Korean Job Discussion Forums

[WillTurnerinVanCity]

Hello Everyone,

I have a simple question that is actually a quite complex issue, and I'm looking for the perspectives of the Dave's ESL Cafe community.

Before I get to the question, please let me explain the reason behind it, and the goal we are hoping to achieve.

Moving abroad to teach is very daunting to most people. Further, there is often a wide gap between what the teacher thinks will be expected of them, and what the job (including the experience of being abroad) will actually be like.

I'd like to create what is called a "realistic job preview," to better demonstrate to the teachers what they can expect, and what they will need to be successful teaching abroad. I think this will help people judge whether or not teaching abroad is for them, and at least help them adjust better when they arrive.

I'm sure we will see some comedy in the ensuing posts, and while I enjoy comedic relief as much as the next person, I'd also appreciate any help you can provide from your experience.

The basic, simple question is: What makes a successful teacher of ESL overseas?

In detail:

What personality traits would a successful teacher have?

What knowledge would they need beforehand?

What skills or abilities would make them successful?

Lastly, am I not seeing the big picture? Is there a piece of this puzzle that I'm missing entirely?

Again, thank you for your perspectives and help, and I appreciate your effort and meaningful contributions before this thread descends into chaos.

- Will at Footprints Recruiting

[oldfatfarang]

Might as well get this out of the way first up:

Blonde, blue eyed, young, female, North American. Being tall and thin doesn't hurt, either.

[WillTurnerinVanCity]

[ddeubel]

Good students.

I'm serious - that seems to be the measure by which society judges teachers.

I think it BS but that's the definition in a nutshell.

I won't get into it because I think your questions/asking is disingenuous. Sorry but that's the truth Ruth.

1. You work for a recruiter but you have to ask this?
2. You offer nothing of your own thoughts.
3. You also should know that the question should be ... "What makes a good teacher IN KOREA?"

Really. And further, let me respond that though we know a lot - it is all so experimental. God only knows and if you can tell me who makes a good teacher (before they've spent time there - I'll give you all my swamp land in Florida free)

I suggest you do some work yourself - get a PLN , real people who have experience and knowledge from years on the job in multiple jobs. Shotgun won't work here, me thinks.

Anyways - you can try my TEFAL non stick teaching post I made a few days ago. http://ddeubel.edublogs.org/2010/11/15/tefl-non-stick-teaching/

DD
http://eflclassroom.com

[alwaysbeclosing100]

-exmilitary
-people with theatre/drama/acting experience

in korea success depends on being able to adapt to doing business the korean way/style. imo if you cant or dont you might as well pack your stuff and go back home.

[Fishead soup]

A Good school

You can study teaching method until you're blue in the face.
If your students think that success in English depends on choosing the
correct answer A B C D E on the exam you are fighting a losing battle.

[jrwhite82]

Personality: I think being extroverted helps a lot in combating the isolation. Having patience. Team player.

Experience working with children (school, day care, summer camp counselors, etc)

Experience working with people from other cultures such as immigrant populations in your home country.

[WillTurnerinVanCity]

[PRagic]

What scares me is that the OP works at a recruiting agency! Yeesh, if the company doesn't know this stuff going in, what were they thinking when they opened up for business?

Ah, never mind. We know....

[WillTurnerinVanCity]

[[email protected]]

I think that there are simply too many factors to be able to accurately create the profile that you wish....there are a wide variety of personalities that "make it" here....and nobody truly knows how they will react to Korea until they arrive....not to mention the fact that how someone reacts to Korea after 1,2, or 3 years are completely different animals.

A lot of people who love Korea in year one hate it in year two....so even looking at those who really like it in Korea is not going to give you information that is indicative of how a newb will do.

I think that you're taking your job far too seriously...if you want to place teachers who will last their contracts, make sure that you don't send them to crappy schools with ridiculous contract terms.....while there are certainly some teachers that freak out and leave after a month, 95% of runners are those placed in crappy work scenarios, and they run in months 3-6.

[WillTurnerinVanCity]

[tomato]

Hello, Will!

It's nice to meet a recruiter who listens to us for a change.
Of course, you already know what the clients want because that's what the clients ask for.
I notice someone told you that they want sexy 27-year-old blondes with blue eyes, but I'm sure you already know that.

Here's what I see as the most important traits which make the teacher happy:

■ a match between what the teacher wants and what the director wants

I've been fired a couple of times because I insisted on bringing in songs, games, and picture books rather than teaching straight out of the textbook.
On the other hand, I've met directors who want songs, games, and picture books, so they have been unhappy with teachers who teach straight out of the textbook.

■ feeling comfortable with the age group

We get frequent inquiries on this forum saying, "Help! I have to teach kindergarten and I can't keep their attention for longer than five minutes!"

As for myself, I'm not macho enough for middle school students.
I've lost count of how many times I've been fired for that reason.

■ a genuine interest in the job

Nuff said.

■ an interest which can be pursued overseas

Most of the happiest teachers are those who are willing to learn the language.
However, any interest which could be pursued overseas could keep a teacher happy.
I once knew a teacher who didn't study Korean, but she was very much of a gourmet cook.
You could give her any Korean dish and she could identify all the ingredients from a single mouthful.

If all the teacher likes is American TV, American movies, and American pop music, that teacher might not be happy anywhere except surrounded by other wegukin's.
We get frequent inquiries on this forum saying, "Help! I'm stranded way out in 포덩크 and there's nothing to do!"

By the way, I don't remember exactly where I found my present job, but it might have been on the Footprints Website.
If it was, thanks!

[WillTurnerinVanCity]

[Tamada]

Female, F2 visa, light skin, ex-burger flipper, therefore she will see teaching esl as a 'step up'.