|
Korean Job Discussion Forums
"The Internet's Meeting Place for ESL/EFL Teachers from Around the World!"
|
| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
Birmingham.couple
Joined: 29 May 2010
|
 Posted: Mon Nov 22, 2010 6:18 pm Post subject: EPIK induction in Seoul, what to expect? |
 |
|
The timetable seems insane, each day starting at 9 and finishing at 10pm!!
From 6-10pm it seems to be a movie and so culture lessons, I'd much rather just skip over those but I have no idea if they are compulsary or not. 
I really, really would rather go out and see Seoul than sit in and watch a movie. Can anyone shed some light on how they normally work and run...
Oh and I've been told that you have to room share with another person of the same sex....I'm married and going with my wife and I hope us two sharing won't be a problem, a heads up on that would be appreciated too 
Also, feel free to tell me what I must see on my 4 nights in Seoul...
Thanks peeps. |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
Taya
Joined: 09 Jan 2009
Location: Changwon
|
| Posted: Mon Nov 22, 2010 8:15 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I can't answer your question because this will be my first EPIK Orientation. I'm interested in seeing at least one movie, but the others I would rather skip. I have friends in Seoul that I want to visit.
One place to visit is Insadong. This is a great source of Korean souvenirs to give as Christmas gifts to people back home.
Hongdae or Itaewon are fun at night but I'm not much of a party person so someone else will have to go into the details.
I'm going to try to visit the Dongdaemun night market. It's open all night so even if I see the Korean movie, I can go there. There are lots of other places to shop, if that's your thing: Namdaemun, Myeongdong, and Sincheon.
There are lots of temples and museums if you get the chance but perhaps they are closed at night...
You can go to Dr. Fish in Gangnam. Dr. Fish is one my favourite things to talk about to my friends back home. It costs 2000 won but you have to buy something to eat at the cafe (I think).
Anyway, I'm sure you'll get back to Seoul eventually so don't feel like you need to see everything. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Donkey Beer
Joined: 20 Jul 2006
|
| Posted: Mon Nov 22, 2010 9:18 pm Post subject: |
|
|
They lock the dorms at 12 o'clock and open up again at 5 o'clock, so be prepared to do some all-nighters.
If you don't stay up all night you won't have a chance to do much in Seoul.
The good: they pay for you to watch some shows such as 'Nanta', you go on a field trip and there is a buffet at the end of training. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Morticae
Joined: 06 May 2010
|
| Posted: Mon Nov 22, 2010 9:32 pm Post subject: |
|
|
You will most likely not have time to go sight seeing. The classes are mandatory, there is an attendance sheet you must sign. If they see you miss a certain number of sign ins, you'll likely face some sort of action and it obviously does not reflect well on you. You're an adult now. This is your job and you are expected to do your job, even if it means attending stupid classes that likely do not benefit you, or your teaching, in any way.
You will be bombarded with lectures on a variety of teaching/cultural related topics. A few videos, but many lectures and silly activities.
IF you can get somebody to sign the attendance sheet for you, or if you sign it and then leave, you can go do something else. But... come on? Really? Just suck it up, do your job. You can take the tours during the weekend or your vacation days.
As far as I know, it is 2 of the same sex to a room. I only remembered one married couple, but didn't inquire if they were in the same room or not. This turns out to be a good way to make friends and meet other teachers. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
JBomb
Joined: 16 Oct 2008
|
| Posted: Mon Nov 22, 2010 9:36 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Itaewon has its fair share of American military types about. It has some nice places to eat if you are into Western food. The Mexican place right by the new Taco Bell was amazing. My favourite area there is up on Homo Hill. There are a couple of gay and lesbian bars that were insanely fun. Really fun crowd up there. Also it is right by the hookers which gives it that extra bit of charming sleaze. The Hongdae area is packed with clubs. You will for sure find it a considerable amount more Korean as well, which I certainly find refreshing at times. The park across from the University also occasionally has bands set up and do impromptu shows. There is also neat little craft sellers there plus in and around are some interesting little clothes boutique shops that are open quite late. Most of those sell nothing but female stuff though. Not exactly a dude's idea of a night out. Also a good night thing is to get a cab up to Namsan tower. The view of the city is gorgeous. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Birmingham.couple
Joined: 29 May 2010
|
| Posted: Mon Nov 22, 2010 9:47 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Morticae wrote: |
You will most likely not have time to go sight seeing. The classes are mandatory, there is an attendance sheet you must sign. If they see you miss a certain number of sign ins, you'll likely face some sort of action and it obviously does not reflect well on you. You're an adult now. This is your job and you are expected to do your job, even if it means attending stupid classes that likely do not benefit you, or your teaching, in any way.
You will be bombarded with lectures on a variety of teaching/cultural related topics. A few videos, but many lectures and silly activities.
IF you can get somebody to sign the attendance sheet for you, or if you sign it and then leave, you can go do something else. But... come on? Really? Just suck it up, do your job. You can take the tours during the weekend or your vacation days.
As far as I know, it is 2 of the same sex to a room. I only remembered one married couple, but didn't inquire if they were in the same room or not. This turns out to be a good way to make friends and meet other teachers. |
I resent the "suck up and do your job" crap you are spouting, it's not my job friend.
Watching a Korean movie that I have no interest in and does not relate to my work in any way is not part of my job.
I'd more than happily use that time to plan my lessons for the following week, that'd be part of my job.
I'm not a yes man that will blindly follow the baffling directions of my employers, I'm a teacher, my job is to teach and anything that will assist me in doing so I will attend and partake in. Watching a movie at 8pm no, no, I don't want to do that. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Taya
Joined: 09 Jan 2009
Location: Changwon
|
| Posted: Mon Nov 22, 2010 10:51 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I'm perfectly content to complete the training; that's not what we're talking about. Even Korean lessons are interesting to me. But watching three Korean movies seems unnecessary. I'd rather watch one Korean movie and have two nights to visit friends.
| Quote: |
| They lock the dorms at 12 o'clock and open up again at 5 o'clock, so be prepared to do some all-nighters. |
Is this true? They lock the doors? Am I going to summer camp? |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Morticae
Joined: 06 May 2010
|
| Posted: Mon Nov 22, 2010 11:21 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Birmingham.couple wrote: |
I resent the "suck up and do your job" crap you are spouting, it's not my job friend.
Watching a Korean movie that I have no interest in and does not relate to my work in any way is not part of my job.
I'd more than happily use that time to plan my lessons for the following week, that'd be part of my job.
I'm not a yes man that will blindly follow the baffling directions of my employers, I'm a teacher, my job is to teach and anything that will assist me in doing so I will attend and partake in. Watching a movie at 8pm no, no, I don't want to do that. |
You don't watch any MOVIES that are required. Only short video clips on teaching. The movie at night is optional.
If you came here to be a legitimate teacher, what were you thinking? Please read the other posts here. You are a GUEST Native English Teacher. You're more of an entertainer, or interesting figure.
Your classes will most likely not be graded, or worth any points for the students. That should be a hint for you. Please get the 'mighty teacher' complex out of your head.
And if you are not flexible to the baffling requests that will be asked of you (on a near weekly basis), you'll probably die quickly in Korea. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Birmingham.couple
Joined: 29 May 2010
|
| Posted: Mon Nov 22, 2010 11:22 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Taya wrote: |
I'm perfectly content to complete the training; that's not what we're talking about. Even Korean lessons are interesting to me. But watching three Korean movies seems unnecessary. I'd rather watch one Korean movie and have two nights to visit friends.
| Quote: |
| They lock the dorms at 12 o'clock and open up again at 5 o'clock, so be prepared to do some all-nighters. |
Is this true? They lock the doors? Am I going to summer camp? |
The more I hear about it, the more upset I get to be honest.
Locking the doors at midnight, assuming "work" finishes at 10 and I want to get some fresh air - I'm going to constantly be looking at the time.
I know it's apparently part of my job but I also think that I'm being forced to miss my weekend for this, it may seem petty but I think we can all agree that atfer a long week, we need some downtime.
At the very least, we should be able to relax and unwind after a 13 hour day as we see fit!! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
sojusucks
Joined: 31 May 2008
|
| Posted: Tue Nov 23, 2010 12:32 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Where are you staying? Is it near that University? That's a great area. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
toniyellow
Joined: 30 Sep 2009
|
| Posted: Tue Nov 23, 2010 12:41 am Post subject: |
|
|
The orientation I went to we stayed in university doors. The 6th floor was for couples, married or not they allocated them all together up there.
Not all of the lectures are useful but it is still a tiring day. I would only see the nearby neighbourhood and save most sightseeing for later. Seoul doesn't have a ton of unique stuff to do or see anyway. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
mavsfan5
Joined: 19 Jan 2009
|
| Posted: Tue Nov 23, 2010 2:26 am Post subject: |
|
|
I'm starting to pack for the trip up to Seoul and I'm wondering if it's worth it to bring my laptop. Does anyone know if there will be internet access or anything? I just want to be prepared!
Thanks!! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Birmingham.couple
Joined: 29 May 2010
|
| Posted: Tue Nov 23, 2010 11:29 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Morticae wrote: |
| Birmingham.couple wrote: |
I resent the "suck up and do your job" crap you are spouting, it's not my job friend.
Watching a Korean movie that I have no interest in and does not relate to my work in any way is not part of my job.
I'd more than happily use that time to plan my lessons for the following week, that'd be part of my job.
I'm not a yes man that will blindly follow the baffling directions of my employers, I'm a teacher, my job is to teach and anything that will assist me in doing so I will attend and partake in. Watching a movie at 8pm no, no, I don't want to do that. |
You don't watch any MOVIES that are required. Only short video clips on teaching. The movie at night is optional.
If you came here to be a legitimate teacher, what were you thinking? Please read the other posts here. You are a GUEST Native English Teacher. You're more of an entertainer, or interesting figure.
Your classes will most likely not be graded, or worth any points for the students. That should be a hint for you. Please get the 'mighty teacher' complex out of your head.
And if you are not flexible to the baffling requests that will be asked of you (on a near weekly basis), you'll probably die quickly in Korea. |
 Mighty teacher complex. Sounds like you are being consumed by quite the opposite complex. Pragmatism is one thing but you sound like you're happy to work towards nothing.
Any students can be motivated and can learn well despite the fact that they aren't graded, as long as the teacher is competant, is dedicated and passionate and hasn't given up on his job/life. You are the antithesis of what a good teacher should stand for.
The problem with this place and some of the teachers here is that so many have your mentality and think that, just because it's a little difficult and you have to have some pride in your work, it's not worth ruffling a few feathers. Grow up man, how do you even look yourself in the mirror every morning? |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
thegadfly
Joined: 01 Feb 2003
|
| Posted: Tue Nov 23, 2010 11:42 pm Post subject: |
|
|
RE: locked doors....
Get a hotel room -- privacy, and no need to "stay out all night."
Oh, wait -- you wanted to stay overnight in a place that someone else is paying for? I guess you could play by their rules....
Take care of yourself, or be taken care of -- they each have their pros and cons. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Birmingham.couple
Joined: 29 May 2010
|
| Posted: Wed Nov 24, 2010 3:25 am Post subject: |
|
|
| thegadfly wrote: |
RE: locked doors....
Get a hotel room -- privacy, and no need to "stay out all night."
Oh, wait -- you wanted to stay overnight in a place that someone else is paying for? I guess you could play by their rules....
Take care of yourself, or be taken care of -- they each have their pros and cons. |
I actually asked for to book a hotel, they said no 
So, what happens to your sarcastic argument now? Nothing, it's quashed.
I await another terribly flawed retort. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
|
|
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
