Korean Job Discussion Forums

[ellamarie]

So, I'm well into planning my move to Korea to teach. Got the passport, researching the country, planning to learn some of the language, talking to anyone I find who has taught overseas, taught in Korea, traveled to Korea, heard of Korea, or once saw a Korean at Wal-Mart. I am also planning to research schools as well as possible and have at least $1000 in the bank (hopefully more) before I leave.

Still, sometimes I find myself thinking: "What the hell am I thinking??!! I'm going to a foreign country thousands of miles from home where I don't know anyone and don't know the language! How will I find my way around the city? If I get lost, how the hell will I find my way back home if I can't find someone who speaks English? For that matter, how will I even find my way there from the f*cking airport??!!

Then I calm down and continue planning.

Before this turns into another bash-the-newbie fest, I just want to say that I think going to Korea will be a great experience. I am looking forward to experiencing a new culture and hopefully traveling to some other countries as well. I think a little nervousness is normal and healthy.
Anyone else have similar thoughts before leaving?

[kangnam mafioso]

yes, very natural to feel nervous before coming to korea the first time. take a deep breath. relaxxxxxxx. don't feel like you have to become fluent in the language or bring a year's supply of deoderant. you will be fine. it will take a little while to meet the right people, but you will have a blast. good luck with the job. are you going to seoul or somewhere else? really, if you hate it that bad you can always leave.

[cubanlord]

kang. maf. is right in regarding to meeting the "right" people. Once everyone else wakes up, you will have plenty of advice. Allow me to donate this one:

Every Korean will want to be your friend, DON'T LET IT HAPPEN!!! They want you for your English (at least 99% of them). As foreigners go, that's up to you. Typical crap just like back home:

Some want you for sex, some want you for your money, some want you for you....the latter, which is ultimately (I think) what you would prefer.

Good luck to you.

[VanIslander]

Totally natural response.

I laughed at myself afterwards: it's so easy to function in Korea with ZERO Korean language ability, other than "ann-yung ha-say-yo" (hello) and "gumsa hum-nee-da" (thank you).

Are there bumps in the road? yeah (not really, the highways are world class, but metaphorically). There will be moments when you don't know something. But one thing travelling gives you is confidence in oneself to get past it, to develop methods of coping and finding out what you really need, as opposed to what you whimsically want. You'll make it.

And if you're interested, directions from the airport could be given by us at Dave's once you've got the neighbourhood of where you will be going. Though the airport shuttle to the intercity bus terminal in Seoul is pretty straightforward.

Korea is about as foreign yet convenient a place as any anglo-waygook can hope to find. You'll do fine.

[crazylemongirl]

You'll either sink or swim. The first few weeks are either going to be amazing or suck ass. But the secret is being able to adapt yourself to life here. Some can't.
Being easy going, and the abilty to laugh at yourself are musts.

I was in the same position as you 3 years ago, and I scratched out a nice existence here.

[ajgeddes]

Seeing as it seems to be your first trip abroad, may I suggest getting a job in a big city so life isn't too foreign. I feel like Seoul is a bizarro <North American city>. Things are different, but getting around is quite easy and eating just takes a little courage. Chances are, you will have decent co-workers and they will help you, so don't sweat it and have a good time.

[Paddycakes]

Don't worry, the sheer beauty of the women in K-Land more than make up for the rest of the country's shortcomings.

PS. The first thing you're going to notice as you get into the city is this weird, hard to describe burnt smell that hangs over everything.

Don't worry, after a few days you won't even notice it...

[crazylemongirl]

[Paddycakes]

Well, if I was a women, I'd seriously consider "switching teams" if I were her....

[VanIslander]

and it's amazing how many assume a newbie is going to live in Seoul (statistically, most don't)

[ajgeddes]

[plattwaz]

[SPINOZA]

I was very lucky. I live opposite Emart - so could shop and buy familiar things - and also have supportive co-workers who showed me around, helped me open a bank account etc. This is essential. Without that, it would've been more difficult. First impressions are everything. When I first walked into my apartment, I thought "hey, this is damn okay - much better than I expected" and this pretty much sums it all up for me - the job, the country, the city, the people. Sometimes I get annoyed by trivial crap, mind you, but don't we all, everywhere?

Experiences can be so different. Some people are miles away from a supermarket, don't have terribly welcoming co-workers, have a tiny apartment etc etc. You've got to ride the Luck Plain. If you're an inherently lucky person, always seem to fall on your feet regardless of effort or merit, Korea will be good to you. If not, you're fooked. Or this time may be your lucky day, who knows?

[Tiger Beer]

[ellamarie]

Thanks to everyone for the advice. I will be trying to find something within commuting distance of Seoul but I don't want to be in the dead center of the city. I thought about being further South, like around Busan, but I need to be near medical facilities with English speaking doctors. And no, I won't be,um, "switching teams."