Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Tracye]

I'm not in Korea yet - planning to go there in August or September as a newbie. I'm wondering what foreign English teachers' social lives are like when they arrive in Korea. Did you make friends primarily with other teachers, with native Koreans (if so, do you speak primarily English or Korean when you're together?), or with English-speaking foreigners who do not happen to be teachers?

[krats1976]

Everyone's experience is different, of course. It all depends on where you are, how big your school is (hence, how many other foreigners work there), what kind of social interests you have.

When I first arrived, I was at a small-ish hagwon with two other foreign teachers. They were nice guys and we hung out a bit. I also began attending an English service at church and made friends with other teachers, business people & their families, Filipinas working at sock factories, and so on. I went to dinner with some of the Korean teachers at my hagwon from time to time, but we didn't really hang out that much--probably because I didn't like going to bars or clubs more than cultural or liguistic differences. My first year in Korea, I really didn't have any close Korean friends.

Anyway, that's how I made friends. My coworkers met people other places like bars & clubs. One guy I knew got involved in a rugby league in Seoul & made a lot of friends that way.

I think it's always a little lonely at first, until you've been here long enough to scout out places to go & things to do. But, if you're even a little outgoing, you'll find folks to spend time with.

[Swiss James]

it's tough at first if you're going from a standing start, but you meet one person, then you meet all of their friends, then you meet all of their friends, and before you know it you're screening your phone calls and trying to split your time between too many people.

[TOGirl]

I think that you are too worried about not knowing any Korean. (I read your other post on teaching English to Koreans). When I went to Korea I knew no Korean at all. But you meet other teachers very easily, through teachers at your school or even when your just out shopping or on the street. I found that foreigners were really friendly and they also wanted to meet friends so talking to random people isn't out of the ordinary.

But get involved in Korean classes and learn some of the language, you will meet other foreigners and it will make your life much easier. Just be proactive about meeting people and you will find you have tons of friends in no time.

[Tiger Beer]

[SPINOZA]

[Tracye]

Thanks, everyone. Yeah, I think I am pretty worried about not knowing Korean I worry that it will hard for me to get by in daily life, and that Koreans will think something is wrong with me because I seek out English-speakers wherever I can find them. I'm glad to see that what I believe I'll have to do (find English-speakers) is not so unusual.

[Qinella]