Korean Job Discussion Forums

[ABC KID]

I am hoping a few of the well-travelled posters here will enlighten me a bit to satisfy my curiosity...

We get various threads on here asking which is better, teaching in Korea or teaching in Country Y. However, I do not want any answers like that.

I want to know how the actually teaching set-ups compare (class sizes, teaching expectations etc.). For example if you teach in public schools in Hong Kong or China, do you have a similar deal to Korea (Co-Teachers, 30-40 children in a class, mixed ability etc.). How about outside Asia? Is it totally different to Korea? Would you regard the Korean hagwon system as unique or are there very similar set-ups elsewhere?

Finally, how about the students? Are Korean students very similar to English learners in most other countries you have worked in (both in Asia and elsewhere)? How responsive are Korean students compared to students you have taught in other countries?

[Koreanfatguy]

I think the big question should be have YOU ever taught big classes. Large classes are the way schools save money regardless of the local laws. If you dont want large classes, then teach AP/IB classes. education regrdless of where it is taught will always shrink "regular" classes to make the special classes stronger. LOL I have had "regular" classes of 40 + for the last 11 years.

[The Gipkik]

Yup, Korean students are quite similar to Japanese students, Thai students, Chinese students, but quite different from Vietnamese students. In my experience, the Vietnamese students were an aggressive bunch--constantly questioning you, full of skepticism and overarching ego, but smart. In fact, of all the Asian countries I've taught in, the Vietnamese students were often the sharpest bunch. I can just imagine newbies trying to wade through that kind of environment. Great way to get up to speed though.

[KoreanAmbition]

KoreanFatGuy,

I'm amazed at how I learned absolutely NOTHING from you post.


You said "education, no matter where it is, will always "shrink regular" classes", and then you went on to say you have taught "regular" classes of 40+ students for 11 years.

So which is it? Do you teach small regular classes that been shrunk down...OR do you teach 40+ students?

It would be helpful, at least to me, if you would restate your comments because I can't understand a word you're talking about.

Thanks.

[cruisemonkey]

To answer these questions, one would have to taught in every country in the world... I'm not qualified.