Korean Job Discussion Forums

[GentleSusan]

I teach them both here in Vancouver.

I know that a lot of people prefer Japanese students, but give me a Korean any day of the week.

They are friendlier, more socially and politically informed and best of all if they don't like your class or your teaching style, they'll tell you to your face.

The Japanese students say things like "Bush is good because he looks like President", say that there are no social problems in Japan whatsoever and speak of the esteemed, dignified Japanese "character" as though it's fact not opinion.

Most infuriating? They'll fawn all over you, pretend to adore you and then go and complain about you to your boss behind your back.

Anyone else taught the two?

[ajgeddes]

A more important question is, will the Japanese students stick their fingers up your butt?

[rocklee]

OP, how old are your students? That makes a bit of a difference.

[Satori]

Been in both countries a decent amount of time. I prefer Koreans both as students and people.

[rocklee]

[frankly speaking]

I have heard Korean students say similar things. "He looks like a teacher", "he is a good president because he looks like one."

First thing to remember, teaching Koreans in Canada, US, etc. is much different than teaching them here. I have even had friends in the states but when they have come back to Korea they changed. Teaching 4-10 students in a class is not an accurate judge of them. In Korea I teach and average of 250 different students a year. I have taught in 4 different areas of Korea and there are great differences with each of them.

I think that the OP should teach abroad for a few years before judging the quality.

[Yu_Bum_suk]

My friend (OP, do you know a hefty guy with poor vision named Greg?) also teaches them both in Vancouver. He said he found the Japanese girls to be much more self-absorbed than the Koreans. I don't know how on earth that could be possible but he swears it's true. He married a Korean student so I guess his preference is pretty obvious.

I've also heard that Koreans are much quicker to complain about something they don't like.

[GentleSusan]

I spent three years teaching university in Korea and have been teaching on and off for ten years.

Yes, I know Greg. He was a co-worker and a very nice guy. I've also met his wife. Some of his opinions were formed at my school. It's true the Koreans complain about Vancouver incessantly. But a well-placed joke about Korea usually brings them around to admitting their country and culture is flawed. The Japanese kids seem quite content to be vapid and vacuous judging everything according to shopping and spending power.

Granted, I'm mad at some Japanese students for complaining about me so am venting. But all things considered, the Koreans do match up well against their neighbours.

One day, a Japanese student in a moment of frustration aired his thoughts about the classroom dynamic wherein he felt he wasn't getting his due.

His words: "I know we are not as good as white - but surely we are better than Korean."

He then apologized to me about a Japanese woman he saw on the subway for her lack of trendiness.

[GentleSusan]

Students in their 20s and 30s mostly.

[Privateer]

[Satori]

[rothkowitz]

[charlieDD]