Korean Job Discussion Forums

[surfer11]

Hello Dave's ESL. Cafe,

I just found out last week I was hired by a prestigious University in South Korea

I have a few questions for individuals who currently work at a University.

1) What should I expect in regards to teaching at a University in South Korea?

2) How are the politics while teaching at a University?

3) What types of resourcrs do you use to develop your lesson plans with?

4) Is there anything I should be aware of?

I start 9/1/ 2013 and want to do a really good job.

I taught at a University in America but never in South Korea.

I appreciate all of your help and advice.

Thank You

Surfer

[Rutherford]

You should give us more information about your school. Are you an English conversation instructor or teaching a different subject?

1) What should I expect in regards to teaching at a University in South Korea?

Expect the unexpected. Your classes will vary depending on the university and sometimes the majors and interest levels of the students. Expect to have some who are motivated and have a good foundation and others who aren't and don't.

2) How are the politics while teaching at a University?

Depends on the school. Learn a little about Korean culture before you come and be professional. Don't rock the boat. Find someone in the office you can chat with and find out what's going on because you might miss important information that never reached you or was in Korean.

3) What types of resources do you use to develop your lesson plans with?

Powerpoint, youtube, google. You'll probably have a textbook that you choose or that is chosen for you which you can use as a good starting point. Copyright isn't really enforced so you can (and might have to) pirate materials you need. There are copy shops near unis that will scan or photocopy whole books at a reasonable price.

4) Is there anything I should be aware of?

Don't stress about things you can't change. Create relationships with the staff and students even if it's hard. Be prepared. Make your classes interesting.

[Swampfox10mm]

Do no give out too much info here. There are some trolls who post here who have issues, and will seek to make you look bad. Maybe even get your school upset at you for posting.

Keep the name private.