Korean Job Discussion Forums

NYC_Gal · Joined: 08 Dec 2009

My English classroom is arguably the coldest room in my PS. We've got no southern exposure, and, to make matters worse, my desk is in a corner between two walls of windows (and we all know how Koreans are fantastic at insulation).

I've been wearing a coat and scarf, and sometimes gloves, and my co-teacher just doesn't get why this is so uncomfortable for me.

"I visited New York. It was cold in winter there."

Outside? Yes. Inside? Of course not!

There's central heating, but it's crap and doesn't reach my drafty corner. I mentioned one of those snazzy under-desk heaters that a few of my Korean friends use. She told me that they were illegal. They are, but most of the Koreans still use them. Of course, she forbade it, while she uses her "medical" heater constantly. Ugh! She's the head co-teacher, so I can't really argue with her (much Twisted Evil

).

So I called out sick with a cold yesterday. It was legitimate, and I was still a bit ill today, but went in, though I made a point that my voice was sore and I'd have to remain quiet for most of the day. She is now looking to get me a "legal" radiator. Passive aggression. Love it Smile

joltaxt · Joined: 24 Oct 2009 Location: Seoul

Quit being such a pushover, buy the small heater, and use it.

If other Koreans are using it, clearly there is a double standard. It's illogical for them to tell you no, and they are just pushing you over because they know you won't do anything about it but stick your head down and complain to the internet about it later.

You're welcome.

NYC_Gal · Joined: 08 Dec 2009

THEY didn't tell me no. In fact, they dislike this coteacher, and offered to lend me their heaters, but they don't have to work with her; I do. She's the head teacher. It's not really an option, as she's the one who gets to choose if I stay at my school, and with this one small exception that I've already solved, I've got a pretty nice situation: great apartment, awesome kids, and a sweet schedule.

As I said, she's getting the radiator--just the legal version. The school's paying, to boot! I was stating that passive aggression works in this country better than a full-blown argument. She'd have checked under my desk, anyway lol

I pick my battles wisely. I am no pushover. I just take sick days Cool

tokkibunni8 · Joined: 13 Nov 2009

My 10k won space heater was a good investment. Smile

toadkillerdog · Joined: 11 Nov 2009 Location: Daejeon. ROK

Buy the heater. Put it under your desk. When your head teacher tells you to remove it, say you are sorry. Leave heater under desk and use it. If it is mentioned again, say you are sorry. Leave heater under under desk and use it. That is the Korean way.

ThingsComeAround · Joined: 07 Nov 2008

Since a heater under the desk is illegal, may I suggest a trash-can fire to warm those frozen phalanges?

http://www.jamesryang.com/blog/images/trashcanfire.jpg

http://www.yewknee.com/_img/blog/blog_yuleburn.jpg

honestly I thought I'd find plenty more of these pics but... oh well!

ulsanchris · Joined: 19 Jun 2003 Location: take a wild guess

long underwear helps a lot.

some waygug-in · Joined: 25 Jan 2003

You could get one of those small heating pads to put under your feet.

But I think the heater is a better idea.

lifeinkorea · Joined: 24 Jan 2009 Location: somewhere in China

It was cold in January, but the temperature has gone up a bit. Personally, I wouldn't buy anything.

Instead, I have students do writing. They complain their hands are cold, so they can't write. Then I have them complain to the school. They turn the heat on when the students complain. When the teacher complains they do nothing.

whiteshoes · Joined: 14 Apr 2009

One rule of thumb I have for these things is, "Don't ask, do."

Lots of times if you ask they will say no, but if you just do it they don't say a word. If you do it, and they have a problem, you feign foreigner ignorance. "I didn't know the rules. I'm very sorry Teacher." And they'll just think, "Ohhh, silly waygookin!"

bassexpander · Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Location: Someplace you'd rather be.

I'd just buy a 15,000 heater and be done with it. Also, wear more clothing. It's what everyone else puts up with here.

VanIslander · Posted: Fri Feb 05, 2010 4:50 pm Post subject:

wear a parka and gloves while you teach

doesn't everybody?

Xuanzang · Joined: 10 Apr 2007 Location: Sadang

I have a heated cushion pad, parka and those handwarmer packets. The bigger problem is the hallways and washrooms. Concrete stays hot or cold depending.

NYC_Gal · Joined: 08 Dec 2009

Everyone's telling me to just buy the heater, seemingly having missed the fact that my coteacher is having the school buy a LEGAL heater. The kind that costs 85,000 won. I wear a parka, gloves, scarf, hat, blanket, and uggs! The heat is on. It's just crap in my school.
I'm getting the heater.
As for claiming ignorance and just getting one, it's too late for that. She speaks decent English. She made it clear.
BTW, I didn't ask. We were out having lunch and on the way back, I saw some heaters for sale and was going to buy one for school and THEN she told me I wasn't allowed to use it at school. It wasn't me asking for permission. I don't do that kind of thing lol

some waygug-in · Joined: 25 Jan 2003

What kind of place is it that doesn't allow heaters? Every classroom and every Korean teacher at my school has one of those little heaters at their desk. Where is your co-teacher getting her ideas, A siberian gulag?

It sounds like someone doesn't want to pay for electricity, so they are trying to misinform their teachers.