Korean Job Discussion Forums

[WadRUG'naDoo]

For anyone who's had experience teaching both, what would you say are the differences? Negatives and positives for both.

I'm mainly concerned with an academy-type atmosphere. From kindy to elementary or even as high as middle school. Also would like critiques on the employers themselves. Like how they treat teachers, curriculums, how often they have parents pay tuition, general atmosphere including co-workers, etc.

[cragesmure]

I have taught all ages in both countries. I prefer teaching Chinese people, hands down. Kids anywhere are energetic and require discipline, but I found it much easier to teach children in China. They are much more respectful and work harder. However, I had larger classes in China, but I guess that's something that will differ from school to school. The main downside of teaching in China is the pay, but that also depends on where you are teaching. I've met people who live in places like Shanghai, and they claimed to be doing OK in that department.

[lifeinkorea]

Korean children are princes and princesses, there is no way to get through to the spoiled ones. So, I don't and I refuse to waste my time with them. My "current owner" understands this and is working with me on this.

Korean teenagers are on par with Chinese and sometimes contribute more in class. I understand this, and I am working with my "current owner" on this.

[dongjak]

I've taught in both countries and taught elementary and university in both countries (ive never taught middle or high school). Chinese children are a lot easier to teach as I rarely had any discipline problems and usually they stick a Chinese teacher in the room with you (both at elementary schools and private academies). And the chinese teacher usually gets off on beating kids, which can be a bit unnerving, but they rarely misbehave. Also they typically aren't rude, if you ask where a student is they won't reply by saying "die" or "hospital."

I prefer teaching Korean University students. I find the motivation and discipline level in both of these ages is the same. However Chinese university students are mind numbingly boring and have a lack of creativity and critical thinking skills. Honestly, boring boring boring conversationalists, not matter the English level. Plus they are really into memorizing idioms, so you will be plagued with listening to outdated expressions. But they will constantly be inviting you to visit their hometowns and will be wanting to spend time with you, which is either a good or bad thing depending on your personality. I taught in a University in China when I was just 23, not much older than some of my students. I am still very good friends with one of my students and have visited and stayed with her family many times, once spent a month at her house during Spring Festival.

[dongjak]

Sorry didn't read your original post closely enough.

I got fired in the middle of my 11th month working at the University, basically because I was close to finishing the contract and the boss didn't want to pay my airfare back. And there was nothing I could do about it except to warn people away from that University. If a labor dispute happens between you and an employer there is little to nothing you can do.

My second contract the lady was super professional and super nice. She went out of her way to help me whenever she could. So it is like Korea with bosses, some are great some are just awful human beings.

As for the academy type atmosphere, it is like Korea as it is a business. In my second contract I worked at sort of an after school program at a local elementary school in Beijing. The curriculum was set and I wasn't expect to teach but to play games and have fun. Dancing monkey all the way. I actually think the dancing English monkey attitude is much more prevalent in China.

Also you should know that your classroom will most likely be freezing. Especially in Beijing where the government controls when the heat gets turned on and off, classrooms are usually freezing. Add to that people like to open the windows in the middle of winter to get "fresh air." You will never be able to take your coat off in class. Kids will be dressed in multiple layers and always wearing their coats. If you are at an academy in a new or nicer building this probably wont be a problem.

Also working hours for a full time position are considerably lower in China, my hours always ranged between 11 to 20 hours, so if you are in a larger city, there is always option for overtime.