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STP
Joined: 09 May 2005
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Posted: Wed Jun 15, 2005 6:47 pm Post subject: Wetbacks of Asia |
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I was in Iteawon last night and started up a conversation with some consultant guy, I think he was from Bain or Mckinsey, not sure. He said that he thought ESL teachers where rapidly becoming the wetbacks of Asia. He went on to mention that the average pay level for a white ESL teacher in China was $500 USD per months. I mean who the hell would teach for such a pittance (I know that 500 bucks in local terms is probably a decent salary). Apparently there are tones of whiteys in China teaching????WTF.
Overall income levels in north Asia and China are forecast to double in the next 7 years, and there�s no way that an ESL teachers pay is going to keep pace.
Are any of you guys worried that it�s only a matter of time before Koreans figure out that no skills are required for the job and that pay levels are going to be reduced? Look at all the bad press we have received lately; it doesn�t seem to be going away. I have notice over the last 12 months a drastic change in attitude a lot of students have shown towards me. |
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Swiss James

Joined: 26 Nov 2003 Location: Shanghai
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Posted: Wed Jun 15, 2005 6:57 pm Post subject: |
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what's a wetback? |
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STP
Joined: 09 May 2005
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Posted: Wed Jun 15, 2005 6:59 pm Post subject: |
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A very derogatory term for a low skilled Mexican worker |
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Wangja

Joined: 17 May 2004 Location: Seoul, Yongsan
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Posted: Wed Jun 15, 2005 7:00 pm Post subject: |
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Swiss James wrote: |
what's a wetback? |
hehe, can't wait for this .....  |
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Thunndarr

Joined: 30 Sep 2003
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Posted: Wed Jun 15, 2005 7:00 pm Post subject: |
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I have notice over the last 12 months a drastic change in attitude a lot of students have shown towards me. |
So, over the course of the year, as your students get to know you, they like you less and less...Yep, that's a classic case of economic outlook interfering in the classroom. |
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STP
Joined: 09 May 2005
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Posted: Wed Jun 15, 2005 7:04 pm Post subject: |
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I've been teaching in Korea over 6 yrs now, I'm now at a University and I have really notice a change in attitude from students and I'm guessing its due to a lot of the bad press. |
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Thunndarr

Joined: 30 Sep 2003
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Posted: Wed Jun 15, 2005 7:06 pm Post subject: |
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I've been teaching in Korea over 6 yrs now, I'm now at a University and I have really notice a change in attitude from students and I'm guessing its due to a lot of the bad press. |
I was just joking around anyway. Still, Uni kids change there minds at the drop of a hat, so there's no telling what's got them going. |
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STP
Joined: 09 May 2005
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Posted: Wed Jun 15, 2005 7:09 pm Post subject: |
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no worries,
I've just notice a real change in attitude from the students, I'm wondering if other have experienced the same.
And this guy last night really pissed me off, and that's not even half of what he said. The problem is that some of the crap he was saying made a bit of sense... |
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eamo

Joined: 08 Mar 2003 Location: Shepherd's Bush, 1964.
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Posted: Wed Jun 15, 2005 7:12 pm Post subject: |
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My 6 year-olds are constantly querying me if I think my pay will adequately rise to meet inflation. Some of their moms are bringing me food parcels so I can make ends meet. |
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Thunndarr

Joined: 30 Sep 2003
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Posted: Wed Jun 15, 2005 7:13 pm Post subject: |
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My 6 year-olds are constantly querying me if I think my pay will adequately rise to meet inflation. Some of their moms are bringing me food parcels so I can make ends meet. |
Can I make an Irish joke here, or is that not allowed? |
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eamo

Joined: 08 Mar 2003 Location: Shepherd's Bush, 1964.
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Posted: Wed Jun 15, 2005 7:18 pm Post subject: |
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Thunndarr wrote: |
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My 6 year-olds are constantly querying me if I think my pay will adequately rise to meet inflation. Some of their moms are bringing me food parcels so I can make ends meet. |
Can I make an Irish joke here, or is that not allowed? |
It's always allowed. We love to laugh at ourselves. |
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Thunndarr

Joined: 30 Sep 2003
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Posted: Wed Jun 15, 2005 7:20 pm Post subject: |
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It's always allowed. We love to laugh at ourselves. |
Well that just takes the fun right out of it then. |
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Hollywoodaction
Joined: 02 Jul 2004
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Posted: Wed Jun 15, 2005 7:20 pm Post subject: |
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STP wrote: |
I've been teaching in Korea over 6 yrs now, I'm now at a University and I have really notice a change in attitude from students and I'm guessing its due to a lot of the bad press. |
Well...Koreans are increasingly nationalistic, which has for effect to enforce the ridiculous notion of unilingual pride. But, ask the Korean professors on their feelings about their current students and they'll tell you the same thing. The Korean population is aging quite rapidly, there are simply too many desks for the number of quality students available. As a result, many schools chose to lower the bar instead of going *beep* up (It's incredible that an expression that can be heard on the CBC is censured). I attended a conference where this was discussed, and it looks like it will continue getting worse until 2010 or so when the number of university age kids is expected to plateau. |
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hellofaniceguy

Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Location: On your computer screen!
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Posted: Wed Jun 15, 2005 8:12 pm Post subject: |
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Why use the term "wetback" just because another ignorant person mention it to you?
Isn't there enough racism in korea and around the world has it is?!?
Pay is low in China and elsewhere? Sure! And why? Because of YOU! You meaning the ESL teachers signing the contracts!!
Don't agree to teach for $500.00 in China or Thailand! No teachers...the salaries will go up. It's that simple!
Gesh...you guys...you teachers control your own lives and control the ESL industry! Raise the bar! Why agree just because that's the way it has been done!
But schools know that someone will always sign for less!
It'll never change. |
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sheba
Joined: 16 May 2005 Location: Here there and everywhere!
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Posted: Wed Jun 15, 2005 8:14 pm Post subject: |
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Ive been told you wont be able to savemoney in China, but you will be able to live quite well off the salary.
Just like most of South America aparently. |
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