Korean Job Discussion Forums

[nene]

For those who left and later decided to come back, how was culture shock the second time around? For the poll I'm asking about intensity, but I'm curious about when it came on, duration, and other characteristics too. Length of time away might be a useful piece of info too.

[icicle]

Much easier second time around - and actually even less than I was feeling at the time I left. I was only away for 4 months and when I left was not planning to come back - But having come back because I am aware of more of the cultural aspects - and have I guess taken into account things I found most difficult first time around and taken a job which helps with those issues - It is very much easier

[AliNZ]

what makes you ask ?

is it something you ae suffering from?
doing a thesis on?

On the first trip everything is so new and exciting...
first month usually fine
fist month was fine - second was Typhoon Rusa with about 285 people dead in Kangwando where I was... it was an eye opener

second trip - we had typhoon m

third trip - both good and bad here - my hagwan went broke and boss lied about everything, including me

but it's the little - every day stuff that can affect you more...
rascism, ageism, lies, being sick, being lonely, unable to communicate
what you need, getting a bad boss or misunderstood, not finding food that 'hits the spot', getting around - taking a wrong bus, ending up in the wrong place, et al...

But I think some come unstuck becasue they come with expectations and are not willing to just accept difference and make the most of it..

My advice
1. Come with an open mind
2. Embrace difference
3. Accept challenges, learn to laugh
4. Find the local foreigner hang-out, bars, coffee places etc.
5. Recognise your need for company and plan to find it - in person and
online..yay for Skype and msn messenger
6. Know that you will spend large amounts of time time alone and not
speaking English... learn to enjoy quiet time out - you'll probably need
it to compensate for the noise and assault on the senses outside your
apartment
7. Find the bathhouses - hot water and massage are good for the body
and soul
8. Congratulate yourself for doing something that most in your country
don't have the courage to do
9. Do a good teaching job and hae fun preparing lessons
10. Make your apartment a home...not just a place to crash.
11. Find a friend.

You're welcome to pm me if you want to chat.