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theevilgenius
Joined: 10 Sep 2010
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 Posted: Thu Dec 16, 2010 5:23 pm Post subject: First impressions - Any tips? |
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| Okay, so I know how important first impressions will be with the director, students and Korean people in general and was wondering do you guys have any tips. Should I bring a gift, what customs should I be aware of (bowing etc) and how did any of you win your students over on the first day or even what mistakes did you make so I can try not to make the same ones. Thanks! |
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superNET
Joined: 08 Dec 2010
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| Posted: Thu Dec 16, 2010 5:43 pm Post subject: |
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| I do not believe in first impressions but just be yourself, find your footing (this takes time) and be ready to learn and adapt. You can bring a gift, but.... |
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ThingsComeAround
Joined: 07 Nov 2008
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| Posted: Thu Dec 16, 2010 5:43 pm Post subject: |
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Be yourself
Be polite
Don't suck up |
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PigeonFart
Joined: 27 Apr 2006
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| Posted: Thu Dec 16, 2010 5:54 pm Post subject: |
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The first impressions i ever gave my K-coworkers were of a jet-lagged & stinky girl. Why do hogwons insist on bringing the teacher straight from the airport to the school ? 
At least let them shower and change their clothes first!! |
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Kaypea
Joined: 09 Oct 2008
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DosEquisXX
Joined: 04 Nov 2009
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| Posted: Thu Dec 16, 2010 6:41 pm Post subject: |
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| Wear nice clothes, be well-groomed and respectful. If they don't accept you the way you are, then they can blow. |
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amorphous154
Joined: 20 Jan 2010
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| Posted: Thu Dec 16, 2010 9:54 pm Post subject: |
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| dont mention dokdo, japan, or your nocturnal activities. If they say you should learn more Korean or they'll find you a wife . . . smile, nod, ignore, proceed. |
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AnsanAnswers
Joined: 16 Jul 2010
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| Posted: Thu Dec 16, 2010 11:06 pm Post subject: |
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In my experiences first impressions are extremely important in Korea.
For your director:
- practice saying hello 'anyong haseyo'
- bow when you meet (a simple lowering of the head will do)
- be energetic and outgoing
- be sure to mention how excited you are to be in Korea, how much you love Korean food (if you can name any basics now would be the time) and how you want to learn the language
- a gift goes a long way, but don't make it too expensive, just something that represents where you are from
- be presentable; clean-shaven and well dressed
For your students:
- bring in items from your hometown/country: currency and identification such as driver's license and passport
- my students loved to see pictures of my family, pets, house car etc.
- depending on the age level be sure to tell them what your favorite things are: musicians, tv shows, foods (especially Korean food), sports, etc.
Good luck and most importantly relax and enjoy yourself. |
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superNET
Joined: 08 Dec 2010
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| Posted: Fri Dec 17, 2010 3:52 am Post subject: |
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| In my experiences first impressions are extremely important in Korea |
Not as much as you think, as relationships are far more important.
For newbies, you need to get aclimated (sp?) first and adjusted to the new time zone, and culture, etc. You need to do things that are normal for you instead of trying to be something you are not. |
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Chet Wautlands
Joined: 11 Oct 2008
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| Posted: Fri Dec 17, 2010 6:31 am Post subject: Re: First impressions - Any tips? |
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| theevilgenius wrote: |
| Okay, so I know how important first impressions will be with the director, students and Korean people in general and was wondering do you guys have any tips. Should I bring a gift, what customs should I be aware of (bowing etc) and how did any of you win your students over on the first day or even what mistakes did you make so I can try not to make the same ones. Thanks! |
The fact that you are taking the time to ask this question almost certainly indicates that you will make a good first impression.
The people who make bad first impressions are the ones who have done absolutely no preparation before coming to Korea. As an example I offer up the South African guy who started working at our hagwon and called everything "Chinese." |
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lithium
Joined: 18 Jun 2008
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| Posted: Fri Dec 17, 2010 7:13 am Post subject: |
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| PigeonFart wrote: |
The first impressions i ever gave my K-coworkers were of a jet-lagged & stinky girl. Why do hogwons insist on bringing the teacher straight from the airport to the school ?
At least let them shower and change their clothes first!! |
You are a girl with a name like PigeonFart? |
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