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From: taishu@hotmail.com
Date: 27 Jul 2000
Time: 05:16:00
Remote Name: 210.183.28.98
Before you make a one-year commitment to go to Korea, it would be best to know several things.
(1) Korean is one of the most difficult languages for English-speaking people to learn (and, conversely English is very difficult for Koreans to learn).
(2) The going rate for anyone teaching in Korea is 1.5 million won or more per month for 30 hours per week.
(3) Koreans usually work six days per week, and most schools require it. You can get a five-day week at a few schools.
(4) Housing is usually shared, but you should get at least a private bedroom. If you find a smaller city or smaller school, you may get an apartment you don't have to share.
(5) Schools usually pay for your airfare, but some want to hold your return ticket (to keep you from leaving). This reveals a big problem--many teachers leave before the year is up (some leave in the first week!). Write me for my experience if you are thinking of going overseas to teach.
(6) Korean adults have usually studied English for 10 years -- through middle school, high school, and college--but almost none of them can speak more than a word or two of English. The school system focuses entirely on reading and grammar, not on speaking or listening. You may feel isolated due to the limited number of English speakers (even Korean English teachers often speak no English!) Don't expect your students to speak more than a few words of English at first.
(7) Korean schools usually pay a bonus if you survive the year--typically 1.2 million won or one month's salary. A paid vacation, usually two weeks, is also customary.
(8) Korea is very modern--you'll find more cell phones and internet users than in most Western countries, nice cars and taxis, modern express trains and buses, cable TV, etc. --even in the poorest cities.
(9) Read your contract carefully--it wasn't written to protect your interests. Schools are usually desperate for help, so don't be afraid to request or require changes before signing.
(10) Remember when dealing with a recruiter that they are paid by the school. Do not think that they represent you or will necessarily protect you from a bad school or a bad contract.
If you need any help or advice, send me a note. I'm currently teaching in Korea's highest mountain city, Taebaek.
Tai Shu