Korean Job Discussion Forums

[j0hnxt]

just wondering if you guys care about the fact that people befriend us for our english. it sometimes does feel kinda crummy, i don't actually mind because its better than being alone. what are you guys' thoughts? i went to a bible study at my church and was surprised to find that it wasn't foreigners there, but koreans trying to practice their english. i was a little irritated at first, but after talking with the people, i quite enjoyed it.

[Carla]

[Gibberish]

Seconding what Carla said, pretty much spot-on. Then again, what she did say is essentially Socialization 101, so I'm willing to bet you're either a bit dense when it comes to interacting with people, or you didn't think it through and just decided to hit "post" anyway. Not to be condescending, and I'm glad that you like it, but the answer is pretty obvious.

It's your job to let them use you as an English *beep*. If you're talking about friends, well, use them back in your own way to learn Korean. See if they stick around after that.

[misher]

[Reise-ohne-Ende]

[beercanman]

You know, in my years in Asia, I never felt I was being used for language practice. Once or twice I think the girl was happy to have a foreign friend. I was happy with them too. Cross-cultural friendships are interesting. Rarely did I hang out with anyone who spoke less English than I their language.

Just be glad to make new friends and stop looking at it as an angle. We all use and need each other.

[furtakk]

the only koreans i've met who fall into that category are university students and even then, only a minority of them.

most of my korean friends have lived abroad on either work or student visas and just like hanging out with foreigners every now and again.

[Old Gil]

I mean, if you've been around the proverbial block even a few times before coming here, you should be able to spot it. If not, one hopes eventually you'll figure out the game and how it's played.

[rumdiary]

No way! I use them for their Korean so we both win. I don't see the problem. Rather than waste my time learning Korean I just keep my little Korean buddy handy. They're especially useful for booking weekend trips out of Seoul and getting directions if you ever get lost.

[DaeguNL]

they can practice english, you can practice korean, it balances out

[redaxe]

I only care when girls feign romantic interest in order to practice English, aka "English vampires," or vice versa when girls use "language exchange" as a pretense to hunt for a foreign boyfriend. Language exchange dating is pretty odd and kinda annoying.

[redaxe]

[wondobern]

The Bible students that I teach during the week at my church (Bethel International Church in YangJae 2 Dong) are all Korean with the exception of one Finish lady --- and all but two attend different churches than mine.

But, they have treated me quite well....taking up offerings without being asked, treating me to meals, one teaches me Korean lessons every week, etc.

I had one Bible student that was coming when I first got here that dropped out because she felt "guilty" that she was only attending the class to improve her English instead of just studying the Bible.

Most of my students, however, see their attendance as a "win-win" situation, improving their English as well as growing in their walk with the Lord. We have really good discussions, even if they aren't native speakers!

I don't mind, although some of my church members think that they should also attend English worship on Sundays! But, they have their own Korean speaking churches they attend with their families, although some do worship with us on occasion....

[winterfall]

[Goku]