Korean Job Discussion Forums

[pixie_fi]

I'm in the process of applying to a school in Korea at the mo, but have had a couple of freak out moments where I'm not sure if I should go. I've just graduated and have always planned to travel and teach English after uni, but it's just the thought of being away for a whole year. I know people get homesick at some point and usually it'll pass after a while. I've done plenty of research into the job and South Korea, I know it'll be a culture shock, but am prepared for that. I think it's because I'm a girl, I worry a bit about safety. I guess you never know whether you'll like it till you get there. Anyone else feel the same before they went? I can imagine it's a pretty common feeling, any advice to stop me worrying so much?

[JD_Tiberius]

I'm not going to lie, I am a bit worried about a few things, ie How the internet is in Uiryeong(where I will be going). The fact that I don't see any PCbangs on google maps or naver maps while every other town in Korea seems to have them scares me a little.

I have been abroad before alone so I'm not that worried about that(plus I'm a guy).

Worrying is perfectly natural, after all you will be travelling thousands of miles to live in a foreign land for a year. You would be crazy not to worry.

[pixie_fi]

Yeh, that's true! Nerves and all that, prob be the same wherever I was moving to. Where you from in Glasgow btw? That's where I live.

[JD_Tiberius]

Yeah, its especially hard when its your first time going abroad, though once you get there you will be kicking yourself for almost worrying yourself into having an aneurysm .

I'm from good ole Baillieston in the east end, you?

[wiganer]

Some people either love it for the first four months and go into a depression as the 'honeymoon' season wears off, some people hate it for the first four months then find their feet and start to enjoy it and then some people just get through their year without too much stress - but then I would say the latter are a minority.

I think the best thing to think about that you are going into the unknown and into an entirely different culture and no amount of reading posts on here can prepare you for when you actually arrive in Korea - it is like marmite, you will either love it or hate it but always remember you can leave at anytime! It's not a jail sentence nor is it a pennance. It is a safe place with all mod cons and the transport system is excellent and I would be shocked if even the smallest of towns didn't at least have one PC bang.

I had a hard time in the first four months and then I started to like it a great deal once I handled the culture shock and got used to it. See it all as a challenge and that it is an adventure and whatever happens - it will pass. Good luck!

[pixie_fi]

Thanks wiganer, yeh there will be ups and downs, but I look forward to the challenge! I'll probably be the one who hates it at first then I'll find my feet. Even when I go on a 2 week holiday I always feel homesick at the start then am fine after that lol.

JD_Tiberius, I'm from Bishopbriggs, if you've heard of it? North. So unbelievably bored here, you wouldn't think it's possible in Glasgow but me and my mate drove around for an hour the other day trying to think of something to do. Mind you, we had no cash. Choosing either Seoul or Busan for a job, I'm sure I won't run out of things to do there.

[tyrobinson]

Getting dropped off at the airport the morning I left was mind bending. I was freaked out as could be. Didn't know what I was getting into, didn't know anyone who had gone to teach in Korea before. None if it seemed real until the plane doors were sealed and suddenly, shit got VERY real. Everyone is scared, dude. You gotta jump and hope for the best.

[AHawk843]

I think that the most daunting aspect of moving to Korea is realizing that every last component of your life is going to be uprooted and turned upside down. Everything will be different, from the words that flow out of your mouth, to the food you put in. For some, experiencing this 'newness' in their life is ... well, a great thing. Others tend to resist change and look for familiarity. For me, the key to arriving to Korea was (realizing the cliche) to expect the unexpected. Anticipate some disappointments, but also know that there are going to be far more exhilarations. You will be fine! I personally love it here. Good luck!

[JD_Tiberius]

[Louis VI]

None. No doubts whatsoever.

I wanted to go overseas for a year in another country, and didn't expect it to be anything but interesting and different, and if the situation was difficult then, well, that is part of the adventure. (I didn't count on getting hooked ESL teaching and addicted to travelling to new places on holiday every few months.)

These days too many of you seem to take this all too seriously. Make the most of what will be an educational experience. This is NOT like back home. You will yourself be surprised and challenged at every turn. It either makes or breaks you. Can the whining and go with the flow. You'll be back home before you know it with stories to tell for the rest of your life.

[nathanrutledge]

[TeeRev]

Yes, I think we all had some doubts and worries before getting here- it's natural. But in the end it's a huge adventure and a life changing experience. If you have an open mind and don't sweat the small stuff you should have an exciting time. Unfortunately, what usually determines if a person has an overall good or bad experience is the job they land. A shady boss or school has ruined the year for many people, but many more get great jobs. It's often a roll of the dice what kind of gig you get so my advice is to research your potential employers and schools as much as possible before signing a contract. GOod luck!

[sharkeshea]

Just have an open mind. Women find it a little more difficult as Koreans haven't witnessed the womens liberation movement yet. The ability to look at bad/weird situations and laugh it off as "only in Korea" helps alot. Best bet is to go into your year treating it as an adventure don't take things to serious except the teaching of course

[mcviking]

The real kicker is slowly drifting away from the people love back home until you are practically a ghost.

[Lola]

I was in the exact same situation as you (woman, recent grad, wanted to travel, loaded with student debt) and I was absolutely terrified to come here. I was also really apprehensive about being so far away from home for a whole year. A year seemed like such a long time...

Now I'm on Year Four.

When you get here and find your feet you might find, like a lot of people have, that this place gets under your skin. I really do think of myself as having two homes now, and I am as comfortable here as I am in Canada. Most of my friends planned on staying only a year and are now on Year Three or Four like I am.

That's not to say that it hasn't been hard at times (Korea is going to challenge you) I have noticed that the ones who are most successful here take the culture for what it is and don't constantly whine about how it's not like home. Those who do that either tend to get very bitter or just give up and go home.

In my opinion, it's your work environment that will make or break you. Do your research as much as possible. Try to get a public school job over a hogwon job for your first go. Don't worry, you'll make friends when you get here and the year will be over before you know it.