|
As a ESL teacher in Korea specifically, you WILL have your ideas and suggestions turned down if not downright ignored very often. You'll come up with lesson ideas or suggest new materials that you know are better than what you are doing right now, and be told to just stfu and do what you're told. You'll have a bunch of job applications denied because you don't have blonde hair, your accent doesn't sound american / british / canadian / natural / powerful / whatever enough, because you're not tall enough, or don't smile well enough. You WILL end up having to work hours you didn't know you'd need to, doing tasks you weren't supposed to, and losing benefits you were sure you'd get. Many people will consider you a failure who is only there because you can't get a "real" job at home and pretend to not understand you even if they know exactly what you are saying or asking. Kids will ignore you at their convenience and parents will bitch about your performance even if you have no control of the things they complain about, and if anything goes wrong you'll always be the first scapegoat everyone will turn to.
It's possible that despite dozens of potential problems and issues you might run into you'll still enjoy yourself, but if you're not very patient and incredibly resistant to bullshit drama, blaming, and being bossed around then it is not a good job for you. If you get offended easily and aren't good at just taking whatever bullshit your boss feeds you and doing as you're told even though you know what you're being told is incredibly stupid, you'll have an awful time.
My comment wasn't meant to be snide at all - it's just that Korean ESL market is in pretty big downturn right now and it was always a pretty shitty country to ESL in to start with. I'm not saying it's impossible to enjoy yourself as a ESL teacher in Korea - there are plenty of people who do; just, don't expect to be treated as an actual teacher there or to be respected by your students or your co-workers - that doesn't happen very often. Most people deal with it by just not giving a damn, but from the tone of your posts it seems like you're pretty sick of exactly the kind of stuff you'd have to put up with as an ESL teacher.
|
I'm actually going to Korea for my final semester of unviersity (I will be in Daegu). If you want you can add me on skype and we can chit chat about it (PM me for my skype info).
|
On March 25 2013 04:43 Salazarz wrote:
As a ESL teacher in Korea specifically, you WILL have your ideas and suggestions turned down if not downright ignored very often. You'll come up with lesson ideas or suggest new materials that you know are better than what you are doing right now, and be told to just stfu and do what you're told. You'll have a bunch of job applications denied because you don't have blonde hair, your accent doesn't sound american / british / canadian / natural / powerful / whatever enough, because you're not tall enough, or don't smile well enough. You WILL end up having to work hours you didn't know you'd need to, doing tasks you weren't supposed to, and losing benefits you were sure you'd get. Many people will consider you a failure who is only there because you can't get a "real" job at home and pretend to not understand you even if they know exactly what you are saying or asking. Kids will ignore you at their convenience and parents will bitch about your performance even if you have no control of the things they complain about, and if anything goes wrong you'll always be the first scapegoat everyone will turn to.
It's possible that despite dozens of potential problems and issues you might run into you'll still enjoy yourself, but if you're not very patient and incredibly resistant to bullshit drama, blaming, and being bossed around then it is not a good job for you. If you get offended easily and aren't good at just taking whatever bullshit your boss feeds you and doing as you're told even though you know what you're being told is incredibly stupid, you'll have an awful time.
My comment wasn't meant to be snide at all - it's just that Korean ESL market is in pretty big downturn right now and it was always a pretty shitty country to ESL in to start with. I'm not saying it's impossible to enjoy yourself as a ESL teacher in Korea - there are plenty of people who do; just, don't expect to be treated as an actual teacher there or to be respected by your students or your co-workers - that doesn't happen very often. Most people deal with it by just not giving a damn, but from the tone of your posts it seems like you're pretty sick of exactly the kind of stuff you'd have to put up with as an ESL teacher.
Sorry for being a bit off topic, but is it really true that the ideal white person you have described benefits more than, say, a Korean American who can speak both fluent Korean and American (with a strong American accent I might add)? I figure the latter may be more advantageous since homogenous nations tend to favor their own race more than others, and the fact that knowing both languages well can translate to better understanding the students and thus teach better overall.
I've had a couple of my Korean American friends travel to SK to teach ESL for a few years as a work experience, and it seemed like they fit in really well. This is just my first time reading (from the other thread as well) that white person seem to be better off teaching ESL in SK--intuition tells me otherwise.
|
On March 25 2013 06:08 billy5000 wrote:Show nested quote +On March 25 2013 04:43 Salazarz wrote:
As a ESL teacher in Korea specifically, you WILL have your ideas and suggestions turned down if not downright ignored very often. You'll come up with lesson ideas or suggest new materials that you know are better than what you are doing right now, and be told to just stfu and do what you're told. You'll have a bunch of job applications denied because you don't have blonde hair, your accent doesn't sound american / british / canadian / natural / powerful / whatever enough, because you're not tall enough, or don't smile well enough. You WILL end up having to work hours you didn't know you'd need to, doing tasks you weren't supposed to, and losing benefits you were sure you'd get. Many people will consider you a failure who is only there because you can't get a "real" job at home and pretend to not understand you even if they know exactly what you are saying or asking. Kids will ignore you at their convenience and parents will bitch about your performance even if you have no control of the things they complain about, and if anything goes wrong you'll always be the first scapegoat everyone will turn to.
It's possible that despite dozens of potential problems and issues you might run into you'll still enjoy yourself, but if you're not very patient and incredibly resistant to bullshit drama, blaming, and being bossed around then it is not a good job for you. If you get offended easily and aren't good at just taking whatever bullshit your boss feeds you and doing as you're told even though you know what you're being told is incredibly stupid, you'll have an awful time.
My comment wasn't meant to be snide at all - it's just that Korean ESL market is in pretty big downturn right now and it was always a pretty shitty country to ESL in to start with. I'm not saying it's impossible to enjoy yourself as a ESL teacher in Korea - there are plenty of people who do; just, don't expect to be treated as an actual teacher there or to be respected by your students or your co-workers - that doesn't happen very often. Most people deal with it by just not giving a damn, but from the tone of your posts it seems like you're pretty sick of exactly the kind of stuff you'd have to put up with as an ESL teacher.
Sorry for being a bit off topic, but is it really true that the ideal white person you have described benefits more than, say, a Korean American who can speak both fluent Korean and American (with a strong American accent I might add)? I figure the latter may be more advantageous since homogenous nations tend to favor their own race more than others, and the fact that knowing both languages well can translate to better understanding the students and thus teach better overall. I've had a couple of my Korean American friends travel to SK to teach ESL for a few years as a work experience, and it seemed like they fit in really well. This is just my first time reading (from the other thread as well) that white person seem to be better off teaching ESL in SK--intuition tells me otherwise.
A Korean American who is fluent in both English and Korean will likely not be doing the same jobs as the recently graduated blue-eyed kid from Minnesota. Korean Americans can get a specific visa which makes it much easier for them to find jobs and switch jobs. Majority of the best jobs in Korea will only hire either Korean Americans or people who have long-term resident visa in Korea. Even if the Korean American and white American will be doing the same job, the Korean American will usually have an easier time getting along with his boss and coworkers, is less likely to get screwed on his salary / benefits, etc, in no small part due to the 'us' and 'them' mentality. It's not even that many Koreans are racist in the western sense of the word, but a lot of them are just not so comfortable communicating with foreigners and aren't as likely to become really close friends with one (not to say that it's impossible, but it's definitely more difficult for a white guy vs a Korean American guy).
Anyway, a lot of 'entry-level' ESL jobs do in fact prefer the starry-eyed white guy (or better yet, girl, as long as she isn't overweight) because they are easier to force into working longer hours, aren't as experienced in terms of what salaries and what benefits are normal, can be talked into coming into the country without the airfare or housing being covered by employer, and so on. It is completely normal for academies and even government funded school programs to refuse renewals for well-performing ESL teachers with many years of experience only to replace them with fresh off the plane graduates who have no clue, simply because it's cheaper, and also because the parents who enrol their kids into said English classes like to see the stereotypical young blonde white teacher as opposed to perhaps more skilled and knowledgeable, but less presentable ESL veteran.
edit: again, I'm not saying that anyone going to Korea to work in ESL is signing up for a hellish time - I think it's a very interesting culture and country, and you can have a nice time there. Just don't expect it to be a serious work experience that'll give a lot of credit to your resume or teach you anything about, well, teaching, because it probably won't.
|
On March 25 2013 04:43 Salazarz wrote:
As a ESL teacher in Korea specifically, you WILL have your ideas and suggestions turned down if not downright ignored very often. You'll come up with lesson ideas or suggest new materials that you know are better than what you are doing right now, and be told to just stfu and do what you're told. You'll have a bunch of job applications denied because you don't have blonde hair, your accent doesn't sound american / british / canadian / natural / powerful / whatever enough, because you're not tall enough, or don't smile well enough. You WILL end up having to work hours you didn't know you'd need to, doing tasks you weren't supposed to, and losing benefits you were sure you'd get. Many people will consider you a failure who is only there because you can't get a "real" job at home and pretend to not understand you even if they know exactly what you are saying or asking. Kids will ignore you at their convenience and parents will bitch about your performance even if you have no control of the things they complain about, and if anything goes wrong you'll always be the first scapegoat everyone will turn to.
It's possible that despite dozens of potential problems and issues you might run into you'll still enjoy yourself, but if you're not very patient and incredibly resistant to bullshit drama, blaming, and being bossed around then it is not a good job for you. If you get offended easily and aren't good at just taking whatever bullshit your boss feeds you and doing as you're told even though you know what you're being told is incredibly stupid, you'll have an awful time.
My comment wasn't meant to be snide at all - it's just that Korean ESL market is in pretty big downturn right now and it was always a pretty shitty country to ESL in to start with. I'm not saying it's impossible to enjoy yourself as a ESL teacher in Korea - there are plenty of people who do; just, don't expect to be treated as an actual teacher there or to be respected by your students or your co-workers - that doesn't happen very often. Most people deal with it by just not giving a damn, but from the tone of your posts it seems like you're pretty sick of exactly the kind of stuff you'd have to put up with as an ESL teacher.
I appreciate the concern, but I'm a blonde haired blue eyed Canadian man standing at 6'2 who is extremely patient and I don't really care what people think about me or anything I do. The "rejection" thing is very hard to explain; maybe I've just been banging my head against a wall for so long and putting so much pressure on myself that "I need to make it in music or be a failure". I'm used to dealing with ass holes on a day to day basis; if you think Korean mothers are bitchy try dealing with micromanaging coke head club owners who have egos the size of 3rd world countries! Most of my friends know me as the guy who stays calm no matter how crazy shit gets; I only really get in fights if you take the first shot or threaten my friends safety. My girlfriend says I'm her perfect counter point as she loses her temper easily but no matter what shit she hurls at me I won't fight fire with fire and wait till she's calm before I explain my issues with her actions.
My dad got it right about me by saying that I am friendly and helpful but I have little tolerance for those I deem to be fools. If someone wants to ignore my suggestions or treat me like an idiot I usually respond by thinking your an idiot on the inside. In this case I'd deliver the shit lesson plan as ultimately it's not my problem; it's their school!
To be honest I appreciate your posts as I realize some people simply aren't cut out for this kind of stuff; I was just replying negatively to you as I could not honestly tell if you were posting for the sake of being a troll.
|
On March 25 2013 04:43 Salazarz wrote:
As a ESL teacher in Korea specifically, you WILL have your ideas and suggestions turned down if not downright ignored very often. You'll come up with lesson ideas or suggest new materials that you know are better than what you are doing right now, and be told to just stfu and do what you're told. You'll have a bunch of job applications denied because you don't have blonde hair, your accent doesn't sound american / british / canadian / natural / powerful / whatever enough, because you're not tall enough, or don't smile well enough. You WILL end up having to work hours you didn't know you'd need to, doing tasks you weren't supposed to, and losing benefits you were sure you'd get. Many people will consider you a failure who is only there because you can't get a "real" job at home and pretend to not understand you even if they know exactly what you are saying or asking. Kids will ignore you at their convenience and parents will bitch about your performance even if you have no control of the things they complain about, and if anything goes wrong you'll always be the first scapegoat everyone will turn to.
It's possible that despite dozens of potential problems and issues you might run into you'll still enjoy yourself, but if you're not very patient and incredibly resistant to bullshit drama, blaming, and being bossed around then it is not a good job for you. If you get offended easily and aren't good at just taking whatever bullshit your boss feeds you and doing as you're told even though you know what you're being told is incredibly stupid, you'll have an awful time.
My comment wasn't meant to be snide at all - it's just that Korean ESL market is in pretty big downturn right now and it was always a pretty shitty country to ESL in to start with. I'm not saying it's impossible to enjoy yourself as a ESL teacher in Korea - there are plenty of people who do; just, don't expect to be treated as an actual teacher there or to be respected by your students or your co-workers - that doesn't happen very often. Most people deal with it by just not giving a damn, but from the tone of your posts it seems like you're pretty sick of exactly the kind of stuff you'd have to put up with as an ESL teacher.
It depends a lot on your attitude I feel. If you try to fight the system, revolutionize Korean ESL or go there thinking you're going to teach up a storm you'll be very disappointed. Some classes it's better to just chill out and make it fun enough so the kids don't complain (basically childcare) whilst others will actually listen and work so you can really help them which is gratifying. Most of my coteachers have come back to Korea to teach for a second year so the experience can't be that bad and I've met a tonne of others that have been teaching 2+ years and enjoy it (particularly those who teach Kindergarten/Uni students/Adults). Considering I've worked at the worst hagwon I've heard of with a boss from hell and still don't regret it, it can't be so bad. Just do your own thing as long as you get through the textbooks/whatever else they want you to do and slip in a bit of organic teaching on the side. I also work with a mild-mannered 6 ft 2ish blonde, blue eyed canadian (like the OP) who is adored by the korean coteachers and his kindergarteners. He also said he loved his job up until he had to teach 13 yo's, so if you can avoid that age group you'll probably be better off.
|
I believe that! Considering how much trouble I was at that age it's probably karma for me. Something about pouring my teachers coffee in her fish tank....
On March 25 2013 11:18 Scarecrow wrote:Show nested quote +On March 25 2013 04:43 Salazarz wrote:
As a ESL teacher in Korea specifically, you WILL have your ideas and suggestions turned down if not downright ignored very often. You'll come up with lesson ideas or suggest new materials that you know are better than what you are doing right now, and be told to just stfu and do what you're told. You'll have a bunch of job applications denied because you don't have blonde hair, your accent doesn't sound american / british / canadian / natural / powerful / whatever enough, because you're not tall enough, or don't smile well enough. You WILL end up having to work hours you didn't know you'd need to, doing tasks you weren't supposed to, and losing benefits you were sure you'd get. Many people will consider you a failure who is only there because you can't get a "real" job at home and pretend to not understand you even if they know exactly what you are saying or asking. Kids will ignore you at their convenience and parents will bitch about your performance even if you have no control of the things they complain about, and if anything goes wrong you'll always be the first scapegoat everyone will turn to.
It's possible that despite dozens of potential problems and issues you might run into you'll still enjoy yourself, but if you're not very patient and incredibly resistant to bullshit drama, blaming, and being bossed around then it is not a good job for you. If you get offended easily and aren't good at just taking whatever bullshit your boss feeds you and doing as you're told even though you know what you're being told is incredibly stupid, you'll have an awful time.
My comment wasn't meant to be snide at all - it's just that Korean ESL market is in pretty big downturn right now and it was always a pretty shitty country to ESL in to start with. I'm not saying it's impossible to enjoy yourself as a ESL teacher in Korea - there are plenty of people who do; just, don't expect to be treated as an actual teacher there or to be respected by your students or your co-workers - that doesn't happen very often. Most people deal with it by just not giving a damn, but from the tone of your posts it seems like you're pretty sick of exactly the kind of stuff you'd have to put up with as an ESL teacher.
It depends a lot on your attitude I feel. If you try to fight the system, revolutionize Korean ESL or go there thinking you're going to teach up a storm you'll be very disappointed. Some classes it's better to just chill out and make it fun enough so the kids don't complain (basically childcare) whilst others will actually listen and work so you can really help them which is gratifying. Most of my coteachers have come back to Korea to teach for a second year so the experience can't be that bad and I've met a tonne of others that have been teaching 2+ years and enjoy it (particularly those who teach Kindergarten/Uni students/Adults). Considering I've worked at the worst hagwon I've heard of with a boss from hell and still don't regret it, it can't be so bad. Just do your own thing as long as you get through the textbooks/whatever else they want you to do and slip in a bit of organic teaching on the side. I also work with a mild-mannered 6 ft 2ish blonde, blue eyed canadian (like the OP) who is adored by the korean coteachers and his kindergarteners. He also said he loved his job up until he had to teach 13 yo's, so if you can avoid that age group you'll probably be better off.
|
|
|
|
|
|
EPT
