Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Doogie]

I was given a week's notice that the teachers in my school were going on a 3 day trip over this coming weekend. Unfortunately, I had already made plans that I couldn't get out of so I had to politely decline. I was told by my co-teacher that I "really should go" as my contract is up next month and I'm going back to Canada. They want to make some more "good memories" with me before I go. I've been at this school for 2 years. In my own defence, I've been to nearly all the teachers functions in my 2 years here. Anyway, I was not a very popular person among the staff this week. I could definitely sense a lot of bad vibes towards me. I have no doubt that the Korean teachers have known about this trip for a month (at least). As always, they let me know at the last minute. All in all, it's been a pretty good couple of years here and I've done a good job. It just saddens me that they can behave this way just because I won't change everything at the last minute to accomodate them. Oh well, when I leave, I'll just try and remember the good stuff and forget about this crap.

[rhinocharge64]

For the sake of international relations go. Don't marr the memories. However, it's your choice, and I'm not you and you are not me. How is the 'vibal action'?

[JJJ]

Same thing happened to me last fall. Facultly camping trip on a Friday, Saturday, Sunday and they tell me at 4:30pm on Thursday. I already had plans for the weekend, told them so and said thanks for telling me at the last min. ... again. Had to show up on Friday, the janitor made sure I showed up, slept, read a book, browsed Dave's, slept some more and went home. Kinda put a bitter taste in my mouth that hasn't sweetened yet. Just one of many little things that help me decide not to re-sign with them.

Have a nice relaxing weekend and soon you and I will be on a patio somewhere in Canada having a beer and laughing all about this.

[genezorm]

many korean people are members of that last minute club

i.e. after informing my of the vacation days for winter vacation, me booking a ticket which was extremely difficult because it was vacation season, and then 2 weeks before saying the schedule was changed

or....as i am leaving school.....i am informed there is a dinner party i must attend (oblivious to the fact that i may have plans)

or....not bothering to mention when the school schedule has changed, or when there are exams....

[nobbyken]

Our teachers are going out for a meal on the last Saturday.
This is their last day as they have no classes till next semester.

I was invited, but I shook my head politely, as I will need my weekly day of relaxation (my wife would not be happy either!).

Socialising and eating is so out of prespective.
Especially when you have a life outside of school hours.

Yesterday, the parents organised food at 3pm, only 2 hours after finishing lunch. People worried that I was starving (I am 82kg!), and brought me an ice lolly and fruit.

The male teachers are going for a meal and billiards on Monday after school, but that I will be doing.

[kat2]

Yep, I said no to the faculty "fieldtrip" and dinner on Saturday, the last day of school as well. My weekends are sacred and being able to hole up in my house on Saturday gets me through the week. No way do I want to be the one waygook with 60 Korean teachers/staff on an all day fieldtrip and dinner/binge drinking party. They weren't pleased, but I really could care less.

[Doogie]

[seoulsteve]

[Doogie]

[alinkorea]

I'm all for adapting to new cultures, but sometimes Koreans should realise we have our own culture too. My school can't understand why I don't want to go for after school dinners and drinking, or weekends away (because these meetings are painfully dull). I don't mind socializing with co-workers I like, but not all teachers en mass.

[Doogie]

[riley]

Yeah, I have the same thing this weekend with my coworkers. Luckily, most of the women in my office aren't going, so I didn't have any problems backing out. I just have little interest in either being bored out of my mind, fielding the "Oh, you can eat spicy food, wow!" for the umpteenth time on the trip, or staying up all night listening to crappy music and being forced to drink skunky beer and soju until everybody barfs.

[kat2]

I hate when they pull the "but this is cultural difference" bit. Oh, really, so I can wear shoes in the school and your house no problem then? I can say "hey whatsup" to the prinicpal then too?
For both Koreans and Foreigners tehre are things we let slide or adapt to. But for both cultures there are big things that simply can't be let go of that easily.
For most foreigners, the sacredness ofa contract and our private time is one of those that we don't let anything slide on.

[Doogie]

[BuHaoChi]

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