Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Paladin Brewer]

So I will be heading into Chicago tomorrow to give them my documents for my Visa, and with any luck I should be leaving for Korea this weekend. This makes me a bit nervous because it is all very rushed. I've never been to Korea, I don't speak a word of Korean, and I have never taught before. I will be teaching at a public high school for GEPIK, and since I believe the year has already began, they will probably immediately start me on Monday with no training or anything.

So, what do I need to know? I am interested in cultural things, so that I do not offend anyone on my first day. What will they expect from me on my first day, given that I am just arriving and have no school book, etc?

Or any tips, like, for finding food or anything would be crazy appreciated

[Depths of My Soul]

Haha. Sounds exciting!

Good luck

[blackjack]

sign up for the school lunch and eat with the other teachers. At least for the first month. If you don't like the food, don't say out right that you don't like the food, claim it is to spicy (even if it isn't), the fish disagrees with your stomach or something. Just what ever you do on your first day when invited to lunch in a loud voice announce "I don't like korean food" (like the public school teacher at my school). Do not underestimate the importance of food in personal relationships here.

Try not to rely to much on your co-teachers for personal matters (ask advice for school stuff but for personal stuff don't get in the habit of just asking).

Bow to the principal and vice principal, this is important (well everyone older than you) a head nod is okay for any teacher of similar age or younger.

Try to keep a smile on your face esp for the first week, but still try to be firm. Your first set of classes will probably be some intro classes so try to just go with the flow.

dress up for your first week then take a cue from the other teachers.

This last bit can go both ways. try to show up a little early and leave a little late. If it goes well you will be able to bank it and take liberties later, if it goes badly they will expect it all of the time.

above all relax, you will have 5 minutes of fame at the school (if that), then you will be forgotten

[chellovek]

[ddeubel]

Here's a nice document/run down of many cultural things - from EPIK's manual.

I'd also recommend reading, "Knowing your Korean Student". Find it in the Korea area of EFL Classroom under resources. It will give you a good idea of how a Korean student might differ from those at home.

This new teacher's checklist might help too.


DD
http://eflclassroom.com

[jiberish]

Gepik high school. Sounds easy to me.

Their level is probably going to be fairly low on average. So teaching will be easy. First day is easy. Just talk about yourself and let them ask questions.

[tanklor1]

I'd recommend watching the level of your speech. Try to make sure that your co-workers and esspecially students can understand you. That means spekaing with a basic vocabulary to make sure that everyone understands you. Other than that, be polite and try to be as patient as possible. I swear if Korea has taught me anything it's patience.

[ddeubel]

I found this guy's blog post, very wise and interesting a read. A keeper and best read by new teachers...

10 things to know if you are going to teaching in Korea

DD
http://eflclassroom.com