Korean Job Discussion Forums

ScottyG · Joined: 09 Jun 2006

I've lived off and on in Korea over the course of 4 years, and I hope to return again soon because....well...normal life back home is just so flippin boring and I don't look nearly as cool riding a scooter here. Anyways, if and when I return to Seoul I want to spend more time studying than working, and in any case am serious about gaining some mental stimulation in Korea that doesn't involve alcohol or board game cafes or warcraft or trying to figure out if my k-girl is cheating on me with a familiar oppa.

So that said....does anyone know or have any light to shed on becoming a part time or even full time international student in a program taught in english? I am really interested in studying film and Korea seems to be a great place to study. It's probably a far cry but if anyone knows of anything I'd be happy to know.

cheers

crazylemongirl · Joined: 23 Mar 2003 Location: almost there...

I study korean, check the news, discuss politics with friends, argue on Dave's. I think once you leave university you run the risk of that no matter the location.

captain kirk · Joined: 29 Jan 2003

I'm reading this book about Korea by a Dutch guy (can't remember the book title) and he says that after the schooling's done Koreans don't read. They don't read books. In Russia people will be reading novels on the subway. But Koreans will be napping, text messaging on phones. Also, at Uni, Koreans only study one or two hours a day. Having studied so hard in elem, middle, high school. And so much of that is the basic memorization stuff. Apparently, for Koreans too, later life is a mushmind existence.

ScottyG · Joined: 09 Jun 2006

it seems that way yes. but i'm happy to see a lot of koreans reading the davinci code on the subway. its a common site. sometimes i even see them reading it in english.

and as for this view we have that koreans lack creativity due to the boxed in study habits......the kids at my old elementary school did some really amazing stuff in art class. i was shocked. and sometimes i've had middle schoolers surprise the crap out of me with the creative stuff they come up with in role plays.

i think its a big oversite to say koreans are not creative. i think their creativity just comes out in different ways and different times.....its not a fine mist that comes out evenly and consitstently....its a rapid and brief blast from a hose that will dous one thing and one thing only in particular. koreans have boring homes, but some of their restaurants, stores, or places of relaxation make up for that.

Lizara · Joined: 14 Apr 2004 Location: Seoul

My brain's a lot mushier than it used to be. I used to be a much better writer too. I'm hoping it's just the exhaustion from teaching all the time and if I can get a more reasonable schedule next year I might be able to spend more time studying and reading and doing more intellectual sorts of things.

I've seen tons of Koreans reading on the subways. I've also found that pretty much all my students, right up to middle school, have plenty of creativity although it's hard for them to get it out sometimes in English, and many of them are quite shy about it.

The Hierophant · Joined: 13 Sep 2005

Guri Guy · Joined: 07 Sep 2003 Location: Bamboo Island

Dutch guy? It's a woman I believe. Interesting read I've heard. Treats Koreans fairly objectively.

The Hierophant · Joined: 13 Sep 2005

joyfulgirl · Joined: 05 Jan 2006

mine was always mush. it feels comfortable here.

Satori · Joined: 09 Dec 2005 Location: Above it all

If learning Korean does not provide you with all the intellectual challenge you'll ever need then you, Sir/Mam are a stone cold genius...

mole · Joined: 06 Feb 2003 Location: Act III

I voted somewhat. Mushier than before, but I feel more "worldly."
Been lazy about studying, but picked up a lot.
My buddy earned another degree online, got a CELTA or something certificate, etc.
I guess it's about motivation, dedication. Go for it & best of luck!

yodanole · Joined: 02 Mar 2003 Location: La Florida

CLG said" Once you leave university..."

Once you leave university, your education begins.

ScottyG · Joined: 09 Jun 2006

tru dat i think. my mind was more mush in uni than it is now i think. i was dissapointed with the lack of actual intellectual stimuli i had with an undergrad. it turned out to be a lot of regurgitation, and god forbid that you put your own opinions down when writing an essay. just make sure you include a footnote referencing your professors lectures in order to get a B+.

i think teaching in korea make you feel like mush because you have to speak basic slowed down english all day long....and discuss pokemon with 8 year olds. and then you start speaking and writing konglish with your korean girlfriend and getting all cutesy, and then one day during a sunday soju hangover you think....."hey......i think i left my brain at baggage claim at incheon airport. chicks only want guys with skills."

joyfulgirl · Joined: 05 Jan 2006

complaining about how un-smart you feel seems like such an un-smart thing to do.

ScottyG · Joined: 09 Jun 2006

and the opposite would be smart? was socrates complaining when he said "all that i know, is that i know nothing." complacency is the first ingredient of ignorance i think. one should always be somewhat dissatisfied with his or her intellect, and should always doubt it to some degree.