Korean Job Discussion Forums

Johnwayne · Joined: 28 Jun 2007

I was inspired by the first experiences thread, so I thought I would ask if you could go back and give yourself some tips to make your foray into ESL classroom in Korea a little more seemless, what would tell yourself? For example, would you have better prepared yourself prior to your arrival at the school (in terms of you knowledge of teaching English as a subject to non-native speakers)? What about tips for gauging the students level of English and interacting with them (assuming they don't speak/understand English very well)?

I'm particularly interested in hearing from those that went to Korea with no appreciable teaching experience, as well as those who essentially got a book thrown at them by the director or the like and were told in so many words to "teach".

Peter Jackson · Joined: 23 Apr 2006

Hi there,

I arrived in Korea in 2000 and had had some previous experience in front of a class. But it really did NOTHING to help me! I didn't research the school much, relying a lot on the information on their website and what I got from my telephone interview. I had many misconceptions about Korea.

I arrived to find out that I would be replacing a guy who had been fired (although he didn't know it yet!). Half of the parents had pulled their kids from his classes and I was thrust in with LOTS of expectations to "right the wrongs" and to "convince" the remaining parents to keep their kids in the school. I was given a few hours to observe classes and then sent to meet my kindy class. The first month was absolute hell as I had to prepare to present "perfect" open classes (other teachers had theirs scheduled after they were there for a few months). Mine had to be done in a rush.

To make a long story short: it was hell. BUT, in some strange way, I wouldn't change a thing if I could go back in time.

Try and take what comes at you, laugh at yourself and (secretly) about your employers. Don't take them or yourself too seriously.

Have fun and learn a lot. It's only a year. (Unless you fall in love with Korea and stay longer.)

Good luck Smile

jlb · Joined: 18 Sep 2003

Look on the internet for a list of games (on this site) for a list of games you can play in the classroom. Have a list of about 5 or 6. You will find that the book probably goes much faster than you thought it would, especially at first. Make the games relate to the book.

I've been teaching for over 2 years, and I still have my list with me for the odd 5 minute spaces in class.

Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004

Johnwayne · Joined: 28 Jun 2007

I am not currently teaching myself, I'll be heading over to Korea sometime in August at the latest, working on getting my visa sorted out right now in the States. I will more than likely be working with adults as that is my preference for now, but who knows how things will work out in the end as I don't mind working with children either.

I was just curious what people did or would have done differently that didn't have the benefit of a decent orientation or training program prior to be tossed in the classroom. One of those, prepare for the worst and hope for the best kind of things.

VirginIslander · Joined: 24 May 2006 Location: Busan

Mekju han-byeog-Ju-say-yo.

Michelle · Joined: 18 May 2003

ajuma · Joined: 18 Feb 2003 Location: Anywere but Seoul!!

If you can find the time and a program, volunteer to teach some ESL students. It will help you to understand the problems they face.

Prepare 2 or 3 "emergency" lessons for various age groups in case you get thrown in front of a class with no prep time.

Put yourself in a positive frame of mind. A lot of strange things will happen to you here. If you come with the attitude "Well! THAT was an interesting experience!" instead of "Things sure aren't like THIS at home!", you'll feel much better about yourself AND the "Korean experience".

Bring a thing or two that you're really into. In 1996, I paid the extra baggage charge to bring my DESKTOP computer (monitor and all!!) to Korea. Finding an internet provider was a challenge (my school didn't know squat about the internet at that time), but I found a phonebook, looked for pictures of computers and asked my director to call and find a provider. If you're into cooking, computer games, reading...whatever...bring what you need to keep yourself sane.

Be pro-active. If there is something you don't understand, ASK SOMEONE!

Be flexible but not a push-over. Beep happens. Schedules change, classes are re-shuffled. These things happen in the "real world" too. But don't put up with late pay, extra hours with no pay, or the boss trying to take advantage of you. Be polite but firm.

Most of all...HAVE FUN!!!

Hijack · Joined: 02 Jul 2007

I would make sure you're arriving with at least a day or two before you start teaching. I flew in at around 6pm and was teaching the NEXT DAY. It took me forever to manage it (because the kids were so hilarious for a newcomer) but DON'T SMILE.

This is oversimplification of course, but straight from the mouth of a Korean coworker. The point here is that if the kids see you smile at something they do or say, you rapidly lose any possible chance of classroom management. Better to start off being a jerk and lighten up as opposed to spending a year trying to get that precious first impression back.

ajuma · Joined: 18 Feb 2003 Location: Anywere but Seoul!!

The King of Kwangju · Joined: 10 Feb 2003 Location: New York City

Johnwayne · Joined: 28 Jun 2007

mj roach · Joined: 16 Mar 2003

Re-read Adjumas' excellent advice.

It's not just some games to kill time that you need.

What you need is a 'bag of tricks'... a selection of materials for various levels that you bring to class with you.... 'just in case'.

Even the best lesson plan will not always work ...

having an assortment of materials (photocopied exercises, activities, etc.)

will make your job a lot easier.

Fresh Prince · Joined: 05 Dec 2006 Location: The glorious nation of Korea

PRagic · Joined: 24 Feb 2006

TIP #1 Don't take anything too seriously, but ACT like it is serious. Don't freak out, and appear professional. Think how many people have done this before you. It's not rocket science, and it'll come to you. In most cases, the students like being able to tell their newbie teacher some things about Korean culture.

TIP #2 Take the time to get to know the Koreans you work with. Eat with them, talk with them, ask them for advice. Don't biach, and don't bad mouth the management.

The long and short of it is that they pretty much know that they didn't hire an experienced teacher. In Korea, it is important to 'fit in' and be part of the organization.