Korean Job Discussion Forums

[annabella]

Hi all,

After months toying with the idea, I'm finally flying out to Busan on Sunday. Does anyone have any hints or tips on how to survive the first week? How to get through the first day of lessons and my first full weekend there?

This will be my first job teaching English, and I'm not so worried about the actual teaching part as I'll be working from a set curriculum, but I am dreading freezing up on my first day! I've also travelled around China and SE Asia before, but this will be my first time in Korea. I'll be working in Daeundong so tips on places to hangout, and any general advice will be gratefully appreciated!

Cheers

[ddeubel]

Tips? Besides the obvious? You aren't going to another planet............

It all depends on the person...quality time. Personally I'd get ")&)&" as soon as possible and as well as possible....It will help make you know you've landed.

This isn't the land of Oz or the depths of Hades....the world works the same way here as elsewhere...my biggest tip to you.

But in any case, WELCOME and enjoy the seafood and soju even if you don't .........

DD

[Njord]

Well, I've been here for five weeks now as a first time teacher, and I've survived. The most important thing, particularly if you work at a small school, is to find some people (both native English speakers and Koreans) to help you and hang out with. This shouldn't be too difficult in Busan.

[kangnam mafioso]

i was pretty nervous my first few classes ... kindie kids and they had a video camera in the class room and so all the big shots were watching my every move. a little strange, but you get over it. i never had time to "freeze up" with that bunch.

[Homer]

Welcome to Busan...been here since 1997...

Jitters are par for the course for any newbie and all I can say is that it will basically be sink or swim for you. It may be harsh but thats the reality of it.

Just relax and try to do extra-prep for your first classes. Perhaps ask if you observe classes of other teachers before you start.

As for life in Busan...you are not moving to Mars here! No fear of not surviving... The place has markets, stores, public transport and all the stuff you are used to.

Places to hang out...hmmm..on the week ends there is PNU (Pusan National University), Somyon, Haeundae....and so on.

Buy the Lonely Planet Guide and read up is my advice.

Also, and this is the best: GO TO BUSANWEB!!! The website is dedicated to all things Busan.

If you have specific questions about Busan feel free to pm me.

[Greekfreak]

If you're under 30, single, and looking for a bit of the gnaw, you'll most likely find your way to the Vinyl Underground/Foxy/Osum corner of the earth, all of which play mind-numbing techno until the cows come home.

If you're a bit older or just don't care for that scene, both Crossroads in PNU and Ol' 55 in Kyungsung-dae (on the weekends) are great places to chill out.

Also in PNU go to my friend's bar Camel for the best burger and fries in town. Best waitress, too.