Korean Job Discussion Forums

panthermodern · Joined: 08 Feb 2003 Location: Taxronto

The idea of this thread is to give one piece of simple advice to the new teacher in Korea.

It is not a thread of debate and arguement, but, rather a simple statement of what the poster personally thinks is a good piece of advice.

And, thats that.

My advice:

"Have enough money, as soon as possible, saved away, to get yourself "home" or at least out of here in case things go bad."

humanuspneumos · Joined: 08 Jun 2003

Good advice

I usually say- "Sign as though one year- save as though six months"

Just curious- what do you mean by "go bad"?

jajdude · Joined: 18 Jan 2003

Don't just take whatever job comes up, wherever, as you may end up in something you do not like.

TECO · Joined: 20 Jan 2003

3 paychecks in the bank.

then go to Phuket or buy the Les Paul.

- and learn your students' native language

jajdude · Joined: 18 Jan 2003

TECO · Joined: 20 Jan 2003

jajdude:

2 years is enough time to learn enough chinese/Japanese/korean for an EFL'er to function on the street.

Makes you a much better ELT also.

Good luck!

Bunnymonster · Joined: 16 Mar 2004 Location: Tokyo

"Always leave yourself outs"

MixtecaMike · Posted: Thu May 20, 2004 3:15 pm Post subject:

Demophobe · Joined: 17 May 2004

Find a hobby that can incorporate some positive aspect of Korea, or at least one that will give you some reward for being here.
I am a composer by trade, and find that diving into Korean musicology, theory, practise and history gives me a better view about being here and has helped me to find some really talented Koreans. My friend is a photographer who realises there is nowhere else in the world that can afford such a wide array of subjects.
Get off the net before you get too tangled in it. Go do something to save yourself.

Squid · Joined: 25 Jul 2003 Location: Sunny Anyang

Don't drink the tap water.

Mankind · Joined: 18 Jan 2003

Advice I have 2

1. Ignore everything you read by panthermodern or in a thread strated by panthermodern.

2. Go to work and shut-up for 6 months to learn a little about how things work here. Just watch. Helps a lot in the long run.

4 posts and jajdude wins the "I can't read prize"

HAND Smile

Crois · Posted: Thu May 20, 2004 5:10 pm Post subject:

Be easy going. If yo boss wants you to do something, generally do it.
But remember if you give too much they will walk all over you.

CanadaCommando · Joined: 13 Feb 2004 Location: People's Republic of C.C.

If you can afford to, fly on your own ticket.

More than worth it in the long run, as it allows you to filter out the crap schools, and you have an escape ticket if ever neccesary.

peppermint · Posted: Thu May 20, 2004 6:16 pm Post subject:

Whatever happens, teaching here has never killed anyone- yet.

VanIslander · Posted: Thu May 20, 2004 6:31 pm Post subject:

Always consider smiling before frowning, especially when you have an issue with your Korean employer.