Korean Job Discussion Forums

[kimc0486]

Hey,

I have been hearing people talk about brining their students gifts, but this has only come from individuals who have worked in hagwons. I will be in a public middle school. Are small gifts the expectation/norm? What would I even bring for middle school aged students and how many??

Thanks for the advice.

[Setaro]

If you mean bringing gifts form your home country to Korea, to give to the kids at you PS, then don't do it!

You're almost certainly going to be teaching well over 250 different kids each week, if not many, many more. By all means bring things from home to show them; photos, maps, the cuddly toy you take every where etc. But don't try and bring presents!

[sadguy]

yeah, don't bring gifts, unless it's something cheap like candy that they can't get in korea.

unless you're really rich... but then, why are you buying students gifts for? bribing them to like you?

[Skippy]

Money! Buy a roll of pennies and nickels and give them out. Maybe buy some stickers, buy some cheap touristy stuff like key chains and postcards. Just remember do not break the bank and do not expect amazing gratitude.

Also do not waste your money on Candy from back home. Kids already have their set tastes and get some licorice all sorts or Wearthers candies will just end up in the garbage.

[interestedinhanguk]

I give out high-fives.

[Lastrova]

Wait a second. You're a teacher, right? You're imparting knowledge. I hope they are gaining something from this knowledge, from your teaching. Shouldn't your students feel grateful? Shouldn't they feel that they have benefited from your methods, your personality, your style? They should be giving you presents my fellow teacher. Don't let self-centered students or anyone else try to tell you any different.

When a student tries to pull this nonsense on me, I tell them: You should be giving me presents. Where are my presents? I'm helping you, you are not helping me (except in my wallet of course). Make em see the light. They are so used to being coddled. It's like a paradigm shift.

[dyc]

[WadRUG'naDoo]

You: "I brought you something from Canada!"

Ss: "What? (excited)"

You: "Turn to page 32."

[kimdeal54]

I teach at a public middle school. Last year, I had 800 students. This year, I will be teaching all 1,500 of them.

Just to give you an idea of possible numbers.