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Korean Job Discussion Forums
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giancaldo
Joined: 10 Feb 2006
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 Posted: Tue Mar 07, 2006 9:19 pm Post subject: Another S. Korea vs Japan opinion |
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I'm thinking of going to either Japan or South Korea for a while to teach.
I did spend a year in Japan before but didnt enjoy it. However, after reflecting on my life there and gaining some valuable life experience, I think I could learn a lot and have a better and richer experience than the one I had before. I have 1 year left on my visa and a friend I could stay with in Tokyo while I looked for a job.
Korea is also a very attractive option as the pay is good, accomodation and flights are paid for, which is great because I'm totally broke. However, from what I've read, life is more difficult in Korea but not necessarily more rewarding. Also, the culture and ones lifstyle isn't as rich as that of Japans. Most importantly though, the school you work for pretty much owns you. You're stuck in a place you may not like and in a school you may despise for a whole year of your precious youth, and I dont want to be faced with the moral decision doing a midnight run. In Japan I can just give in my months notice and change location and school, which would be a great way to see the country.
In one way I'm swayed towards Korea as it would be a different experience, different culture, different world and a good place to save money for my travels. However, Japan does offer a richer and easier lifestyle.
I'd value any opinions or insights you have. |
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Yu_Bum_suk
Joined: 25 Dec 2004
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| Posted: Tue Mar 07, 2006 9:44 pm Post subject: |
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It seems like you pretty much know what the score is.
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SPINOZA
Joined: 10 Jun 2005
Location: $eoul
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| Posted: Tue Mar 07, 2006 10:03 pm Post subject: |
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I've read a lot of stuff from people who work or have worked in Japan - I was interested in working there myself in times past - and Japan has more than its fair share of whiners, just like Korea.
Korea does seem to be more of a gamble, as many people come here and don't like it for various reasons - poor employers being the main one I think.
None of those complaints are applicable to me or anyone I know however. This is the easiest thing in the whole world, it's laughable. It's up to you. I'm sure as hell glad I came here and not Japan though, although I would like to go to Japan some day. |
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Tiger Beer
Joined: 07 Feb 2003
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| Posted: Tue Mar 07, 2006 10:50 pm Post subject: Re: Another S. Korea vs Japan opinion |
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| giancaldo wrote: |
| Korea is also a very attractive option as the pay is good, accomodation and flights are paid for, which is great because I'm totally broke. However, from what I've read, life is more difficult in Korea but not necessarily more rewarding. Also, the culture and ones lifstyle isn't as rich as that of Japans. Most importantly though, the school you work for pretty much owns you. You're stuck in a place you may not like and in a school you may despise for a whole year of your precious youth, and I dont want to be faced with the moral decision doing a midnight run. In Japan I can just give in my months notice and change location and school, which would be a great way to see the country. |
This part is important.
EVERYTIME you take a job sight-unseen in a foreign country like Korea (or anywhere really).. particularly when a free apartment is thrown in, etc. You ALWAYS run the risk of getting throw in the middle of nowhere and in an unacceptable apartment.
If you don't want this situation.. then its 1000 times better to come to Korea first.. look for who you want to work for.. interview them (as essentially you are the one shopping around - they will hire literally anyone - even sight unseen most of the time).. look at their location.. look at your potential living situation BEFORE signing the contract. If you do this, you minimize all these midnight runner ideas, the complaining, the anger, the spite, etc.. and financially come up ahead then bouncing around in and out and release letters and whatever else.
There are TONS of teachers already in Korea who do exactly that.. and the only jobs that aren't filled are the ones way out in the middle of nowhere.. completely undesireable.. and no one who already lives and worked in Korea would even remotely consider.. but quite a few guys with no money, no experience in Korea, etc. just jump right from their own personal frying pans into the fire.. and wonder whats wrong with Korea. |
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