| American expat Chris teaches English to young children in Seoul, South Korea, where he's been living for several months now. Learn about how he came to be working in Seoul, his observations on the cost of living there, his tips about starting to learn the local language, and his plans for the future. |
 Chris Backe |
-Where were you born?
Hammond, IN, USA
-In which country and city are you living now?
Seoul, South Korea
-Are you living alone or with your family?
By myself
-How long have you been living in South Korea?
About 7 months
-What is your age?
26 years old
-When did you come up with the idea of living in South Korea?
About 3-4 months before I came to Korea, I had had the idea that I wanted to get out of the USA. I didn't know how, or what I would do. One day I was online, and found a job advertising for an English teacher in South Korea. After reviewing the qualifications (bachelor's degree, experience teaching, native English speaker, willingness to relocate, etc.) I sent off my resumé and picture.
-Was it hard to get a visa or a working permit?
Getting the E-2 visa is a little harder than it was in the past. Essentially, the Korean government wants to know you don't have a criminal record in the country you come from. Fair enough, right? If you live in the USA, you have to obtain said background check, get it notarized, and get an apostille from your state government. It's not incredibly difficult - it can probably be done through the mail - but it does take some time to get right.
-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?
Most teacher's contracts will specifically say medical insurance is covered - you'll pay 50% of the premium, and your employer will pay the other 50%. In reality, you do have to ensure your employer lives up to its contractual obligations.
-How do you make your living in South Korea? Do you have any type of income generated?
I teach English at a private kindergarten / elementary school, like most foreigners do when they first arrive in Korea. It's a decent enough job, and it's relatively easy to find and apply for.
-Do you speak Korean and do you think it's important to speak the local language?
Korean is a very difficult language to learn - mainly because it's not really needed to get around, and also because the literal translations can be confusing or difficult to understand. Your best bet is to learn hangeul (the Korean alphabet) and be able to read that, as well as the survival-type phrases that can get you around. You'll pick parts of the language up the longer you're in Korea, but learning the langugage itself is a full-time endeavour.
-Do you miss home and family sometimes? Describe your favorite recreational activities there or those that are available.
Yes, and yes. At the same time, I know what I have to gain from my experience in Korea. Recreation? Wow - rollerblading, dancing, singing, performing in a theatre troupe, traveling the country, going to bars / clubs, etc.
-Do you have other plans for the future?
I plan to see the world - and with legitimate teaching experience it's supposedly easier almost anywhere you go. With a teaching certificate or a Masters it's supposedly even easier to find a job almost anywhere in the world.
-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?
Most employers of teachers will give you a free furnished apartment as part of your compensation for being a teacher at their school. I can't say how much it would cost to rent an apartment, although craigslist is certainly a decent enough place to start looking.
-What is the cost of living in Korea?
As far as cost of groceries, it's reasonably close to living in America. Electricity / gas / internet / cell phone? Cheaper than America. Those costs are taken out of my paycheck, so I don't even think about them.
-What do you think about the Koreans?
Koreans tend to be a little suspicious of foreigners, although most will leave you alone. You will get stared at - something that's common enough that you'll get used to it. You basically have three options - ignore it, enjoy it (strut, if you like), or stare right back - unwise since they have decades more experience than you.
-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in Korea?
Positive: a beautiful country with a great public transportation system.
Negative: the people can be xenophobic (fearful of outsiders) at times, and few people speak more than a few words of English.
-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in Korea?
LEARN HANGEUL (the Korean alphabet). It can be learned in a few hours of studying, and with some practice will quickly become second-nature. Also, whenever buying something and no price is listed, NEGOTIATE! You may not have to, but it never hurts. 
-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about Korea?
I keep a blog about what it's like to live, travel, and work here in South Korea. Check it out at http://chrisinsouthkorea.blogspot.com
