Korean Job Discussion Forums

[dutchman]

[FierceInvalid]

[scarneck]

Just to clarify some things, I am a soldier, US Army, have been for 21 years, Been to Korea many times, both stationed by orders and on vacation, (to visit the in-laws). I'm not a ELS teacher, I like to hear of other's experiences and opinions. This board is so much better than most because of the work of the moderators keeping it civil. See, I value the opinions of the members of this board because your experiences are in contrast to what most servicemembers have. Unfortunatley, most GIs, only see what exists "off-post" and not the real Korea. I mean visiting homes, touring the countryside and meeting people. Sure some do, but most are satisfied with hating it because they are away from their families. I have to admit, my first few tours early on I was out of control. I drank everything and poked everything. I didn't spend too much time in the Ville, I used to jump the bus or subway and venture off on my own. Many times I'd take a Katusa friend and get in some good times seeing things. I didn't meet the old lady until a few tours in. I don't speak Korean like I should, but enough to get around and get the job done. I was there last year during the protests and didn't have any problems with anyone. I just kept to myself and had a good time in Seoul.
As I read the stories and visit the personal websites, I see alot you make an effort to get out and see the country. I get alot of good ideas of places to visit from this. I do have a degree, but teaching english in Korea when I do decide to retire doesn't seem like an option for me, as I have two boyz still in school. I'll probably get a job working for a contractor on post or some civilian job with the USFK.. (DODDS benefits for the kids). With many of the posters credentials, I wonder why some of you haven't tried to become teachers with the DOD...?
I thought I was welcome to this board even though I don't fit the criteria of an ESL teacher. I usually start my day off by reading the posts, I can do that because my job now is pretty laid back...so, while I may not be as eloquent with my postings as some of you, I do have alot of experience to back up my opinions and stories, and boy, do I have some stories....

One last thing: GIs could *beep* up an anvil....Trust me, when I had soldiers that got into trouble for stupid things off post, I'd HAMMER them....no excuse for certain conduct....mostly alcohol related...

Anyway, thanks for your support...

[Tiger Beer]

[Bulsajo]

[jajdude]

I wonder if perhaps the soldiers have a better experience than many EFL teachers? Different jobs, different lifestyles. I get the impression most soldiers still basically live in the USA over here. They seem to hang together almost exclusively, often in Itaewon, and perhaps get treated the same way around their bases as they would anywhere else. I may be ignorant but it seems they have less foreign culture to deal with than some of us EFL people, who often don't have such a network of people from our home culture to live among. Most of us are living more in Korea I believe, and see more of its culture and live more with a lot of the nonsense. However, I understand that anti-American sentiment must be tough for some of the soldiers.

[scarneck]

I agree that there is a tendency for the soldiers to stick to what they feel most comfortable with. Most of the activities on post are geared so that they don't feel the "culture shok" of being in Korea. One of the biggest problems that involves duty in Korea is the fact that it's an unaccompanied tour, and rightly so. Most dependants, (ooh, bad word, not PC, supposed to say "Family members) couldn't deal with it, that and the fact that the mission requires you to be focused on the realities of why the USFK exists. the ""We Fight Tonight" mentality is a must, so the all the baggage that comes with families has to be put in its place. When a soldier first gets notified that they are going to Korea , one of the first thoughts is "Oh Sh*t, I'm going to a hell hole.." and then you have the other soldiers that have been there, talking about how bad it is..giving it a negative slant even before the poor soul gets there and draws his own conclusion. Now, the command is trying to get programs that involve a bit of history, customs and the like so even us Burr-headed dolts can understand a bit about the culture. There are actually alot of Korean/American friendship type events on each post, I'm sure that if some of the ESL teachers knew some soldiers, they could attend these get togethers as well as being escorted on post to enjoy some of the facilities there. We support orphanages and have partnerships with some of the local schools. During the holidays, we'd bring some of the kids we sponsored on post and have picnics and things for them to do. We have also done some civil works projects, like renovating their buildings at the orphanages using troop labor and providing the materials.
One of the trends I see is that many of the senior leaders in USFK have little or no experience in the ways of Korea, therefore, they lack the knowledge to make informed decisions. (They have gotten out of coming to Korea for most of their careers and it finally caught up with them) If your commanders hate being in Korea, the tendency is to make sure others hate it too. All too often I hear comments about Korea and Koreans in general that are derrogatory, and it's accepted! Comments like: "Oh that's just Korea.." or treating the civilian workers as idiots because they are not fluent in English. Even treating the Katusa soldiers as second rate. When I hear soldiers complaining that the Katusas or civilians can't speak English well, I ask them "How many languages do you speak?" "How much college do you have?" Most soldiers unfortunatley have the mind-set of " I can endure anything for a year" I call it the bus stop attitude, the plane dropped them off and it'll be back in year to get them...
One of the peculiarities of soldiers in Korea is they seem to take on a different persona when they get in country. I think there was reference to this in another thread. No matter what or who they were in the states, they try to act totally different when they arrive. (disclaimer: Not all, some, enough to make a difference). Problems arise when they don't have their families with them. It's been said, when your'e in Korea, you are temporarily divorced for a year. I always briefed my new soldiers, don't do anything here that you wouldn't do in front of your family back home. It pains me to see GIs acting like total fools downtown. They deserve all the flak they get. It used to be that when soldiers go downrange and get hammered, someone would usually take care of them and make sure they didn't get into trouble with the local KNP or MPs, they'd get them back on post safely. Now, they'd just as well beat your a** and take your wallet! O good example is up in Tongduchon, Camp Casey is a place that I'm ashamed of. When soldiers get off duty and go off post, they dress and act like it's little Gang-Land. Ambassadors in Green? I think not.
I guess my take is a bit different because I have some miles under my boots, and have a different perspective. Now, I did have my share of soju experiences and black outs. I lost alot of shoes then, and puked alot of Shin Ramyun out my nose. But I never did anything destructive or hurtful (only to myself falling down). Oh, the 80s were a great time from what I remember...

Enough of my rant...I enjoy the board and all it's members. I like the contrast of opinions and how the conversations go. some are just downright hilarious....Enjoy it all, and have a great fall season!!

Oh, forgive my spelling, and other errors, work keeps interupting me...

[Thomas]

Scarneck: Nice posts... I enjoy reading your for the more mature perspective and non Enlgish teacher perspective. I did work in Korea for 4 years and enjoyed it (although I had lots of complaints too)... and before that I was a College student and before I served in the US Army, mainly in Germany. Even though I work full time in the US as a teacher, I check in at Dave's often, usually just to keep track of Korea and sometimes to share my experience and ideas. Welcome.

[The Man known as The Man]

If you don't like reading scarneck's posts, don't read any of the eslcafe.


Got it, autistic tards?


andie=smrt

[Walter Mitty]

I think some of the resentment from the soldiers who get stationed here (and don't want to be here) can be traced back to the Oath of Enlistment that every service member takes.

[jajdude]

Scarneck,

Nice to read your posts. A different perspective is certainly welcome.