|
Korean Job Discussion Forums
"The Internet's Meeting Place for ESL/EFL Teachers from Around the World!"
|
| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
SeoulFinn
Joined: 27 Feb 2006
Location: 1h from Seoul
|
 Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2012 4:18 pm Post subject: |
 |
|
I could use some "language exchange" right now!
I have never attended those meetings, but knowing what I know now, I better steer away from them. |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
alongway
Joined: 02 Jan 2012
|
| Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2012 12:45 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Adventurer wrote: |
I have helped start a Korean language club for expats. It does work. Find expats and decide on materials and start studying. Eventually, you'll find Koreans you know who will want to join and help you, and they will be helping you with clear things from certain materials, and you'll start speaking more Korean with them. Then, after you're done studying Korean because you've had enough you can talk to them for about an hour or so just in English. That's a win-win for everyone.
I set up a club like that with someone, and we've had to turn away some Koreans because we have so many who want to join our group of expats.
I have advice on how to set it up for someone whose interested, and I can give the facebook link to our group in our city. Send me a PM. |
I guess my whole outlook is return vs investment. I guess since a lot of us are already english teachers, the Koreans are automatically getting the better deal out of it, unless you actually happen to meet someone who studied education or even better Korean education. They probably wouldn't have studied KSL though.
I did it for a few years and just came up against lazy people over and over. I'd never really found a single person who was that useful in terms of language exchange. Occasionally I'd meet someone who was okay for the short term, they might seem excited in the beginning and be quite helpful but once they realized how much work teaching a language is to another person they never went the distance.
Once I reached a conversational texting level, I found that the SNS were much better as I said. No one really expecting English there, and you meet plenty who can't speak it all, so you're forced into having Korean conversations. I've known Koreans for over a year and we've only ever spoked in Korean, and quite frequently. That has done much more than any language exchange ever did. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
fermentation
Joined: 22 Jun 2009
|
| Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2012 1:05 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Adventurer wrote: |
I think such a thing is kind of dishonest because the foreign tourists may no appreciate being used in that manner. It's one thing if you tell the tourists, and they accept the idea. Personally, I'd object and not sign up with a tour company doing that. |
You'd basically be paying to teach English. The tourists who do this should demand the tour be at least free. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Troglodyte
Joined: 06 Dec 2009
|
| Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2012 4:28 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Adventurer wrote: |
| Jane wrote: |
Reminds me of the Seoul tour bus thing that happened a few years ago.
Unsuspecting tourists were taking the bus to visit the tourist sites of Seoul, and the tour company was charging Koreans to take the bus to 'meet foreigners' and speak English.
Here is the article:
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2010/10/117_29872.html |
I think such a thing is kind of dishonest because the foreign tourists may no appreciate being used in that manner. It's one thing if you tell the tourists, and they accept the idea. Personally, I'd object and not sign up with a tour company doing that. |
If I was on a bus tour and some local next to me kept trying to strike up a conversation while I was checking out the sites, I'd probably tell him in no uncertain terms to shut it. From my experience with tourists, there's a lot of people who would do the same. I can't imagine such a company lasting long with the reviews either from the foreigners who are being pestered (even if they don't realize why) or from the locals who are paying for a chance to make conversation.
I've seen other programs where they try to get some locals (usually university students) to organize city tours for foreigner (usually expats). The deal is that the foreigners get an English language tour of the city and the locals practice speaking English. Neither side pays for the experience. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
treed86
Joined: 10 Jan 2012
|
| Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2012 11:29 pm Post subject: |
|
|
OMG THANK YOU
I thought I was the only one who had a really negative experience here!
I used to go to a language exchange events in Daegu where it was well organised and they gave us activities to complete to encourage the foreigners to help with English and Koreans help us with Korean. Everyone was placed at tables randomly too. It worked really well. People made friends and we got to practice our language skills.
I had a really negative experience at this Meetup Language Exchange place. I went there late and everyone was already in groups. We were sitting by ourselves for a while and some Korean girls walked in. The organiser suggested they sit with us. They giggled and said no. They waited for the foreigner men to become available and went to talk to them about how they want to know about Australia because they are moving there. They were talking to Americans about this. I am an Australian female. They still refused to talk to us. We ended up with a K girl who wanted to learn Spanish and kept of talking to us in Spanish despite the fact neither of us spoke it. And then a K guy who was doing the rounds because he was trying to get contacts for his business. When we said we can have basic conversations in Korean, he fired at as in super fast and super formal Korean and expected us to respond. We promptly left.
I think their international parties are a good idea. But these language exchanges I think are a cash grab where the foreigners get very little benefit if you actually want to learn Korean.
Spread the word! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
treed86
Joined: 10 Jan 2012
|
| Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2012 11:37 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Also, one of the organisers posted this on facebook which really pisses me off.
To all foreigners in Korea:
Here are some of my tips to help you learn Korean at our Language Exchange Cafe:
First. You can bring your own Korean textbook and get more help from Korean native speakers.
Second. Please prepare what to say to your Korean friends. Introducing yourself will do. (the more you prepare, the more your language will improve) They'll correct your accent and grammar. Don't be afraid of making mistakes. That's how we all learn new languages.
Three. We Koreans are used to respecting each other, so don't feel weird even if we Koreans sometimes look shy or keep silent. It doesn't mean that we are really shy.
Four. I think this is the most important thing. Ask. Ask. Ask.
We Koreans usually think most foreigners won't be able to speak Korean. (if that's the case, you have absolutely fair reason to come to our Language Exchange Cafe.)
At first, Koreans may keep speaking in English; just suggest them to speak Korean. They will happily teach you cool and real Korean expressions. If they insist on speaking only in English, which has never happened before, you can simply switch to another table.
Five. Just Relax, have fun, make lots of Korean friends.
If you approach a person just to get some language help, friendship won't last long. This is not a language academy. Everyone can be a teacher and a student. So let's not be selfish asking only for help. As I said, if someone keeps trying to speak only in one language and learn from you but not help you, you can simply move to another table.( I guarantee you it won't happen if you just ask)
Let's have fun!
Let's connect!
Let's be friends!
From Joe, your Korean mate.
Add me for having more fun! 
I find this really patronising. Pretty much he is saying its our fault that some Koreans use us as free language teaching, and that it is our job to force them to speak Korean to us. It completely misses the point. "Koreans don't know that foreigners can speak their language." It's called LANGUAGE EXCHANGE not free hagwon. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
GEOM
Joined: 04 Dec 2005
|
| Posted: Sat Apr 14, 2012 10:09 am Post subject: |
|
|
This thread makes me curious just how horrible this meetup language exchange group is.
I think I just might join for the cheap thrills and laughs! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
BriTunes
Joined: 12 Jan 2010
|
| Posted: Sun Apr 15, 2012 7:41 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Yeah, I'm with the guy who says to teach adults 1-on1 over samgyupsal and drinks--that THEY pay for. Screw the repressed dating for ugly people (which these LE are all about) groups. Some epic c***blocking at these exchanges too. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Buddah's Slipper
Joined: 12 Mar 2012
|
| Posted: Sun Apr 15, 2012 10:17 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| GEOM wrote: |
This thread makes me curious just how horrible this meetup language exchange group is.
I think I just might join for the cheap thrills and laughs! |
If by 'cheap thrills and laughs' you mean yawning and being bored to tears by the most banal conversations imaginable, have at 'er. Keep your hands in the car at all times. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Yaya
Joined: 25 Feb 2003
Location: Seoul
|
| Posted: Mon Apr 16, 2012 12:28 am Post subject: |
|
|
| treed86 wrote: |
Also, one of the organisers posted this on facebook which really pisses me off.
To all foreigners in Korea:
Here are some of my tips to help you learn Korean at our Language Exchange Cafe:
First. You can bring your own Korean textbook and get more help from Korean native speakers.
Second. Please prepare what to say to your Korean friends. Introducing yourself will do. (the more you prepare, the more your language will improve) They'll correct your accent and grammar. Don't be afraid of making mistakes. That's how we all learn new languages.
Three. We Koreans are used to respecting each other, so don't feel weird even if we Koreans sometimes look shy or keep silent. It doesn't mean that we are really shy.
Four. I think this is the most important thing. Ask. Ask. Ask.
We Koreans usually think most foreigners won't be able to speak Korean. (if that's the case, you have absolutely fair reason to come to our Language Exchange Cafe.)
At first, Koreans may keep speaking in English; just suggest them to speak Korean. They will happily teach you cool and real Korean expressions. If they insist on speaking only in English, which has never happened before, you can simply switch to another table.
Five. Just Relax, have fun, make lots of Korean friends.
If you approach a person just to get some language help, friendship won't last long. This is not a language academy. Everyone can be a teacher and a student. So let's not be selfish asking only for help. As I said, if someone keeps trying to speak only in one language and learn from you but not help you, you can simply move to another table.( I guarantee you it won't happen if you just ask)
Let's have fun!
Let's connect!
Let's be friends!
From Joe, your Korean mate.
Add me for having more fun!
I find this really patronising. Pretty much he is saying its our fault that some Koreans use us as free language teaching, and that it is our job to force them to speak Korean to us. It completely misses the point. "Koreans don't know that foreigners can speak their language." It's called LANGUAGE EXCHANGE not free hagwon. |
Welcome to Korea. Koreans can be downright shameless in trying to get free English lessons. I remember one guy who said this one Korean guy thought after one round of drinks that they were "friends" and started asking him to give English lessons to him and his friends. When the guy inquired about renumeration, the Korean quoted 5,000 won an hour.
I know everyone has a different approach to dealing with hucksters but I am of the straight forward school, as in "NO, NO, NO and NO!" |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Adventurer
Joined: 28 Jan 2006
|
| Posted: Mon Apr 16, 2012 12:48 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Yaya wrote: |
| treed86 wrote: |
Also, one of the organisers posted this on facebook which really pisses me off.
To all foreigners in Korea:
Here are some of my tips to help you learn Korean at our Language Exchange Cafe:
First. You can bring your own Korean textbook and get more help from Korean native speakers.
Second. Please prepare what to say to your Korean friends. Introducing yourself will do. (the more you prepare, the more your language will improve) They'll correct your accent and grammar. Don't be afraid of making mistakes. That's how we all learn new languages.
Three. We Koreans are used to respecting each other, so don't feel weird even if we Koreans sometimes look shy or keep silent. It doesn't mean that we are really shy.
Four. I think this is the most important thing. Ask. Ask. Ask.
We Koreans usually think most foreigners won't be able to speak Korean. (if that's the case, you have absolutely fair reason to come to our Language Exchange Cafe.)
At first, Koreans may keep speaking in English; just suggest them to speak Korean. They will happily teach you cool and real Korean expressions. If they insist on speaking only in English, which has never happened before, you can simply switch to another table.
Five. Just Relax, have fun, make lots of Korean friends.
If you approach a person just to get some language help, friendship won't last long. This is not a language academy. Everyone can be a teacher and a student. So let's not be selfish asking only for help. As I said, if someone keeps trying to speak only in one language and learn from you but not help you, you can simply move to another table.( I guarantee you it won't happen if you just ask)
Let's have fun!
Let's connect!
Let's be friends!
From Joe, your Korean mate.
Add me for having more fun!
I find this really patronising. Pretty much he is saying its our fault that some Koreans use us as free language teaching, and that it is our job to force them to speak Korean to us. It completely misses the point. "Koreans don't know that foreigners can speak their language." It's called LANGUAGE EXCHANGE not free hagwon. |
Welcome to Korea. Koreans can be downright shameless in trying to get free English lessons. I remember one guy who said this one Korean guy thought after one round of drinks that they were "friends" and started asking him to give English lessons to him and his friends. When the guy inquired about renumeration, the Korean quoted 5,000 won an hour.
I know everyone has a different approach to dealing with hucksters but I am of the straight forward school, as in "NO, NO, NO and NO!" |
If someone is not being selfish, they should go out of their way to help you learn Korean. Some people can be very nice. Maybe it's because I'm in Jeolla-Namdo. Two of my language exchange partners even bought me books. That didn't thrill me in a way because I already have like 10. However, I won't grumble. They were being generous, and I can study from their books. It will make them happy, and I can learn something from them.
I'm part of an expat language group that is not language exchange. We're several expats in a closed group. We have two Koreans who help us. The main Korean helping us loves helping us. Anyway, such a group could afford to pay someone if necessary to help them during that time if necessary or find a Korean friend who loves helping foreigners. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Squire
Joined: 26 Sep 2010
Location: Jeollanam-do
|
| Posted: Mon Apr 16, 2012 3:06 am Post subject: |
|
|
| jpe wrote: |
I've just started, so it's hard to say, but I'm doing something similar. My Korean is really really basic; her English is excellent (but she's lacking a little confidence). We talk in English (and I don't need to prepare anything) then she explains some things in Korean and tries to ask me a few questions.
If anything, I feel like I'm taking advantage of her, because I don't have to think about what we're talking about, but she has to figure out where to start with me. |
It's good practice for her just to be speaking English with a native. How else will she improve? Throw out a couple of expressions or words that might test her every now and then. I wouldn't worry about it being a waste of time for her mate
As has been mentioned I think the most important thing is to go along with a clear idea of what you want to learn. Bringing materials is good too. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
PatrickGHBusan
Joined: 24 Jun 2008
Location: Busan (1997-2008) Canada 2008 -
|
| Posted: Mon Apr 16, 2012 11:48 am Post subject: |
|
|
If you want to learn Korean then a language exchange is not the best way to go about it. They are too hit and miss.
Take some courses (or self study) to establish a solid base and try to practice as much as possible.
Put yourself in true immersion situations where you are forced to practice your Korean (ie, travel within Korea without a Korean friend to translate everything). Immerse yourself in the language if you can (TV, music, movies).
With Iphones and tablets these days there are so many great options that allow you to practice anywhere, including listening to podcasts for pronounciation.... |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
edwardcatflap
Joined: 22 Mar 2009
|
| Posted: Mon Apr 16, 2012 4:04 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Quote: |
I did it for a few years and just came up against lazy people over and over. I'd never really found a single person who was that useful in terms of language exchange. Occasionally I'd meet someone who was okay for the short term, they might seem excited in the beginning and be quite helpful but once they realized how much work teaching a language is to another person they never went the distance.
|
My experience as well.
I'd say, if you're learning Korean because you feel you should rather than because you really want to a course is the only way to go. A proper course at a university or Hagwan where they will give you homework and set tests every so often to force you to study. Even a good language exchange will probably have you improving very slowly or just treading water linguistically. Of course if you have the self discipline or motivation you can do it on your own.
Also, as people people have pointed out, a foreigner will usually be selling themselves short on a language exchange. A foreigner will always command a higher fee for English lessons than their Korean equivalent, in terms of qualifications. Unless you are unqualified and you get a qualified Korean teacher to teach you, you are losing out. People usually do language exchanges to save money but in fact the opposite is true.
| Quote: |
| Screw the repressed dating for ugly people (which these LE are all about) groups |
Ooh, get you. What's this, my way of meeting people is cooler than your way?  |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
everything-is-everything
Joined: 06 Jun 2011
|
| Posted: Mon Apr 16, 2012 5:05 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| BriTunes wrote: |
| Yeah, I'm with the guy who says to teach adults 1-on1 over samgyupsal and drinks--that THEY pay for. Screw the repressed dating for ugly people (which these LE are all about) groups. Some epic c***blocking at these exchanges too. |
 |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
|
|
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
