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Teaching English in Korea
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12-07-2010 8:25am#1
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Onthe3rdDay wrote: »Nice thread,
How often had you been to Korea before you decided to work there?
Never. Just decided one day to quit my 9 to 5 and head off in China's general direction
If you're starting from Scratch, How long would it take to get all the documents needed (Visa etc.)
I honestly don't know because I don't know what documents are needed anymore besides your degree.Do you like Korea? Would you view it as a place you could stay for a long time?
Yeah I love the place, probably end up staying here for the foreseeable future.
Great food, great cheap beer, hot women, cheap cigarettes.0 -
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Well in my 4 year, 12 job (children and adults) and friends experience, no. You don't teach grammar in hagwons (children). You are expected to teach it in adult hagwons and you might be expected to hand hold the children through basic grammar lessons in public schools.
Of course you're expected to know it, the same way a Korean is expected to know Korean grammar, but your not expected to teach it.
Of course you will get asked about grammar by co-workers and students alike, they expect you to know everything about the language. My point is, you are not expected to teach grammar specifically because the Korean teachers teach grammar through Korean.
That's what I thought. The posters who insisted I was wrong must not have taught in typical hagwons.Surely you joke ?
Because reaching for the apostrophe followed by the r and the e wastes that extra nanosecond of time.
I speak relatively good Korean and everyday I get messages or emails from people (in Korean) full of incorrect spelling or grammatical error, which they know are wrong but they use it because 1. no one gives a toss and 2. Its completely 100% understandable to native speakers regardless of the error.
Why would I be joking? I think it's a lot more strange to miss out letters and apostrophes to save a few milliseconds.You see the above ? Can you honestly say that its not understandable to you because I used its instead of it's ? If you were in a hurry would you even notice ?
Yes, I'm a proof reader, stuff like that jumps off the page
Of course it's understandable, but I don't see the point in using sloppy spelling/grammar on a forum. It does make it more difficult to read for some people and can confuse people who aren't native speakers of English.1. I am doing it here because this is a message board. If I was doing anything vaguely serious, associated with work for example, then of course I wouldn't do it.
Fair enough. I was just agreeing with the poster who pointed out the error.2. I am not a teacher anymore but just to answer you, no. It wouldn't creep onto the board. The same way that I wouldn't say 'tree' to refer to the number, the same way I wouldn't speak with Irish slang to non-Irish people, the same way I slow my speech down slightly when I'm talking to non-native speakers.
When I talk to Irish people I can relax, I can throw away pronouncing my th's, I can talk as fast as I want to, I can throw out incorrect Hiberno-English grammar with my Irish accent and people understand me.
Pronunciation and spelling are two different things, though. Nobody is going to write 'tree' unless they're a complete idiot. Plenty of people write 'your' instead of 'you're' because they don't know the difference or are so used to spelling it wrong, they don't notice it anymore. You'd be surprised how often it happens. I've seen plenty of teachers write up the wrong spelling on the board.I honestly don't know because I don't know what documents are needed anymore besides your degree.
I'll butt in here and say it was a total pain in the arse for my boyfriend. He needed all sorts of things and they were really particular. It took him a few months for everything to get sorted out and then when they were happy, they told him to pack his bag and be ready to leave in about 4 days.Yeah I love the place, probably end up staying here for the foreseeable future.
Great food, great cheap beer, hot women, cheap cigarettes.
Do you feel at home in Korea? I love the country but couldn't see myself living there long term. I don't think I'd get used to being The Foreigner all the time. At least in most other countries, I look like a local until I open my mouth. 0 -
[quote=[Deleted User];66910969]Why would I be joking? I think it's a lot more strange to miss out letters and apostrophes to save a few milliseconds. [/quote]
I wasn't really serious with the few milliseconds thing, I was simply trying to say to my friends and on message boards like this, if its (it's) intelligible then thats* all that matters. (that's)but I don't see the point in using sloppy spelling/grammar on a forum.
Theres (there's) no point to do it, theres (there's) just no point not to do it.
Me to my Irish friends. "Well hows it going ?"
Me to my professor. "Good morning. How are you today ?"It does make it more difficult to read for some people and can confuse people who aren't native speakers of English.
Hence why I wouldn't talk or type like that to non-Irish people. I've lived abroad for years and I can switch on and off my Irish accent/slang at will.Pronunciation and spelling are two different things, though.
But both are equally unintelligible to non-native speakers. None of the people here would understand me if I spoke like I do at home.
Look at all the incorrect English us Irish use on a regular basis. Example "Is the breakfast ready ?", "Have you change for fags on you ?" etc
I speak incorrect Irish-English when I'm at home. I speak it when I'm talking to my olde pair or other Irish people.
I don't use it when I speak to foreigners.You'd be surprised how often it happens. I've seen plenty of teachers write up the wrong spelling on the board.
Well they shouldn't be teachers then should they ? Its (It's) one thing to do it informally, its (it's) quite another to do it in a teaching capacity.Do you feel at home in Korea? I love the country but couldn't see myself living there long term. I don't think I'd get used to being The Foreigner all the time. At least in most other countries, I look like a local until I open my mouth.
I feel at home wherever I am because I make it my home. I'm comfortable here at the moment, I don't know whether or not that will change in the future.Post edited by Boards.ie: Mike on0 -
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I wasn't really serious with the few milliseconds thing, I was simply trying to say to my friends and on message boards like this, if its (it's) intelligible then thats* all that matters. (that's)
Theres (there's) no point to do it, theres (there's) just no point not to do it.
Me to my Irish friends. "Well hows it going ?"
Me to my professor. "Good morning. How are you today ?"
Hence why I wouldn't talk or type like that to non-Irish people. I've lived abroad for years and I can switch on and off my Irish accent/slang at will.
But both are equally unintelligible to non-native speakers. None of the people here would understand me if I spoke like I do at home.
Look at all the incorrect English us Irish use on a regular basis. Example "Is the breakfast ready ?", "Have you change for fags on you ?" etc
I speak incorrect Irish-English when I'm at home. I speak it when I'm talking to my olde pair or other Irish people.
I don't use it when I speak to foreigners.
I wouldn't even consider those things 'incorrect', it's just colloquial usage and Irish expressions and you naturally know not to use them with non-Irish people. I don't think it's the same thing as 'there/their/they're' used incorrectly or spelling something wrong, but we'll have to agree to disagree.Well they shouldn't be teachers then should they ? Its (It's) one thing to do it informally, its (it's) quite another to do it in a teaching capacity.
The thing is, none of them knew they were doing it. I make a point of trying not to use sloppy spelling, because I know the more I do it, the more tolerant my brain gets and mistakes stop 'jumping out' at me. If you're confident that you'd never do that, fair play to you. I'm just pointing out that I see people doing it all the time.0 -
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And if I could add a couple more questionssideshowsue wrote: »Thanks for posting all this information. It has been most helpful. I'm curious though whether the salary of 2 million won is net or gross. In short, what is the actual take home pay net of taxes? (apologies in advance but only ask as i'm interested).
What hours did your b/f end up working per week on average? Also, how many days annual leave did he get?
This might just be a very fast option to setup if redundancy kicks in later this year (which is a posibility).0 -
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sideshowsue wrote: »Thanks for posting all this information. It has been most helpful. I'm curious though whether the salary of 2 million won is net or gross. In short, what is the actual take home pay net of taxes?
That's the take home pay.makeorbrake wrote: »And if I could add a couple more questions (apologies in advance but only ask as i'm interested).
What hours did your b/f end up working per week on average? Also, how many days annual leave did he get?
This might just be a very fast option to setup if redundancy kicks in later this year (which is a posibility).
He had to be in the school about 8 hours a day, 5 days a week so that's 40 hours, but he had classes off and breaks so he wasn't always technically working. His schedule varied a lot, sometimes he would end up working close to 40 hours and sometimes he'd get sent home two hours early. They wouldn't tell him this until the last minute, though.
He got 10 days annual leave in theory, but he didn't get to choose them. He'd get a long weekend now and then and I think Korean bank holidays or whatever the equivalent is. No sick days or anything like that and no choosing the days you want off.0 -
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I'm currently teaching in a public elementary school in a small, provincial town in Gyeongsangbuk-do. I've been here for almost four months now, and I'm very content with my lot. I've settled well, the job is handy, the area's nice, my apartment is clean and modern, and my co-workers are extremely polite and helpful. I play for a local soccer team, I'm trying to learn the language, and I even have a Korean girlfriend!
However, my enjoyment of Korea is more reflective of my (very fortunate) set of personal circumstances than any indication of Korea's attractiveness as a country to live and work in. Monosharp has pointed out the basic pros and cons to hagwon teaching, so I'll add my 28 won to the board and analyse the variables...
Private vs. Public
A public school job is probably harder to get - especially if you've a certain area in mind. EPIK (English Program in Korea) are trying to attract teachers into rural areas, where the demand is greater, so if you apply through them, you could end up somewhere out in the sticks, usually working between two or even three schools. And they won't even tell you where you're going until you arrive for orientation, which is disconcerting. However, holidays are longer, evenings are free, and you have greater security in your job. You have a great support network, you co-teach with a Korean teacher, and a specific co-teacher is designated to look after your needs and help you settle in. Hagwons (private schools) can be somewhat unreliable. They could make you work split shifts, and bosses can be dodgy. However, jobs are easier to get, there's not as much paperwork, you get a better choice of city, and no early mornings, which is good if you're a pisshead!
Elementary vs. Middle/High schools
I can only speak for elementary - and since this post will be long enough, I'll just say it's a piece of cake, but middle and high are supposedly a bit more difficult. In elementary, you just teach from the book for five minutes and then do games with them. There are loads of resources available online (waygook.org is my favourite), and it's a really gentle introduction to the world of teaching if you're a first-timer. I've taught Italian and Spanish kids before, and Koreans are by far the most polite and biddable. You will have a co-teacher in class with you if you need extra discipline, or to translate the instructions for a game. Some co-teachers can be a bit contrary, and may want to lead the class themselves, but once you establish that you're the leader, there are no problems.
City vs. Countryside
If you end up in Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Daejon, or any of the other big cities, chances are you won't have to make any Korean friends, nor eat too much Korean food while you're here. 'Ex pat' communities are huge. There are Western food stores (Costco and Tesco being the usual suspects), and plenty of ex-pat bars, clubs and restaurants. However, if you're in a smaller rural city, you won't have too many home comforts - but rest assured there will be other native English teachers in close proximity, and there should be an E-Mart nearby - it's pretty much a Korean Dunnes Stores - and you wou'll have everything you need. There are about 25-30 native English teachers in my town, which is about the size of Wexford. You also get more of a chance to meet Korean people, sample the local culture, etc. Plus, there won't be as much pollution. Seoul and Daegu can get a bit smelly, especially in summer when the humidity is high. Downside is if you're prone to homesickness, a big nightclubber or just easily bored, then the provincial cities are probably not for you.
Koreans?
I have been lucky in that my main Korean co-teacher is a godsend. He has excellent English, a great sense of humour, and helps me with every little problem I may have. My co-workers are a good bunch, even if some are a bit awkward about their lack of English. I've found Koreans in general to be very polite and curious, and they seem to react quite excitedly when they hear that I'm from 'I-eh-land-uh'. However, since I can't understand any of the language besides basic phrases, I'm probably missing out on a good bit of the alleged racism that Dave's ESL Cafe forumers are always moaning about. And it is possible to end up in a dysfunctional school with unhelpful or simply inept co-teachers. I have heard a few horror stories. And the novelty of high-school girls passing you on the street, giggling, and shouting 'Hello! You very handsome!' does (surprisingly) get old quickly. But overall, I'd say Koreans are friendlier than most. There's not much crime at all, no 'chavs', and hardly any poverty.
However, if you're a woman, you probably won't be treated as warmly. You will also be asked if you are a 'Russian' (i.e. prostitute) at some stage too. But then, a lot of girls I've met over here enjoy it, and are thick-skinned enough to disregard the obvious polarity in Korean gender relations. There are more guys than girls in the ex-pat community, though, and probably for that very reason.
Your reasons for coming
If you're fresh out of college, and don't know what to do with yourself, it's worth coming out here for a year or two, especially if your objective is to save money while riding out the recession. The teaching experience can be good for the CV too, and it's a good base if you want to explore other places in Asia. It's probably not a place to consider for long-term emigration - people who have done so don't seem to be particularly satisfied with their decision, and tend to get a bit 'cabin-fever-ish' (See Dave's ESL Cafe forum). If you want to go on the piss for a year or two, it can be done quite happily and cheaply. If you want outdoor pursuits, Korea has some great hiking trails, and the Buddhist temples in the hills are quite impressive (even if they all look the same).
If you're prepared to give certain weird things the benefit of the doubt, not let silly things bother you, and you're not lumbered with a disastrous school, location or co-teacher, it's an enjoyable experience. It's not a utopia - far from it - but the annoyances don't grate too much with me, and the positives outweigh them greatly. It's all what you make of it.0 -
Great thread Mono- I've been thinking about Korea a bit and this has really enlightened me. I've just a few questions if you don't mind.
1. Can a foreigner own a car/motorbike in S.Korea? Whats insurance like? I know they drive like crazy but am used to it as I've driven in Asia before. Also Is there typically public transport to every nook and cranny of the country (ski resorts included!) or does one need a car to get off the beaten track
2. Snowboarding. Any ideas where is the best place for someone to locate themselves for this? Are there any big cities that have a bunch one or more ski resorts within 1-2 hours commute ?
3. Contracts- are they typically 12 months? Or 24? Also if I do go I might go on spec rather than apply for a job from here (I'll probably head to China for a few wks travel before going to Korea). Is going on spec a good/bad idea- also how would it work out with the apartment if you get a job on spec- do they still provide this?
4.Uni jobs- I have a Masters but how hard are these to get? Where are they advertised- on uni websites or is there one central location.
Thanks in advance 0 -
Great thread Mono- I've been thinking about Korea a bit and this has really enlightened me. I've just a few questions if you don't mind.
1. Can a foreigner own a car/motorbike in S.Korea?
Yes, no problem. You can get an international license easily enough.
Be careful with motorbikes though, they are not allowed on the motorways outside the cities and to be honest it's pretty dangerous here driving a car never mind a bike.Whats insurance like?
I'm not sure exactly but around 1500 euro for the year. I'm really not sure about this though.I know they drive like crazy but am used to it as I've driven in Asia before. Also Is there typically public transport to every nook and cranny of the country (ski resorts included!) or does one need a car to get off the beaten track
Theres public transport everywhere. Their public transport system is top class.2. Snowboarding. Any ideas where is the best place for someone to locate themselves for this? Are there any big cities that have a bunch one or more ski resorts within 1-2 hours commute ?
I started doing this last year actually, great craic.
If you want access to many different resorts your only bet is around the seoul area. I went to this place about 2 hours from seoul last year, there were 12 different slopes, fantastic place.
Pics
3. Contracts- are they typically 12 months? Or 24?
Typically 12 because the visa for teaching is for 12 months. Theres absolutely no problem with getting 24 though if you wanted it.Also if I do go I might go on spec rather than apply for a job from here (I'll probably head to China for a few wks travel before going to Korea). Is going on spec a good/bad idea- also how would it work out with the apartment if you get a job on spec- do they still provide this?
I highly recommend this actually, its much better to come over and look for work then do it from home. But I am not sure about the visa requirements anymore because I haven't had to apply for a visa in 3 years. Check this out carefully.
You can come and have all your necessary documents etc then this is definitely the way to go. Come to Seoul on a tourist visa and look for jobs then, you'll be able to see your school before signing.
Yes they will provide your apartment and they will still reimburse you for your flight to Korea (and home) even though you didn't sign a contract before leaving your country.
I can't recommend this way enough, you can check places out, get an idea of where you want to live etc.
If you go this route and want info on cheap accommodation or the best places to stay etc then don't hesitate to ask me.4.Uni jobs- I have a Masters but how hard are these to get? Where are they advertised- on uni websites or is there one central location.
They are not that hard to get. It's all about timing with these positions. Universities all say they want at least a masters and prefer a masters in English but they very rarely can fill their positions with people with these qualifications. So they always have to settle for people with degrees etc.
One thing though about Universities, you have to be here. In my experience they won't even consider you if your not in the country already.
You'd have an advantage because of your masters actually but as I said, it's all about timing. You need to apply about 3 months before the semesters start over here. (September and February)
Just FYI, I have two friends working in Universities. They only have degrees, no TEFL certs etc. Their conditions are as follows;
Guy 1:
- One of the top level Universities.
- Good pay (2.7 million won).
- Very few hours work (15 hours a week average)
- 4 months paid vacation every year (between semesters)
Guy 2:
- Lower level university.
- Good pay (2.4 million won).
- Very few hours work (15 hours a week average)
- 2 months paid vacation every year but has to do some extra stuff between semesters.
You can find Uni jobs on www.worknplay.co.kr or you can go to the Universities websites themselves or you can just go in and have a chat with them.0 -
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