Korean Job Discussion Forums

[bixlerscott]

I am looking to go to South Korea (Busan area) to teach English. After having read these posts for hundreds of hours over the past 6 months, I am still clueless on what the Koreans will think of my previous affiliation with the U.S. Army. Any cultural conflicts or contradictions present? Hope not, I gained valuable experience living and working in European countries (Germany and Bosnia) for 3 years that involved teaching English informally to my local national employees who I supervised to do labor work, the most loyal guys I ever have known. I found that I love international travel (my primary hobby) as long as I know the pitfalls and custums of each place. Of course adequate money and health insurance are highly important.

[Roch]

I've worked with a few Veterans.

Go for it!

[SuperFly]

I heard one vet used to teach his kindies like a drill instructor...

*KIM I SAID GIT DOWN N GIMMIE 30!*

WHAT? I CAAAN'T HEEEEAR YEWWWW!

PAIN! YOURE GONNA FEEL THE PAIN!


WHERE YOU FROM KO? MASSAN? AINT NOTHING COME OUTTA MASSA EXCEPT STEERS N QUEERS! YOU LOOKIN AT ME BOY?!



No you won't have a problem. You don't even have to tell anyone you're ex-military. No one cares. They all had to do their mandatory service too, so it's not like they're going to care...unless of course you were a tank driver stationed here a few years ago and you just happened to be the driver of a certian vehicle that ran over two schoolgirls...but nah, that's prolly not the case. But if it was....they'd lynch ya.

[Roch]

[wylies99]

I'm one of the VERY few actual veterans on this board (US Army), and I can tell you that most Koreans respect military service. The loudmouth lefties that hate the US hate EVERYTHING about the US, and EVERYONE from the US, not just veterans.


Those who do protest, biatch, and burn US flags would dress up like Uncle Sam and sing "God Bless America" if they could get US citizenship. It's all jealousy.

[sadsac]

Personally I don't think that it will be an issue. At unis or such with their sheep mentality about being anti US, your past affiliations may cause some concern. Come on over and enjoy the experience of teaching here.

[SirFink]

As all Korean men are required to serve in the military, I think you'll find many will respect your service. As for the kids? Who knows.

[kimchi_pizza]

I'm one as well and everyone has made good points and comments. Even superfly makes a good point to keep in mind. Military service is now a natural part of you for the rest of your life wether you know it or not. But how you bring it with you and into your classroom is important.

For example, I learned the importance of respect, structure and discipline and incorporate that into my class, BUT I do not run it like the military. A stern tone of voice is about the extent of showing my displeasure or anger at a student. Barking orders, yelling, physical punishment like hitting or even push-ups are a "no-go" for me.

Also, be proud of your time in the service but don't broadcast it. It belittles you and those you represent presently and in the past. Heck, you won't even find a single U.S. flag showing anywhere. I do have a small U.S. and world map, but that is for teaching purposes as most English teaching materials refer to specific places in the U.S. and it helps to show students.

When I did tell Koreans I WAS a soldier, the first reaction I got was this strange cringe of sympathy for me or fear. While it did hurt, I didn't show it and ignored it. Later it was accepted and they came to respect me more for it given my experiences and how miltiary service provided me the chance to mature and be the person and teacher that I am now.

I'm sure you'll do just fine. Welcome aboard.

Ah! Just now realized you spent time in Bosnia. Me too. PM me if ya need any advice or help.

[PRagic]

I'm a vet. You don't really have to bring it up, do you? You'll be getting your teaching job based on your education, not your military experience. Yes, it's part of you and your life experience, but it's not something that you throw out as soon as you meet a person, let alone a class.

Don't anticipate any problems with it. In my experience, the only thing you will face is general confusion as to why you signed up when you didn't have to!

Come on over and enjoy.

[passport220]

I am prior service. It has come up with a few teachers and it is not a problem. We just compare the military life of the US Army and Korean Army. No hassles.

I actually do think of my old drill instructor as a model in certain classroom situations. �IF YOU ARE TALKING AT THIS TIME�<insert death stare>���..YOUR WRONG!�. �IF YOU ARE NOT IN YOUR SEAT AT THIS TIME��<insert death stare>���YOUR WRONG!�.
The kids respond beautifully to this type of authoritative posture and language. I rarely have to do anything more than take this attitude for a minute and the class is in control.

This may well get a laugh from some but don�t forget that Drill instructors are in fact teachers. Most of their methods and tactics are not appropriate for the classroom but some certainly are.

Take care.

[ChuckECheese]

I'm a vet. You'll have no problems at all. In fact your military service and experience will help you actually. Koreans will respect you as more mature and responsible person. Drive on!

[laogaiguk]

Actually, your biggest problem will most likely be other English teachers who think you are a neanderthal incapable of anything except boozing and whoring. You can usually avoid them though.

[Teufelswacht]

I was in the Army for over 10 years. I have been in Korea for almost 7 and haven't experienced any problems, or heard any negative comments from Koreans because of my prior military service.

In fact, when teaching middle-aged men, I have found it beneficial as most of them have spent time in the ROK Army.

One caution however, did you get any tatoos while in the service? If so, keep them covered as tatoos are often viewed in a negative light by many Koreans.

Best of luck to you.

T

[lastat06513]

Hey....

Alot of the American ESLers I had met in Korea (including myself) started off off as soldiers and stayed on as ESL teachers because they liked Korea enough to stay or had family and didn't want to be away from them.

Do you have a Transition card or are you in the IRR?
If you have your ID card, you can still go on base (there used to be a base in Busan called Camp Haileah, but it closed last summer), so the only bases close by are Camp Henry and Camp Falling Water, both of them in Daegu.
If you have your transition card, you won't be able to use the PX or Commissary, but you can still use the mini-marts and in some instances, the prices are cheaper than in the PX.
If you are in the IRR, you might still be entitled to use the PX and Commissary (though you might have to speak to the reserve/IRR laison rep to find out more)
Because if you still have some affiliation with the military, you will save tons off your food bill (average grocery bill can range from $80 for one person to about $200 for 2 people per month at a local Korean supermarket) and you can find American food that you won't normally find outside also (unless you go to one of the many black market stalls in the outside markets).

As for healthcare, its the National Healthcare plan that is split 50/50 between you and your employer.
The closest VA facility is on Guam.
There is a VA representative at YongSan that can answer any questions you might have.
I don't know the number off-hand, but you can contact the YongSan telephone operator at;
02-7913-1110 and they can give you the number to the VA rep if you want it.

As for respect; as another poster had mention, all Korean males are to do mandatory military service for a period of 28 months. When they have an interview, they are asked when and where and which unit they served in. Although they normally don't ask this question to foreigners, they do think positively about it if you mention it (though these days, I am not so sure). But if you are teaching adults, some of your male students might repect you because they will see you as an equal and understand the harsh life of being in the military.

Either way, enjoy your time in Korea.

[bixlerscott]

I want to thank everyone for all the information and your time in providing your input. Thanks! Thumbs up. Anyone with anything to add to this discussion is welcome to do so at any time.

I had a hunch that prior service is a real bonus to have added to my character due to the advanced development of interpersonal skills such as leadership, multicultural sensitivity, and inner strength. I do not act like a dill sergeant, but am direct to the concise point with people face to face on anything of importance rather than shying away. I used to be very shy before military service, but now I am confident to do business and interact with almost anyone. Sales and public speaking is a real fortay in my adult life resulting from social development. However there is not much opportunity to start my career in the midwest of the U.S. where I live and my primary hobby is international travel, business, economics, culture, and the dynamics of the 21st century.

I currently sell clothes for a pittance to people from all walks of life successfully, thus gaining enormous insights. I want to be an international business agent or investor someday and can not think of a better way to get a career started than to teach English and U.S. customs (though I do not expect them to fully buy into this, always expect the worse not to be pessimistic, but trying to have realistic expectations with the expectation to be paid and treated in a humane manner, surely my new boss will not want to destroy me after flying me over, but see that my needs are met so I can be of optimal service) to help Asians or anyone else demanding service in gaining the skills I possess to enable them to increase their own careers. (i.e. South Korean children learn English and grow up to be international citizens with vital English communication skills or Asian business men gain insight on how to do business with American business executives) A great way to make use of ME, rather than staying home to make a large company richer while I get paid a small hourly wage of $9.50/hour with no benefits and stay poor for my expertise; would be a huge waste.

I am also interested in using my business knowledge and writing skills (please do not flame me on any writing mistake you could find in this post) in English newspaper editing after doing 1 year in a hagwon and possibly public speaking and acting. (possibly for another discussion) Moving up the food chain is key and I see that Asia has opportunity for junior level educated western professional minded young adults seeking more than a low paying boring job. Fact is that matured markets like in the U.S., western Europe, and Australia are great for senior professionals to get ahead, but not those looking to develop a career, while developing countries will actually allow younger adults opportunities like teaching, editing, and maybe even business consulting (ESP). Anyone is welcome to add to my ideas or start a new discussion if necessary.

Thanks again everyone, I look forward to coming over in January to the ROK in the Busan area to rock on into an exciting career. Of course, research and planning is priority #1 before going, just hope I get a nice professional and fair kind of boss. Was going in December, but made the compromise with my reletives to stay over Christmas holiday as they are freaking out.

Sincerely,
Scott