Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Len8]

Nearly 400 ethnic Koreans and other native speakers of English sponsored by the Korean government began teaching at rural elementary schools last week.

The after-school English teachers selected and trained under the Education Ministry's "Teach and Learn in Korea" program were dispatched to 386 rural schools that do not have a native-speaking English teacher.

Carl White from New Jersey is the oldest of all the TaLK scholars. The 51-year-old former engineer just started his teaching job at Seokwang Elementary School in Seogwipo, Jeju Island.

"I've held a wide variety of jobs over the years and my last real job was as an engineer for a company called Steag-Hamatech," White said.

"My father told me not to obsolete myself by focusing on only one field; be able to do anything and you can go anywhere."

He followed the advice and studied culinary arts, electronics and computer information systems in school. He also likes to fix things such as his 1971 motorcycle.

White found out about the TaLK program literally by Googling "teach English in Korea."

"I've been to Korea at least four other times and it is this previous experience that led me to choose Korea as a destination for my future," he said.

"A Korean friend of mine told me now is a good chance to come back and in some small way I hope to repay the kindness that was shown to me when I was here before."

White teaches 78 students of Seokwang, from kindergarten through sixth grade.

Like other TaLK scholars, he teaches three hours per day, five days a week.

"The challenge is to reach back into my past and recall from my own childhood what was good and what worked," he said.

"The four-week TaLK orientation program provided at the Hyundai Learning Center, Dongguk University and the Jeju Special Self-Governing Provincial Office is proving invaluable."

Despite the language barrier, which is overcome by his Korean co-teacher, all the staff at Seokwang are friendly, supportive and encouraging, White said.

"I'm glad I did it. I'm having a wonderful time, the students are great and appear to be enjoying themselves while improving their language skills in a variety of ways."

White feels especially grateful to the home-stay family he's living with in New Jeju city.

"Mr. Lee is a generous host for having me in his home with his wife and three children," he said. "I can only imagine it's like having an extra child around. I don't know where anything is or how to get around much.

"They help me in many ways. They are very kind and tolerant, I'm lucky to be with them."

White wants to continue his education in Korea so he can benefit others during his stay in Korea.

The TaLK program was designed based on a surprise announcement by President Lee Myung-bak during his visit to the United States in April.

By Kim So-hyun

([email protected])

[cruisemonkey]

[Yu_Bum_suk]

I can only imagine how successful a 51-year-old who decided to take this 'opportunity' when he could get a job making .7-8 more anywhere else is going to be in this programme. Methinks we're looking at someone with a history of worse career choices than me, and that's saying something.

[spliff]

What happens when he brings a chick home...do they give her breakfast as well.

[Hank the Iconoclast]

[hellofaniceguy]

51 years old...and in a homestay....I guess the light bulb is not working?

[tomato]

Too bad TALK turned down my application.
Then this guy would be the SECOND oldest member of the team!

[Join Me]

I give this guy a thumbs up. At least he seems to enjoy the "bad" choices he makes.

[Faunaki]

He's here for the women, not the job. Who can blame him? I'm sure back in his country he can't get a second look, why not try Asia?

[Join Me]

[Whirlwind]

A 51 year old man working for peanuts and living in a homestay. Wow I take it this dude isn't the sharpest knife in the drawer. 51 and teaching ESL in Korea, that's pretty messed up.

[Join Me]

[wylies99]

[wylies99]

[agoodmouse]

What is the compensation for TALK program teachers?