Korean Job Discussion Forums

[fromtheuk]

As a poster held in high contempt.......oops......I mean high esteem in this forum, I'd like to give my opinion on ATEK.

When I first heard about them, I was quite interested and excited about the idea. I even contacted them to offer my help (true story).

I've reached the following conclusions:

1) Native teachers here have no sense of community, they don't identify with each other as being part of a collective group. Because they have a diverse range of opinions, many of them would disagree on the subject of ATEK.

2) If you look at ATEK, it appears they are trying to help out fellow native teachers. Even if somebody disagrees with their approach, the concept of an organization designed to help foreign teachers, is a good one.

3) The sad reality appears to be ATEK may of little benefit to us. I think they are well-intentioned, but the people they are trying to help, are unable to agree on anything, and don't want to be part of an organization.

4) Any organization like ATEK should present itself as non-controversial and harmonious. Any sign of 'militancy' will scupper any chance of success. It may actually make things worse.

5) I think ATEK should subtly kiss up to the Korean government, do what it can to improve our rights, highlight any real discrimination which exists, and try to adopt an approach which will allay any legitimate concerns Korea has about foreigners.

It should also aim to help us in the work environment i.e. to eliminate hagwon shadiness, nightmare public school co-teachers etc.

They should also try to get us even more vacation time, increased pay etc.