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South Korea? - Page 3

Blogs > Mekhami
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Mekhami
Profile Blog Joined August 2009
90 Posts
December 08 2009 01:01 GMT
#41
On December 08 2009 09:58 lilsusie wrote:
Show nested quote +
On December 08 2009 08:10 NeverGG wrote:
On December 08 2009 05:38 GTR wrote:
if you wind up anywhere but seoul you are going to have a miserable time.


Could not agree more with this - after a year out in boonies I was almost suicidal. It's so boring and isolating to live anywhere except Seoul or Busan. Don't settle for less unless you like commuting and hate other people/speaking English. Oh and you enjoy being treated like a freak on a constant basis.


Or if you aren't so conscious about what other people think of you, a rural area might be fun - especially if you are male because they will make you feel like king if you are white. Sad, but true.

I know the guy who is now helping manage the TaLK program. It's going thru changes and is in process of growing. I think it's a great way for college students to try teaching out... it's KINDA like a study abroad, I guess. ^^

You can get private lessons in Seoul, but you'll need to find a place that speaks English at least minimally so that you can understand what is being taught.

Good luck. Just have a good attitude and remember that this isn't America. Please don't expect it to be the same.

Thanks for your feedback I'm very open minded and to be honest don't WANT america anymore! I need a break from it, hehe. And I'm a white male! sounds perfect. hahaha.
"Mekhami gave good advice." -Pokebunny, 12/1/2009
lilsusie
Profile Blog Joined August 2007
3861 Posts
Last Edited: 2009-12-08 01:14:13
December 08 2009 01:07 GMT
#42
On December 08 2009 09:09 ShloobeR wrote:
IF you live outside of Seoul you will have a very difficult / aggravating time without semi-decent Korean.

I don't know which Visa you will be getting without a degree, but for the majority of teachers (E-2 visa) teaching outside of your designated institute is illegal, and the government is cracking down recently..

It's a great experience but do not blindly walk into this or you will regret it


This is a program MADE for college students.

http://www.talk.go.kr/

It's perfectly legit as it's handled by the government. They have a Korean-American heading it now - so he will be able to be your go-to guy since he speaks fluent English.

One thing that a lot of TaLK teachers complain about is the mandatory Korean excursions. It's called Teach and LEARN in Korea. If you do decide to go, please don't complain about this
Follow me on Twitter for pictures of cute gamers and food! https://twitter.com/lilsusie
Mekhami
Profile Blog Joined August 2009
90 Posts
December 08 2009 01:43 GMT
#43
On December 08 2009 10:07 lilsusie wrote:
Show nested quote +
On December 08 2009 09:09 ShloobeR wrote:
IF you live outside of Seoul you will have a very difficult / aggravating time without semi-decent Korean.

I don't know which Visa you will be getting without a degree, but for the majority of teachers (E-2 visa) teaching outside of your designated institute is illegal, and the government is cracking down recently..

It's a great experience but do not blindly walk into this or you will regret it


This is a program MADE for college students.

http://www.talk.go.kr/

It's perfectly legit as it's handled by the government. They have a Korean-American heading it now - so he will be able to be your go-to guy since he speaks fluent English.

One thing that a lot of TaLK teachers complain about is the mandatory Korean excursions. It's called Teach and LEARN in Korea. If you do decide to go, please don't complain about this

Hey i'm all for excursions!
"Mekhami gave good advice." -Pokebunny, 12/1/2009
misclick
Profile Blog Joined May 2006
Korea (South)155 Posts
Last Edited: 2009-12-08 02:26:54
December 08 2009 01:52 GMT
#44
On December 08 2009 10:07 lilsusie wrote:
Show nested quote +
On December 08 2009 09:09 ShloobeR wrote:
IF you live outside of Seoul you will have a very difficult / aggravating time without semi-decent Korean.

I don't know which Visa you will be getting without a degree, but for the majority of teachers (E-2 visa) teaching outside of your designated institute is illegal, and the government is cracking down recently..

It's a great experience but do not blindly walk into this or you will regret it


This is a program MADE for college students.

http://www.talk.go.kr/

It's perfectly legit as it's handled by the government. They have a Korean-American heading it now - so he will be able to be your go-to guy since he speaks fluent English.

One thing that a lot of TaLK teachers complain about is the mandatory Korean excursions. It's called Teach and LEARN in Korea. If you do decide to go, please don't complain about this


It's MANDATORY? That's ridiculous. I'm a Korean American (born in America though) and I've already done the whole touristy thing in Korea at least five or six times. I'm so sick of it. I don't think I'd mind living in the rural areas as I speak/read/write fluent enough Korean to get by on a day-to-day basis.

Just gonna have to buy an alienware laptop before I go

I'm also very curious as to how "rural" these places are. I've spent a few days in pusan (not really rural at all... just a toned down seoul) and jeju (though it was at a hotel) and it still doesn't seem very "rural." Maybe I just hold a different sense of the word rural but I'm assuming it's not necessarily a hut in the middle of a rice paddy? Like, there will be convenience stores and buses/subway that will connect to neighboring larger cities anyways?
we have everything under control
QuickStriker
Profile Blog Joined January 2009
United States3694 Posts
Last Edited: 2009-12-08 04:46:19
December 08 2009 04:40 GMT
#45
Alright, I am finally back from my disappearance over the hours stressing over this paper that I had not encountered during my time in TaLK.... but then again, I had other problems....

On December 08 2009 10:52 misclick wrote:
Show nested quote +
On December 08 2009 10:07 lilsusie wrote:
On December 08 2009 09:09 ShloobeR wrote:
IF you live outside of Seoul you will have a very difficult / aggravating time without semi-decent Korean.

I don't know which Visa you will be getting without a degree, but for the majority of teachers (E-2 visa) teaching outside of your designated institute is illegal, and the government is cracking down recently..

It's a great experience but do not blindly walk into this or you will regret it


This is a program MADE for college students.

http://www.talk.go.kr/

It's perfectly legit as it's handled by the government. They have a Korean-American heading it now - so he will be able to be your go-to guy since he speaks fluent English.

One thing that a lot of TaLK teachers complain about is the mandatory Korean excursions. It's called Teach and LEARN in Korea. If you do decide to go, please don't complain about this


I'm also very curious as to how "rural" these places are. I've spent a few days in pusan (not really rural at all... just a toned down seoul) and jeju (though it was at a hotel) and it still doesn't seem very "rural." Maybe I just hold a different sense of the word rural but I'm assuming it's not necessarily a hut in the middle of a rice paddy? Like, there will be convenience stores and buses/subway that will connect to neighboring larger cities anyways?


Well, obviously it's not a hut in the middle of rice paddy... sure there are bus terminals on each area you would possibly be located in which leads to a ride to the big large city, especially Seoul (since for some reason, ALL TOWNS/CITIES BUSES ALWAYS LINK TO SEOUL one way or another..)

THAT BEING SAID, I meant rural as in.. hmm.. like... the state of Idaho... or Iowa... if you know what I mean.... the people living in this region RARELY can speak even English where obviously, they will all like, hunt and take advantage of the only American in the city.. so I best you guys to have a strong mind and will and be prepared.....

Convenience stores?? Yes, they do have....

And on the last note, especially since this is what I had to suffer for an entire length of 6 months, YOU WILL MISS EATING BURRITOS, TACOS AND AMERICAN PIZZA!


*edit* I realized this might help answer some questions for prospective future TaLKers about my own personal experience and stay in Korea as a teacher:


What was your down-time like? Were you really just bored out of your mind the whole time? Did you commute to Korea? How were you treated by the people in your province? Was it comfortable to live off of 1.5mW?


Alright, I'm back from my little cute day of school... but yea, I had some fun once a while.. but in most cases, I was just bored out of my mind, partially because the whole #1 purpose of my trip was to get out of my life temporary, isolate myself, and figure out what I want to do with myself in the rest of my life... If that is what you are absolutely looking for.. you're in good hands, especially since cable TV of OGN and MBC channels will entertain you...

Yes, I commuted to Korea, apparently I was overused in the program, forced to do over time to 21 hours, making me go 3 schools, and etc... Buses, taxis, you name it.. NO ONE SPOKE ENGLISH ENOUGH FOR ME TO BE HAPPY IN KOREA.

Oh, and I was located in Pohang, Gyeongsang bukdo region...
www.twitch.tv/KoreanUsher
lilsusie
Profile Blog Joined August 2007
3861 Posts
Last Edited: 2009-12-08 05:17:51
December 08 2009 05:11 GMT
#46
On December 08 2009 10:52 misclick wrote:
Show nested quote +
On December 08 2009 10:07 lilsusie wrote:
On December 08 2009 09:09 ShloobeR wrote:
IF you live outside of Seoul you will have a very difficult / aggravating time without semi-decent Korean.

I don't know which Visa you will be getting without a degree, but for the majority of teachers (E-2 visa) teaching outside of your designated institute is illegal, and the government is cracking down recently..

It's a great experience but do not blindly walk into this or you will regret it


This is a program MADE for college students.

http://www.talk.go.kr/

It's perfectly legit as it's handled by the government. They have a Korean-American heading it now - so he will be able to be your go-to guy since he speaks fluent English.

One thing that a lot of TaLK teachers complain about is the mandatory Korean excursions. It's called Teach and LEARN in Korea. If you do decide to go, please don't complain about this


It's MANDATORY? That's ridiculous. I'm a Korean American (born in America though) and I've already done the whole touristy thing in Korea at least five or six times. I'm so sick of it. I don't think I'd mind living in the rural areas as I speak/read/write fluent enough Korean to get by on a day-to-day basis.

Just gonna have to buy an alienware laptop before I go

I'm also very curious as to how "rural" these places are. I've spent a few days in pusan (not really rural at all... just a toned down seoul) and jeju (though it was at a hotel) and it still doesn't seem very "rural." Maybe I just hold a different sense of the word rural but I'm assuming it's not necessarily a hut in the middle of a rice paddy? Like, there will be convenience stores and buses/subway that will connect to neighboring larger cities anyways?


Yes, it's mandatory. I'm not sure if they are changing that but as you can see, this program isn't made for Gyopos like yourself, it's for the whities like the OP. It's their rules and that's what is in the contract. Don't be so high and mighty. Wherefore you might be sick of it, some others aren't and if you go with new friends you may have, the experience might be different.

Rural areas; I've been to some remote small towns where they don't speak any English at all. There are some rice paddy towns but you'll still get your own modern one room studio. I did EPIK for a year and helped with the educational department so I'm familiar with these situations as well. My friend was in a small town with 1 main road, 1 bus terminal and 1 traffic light.

Make the effort to go out and learn Korean and mingle with the locals; drink soju and makuli and laugh with the ahjushis! You can come to Seoul for the weekend and enjoy your tacos and burritos. Most small Korean villages have Pizza places, but it will be different from what you are used to at home.

All towns/villages have convince stores, internet, hot running water, etc. We're not some third world country. If you feel that you are over worked, you just politely decline. It worked for me. OF COURSE the schools will want you for all you got, you're prolly one of the first foreigners they've encountered!! You just let them know that you have other plans or that you cannot do what is given to you beyond what is written in contract.

Alright, I'm back from my little cute day of school... but yea, I had some fun once a while.. but in most cases, I was just bored out of my mind, partially because the whole #1 purpose of my trip was to get out of my life temporary, isolate myself, and figure out what I want to do with myself in the rest of my life... If that is what you are absolutely looking for.. you're in good hands, especially since cable TV of OGN and MBC channels will entertain you...

Yes, I commuted to Korea, apparently I was overused in the program, forced to do over time to 21 hours, making me go 3 schools, and etc... Buses, taxis, you name it.. NO ONE SPOKE ENGLISH ENOUGH FOR ME TO BE HAPPY IN KOREA.

Oh, and I was located in Pohang, Gyeongsang bukdo region...


21 hours a week is NOT that bad. My typical day was after school, come home and isolate myself. Sometimes I'd hang out with my middle school students and they would share with me Kpop things and I'd talk with them in English. I spent a lot of time writing and reading and exploring my town. Take pictures, converse with locals. I had drinks with coteachers. I watched SC and played WoW. On the weekend I was in Daegu, Busan or Seoul.

Follow me on Twitter for pictures of cute gamers and food! https://twitter.com/lilsusie
QuickStriker
Profile Blog Joined January 2009
United States3694 Posts
December 08 2009 05:21 GMT
#47
On December 08 2009 14:11 lilsusie wrote:
Show nested quote +
On December 08 2009 10:52 misclick wrote:
On December 08 2009 10:07 lilsusie wrote:
On December 08 2009 09:09 ShloobeR wrote:
IF you live outside of Seoul you will have a very difficult / aggravating time without semi-decent Korean.

I don't know which Visa you will be getting without a degree, but for the majority of teachers (E-2 visa) teaching outside of your designated institute is illegal, and the government is cracking down recently..

It's a great experience but do not blindly walk into this or you will regret it


This is a program MADE for college students.

http://www.talk.go.kr/

It's perfectly legit as it's handled by the government. They have a Korean-American heading it now - so he will be able to be your go-to guy since he speaks fluent English.

One thing that a lot of TaLK teachers complain about is the mandatory Korean excursions. It's called Teach and LEARN in Korea. If you do decide to go, please don't complain about this


It's MANDATORY? That's ridiculous. I'm a Korean American (born in America though) and I've already done the whole touristy thing in Korea at least five or six times. I'm so sick of it. I don't think I'd mind living in the rural areas as I speak/read/write fluent enough Korean to get by on a day-to-day basis.

Just gonna have to buy an alienware laptop before I go

I'm also very curious as to how "rural" these places are. I've spent a few days in pusan (not really rural at all... just a toned down seoul) and jeju (though it was at a hotel) and it still doesn't seem very "rural." Maybe I just hold a different sense of the word rural but I'm assuming it's not necessarily a hut in the middle of a rice paddy? Like, there will be convenience stores and buses/subway that will connect to neighboring larger cities anyways?


Yes, it's mandatory. I'm not sure if they are changing that but as you can see, this program isn't made for Gyopos like yourself, it's for the whities like the OP. It's their rules and that's what is in the contract. Don't be so high and mighty. Wherefore you might be sick of it, some others aren't and if you go with new friends you may have, the experience might be different.

Rural areas; I've been to some remote small towns where they don't speak any English at all. There are some rice paddy towns but you'll still get your own modern one room studio. I did EPIK for a year and helped with the educational department so I'm familiar with these situations as well. My friend was in a small town with 1 main road, 1 bus terminal and 1 traffic light.

Make the effort to go out and learn Korean and mingle with the locals; drink soju and makuli and laugh with the ahjushis! You can come to Seoul for the weekend and enjoy your tacos and burritos. Most small Korean villages have Pizza places, but it will be different from what you are used to at home.

All towns/villages have convince stores, internet, hot running water, etc. We're not some third world country. If you feel that you are over worked, you just politely decline. It worked for me. OF COURSE the schools will want you for all you got, you're prolly one of the first foreigners they've encountered!! You just let them know that you have other plans or that you cannot do what is given to you beyond what is written in contract. 21 hours a week is NOT that bad.



Just to state some things and correct some mistakes from earlier. Yes, there are tacos and burritos in Seoul, and yes, I've been to It-tae-won to get some burrito, but the burritos you eat there can NEVER match up to ones in Chipotle or Baja Fresh or any of the GOOD MEXCIAN places...

Pizza places tend to be overrated in Korea, where food like NYC pizza I've love and enjoy all my life just couldn't stand this form of food here... same with Steak...

But on the bright side, internet are SUPER FAST, your one room studio is pretty sweet since it's your own place for 6 months (I had 2.5 rooms actually), even the rural areas of Korea do have its glimpse of that "modern technological advanced" country feel. Just that, it's like being in Dakota or Idaho or those states in US that's like middle of nowhere...

21 hours a week is that bad... you just don't know exactly how and what I have to go through in comparison to other people... because IT'S NOT ACTUALLY 21 HOURS....

Finally, you can try and approach the random locals that live near you like I've done few times, but apparently that resulted it in an awkward position with a Korean girl at one point where... well let's just end it there...

And by the time you come down, the schools would been used to have a foreigner like you as you'll probably be the third/fourth generation of the program... Good luck!
www.twitch.tv/KoreanUsher
EverydayStruggle
Profile Joined November 2009
United States77 Posts
December 08 2009 05:29 GMT
#48
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090417121835AAhfM34
ㅋㄲㅈㅁ
konadora *
Profile Blog Joined February 2009
Singapore66357 Posts
December 08 2009 05:29 GMT
#49
sounds way too good, DO IT
POGGERS
misclick
Profile Blog Joined May 2006
Korea (South)155 Posts
Last Edited: 2009-12-08 06:12:31
December 08 2009 05:59 GMT
#50
On December 08 2009 14:11 lilsusie wrote:
Show nested quote +
On December 08 2009 10:52 misclick wrote:
On December 08 2009 10:07 lilsusie wrote:
On December 08 2009 09:09 ShloobeR wrote:
IF you live outside of Seoul you will have a very difficult / aggravating time without semi-decent Korean.

I don't know which Visa you will be getting without a degree, but for the majority of teachers (E-2 visa) teaching outside of your designated institute is illegal, and the government is cracking down recently..

It's a great experience but do not blindly walk into this or you will regret it


This is a program MADE for college students.

http://www.talk.go.kr/

It's perfectly legit as it's handled by the government. They have a Korean-American heading it now - so he will be able to be your go-to guy since he speaks fluent English.

One thing that a lot of TaLK teachers complain about is the mandatory Korean excursions. It's called Teach and LEARN in Korea. If you do decide to go, please don't complain about this


It's MANDATORY? That's ridiculous. I'm a Korean American (born in America though) and I've already done the whole touristy thing in Korea at least five or six times. I'm so sick of it. I don't think I'd mind living in the rural areas as I speak/read/write fluent enough Korean to get by on a day-to-day basis.

Just gonna have to buy an alienware laptop before I go

I'm also very curious as to how "rural" these places are. I've spent a few days in pusan (not really rural at all... just a toned down seoul) and jeju (though it was at a hotel) and it still doesn't seem very "rural." Maybe I just hold a different sense of the word rural but I'm assuming it's not necessarily a hut in the middle of a rice paddy? Like, there will be convenience stores and buses/subway that will connect to neighboring larger cities anyways?


Yes, it's mandatory. I'm not sure if they are changing that but as you can see, this program isn't made for Gyopos like yourself, it's for the whities like the OP. It's their rules and that's what is in the contract. Don't be so high and mighty. Wherefore you might be sick of it, some others aren't and if you go with new friends you may have, the experience might be different.


High and mighty? I don't know how I came off as being high and mighty. I was just saying that the whole tourist thing is definitely played out and not something I want to be a part of.

And, you're saying something completely different from what I've learned. I was actually told that ethnic Koreans are given preference. It's stated a few times on their website (http://www.talk.go.kr) and pretty much everyone I've talked to who has been in the program is a Korean-American (though that might just be because I hang around Korean Americans). Quickstriker also told me in PM that knowing Korean will be a big plus in getting the job.

p.s. afaik gyopo is pretty derogatory. my feelings are hurt. apologize plz
we have everything under control
Mekhami
Profile Blog Joined August 2009
90 Posts
December 08 2009 06:13 GMT
#51
thank you all so much for this thread, it's given me a lot of information I wouldn't otherwise have gotten
"Mekhami gave good advice." -Pokebunny, 12/1/2009
koreasilver
Profile Blog Joined June 2008
9109 Posts
December 08 2009 06:15 GMT
#52
Gyopo is so derogatory that must be why both of the Korean radio stations my grandmother blasts 24/7 says that word all the time to describe themselves jeez, hmm.
misclick
Profile Blog Joined May 2006
Korea (South)155 Posts
December 08 2009 06:19 GMT
#53
On December 08 2009 15:15 koreasilver wrote:
Gyopo is so derogatory that must be why both of the Korean radio stations my grandmother blasts 24/7 says that word all the time to describe themselves jeez, hmm.


ok, i'm wrong. sorry. only time i ever hear the word gyopo is when the fobs are cussing me out
we have everything under control
Mekhami
Profile Blog Joined August 2009
90 Posts
Last Edited: 2009-12-08 06:22:06
December 08 2009 06:20 GMT
#54
One more question, how comfortable do you live off 1.5mill Won a month?
"Mekhami gave good advice." -Pokebunny, 12/1/2009
QuickStriker
Profile Blog Joined January 2009
United States3694 Posts
Last Edited: 2009-12-08 06:59:52
December 08 2009 06:57 GMT
#55
You know, I never heard the term "Gyopo" until now so I was curious (as due with my massive procrastination I am in at the moment) and decided to look up what exactly this term means.... as such thanks to wikipedia and urban dictionary, "gyopo" refers to people who were originated from Korea (as in born in Korea) but have reside and am living outside of Korea (like US, Canada, etc) calling that as home. So in order words, first generation (and 1.5 generation as well, can't forget those..) are "gyopos" but second generation are not! As gyopo is only described for native Koreans from Korea who left their homeland... which explains the whole radio station common usage...

source: http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=gyopo

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_diaspora

On December 08 2009 15:20 Mekhami wrote:
One more question, how comfortable do you live off 1.5mill Won a month?


Well... I would say pretty much comfortably if you aren't spending or wasting your money like it's growing out of trees. You should be able to eat pretty much ANYTHING YOU WANT for an entire month with that sort of money and have fun with it, while others tend to save a bit amount. Like when I came back home after the program was over, of the possible 7.5 million won I could have, I only had 4 million won left, and that is even with spending money like crazy, buying clothes like no tomorrow, etc...

Btw, I believe each TaLK teacher also get a traveling/cultural experience stipend to use over the course of 6 months of 900,000 won to go to trips, bus rides, vacations, etc... I remember I got one of those too...

*edit* btw.. if you are wondering what happened to the remaining portion of my money... well it figures once you start living in NYC again, money goes away like flies... if you know what I mean...
www.twitch.tv/KoreanUsher
Mekhami
Profile Blog Joined August 2009
90 Posts
December 08 2009 07:04 GMT
#56
What can you tell me about public transportation? How many weekends can I go to Seoul or Busan? I want to go to Starcraft events for sure. Also I have a friend who will be living in one or the other.
"Mekhami gave good advice." -Pokebunny, 12/1/2009
QuickStriker
Profile Blog Joined January 2009
United States3694 Posts
Last Edited: 2009-12-08 07:16:26
December 08 2009 07:14 GMT
#57
On December 08 2009 16:04 Mekhami wrote:
What can you tell me about public transportation? How many weekends can I go to Seoul or Busan? I want to go to Starcraft events for sure. Also I have a friend who will be living in one or the other.


Well, it all depends on where you may be located to reside for 6 months to teach and all.... Like for example, my region and area I was at was "Pohang" which was all the way in the south east part of Korea. To get to Seoul, I had 2 options literally, a 5 hour bus ride which for obvious reason of time consumption, only was able to go once a month at best... second option was to take the bus/train to Daegu in which then you would be able to take the train up to Seoul which will total up to 4 hours even with KTX (the super speed train in Korea) and is more of a hassle... so basically I was placed in a bad situation.... Busan is just wasn't worth for me either...

Another person who lives in Gyonggi Province is where Seoul is actually located at can be like an hour away from Seoul and have better access and fun than I would have to suffer to go to Seoul...

Nonetheless, I was able to make my trip to go to Starcraft PL events one time where I met up with NeverGG and Artosis! I believe it was WL OZ vs CJ 2/14 where I even was on TV during the first game! :D

*edit* Forgot to mention this, the rural areas all have bus terminals in which goes to Seoul daily... bigger region like Pohang would have various different schedules to go up to Seoul each day compared to some other more rural area where there would be only ONE SINGLE time to go to Seoul... so it also depends on that too... and the prices differ but where I was at... one way ticket = 25,000 - 30,000 won which means 20-25 dollars each.... yea it sucks..
www.twitch.tv/KoreanUsher
lilsusie
Profile Blog Joined August 2007
3861 Posts
December 08 2009 12:30 GMT
#58
On December 08 2009 14:59 misclick wrote:
Show nested quote +
On December 08 2009 14:11 lilsusie wrote:
On December 08 2009 10:52 misclick wrote:
On December 08 2009 10:07 lilsusie wrote:
On December 08 2009 09:09 ShloobeR wrote:
IF you live outside of Seoul you will have a very difficult / aggravating time without semi-decent Korean.

I don't know which Visa you will be getting without a degree, but for the majority of teachers (E-2 visa) teaching outside of your designated institute is illegal, and the government is cracking down recently..

It's a great experience but do not blindly walk into this or you will regret it


This is a program MADE for college students.

http://www.talk.go.kr/

It's perfectly legit as it's handled by the government. They have a Korean-American heading it now - so he will be able to be your go-to guy since he speaks fluent English.

One thing that a lot of TaLK teachers complain about is the mandatory Korean excursions. It's called Teach and LEARN in Korea. If you do decide to go, please don't complain about this


It's MANDATORY? That's ridiculous. I'm a Korean American (born in America though) and I've already done the whole touristy thing in Korea at least five or six times. I'm so sick of it. I don't think I'd mind living in the rural areas as I speak/read/write fluent enough Korean to get by on a day-to-day basis.

Just gonna have to buy an alienware laptop before I go

I'm also very curious as to how "rural" these places are. I've spent a few days in pusan (not really rural at all... just a toned down seoul) and jeju (though it was at a hotel) and it still doesn't seem very "rural." Maybe I just hold a different sense of the word rural but I'm assuming it's not necessarily a hut in the middle of a rice paddy? Like, there will be convenience stores and buses/subway that will connect to neighboring larger cities anyways?


Yes, it's mandatory. I'm not sure if they are changing that but as you can see, this program isn't made for Gyopos like yourself, it's for the whities like the OP. It's their rules and that's what is in the contract. Don't be so high and mighty. Wherefore you might be sick of it, some others aren't and if you go with new friends you may have, the experience might be different.


High and mighty? I don't know how I came off as being high and mighty. I was just saying that the whole tourist thing is definitely played out and not something I want to be a part of.

And, you're saying something completely different from what I've learned. I was actually told that ethnic Koreans are given preference. It's stated a few times on their website (http://www.talk.go.kr) and pretty much everyone I've talked to who has been in the program is a Korean-American (though that might just be because I hang around Korean Americans). Quickstriker also told me in PM that knowing Korean will be a big plus in getting the job.

p.s. afaik gyopo is pretty derogatory. my feelings are hurt. apologize plz


Uh. I'm a gyopo too. It's not derogatory, it's just.. a word to describe people like you or me. If that's the case, the word fob would be pretty derogatory too.

I guess, what I meant by "high and mighty" is .. you just sound like the whiny kids I train for summer programs. Yes, I know you've been to XYZ but you know what? GO AGAIN, it's a part of your contract and program.

I mean, it's the same thing, if I have people from out of country who come to Korea. Like that guy in general "OMG I HAVE TO GO TO A MSL FINAL" well - for me, I've been there, done that, "definitely played out and not something I want to be a part of". But I'll still go if there's a group of people going or if I am needed.

Bleh, Also, most Korean Americans WILL do this program, not because of the preference but because it's the "motherland" and sometimes parents will send you, or you just wanna take a semester off and go there to make some money, play and go back to school.

Most white Americans wouldn't take this option because if you're a college student, most likely your parents are paying for your education and they wouldn't want you to drop what you are doing to spend 6 months in some Asian country.

Go to EPIK and you'll see tons more White Americans than Korean ones.
Follow me on Twitter for pictures of cute gamers and food! https://twitter.com/lilsusie
BottleAbuser
Profile Blog Joined December 2007
Korea (South)1888 Posts
December 08 2009 13:51 GMT
#59
Eh. Be ready for a lot of racism in Korea. Most of it can be waved aside if you have a thick skin.

A few problems I've seen or have experienced:

If you want a cell phone, the local companies won't sell unless you pay upfront for the phone (no monthly payment plan allowed), provide certification that you'll stay in the country for at least 2 years, yadda yadda.

If you look asian and speak English, people will give you dirty looks and in some places the servers will treat you like shit.

Various shops and services will overcharge you because you don't know any better, or can't check the charge or contest it easily.

Brothels will turn you out because you have too big of a cock.
Compilers are like boyfriends, you miss a period and they go crazy on you.
lilsusie
Profile Blog Joined August 2007
3861 Posts
December 08 2009 14:01 GMT
#60
I think it's funny to see all the different opinions of Korea, actually.

As for the phone thing, as long as you have an E2 (teaching visa) and your school confirms you will be here for a given amount of time, you can get a phone with contract. You don't have to pay upfront.

F4 and F2 are considered Korean.

BottleAbuser, when was the last time you were in Seoul?
Follow me on Twitter for pictures of cute gamers and food! https://twitter.com/lilsusie
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