Korean Job Discussion Forums

[tanase]

Hey everyone. I'm a college student from the States currently working on becoming a teacher. I've been hanging around on Dave's ever since I first became interested in teaching abroad, which was a few months ago, but I haven't had reason to post until now.

One of my college friends is Korean American (he was born in Korea but has lived in the US since he was young). Recently he had the idea of studying abroad in Korea, an attempt to get back to his roots, I guess. Apparently his grandmother owns a house in Seoul and is willing to provide him and a friend with free housing. I told him I'd be interested in going with him, as he'd expressed some concern about going alone.

At that point I knew basically nothing of Korea. I'd heard all the batty stories about North Korea, of course, and knew a little of the history behind the split, but absolutely nothing of South Korean culture. So I decided to do a little research on Dave's. The information I've gathered here has been interesting, to say the least.

I've been living in Vietnam for the past three months as part of a student teaching program, so I feel fairly confident in my ability to deal with culture shock. My main concern is whether or not the culture is worth the shock. If this barrier between Koreans and foriengers is so strong that it prevents me from making good Korean friends during my stay, I'm not sure I want to go. If the girls are going to stay away from me because they don't want to be called something the filter won't let me say in the street, well . . . I'm a straight male college student. I rather like girls. I'd like to talk to some.

I'm also a little concerned about the quality of education. I'd like it if my tuition money did not go to waste. I think I'd probably be going to Yonsei University in Seoul, but it's pretty flexible at this point. Does Yonsei have a respectable English literature program? If not, do you know of a school (preferably in Seoul) that does?

Sorry for all the text. Here are my questions, condensed:

1. Do you think I'll experience less xenophobia in a college environment?

2. Will I be able to make Korean friends? (I have been able to make friends in the past, so I seem to have at least rudimentary social skills)

3. Is it possible to receive a decent education in Seoul?

4. Although free housing will reduce expenses considerably, I've heard living in Seoul can still be quite expensive. Do you think, in general, this sort of trip is worth that extra expense?

I appreciate input from anyone who's familiar with the culture in general, or specifically with the college environment. Thanks guys.

[UknowsI]

1. I'm a uni student in Korea, and I have noticed zero xenophobia on campus (but I have been harassed outside of campus). There might be slightly more gossiping about foreigners, but that's just because we're different, not because of our race.

2. It's easier to make foreign friends than to make male Korean friends, but it's definitely possible. You'll make friends for sure, but maybe you wont be as close as your best friend back home.

3. Depends on your field of study. If you want to study English literature, I very much doubt Korea is the best place to do it...

4. I think an education in Korea can be cheaper than an education in the US. (I don't know how much an US education cost, but you can get tuition wavered and scholarships here, but maybe not for all programs)

[andrewchon]

1. Yes
2. Yes
3. No Comment on that. I am highly flammable.
4. Korean products are cheap. Imports are not.

[tanase]

Thanks for the feedback. You guys have me excited about Korea again.

I'm very much aware that South Korea is probably not the best place to study English Literature. Like I said, the idea to go was my friend's; had I chosen the destination, I probably would've tried to pick somewhere that suited my major a little more. Still, I think it'll be a good experience regardless of how much I learn. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't scraping the bottom of the education barrel or anything.

I think I'm going to try to learn Korean over the summer. How much Korean would you recommend I know before arriving? How long do you think it'll take to learn that much?

[fermentation]

[ldh2222]

[tanase]

Wow, thanks Fermentation. That's a lot of really helpful stuff.

I'm feeling much more confident about going to Korea now. I think I was starting to give too much weight to all the negative stories I'd read. A lot of times it's all about attitude.

My unversity has ties with Yonsei, so I'm assuming it would be easy to transfer credits. And I don't really mind easy classes. I've been working too hard in Vietnam (2 teaching jobs plus university work), so I'd kind of like a semester to relax and have fun. To tell the truth, the main reason I expressed concern about education initially is because I didn't want to give the impression I was just going to Korea to drink and chase girls. I'm really not that kind of person.

[Tundra_Creature]

I'm currently studying at Inha University in Incheon, and so far, I love it. I can't give you any info on living in Seoul, but I can still try to give you some info on studying I guess (though you seem to have enough stuff here already.)

1. So far, I haven't experienced any xenophobia. As UknowsI said, there is some chitter chatter, and the people might be surprised when they first meet you, after awhile, you just kinda blend in, as odd as that sounds. People are used to seeing your around campus and all that.

2. Of course you can. I've made Korean friends in my classes. A lot of them had travelled abroad before, so they wanted me to feel comfortable like they did in their host countries, etc.

I also joined the TKD team, I've also made quite a few friends as well. It's taught in Korean, but there are some people who speak English and Korean, Korean and Chinese, English and Chinese, or all three, so it works out. They've all been surprisingly hospitable and even the ones who can't say things past 'hello' will try to talk to you and help you out, etc. That's just been my exprience though.

I also hang out with some of the foreigners of course as well. Mix of Chinese, European, and some North Americans, so it's a pretty cool group. Even among this group there are cultural differences and such as well.

3. Well, I'm just here on exchange, taking my electives. Two of my classes are really easy, one is in the middle, and the hardest would be my Korean class because I suck at languages. But it's fun. I more or less came here to experience another culture than study my brains out. I guess it probably depends what you're taking.

4. I go to Seoul on daytrips, so I can't say how it's like to 'live' there persay, but I figure unless you're drinking special umbrella drinks and buying trendy clothing every day, then you should be fine I'd say. Free housing definantly helps. I live in the dorms, and though it wasn't free, the full price of me staying there for fouth months is equivalent to a month and a half for my apartment back home, plus it includes internet, breakfast and supper, gym, and a few other things.

I figure it would be nice to learn the Hanguel before you come over and some basic phrases. I tried to learn that much at least, which I found helped a lot. You'll probably have a lot of people offering to help and translate for you though, but it's always nice not to have to rely on someone all the time.

Anyway, feel free to come over. I'd say. I'm actually really sad I'll be leaving the end of the semester. I've been having a blast, and wish I could stay longer.

[tanase]

I'm really glad to see all of these positive responses. I'm starting to really look forward to this. Thanks again for all the information.

[UknowsI]

[Bog Roll]

[fermentation]

[ajuma]

If you're not really fussy about where you study, the Soonchuhyang English Village Program is really great. They actually PAY you to come and study!


http://www.sch.ac.kr/english/index.jsp?menuID=20070830011127828343

[Dharma_Blue]

[tanase]