Korean Job Discussion Forums

[politricks]

In short, I make really bad first impressions when I meet new co-workers. Usually people think I am some introverted person that played too many video games as a child....which is only partly true.

I took a job in Seoul and am currently waiting for my visa to process. Next month (Aug.) I am going to have to make a grand entrance to my place of work and a room full of people that I will most likely be in close contact with for the next year; there are 10 native tongue language teachers at this school already. After reading the many threads here on Dave��s about freaky co workers I need to do everything not to get stigmatized as the freak of the group.

What is the best way to get on the "good" side of my teacher colleagues the fastest when I first arrive in late August?

[VanIslander]

Don't try to do so much.

Just relax and be polite and civil.

A little quiet is okay at first, being shy in a new place.

Accept every invite for dinner or what have you the first two weeks, and just take things as thy come, accepting them for what they are. If something disgusts you just smile and say "That's interesting."

But what the heck do I know: I'm the only foreign teacher at my hagwon.

[Dan The Chainsawman]

Just be yourself. In any case most people will figure out what your about in a few days anyway. So why bother hiding it? With 10 native teachers you should not lack for things to do.

A trick I use is just ask questions about things Korean. It makes it seem that your curious about Korean language, and culture. Don't get to rattled if your coworkers seem to ignore you. It happens to me all the time, and they so rarely speak to me I tend to enjoy the peace and quiet. I rarely go into the teachers lounge, most of my time is spent in my class room teaching or reading a book.

[The evil penguin]

with 10 foreigners already there, chances are (going by the general forerigner freak ratio) that at least two of 'em are already so freakish that unless you begin your first day biting the heads of chickens, you should fit in as quite normal. At least 3 others will be border-line strange-ohs..... you wouldn't walk down a dark alley with 'em back home but out of thier native territory and in korea they can be quite fun to be around... If you see one bronzed and heroic looking individual sitting in the corner surrounded by beautiiful women.... well that'd be the token aussie....

I also reccommend complaining about everything- the weather is a good start. If you DON'T, then you will definitely stand out....

Oh, and remember to wear clothes on your first day...

[Bulsajo]

For future reference, you've just outted yourself to any coworkers who might visit Dave's, so if your first meeting goes really badly you might not want to spill your guts here.

[politricks]

good point, I did not think my co workers would be reading this. So, if you are reading this, future co-worker, hello and I hope I haven't ruined your first impression of me.

[Ya-ta Boy]

If you are talking about meeting Korean co-teachers, then what VanIslander is correct. The last thing you want to do with a new Korean acquaintance is to come off like a used car salesman. Quiet, polite and interested is the way to go. If anyone ever asks you what you don't like about Korea it is safe to complain about the weather...then quickly change the subject.

[just because]

Just go in and just be yourself and be polite and friendly and say hello and make some small talk...

-Just by doing that you should be able to figure out who is a freak and who isn;t and no doubt your co-workers will be dying to tell you anyway...

Also, just accept every invite for the first month or so and go with the flow...that way you will build a bond with your co-workers and meet more people that you may have more in common with...

[inkoreaforgood]

[FUBAR]

It's better for people to think that you are stupid than for you to open your mouth and prove it to them.

Sit back and let them talk about themselves. I have noticed that most English teachers prefer to talk rather than listen. The first few times just listen to them talk and react to each other. There you will learn alot about the group.

[pegpig]

I work at that school. We got one of the more artistic brats here to draw a caricature of what they think you (being a bit freaky) might look like. We put this up on our dart board in the teachers' room. It'll provide us with some much-needed stress relief while we await your arrival.

P.S. We currently have no freaky waegookin here. You'll be the first. See you soon.

Edited to protect the newbies.

[mindmetoo]

Smile, make eye contact, bow, be self effacing. I think the primary fear of the K teachers is they're hiring some arrogant slime who is going to yell and complain.

After a week or so, bring in some ice cream or donuts or something. Food wins points.

[politricks]

[FUBAR]

[politricks]

I suppose I also hoped that the post by Pegpen is a joke because it has this real abrasive tone to it! Abrasive in a way which makes me rethink my year commitment to LCI...Oh man, what if I get to LCI on my first day and there is this child��s rendition of what a "freaky foreigner" looks like with my name under it. I think all the food and dinners with my future coworkers will not reverse a stamp of FREAK.....I suppose I do not know what a Korean foreigner teacher freak is anyways, I just know that it exists and is bad.

Fubar, What kinds of food, snacks or otherwise, should I bring to Korea from US/Canada (I live close to Canada) to hand out in a showing of good will?

I am going to get the email of my soon to be colleagues to start some dialogue with them before I find myself in the, for me, awkward first impression game I am no good at.