Korean Job Discussion Forums

[razfoz010]

I have recently passed my interview with EPIK and am in the process of collecting documents together for my visa. I have been fixated on moving abroad for some time and have become obsessed with the idea of teaching in Korea since I was introduced to it by a friend, however I have absolutely no teaching experience. Do you think that it is sensible to throw oneself into a ESL teaching job given that they have no experience?

[decolyon]

Baptism by fire my friend.


Haha, don't get too stressed out about it. I remember I was so nervous for my first class I could barely speak to my students. By the end of that first 40 mins though, I was a pro.

You will probably have a few training days with other teachers with experience and they'll fill you in on some of the main points. Also, with EPIK you'll have a Korean co-teacher, which has been discussed before, will feel no discomfort in critiquing you and your teaching skills.

If you're as passionate about teaching and living in Korea like you said, then you already have the most important things. The teachers that most succeed and the ones that have their students learn more are the ones most excited about the material and most engaged in their class. If you want to be there and you want your kids to learn, most of them will. I mean, you're not teaching rocket science here. Most of your students will have had some English before so it's highly unlikely you'll be their first introduction to the language.

You'll also be given the book to teach from as well as any other materials you may need. If all else fails, just teach it to them the same way you would study it for yourself (that's my method.) Actually, I'd give a guy/gal like you a week before you start finding ways to add to the material through worksheets, puzzles, and games.

The greater challenge to living/working in Korea is outside the classroom. Finding your way around and getting the things you need is easy back home, but can come with extra set of challenges here. Communicating with coworkers or bosses can be stressful as well. Adjusting to social norms and learning to draw as little attention to yourself in a land where you stick out like a sore thumb are much trickier. Depending on the age and level of your students, you'll eventually find that your time at work is your "autopilot" mode. You'll learn to save all actual brain function for the world outside.

Good luck. And don't be afraid to use the "Job" section of Dave's to post up questions or concerns you might have. Unlike the "General discussion" side, people are less concerned with trolling and flaming and actually try to help.

[andriabr]

Just a process. Everyone get nervous the first time.

[Whistleblower]

Here's a quote from a book that I am reading at the moment about World Englishes: