakwanned and who is not. They are miles ahead of the other kids in their English ability. So yes, as much as I am critical of many of them, it would seem that (some) hakwans DO make a difference.

Also, just getting the kids motivated to want to communicate with you, as another person said. They have progressed from being shy and in some cases, fearful around me, to running up to me in the school yard when they catch sight of me. One of the Down's Syndrome kids likes to wait for me in the mornings and take my "school shoes" out of the shoe cabinet. A gaggle of little girls likes to pop into my office of an afternoon to see if I need any help. If I have any, I set them to work cutting or stapling papers. The one who can speak some English then updates me on her puppy's growth spurts, her upcoming trip to Everland with her cousins, etc. And I must say "hello"on an average of one hundred times a day, as they shout out exuberant greetings whenever we see each other in the halls.

This alone make me feel that maybe I am serving some useful purpose here. And the kiddies are even learning a little English...

[mindmetoo]

[jajdude]