Korean Job Discussion Forums

Mr. BlackCat · Joined: 30 Nov 2005 Location: Insert witty remark HERE

I suggest you be realistic when coming over here. There are cultural differences, but I don't find it difficult to overcome. You'll have the same problems you'd have back home except in a different context.

I decided to go with a reputable company my first year (which I am still currently in) even though it paid a bit less. Now I know more and can move on from here. There's still problems but I've never had a job that was problem free. In fact, this is probably the best job I've ever had just because I feel like so many different aspects of myself are growing.

But I do agree that most people come here to bitch (myself included at times), but its a small portion of the total people. All the problems I've had here (which don't count too high) could have easily happened at home but in a much more mundane way. I'd rather drink my worries away with cheap soju on a neon-lit alley than with overpriced Molson at a dank bar.

But that's just me.

some waygug-in · Joined: 25 Jan 2003

[quote="cubanlord"]

semphoon · Joined: 18 Nov 2005 Location: Where Nowon is

I love Korea.

Im so glad I moved here (and Im in an area where I am the only white guy...i mean THE only whote guy).

I have been here 6 months and have never been home sick.

My life here is simple - I go to the gym, go to work, then chat on the internet/read/watch DVDs. At the weekend, I go to Seoul to meet westerners and have "proper" conversation (and get tanked).

I get paid well to do a job which I like. My boss and my co-workers have helped me many times and I have always been paid on time and in full. At Cristmas, my boss took me skiing with his wife so I didn't feel alone.

Most importantly, it depends on you and your attitude you bring with you. My situation would be crap to most folk; to me its a simple and happy situation.

cubanlord · Joined: 08 Jul 2005 Location: In Japan!

princess · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: soul of Asia

Try not to worry. Even after 4 years of teaching in Korea, every time I take a new job I worry that I will get screwed over. I have been screwed a few times and even my best school in korea managed to do things that bothered me, like working 2 years with zero sick days. That was tough. I still don't think my body has recovered from last July, when I had to work a whole month sick with bronchitis. I had a fever the last week of July and had to teach 3 kindy parent observation classes in that condition. I thought I would die blowing my nose and coughing every 5 minutes in front of parents. I had to sing and read stories with a really bad voice. The manager told the parents I was sick probably because I was nervous. One of the Mom's who spoke English told on my manager after the class finished. I am seeing my parents for the first time in 2 years these past 3 weeks. I am considering going to Korea again soon. I don't know about everyone else, but whenever I have break and see my parents, it takes every ounce of strength I can muster to get on that plane. I enjoy Korea and I like to enjoy life so in 4 years time, I haven't saved more than 10,000 dollars, plus I have student loans.

princess · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: soul of Asia

Francis-Pax · Joined: 20 Nov 2005

Smaller risk, smaller return.
No pain, no gain.

You will only know if it is worth it for you, if you try. You might get screwed but the percentage of people that I have met in Korea have not been screwed is higher than those that have been screwed.

I think that teaching English in Korea offers everyone in Korea a unique opportunity to learn something about a different culture, education, and oneself.

If you are so scared, then don't bother coming. You need to be brave to do this.

fusionbarnone · Joined: 31 May 2004

Do your homework(Dave's, EFL-Law), check your references(teachers, recruiters, et al) and come on over.