| American teacher Ann's time in South Korea is coming to a close. Here she tells us how she came to be teaching English as a foreign language in South Korea, the aspects of expat living she likes there, some of her experiences and observations on the local culture, and some tips on moving to and living in South Korea. |
 Ann |
-Where were you born?
I was born in Gardena, California, USA.
-In which country and city are you living now?
I am currently living on Jeju-do, in Jeju-si, South Korea.
-Are you living alone or with your family?
I live alone, as is the policy unless you come as a couple.
-How long have you been living in South Korea?
I have been living here one year.
-What is your age?
I am 50 years old, and proud of it.
-When did you come up with the idea of living in South Korea?
I came to Korea looking for teaching experience and wanting to see the country and its people.
-Was it hard to get a visa or a working permit?
It was no problem. My employer and recruiter handled everything.
-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?
Health insurance is a social benefit, available to everyone who is here in Korea who lives here.
-HowI do you make your living in South Korea? Do you have any type of income generated?
I make my living by teaching English as a foreign language, which is where Aaron Fowles erred. There is a great difference between teaching English as a second language and teaching English as a foreign language. I got the job through a recruiter on line unbeknownest to me, but that's okay. It only took a few weeks. It wasn't hard at all. The tools I used were my resume, cover letter and references.
-Do you speak Korean and do you think it's important to speak the local language?
It is extremely important to respect and observe local customs. It helps if you know a little Korean to get by. It shows respect. I don't know much, but it serves me well.
-Do you miss home and family sometimes?
I miss home and family, sure. I'm sure everybody does. There is a lot to do and a lot to see. You are never at a loss for something to do. The island is abundant with activity.
-Do you have other plans for the future?
I am going home at the end of the month and going back to school.
-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?
My apartment is paid for by my employer. It costs them around 400,000 won, which is equivalent to 400.00 a month US.
-What is the cost of living in South Korea?
The cost of living here is very low. Like Aaron said things of local origin are cheap. What he didn't say was that if you shop smart, like at Emart, you can find bargains on western items, and if you shop at local markets you can find things at reasonable prices.
-What do you think about the Koreans?
I have found that the locals treat me very well. In fact, they treated me better than a lot of the foreigners I have met. I love the locals.
-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in South Korea?
The positive aspects abound. The Koreans are a proud and spiritual people. They will welcome you with open arms and do anything for you. I have found nothing negative about the people. I think Aaron Fowles is at a school that he doesn't like and is disillusioned because of his experience. Also, he readily admitted that he was here only for the money, and when you come here single-mindedly like that, you will find fault.
-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in South Korea?
Find out all you can about the local culture before you come. If you have any doubts, don't do it. Be open minded, as all cultures all different than yours. If you aren't a seasoned traveler, you probably won't appreciate it.
-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about South Korea?
Don't believe anything you read or see online as far as blogs are concerned. There are a lot of disgruntled people out there that have had bad experiences with hagwons (private English schools). Just make sure before you come that your school of choice has a good reputation and is well-liked in its community. Otherwise you are setting yourself up for disappointment and failure and stress.
Let me defend myself!
1. Yes, ESL and EFL are different. The traditional difference is that English as a Second Language (ESL) involves students who will actively use English in their daily lives (i.e. students who now live in an English-speaking country), whereas English as a Foreign Language (EFL) involves teaching English in a country where English is not the primary language and to students who typically won't need English outside of school or the workplace.
That being said, the differences between ESL and EFL (not to mention their ambiguous cousin ESOL [the term preferred by the Educational Testing Service in the states, by the by]) are slim and hardly noticeable in the classroom as long as a native English speaker is leading the course. Among 95% of people involved in the practice, the terms are interchangeable. One of the "major" differences between ESL and EFL is the supposed language of instruction. I used English in Poland and South Korea and I intend to use it when teaching in Memphis (didn't end up in San Fran).
There are also differences in student motivation, but I don't see, yet, how that could affect classroom content. If anything, I imagine ESL to be more holistic with less explicit grammar instruction.
2. My first employer was a royal bummer and--oh yes--that soured my experience. That is why I suggested diligent research. My first employer, about whom I wrote a vengeful blog post, sacked me for no apparent reason and was not about to back down. I was able to find another job right quick and actually extended my stay in Jeju for an extra month.
3. Shopping "smart" at Emart. If you want to subject yourself to Emart, go right ahead. That place gave me the willies. I discovered United Mart (behind Marion House in Sin Jeju) when I moved nearby in April. As I remember, it had a good selection of foreign goods at reasonable prices. By then, though, I was eating out for almost every meal. Kim Bap Chung Gook became my favorite restaurant. A pot of kimchi jiggae for all of 3500 won. You bet!
Anyway, no hard feelings. I'm glad you had a blast on Jeju.
Advice
Hi Ann
My Canadian boyfriend and I (English girl)after many months travelling South East Asia are considering coming to Korea to teach. We like the quiet life, love learning new languages and cultures and was impressed by the local produce and activities in Jeju Seogwipo. We have no formal teaching experience.. only a short spell of volunteer work in rural Cambodia and we are both terrified of having a bad experience from which you are either trapped in a contract or sacked for no reason.
Advice from those in the know is so valuable.
Can you recommend schools with a good reputation that you may know of or those with a bad one.
Also is there anywhere else you could recommend in case our Jeju dream doesn't manifest.
Many thanks