Korean Job Discussion Forums

[benblex]

Heard if you teach adults you get crazy split shift hours. Plus, if you're a gyopo like me, you'll probably have some awkwardness/confrontations with the hierarchy thing (gotta "respect your elders").

Kindergarden's supposed to be a zoo where all you do is babysit.

Elementary and High School: the kids are either snotty and disrespectful or painfully shy.

What's other people's take on this? I'm sure there are pros and cons, and not just cons.

[Ya-ta Boy]

IMO, the age group question is a matter of personal preference. I think it's your personality that determines which group you would be happiest working with. Some people are just made to teach kindergarten or middle school and others are suited for adults.

I'm not a gyopo so I can't speak to that aspect of your particular situation.

I have mainly taught adults. I found them to be highly motivated to learn English. I also found that they are eager to spend time with the teacher outside of class, so for the new boy in town, they quickly solve the issue of what to do in your time off. However, the split shift can be a killer. To avoid that, you might consider university work or a company job.

I'm currently working in a boys high school--a very small high school. The boys are very friendly. Shy about speaking to a way-gook saram outside of class, but thrilled when it happens. Like any group of high school boys, some are motivated to learn English, most are resigned to it, and some are totally uninterested. I find them far easier to control than American high school kids. The rest of the faculty are quite friendly and helpful with things having to do with living in a small town.

Generally speaking, I think something like 98% of Koreans are friendly, helpful, considerate and kind...a country full of Boy Scouts, if you will.

Good luck.

[Yu_Bum_suk]

High school's great - just the typical barrier problems Ya-ta mentioned, though it would be a lot different if you're a gyopo. My favourite groups are grade 3 middle school and grade 1 high school. Lots of fun, enthusiasm, few if any disciplinary problems.

Kindy and elementary suck beyond belief, but that's perhaps more a reflection on me. As I said, as a gyopo many things will be different for you.

[NearlyKorean]

As it has been said earlier, it is a personal thing, and what suits you isn't for everyone....
I prefer 2nd 3rd 4th 5th grade myself. They are not afraid to try.....

my two won worth,
NK...

[SPINOZA]

My preference too is grade 3 middle school. They're wonderful and funny. Grade 1 can be a pain unless they're motivated, which isn't very often. I can't imagine doing elementary or kinder personally - I think I'd suck at that!