Korean Job Discussion Forums

[owlofpsychology]

Hello,
I'm sure you guys get this alot. I've read around a little bit, and either it's just a series of coincidences, or I just picked the wrong topics; but I've read a significant amount of "horror stories" about working in Korea. However, I've also read it's mainly a place where people come and blow off some steam.

However, aside from all of that; any advice from veteran or current English Teachers in Korea would be very much appreciated.

So, here's the situation:
I'm a Senior University Student in America majoring in Psychology. I'm graduating this December(2009) with a B.A. and have been deeply considering teaching English in Korea. At my school, I'm a student leader for ISP(International Student Programs) and work primarily with Korean students. In the three years I've been working with them, I've really grown to love Korean culture. My responsibilities included helping them adjust to American Culture, assigning them an "American Friend"(someone who would mentor and befriend a student), Tutoring, and other things.

I know very basic Korean, traveled to Korea twice(twice in Pusan, once in Seoul), and have taken Korean classes while my study. However, during my first visit to Korea, I landed during a national holiday with no knowledge of Korean(being told that I didn't need to know Korean since classes were in English) and remained for six days with noone to help me. The feelings of isolation and not being helped really made that first impression. However, I traveled there again almost a year and a half later, knew basic Korean and had a blast.

So, if I did teach in Korea, it would be in September of 2010 so I have a few months post-graduating to prepare for it. I understand there's a significant amount of illegal teachers in Korea because the need is so high. I plan on getting a TESOL Certificate and try and give my American brethren a good name by being a good teacher and example. However, even though it's over a year away; I'm very nervous. I know I'd be going over alone, and haven't really had any situation where I was living so independently(most of my life living in dorms with roommates, etc...).

Some days I'm very excited, ready to leave tomorrow and just really do my best. Other days, insecurity gets the best of me and I plan on throwing out that idea altogether. I know this would be an excellent experience that would provide everyone with a win, I think.

So, what I'm asking is for advice; what are your experiences in teaching in Korea? My goal is to teach either Junior High or High School Students.

What're good programs? What should an individual do once they arrive to make the adjustment easier? Culture shock isn't difficult for me, I know Korean culture pretty well since some of my best friends are Korean. The only situation that I had culture shock, being a private-valuing American, was at the Sauna where everyone's naked. Smile Anyways, I know you guys probably get this alot, but I'd love to have people give their stories or reasons for teaching and liking or not liking it.

Thank you for your time!
-Brandon

[bassexpander]

Brandon:

It sounds like your mind is made up, and you have one foot over here.

I think you'll do fine. Try to get in with a public school program, or take your time finding a decent hagwon.

I can understand your feelings of isolation, but if you work for a school, I think you won't have any issues with that. Especially if you know some Korean, and have something interesting to talk about, like your experiences back home with Koreans.

Since you've been here, I'd say you're far more prepared to deal with culture shock than others. Don't come with too many expectations, though. Oh, it sounds like you have a bit of a Korean fetish, so I suggest you take it easy on the ladies.

[E_athlete]

I teach a public high school with EPIK. While there isn't any bs that comes flying at my face I find that there are other problems like having to 'fit in'. If you want job security and want to avoid these horror stories teach at a public school, preferably jr high or elementary since it is easier. You can expect to be paid 2100000 for just having a pulse and coming and leaving on time.

pros:

- contract is honored

cons:

-fitting in (you must eat at the cafeteria everyday)
-pretend you like everyone
-fan death
-you must bow to all staff at a 60 degree angle
-pay is low
-if you leave too early after your required hours you are considered not professional ('just like all them other foreigners')
-can't really speak your mind, you have to praise Korea.

[oskinny1]

[bassexpander]

Geesh... why people recommend elementary and middle school over high school, I have no idea. I thought teaching at a high school was far better.

[Theo]

[Real Reality]

Foreigners Are Not Korean

[frankly speaking]

Good luck with your decision.

The only problem I have with your post is your claim about illegal teachers. I think that there are very few. When I first came over back in 2000, there were a lot of illegals back then, mostly canadians because they had 6 month tourist visas. However with the visa restrictions, I think the illegal teachers have mostly left.

I had a few Korean friends when I lived in the US but they changed when they went back to Korea. I will be interested if they maintain their friendships with you now that they are back in Korea.

[iggyb]

If you are willing to accept that you have a chance of landing in a place so bad you won't be able to take it --- if you get your mind geared right --- you'll be OK.

I can't speak on this one by experience - but it seems most agree that the chances of avoiding the above are greater if you go with a public school job.

Some people will say that your time in Korea is "what you make it."

I don't believe that. You can make your best effort in finding the right job and trying to get along with everybody and trying to do a good job - and still end up in hell. For example, you hear often enough about a good work environment going to hell in a handbasket just because a new manager was brought in.

If you go with hakwons, you might land OK - you might land in a cesspool.

Overall, the ESL industry in Korea is not good. There is a reason it has gained such a bad reputation on the Internet.

But, lots and lots of expats find positions, and things outside of the school, that are good enough for them to remain multiple years in Korea.

If you are looking to stay a few years - the 2nd year should be better because you will be able to scout jobs and network better than from afar.

The golden rule I think every newcomer should follow is:

Save up as soon as you can enough money for an emergency ticket home if things go too bad and you can't "endure" it.

That will provide you with security and peace of mind.

(In terms of the amount to save, remember that buying a ticket on short notice for a flight leaving soon, you'll need a significant amount higher than what you'd get buying a ticket weeks or months in advance.)

[typo]

[owlofpsychology]

Wow,
This was actually very helpful and I really appreciate it, thanks guys. It sounds like a pretty good bet if prepared correctly, I'll try and contact some recruiters soon, it sounds like SMOE and working at a public school will be the best bet. Best of luck in your own adventures!
-Brandon

[DCJames]

[hellofaniceguy]

[Demophobe]