Korean Job Discussion Forums

[cubanlord]

atmosphere more enjoyable?

The wife and I do a lot of things: We try to hang out with the other foreigners at our school, we buy people cutesy little gifts (like today we bought a single rose for every teacher and admin. in the school...HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY TO ALL), we do compliment people on their hair, dress, etc.

These things do make our lives easier. I feel this can be a good thread for newbie's to Korea. Please contribute what you have found to be an effective way of making sure there is harmony amongst your co-workers (Korean and non-Korean).

[peppermint]

smiles, compliments and baked goods go a very long way with Korean co workers

[numazawa]

You may have answered your own question with the "do do" part.

[coffeeman]

Actually, You don't need to be that creative. Just go out drinking with the teachers on a Friday night. If you drink a lot with them and act like you're enjoying their company, on Monday you'll find that you have a ton of new friends at school.

[ilovebdt]

[Yu_Bum_suk]

Demonstrating that you give a shit about your job and students doesn't hurt either. Mind you, at my old hogwan it did because, as I found out the hard way, we were not there to teach as effectively as possible and the parents' money was all that mattered. At a better school, showing up on time, staying til the end of the day, and doing a lot of lesson prep. does get noticed and rewarded after a while.

Drinking with them certainly helps, too.

[Fredbob]

Candy works, chocolate, practicing Korean without asking too many questions, and at any decent school, showing that you actually care about the students learning by showing you've done prep work. I'm still technically a newbie but I've been managing ok at work and usually I get the things I need or want without asking- nice getting all the presents on the holidays and I got a washing machine and bed heating pad without ever mentioning the fact that it was kind of implied by my contract. As a newbie, this kind of thread is definitely helpful, helped me avoid a lot of mistakes so far.

[Demonicat]

I took the opposite tack. I come in, get my work done, associate only with the students, and get the hell out. They think of me as being this super teacher who is incredibly caring for the students...when the truth is that I can't stand to hear people chew with their mouths open (and they always eat in the teacher's room).

[sheba]

I treat my co-workers to lunch or dinner once a month. It might be as simple as ordering in food for dinner, but they do appreciate it. I also bring in gifts like chocolates on valentines day, or occassionally some food for everyone to snack on during the day (like fruit), or I offer to make then a hot drink if Im making myself one.

Doesnt take a lot.

[Homer]

Good examples of ways to foster better work relations. Well done!

[Tiny_Tibbo]

Double post.....

[Tiny_Tibbo]

So basically buy off your co-workers to get them to include you in the rest of the human race?

Maybe that's what I did wrong....(or didn't do right....)

I don't buy friends at home so why should I here?

[numazawa]

[coffeeman]

[jacl]

I give 'em hell when there's no coffee.

I treat the kids to pizza when they finish a book.