Korean Job Discussion Forums

[pkang0202]

I've been to a GEPIK orientation and now I'm required to go to the SMOE orientation. To those people that have been to both, can you compare and contrast the two?

[pkang0202]

Day 2 at SMOE and I have to say that so far this is leaps and bounds better than the GEPIK orientation.

The main difference so far is the professionalism. Its day 2 and we aren't getting the "You are adults and should act like adults" speech. Another thing I noticed is the lack of supervisors. Its just the teachers and the coordinators. There's no grandstanding and attempts to inflate the egos of the supervisors at the education office.

I think the main reason for the better experience is due to the Hyundai Learning Center handling all of the logistics.

The food still sucks.

[mrgiles]

the hyundai learning center compound!! lmao! if u sneak out for a night out in bundang, make sure u write down the address and take it with u. somebody learnt about this the hard way >_<

the family mart down the hill and down the road will be ur best friend - if u haven't found this out already. the ajumma is sweet - she'll even hook u up with free snacks if u buy enough drinks. oh but i guess it's too cold 2 sit outside right now?

[spliff]

^What are you...an alcoholic?

[tob55]

I have been to both, and there are comments I would like to give, but will refrain. I will be at the orientation on Wednesday. Maybe we could get in touch pkang0202. Send me a PM and I'll give you the details.

[mrgiles]

[aarontendo]

Ddeubul is doing the orientations for SMOE from what I understand, he's been teaching a long time and knows a lot. I've heard nothing but good things about his orientations. I just wish he was doing it when I was in SMOE!

[mrgiles]

last orientation he was there for a day with the elementary school teachers and i've heard nufn but good things about that day. sadly, the poor sod that got landed with the middle school teachers for the same day was roped into it right at the last minute, and it showed.

there were actually some good points abt the orientation, especially for kids that had just arrived in korea for the first time; but still i think the most important thing that came out of that week was the chance to meet other public school teachers.

[pkang0202]

I am really looking forward to dave's lecture. His suggestions and tips got me through 2 camps the past year. I hope dave realizes there are a lot of people here asking completely offbase questions. And then there are the stupid questions.

[mrgiles]

of course there's gunna b people that ask stoopid questions. i was more annoyed with the staff that not only put up with them, but seem to encourage them!

[mrsquirrel]

I wonder if GEPIK will ever have the wisdom to bring in time served teachers for orientations?