Korean Job Discussion Forums

matko · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: in a world of hurt!

I could only handle a year in Korea but have lived in Japan for 3 years (2 diferent times). Just wondering what keeps people there.
Japan has it's problems, but it is still alot more foreign friendly.
Anyway, just curious!

Hotuk · Joined: 10 Jan 2003

If someone can tell me about another country that will give me long vacations, decent wages (for a teacher), a free apartment with all utilities paid, all for working less than 15 hours a week, I'll certainly welcome the info.

I'm aware the Middle East may give Korea a run for its money. But let's wait a year for things to sort out there.

matko · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: in a world of hurt!

Long vacations: I get about 3 and a half months off a year
decent wages: Pretty decent. Save quite a bit
Less than 15 hours a week: I teach 20 45 minute classes a week and can leave when I'm done.
Apt and utilities paid: You win there!

kimcheeking · Guest

I paid for my own apartment. Don't want to be indentured to my school. I like not having to move when/if I change jobs. Yes 16 weeks of paid vacation is tough to top.

william beckerson · Guest

Does "Nova Scotia is a big bag of *beep* and there's no future there outside of the service industry" count as a reason?

weatherman · Joined: 14 Jan 2003 Location: Korea

Yeah, long vacations, and decent pay are big reasons I have stayed, but it is more than just that. I really like Korea. I like the way society is organized. I like its cities, people, its countryside. I enjoy the interpersonal aspects more each day, that fine nuance or sublime that is the Korean experience. I would have been bored if it was only for the money or free time. I do realize that having free time and some money has given me more of an opportunity to enjoy things in Korea, but I have generally liked what I have found. Not to say that it is all good, but gravitating to the things you like is only natural.

gajackson1 · Posted: Mon Jan 27, 2003 4:19 am Post subject: 5 years in . . .

First job was so nice, I stayed there 3 contract years.

I saved enough each year to take a 2-month RTW trip between contracts. And not shlepping it on US$10/day, either.

I can save approximately US$10,000/year - that is net SAVINGS, and not part of my travel budget, living expenses, or 'slush money.'

I have felt, in many ways, more comfortable with aspects of Korean culture than I do of my 'home' in the USA. (But definitely not all of it!!!) (I am Shawnese/Tribal American Native; there are a lot of similarities with 'traditional' Asian beliefs)

To be frank, and bordering on TMI, the dating has been wonderful, for me personally.

Teaching here is much, much easier than public school teaching in the USA - IF you can find the right school/program for you.

3.5% tax, plus piddling sales tax, and NO tax liability back 'home.'

Asia in your back yard, and cheap vacation places all over the place.

G.

Mr. Kalgukshi · Posted: Fri Jan 31, 2003 7:43 pm Post subject: Think Before Typing

Okay, I just deleted one of the last two messages. Before I could delete the other, it was also deleted. My guess is it was done by Lemon. Whatever the case, both messages were inappropriate. If they continue, this thread will be locked.

Canadian Teacher · Joined: 22 Jan 2003

Makto, I am glad that you have such conditons in Japan. I also spent a few years and met very few people with a gig as good as yours.

Geos and Nova are worse than anything I have (peronally) seen in Korea.

Why have I stayed in Korea so long? I just got paid TRIPLE time to teach for four weeks. Tonight I leave for my vacation home in an undisclosed tropical country.....

Zyzyfer · Posted: Fri Jan 31, 2003 10:20 pm Post subject:

I'm a loser! My family hates me!

Er...I hate them. Er...some of them...okay, just the parents. And my hometown is heavily military services-based. I don't mesh too well with that.

Once I save enough money in Korea to feel like I'm on my own two feet(coming from a dirt-poor background, damn the school loans!), I'll venture out into world-proper. Looking to teach for TeachForAmerica in New Mexico, on an Indian Rez there.

schwa · Joined: 18 Jan 2003 Location: Yap

I'm a bit worried that I invented this country to serve my personal wishes & its not serving others so well. O well tough luck. I happen to like rough edges, intuitive logic, mushy sentiment (that one surprised me) & a chance to bust free of money servitude. Not easy being creator of the universe! I'm working on the finer points.
Meanwhile. heres some good tunes. http://www.hober.com/

Tiger Beer · Joined: 07 Feb 2003

wow, 25% of our ESLCafe posting population is married!!??!!

Saxiif · Joined: 15 May 2003 Location: Seongnam

The Man known as The Man · Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2003 11:07 am Post subject:

Skarp · Joined: 22 Aug 2003

You will probably need diploma level TEFL certification for a good middle east job, but a masters in TEFL might be enough.

The few people I've met with experience of working in Saudi Arabia, UAE etc. hate the work and the place. OK for married men who don't drink and who's wives are also teachers.

I know it's not for me.

Skarp