Korean Job Discussion Forums

[dmbfan]

Well, it is almost time to kiss my four year journey here goodbye. So, I'm going to give a couple of thoughts. Although, it won't seem all that organzied, because quite honestly...a lot is going through my mind at the moment.


2003-2007.

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." Although, if I were to use a scale, I would say "worst of times" has more weight then "best of times". Looking back, I don't know if I would come here again, given the opportunity to travel in a time machine. But, I also like to think that this may be a stepping stone something else. I TRULY enjoy teaching E.S.L., and I have never slacked on that. But, I just can't play the Korean game. Well, I can but only to a point. Lately, that margin of patience has gone waaaaaay down. Although, I do take some pride in the fact that despite what I've done and gone through here, I did not run back home to mommy and daddy saying that "Koreans are evil". No...I have hung in there, perhaps more then I should have. I don't like giving up. But, it seems all I am doing is banging my head on the wall.

Most people who stay here for a long time have some sort of vested interest in Korea. It could be business, family, or a long term position. But, for me to have stayed here the better part of four years....well, I realize it was not the wisest thing to do....we all have limits that should be recognized.

In regards to Koreans....well.......................they are extreme, and you guys know what I am talking about. But, I do feel that Korea has its reputation for a reason, and until it decides to make efforts to change, it will stll be the Hubcap of Asia....or, at least in the E.S.L. industry. But, I have met some good Koreans here. Granted, not as many as I had hoped for...but enough to suggest that there are some good people here.

In regards to other foreign teachers............another mixed bag. I have made a some good friends here. Many have moved on, but a few are still here. But, for the most part...there are not many that I like. I have met some people that....well........I'm not going to throw stones at this point. Foreign teachers here are a mixed bag. Although, I have met some back stabbers here....and they seemed to fit in quite well with Korea.

Public Schools in Korea...............I will never teach at another public school here again. I learned what I can do and what I am not good at. Teaching 22 different classes week, 40 kids in each class with expectations that require me to be a human tape recorder...............no.....never again. It is a good opportunity for some who want to just show up and collect their money (nothing wrong with that, mind you)...but, that is not for me. Small classes, resources and the young learners.

Korean teenagers........well, I guess teenagers could be the same anywhere in the world. But, I find these particular group of hethens to be the most annoying little shites I have ever met. I've enough of hearing "Puk you" (then watching all 6 of them hall arss down the street)....rocks being thrown at my head (true story)...and not being able to do anything about it.

Korean teachers...............sorry, but these are the some of the dumbest people I have met. When I can't get one of them to show me something, set an example or come up with any ideas............worthless. Some good ones could be out there, but I have yet to meet one.

Korean culture............meh..........some good things, some annoying things, some things I respect.........but overall....I could care less about it.

Korean "pure blood"......... Yeah, and the first colonial settlers in America were not from Europe. Get over it Korea.......you are from Mongolian/Manchurian stock. There is nothing "pure" about your blood.

Korean kids.....(kindergarten to thrid grade)..........best people I have met. I alwas feel that humans are/were at the thier best when we/they were/are children. I have absolutely loved working with them, and I will definitely miss their smiles, laughs, sense of humor. Right now, at this moment....I'm getting a tear in my eye, thinking about the little ones I have worked with, having them say "Mr. Dmbfan, I love you".


K-girls......................... Overrated.

NOTE: This is what I am thankful for in regards to my Korean experience. I want to work with kids in some way.....volunteer, orphanges, teaching....I'm not sure how. But, I want to devote a good protion of my life to working with kids. I love em.

What have I learned about myself while being in Korea?
1. I am a good teacher.
2. I love kids (no dongchims though).
3. I am not as tolerant as I thought I was (in regards to other cultures,etc).
4. I need to develope a larger resource of patience.
5. I need to know when to bite my tounge.
6. I can't plan, financially. I am horrible with money.
7. Many stituations could have been avoided if I had just walked the other
way, regardless of who was right or wrong.
8. I don't put up with too much B.S.....unfortunately, Korea is full of it.
9. I've taken a lickin', but have kept on tickin'......... badly bruised though.
10. I have learend how to shread a bad contract.
11. After all this time, I am still scared about my life, future and what will
happen.


Dave's posters..............................some are cool, but many are so full of themselves. There are a lot of internet tough guys here, along with those who can't go one day without starting an argument or flame.

Apologists...................
Far left liberals........ (enjoyed the conversations, though)
Retards who make jokes about people dying, and dont' apologize.....
Those who think they are the ESL Armchair Generals..............
Whiners..........meh, it happens to us all.
Grammar/Spelling Nazi's........get off your pucking high horses. Who cares?
Canadians.........some are cool, some are twerps.
Americans..........same as above.
Korean netizens.............tools.
Trolls.................funny at times.


Daves Korean Forum...........useful. But, can be quite the source of negativity........reading about tales of teachers getting pucked over by Koreans can really make one angry and lose focus on what is imporant.


Anyway, enough of this. Many have said that they arrived eager and left bitter..................and came back. I don't know what I will do, and I'm sure most here don't care. But, I hope to remember the good things about my experience more then the bad.

Cheers to all. Be safe, support each other, stand your ground, and don't sign dodgy contracts.


Eet, drink and be merry!

dmbfan

[Scotticus]

[SuperFly]

Interesting, I was just listening to Dave Matthews Band ...


Good luck in your travels, be good to yourself.

[oldfatfarang]

Good luck dmbfan. I'm sure your time in Kora will have made you stronger - and a better person - even if you don't think so at the moment. Take some time out. Relax. Job well done.

To have survived 4 years teaching (and living) in K is an achievement itself. I use the word 'living' here loosely, because we all know that our K experience doesn't really allow us to 'live' as we would like. Our lives here, like the Koreans - are shaped by good old outdated Confucianism and Asian culture. She's hard living in Korea.

So, my hat's off to you, mate. Take a rest. We'll keep representing Her Majesty and keep bringing Englisheee to the heathens. But do yourself a favor. Move on and up. Don't keep posting on Daves like some of ex-teachers do - that's sad.

[eamo]

Good luck DMBfan................you're not the first Westerner to get totally exasperated by the lack of logic and effective communication in Korea, and you won't be the last.

[rhinocharge64]

Respect, and all the best fella. Blunt at times, but forever wore his heart on his sleeve. I think we would have got on if we would have met in a different world.

Take care, and all very best of British luck. The Charge

[Yu_Bum_suk]

[just alittlecrazy]

wow 4 years, good for you. i'm leaving next month after a year, thats enough for me. take care dude. enjoyed reading your posts.
all the best for the future.

[riley]

Nice to see that you weren't afraid to evaluate yourself either.

#3-5 and 7 are definitely true for me too. Good luck and glad that you still enjoy teaching.

[Doogie]

Yea, 4 years is good. I'm leaving next month after 2 years and that's enough for me. I'm going home for a break, but I'll be coming back to Asia for another one year contract. I'm still not sure where I'll be teaching, but I know I won't be coming back to Korea. My experience here has been pretty good but I would really like to experience a new culture and way of life. It's all about the adventure!! I'm looking into either Japan or Taiwan at the moment. We'll see what happens. Best of luck to you.

[sojourner1]

I am on lunch break fantasizing about leaving on a jet plane and got it playing on a youtube video. This is pretty good

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLqnbEfWkNA

A year straight seems long over here. A good job perk would be RT air with a 2 week vacation at the 6 month point in a one year contract on condition the flight would be reimbursed upon return.

[MissSeoul]

Mr dmbfan,
I remember reading one of your posts that you said all you were thinking was go back to korea when you were in China, so you came back korea 2nd time from China.
You were not happy in korea, so you went to China, but you were not happy in China either, so you came back to korea again, now you are leaving korea 2nd time with all the negative feeling.

Hopely you find better job in somewhere next time and be happy, that's all I say...

[DaeguKid]

Great summation Dave...especially the part about the grammar police!
All the best to you and happy trails!
DK

[Been There, Taught That]

[Alyallen]

Good luck Dmbfan!

No one can say that you were never honest. Best of luck and much success in whatever awaits you!