Tell us a little bit about yourself?
(Places you’ve lived, where you went to school, jobs, teaching jobs etc…)

Lived in Pontiac/Clarkston/Detroit area all my life until 2001 when my son graduated high school. I went to China to teach English in a middle school, returned to Pontiac for 9 months, then went back to the same city in China to work at the local university, which I loved.
In 2003 I went back to Pontiac and lived until March 2007, when I came to Korea.

How long have you been in Korea?

3 1/2 months

Where have you worked in Korea?

Hamyang, Seosang, Anui high schools and middle schools

What is your fondest memory of Korea?

The 4th of July. We had a get together at my neighbor’s, had dinner, went to the local park and shot of fireworks, while singing patriotic songs

What is your worst of Korea?

Being sick and fighting with the system to get communication set up in my home.

Do you have any advice for future English teachers in Korea?

Be strong and insistent for what you know is right.

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Tell us a little bit about yourself?
(Places you’ve lived, where you went to school, jobs, etc…)

Well, my name is Angelo M.. I am a 4th generation Mexican-American. I was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. I am the first person in my immediate family, and third in my extended family to attend a university. I graduated from the University of Colorado-Boulder with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology. I’ve been working since I was 14 years old, so my work experience is quite vast. Ranging from a fast food worker, cashier at a toy store, clothing store, and K-mart, environmental assistant, electronic salesman, teaching assistant, resident advisor, secretary, computer teacher, and now an English teacher. Also, through a university program called “Semester at Sea” I was fortunate enough to travel to 12 countries around the world and begin considering myself a “global citizen”. As a result, I felt compelled to spend time living and working in another country to completely immerse myself in a foreign environment. However, Korea just happened to be the country that offered the best financial opportunities and since I’ve been here I haven’t genuinely regretted my decision to come here.

How long have you been in Korea?

I have been in Korea for a mere 6 months, but intend on being here for at least one more year. Maybe more if I enjoy my new teaching position, continue to learn the language and make lots of friends I will prolong my stay in Korea. Since I’ve been here I’ve managed to make Korean friends in quite a few cities, travel throughout the country, and grown to appreciate and understand Korean culture (something which I knew next to nothing about back home).

Where have you worked in Korea?

I spent my first 6 months in a small town of 40,000 people but it didn’t take long for me to realize that I would much rather live in a big city, which is how I ended up in Seoul. Soon I will be working at another private English institute in Apgujeong.

What is your fondest memory of Korea?

I have plenty of unique and interesting experiences but I will get back to you on this one….haha.

What is your worst of Korea?

During one of my weekend trips to escape my small town I went to Daegu (the fourth largest city in Korea). My friend and I were looking for something to do so we went into a place called “Kenzo” there was a speaker playing someone singing an English song…so we wandered downstairs into Karaoke bar and saw a large room full of Korean people (a few of which turned there heads towards us curiously) and the person on stage was singing the song we had heard from the speaker outside. It seemed like it was going to be a fun place to hang out so decided to stay. As we waited by the entrance to be seated, immediately one of the employees ran up to us. More people who were sitting and enjoying there drinks stared in our direction. The young Korean employee handed me a sign. I grabbed it from him curiously. In big black letters the sign stated “KOREAN PEOPLE ONLY!” and “ONLY KOREAN SONGS HERE.” (The irony was that the song being sang by the Korean guy on stage was an American song, in English). Needless, to say I didn’t respond in a respectful or appropriate way. But this was the only time I experienced such a blatant incident of xenophobia, racism, or discrimination since I’ve been here.

Do you have any advice for future English teachers in Korea?

Unless, you are a very independent, old, and willing to spend a lot of time bored and alone. Don’t move to a small town (just my opinion). Also, learn the language if you think you will be here for a while, not only does it show Korean people that you want to understand their culture (since language and culture are intertwined) but it is also a practical task to undertake. Research exactly where you will teach before you come so you don’t make a hasty decision about where you will live, work, and spend a year of your life. I guess most importantly, be open-minded, don’t limit yourself to the expatriate community, and prepare yourself to live in this little, but interesting, country named South Korea.

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Teaching Kimchi (TK): Hi, Rex. How are you?

Rex K.: I’ve been better – my hagwon is currently under its summer intensive schedule so I’ve been inundated with classes.

TK: Oh, where and what is it that you teach?

RK: I work at a hagwon located in Poi-dong (near Yangjae) called International School Academy (ISA). ISA is catered for international students who are planning to matriculate into colleges abroad, primarily the US. I am currently teaching algebra, geometry, biology, chemistry, and physics.

TK: Interesting. Can you tell me some background information about yourself?

RK: Sure. I am a 22 year old gyopo. I was born in Texas, lived in Colorado, graduated from University of Colorado at Boulder (CU) with a biochemistry major, and came to Korea six months ago to teach.

TK: So I’m assuming you’re on a F4 visa? How do you like teaching in Korea?

RK: Yes, I am on a F4 visa. To your second question, that’s a complicated matter. I am having an internal conflict at the moment. You see, contrary to how most teachers think and act in Korea, teaching isn’t your regular 9-5 job. It’s not about leaving work as soon as you’re done; it’s not just about teaching what is written in the textbooks; it’s not only about having students use correct grammar. Teaching is much more than that. Educators should be opening the eyes of students, showing them the rest of the world. Instructors should be crafting students into human beings. Teachers should be encouraging students to gain knowledge, not information. The issue is that most people (students and teachers alike) treat learning in a frivolous manner (I believe society forces us to lack motivation and passion, but that’s another topic).  I’ve seen this especially with businessmen who are required to speak a certain level of English. They treat the classroom atmosphere with such levity that it is impossible to teach them. I do realize this is a generalization and that each situation differs with who is being taught. I want to be able to motivate students to learn, not regurgitate information (something Koreans seem to have mastered).

TK: Well, I wasn’t expecting that. You mentioned that you’ve taught English to businessmen, can you elaborate?

RK: I used to work at YBM in Jongno-3-ga. There I taught English to manifold students – from businessmen looking for that promotion to college students who believe that English is a burden. Though YBM provided a professional milieu, their textbooks require much improvement. You’d think based on the myriad students YBM enrolls, their curriculum would be a paradigm, but it seems as if YBM wants to hold back their clientele so they re-enroll and pay the ridiculous price for a class.

TK: I sense a bit of hostility. Did something happen?

RK: Nothing at all. The reason I may seem bitter is I actually befriended one of my students. After looking over the teaching materials from his past, I could not measure his improvement because it seems as if he did not improve at all. I can recognize that he is partially at fault, but from the textbooks that he showed me, it seems as the content was exact with a different label printed in the front.

TK: Let’s change gears. Where did you find your jobs?

RK: There is a glut of job openings for English teachers. Most people already know the big names. The websites that have attract the most attention are Dave’s ESL Café (www.eslcafe.com) and Work ‘N Play ( www.worknplay.co.kr). I do recommend teachers to browse through other websites such as www.okokokok.com, www.englishspectrum.com, www.hiteacher.com , and www.koreajoblink.co.kr.

TK: So how is the rest of Korean experience?

RK: Well, I’ve been here a number of times in the past, but the previous trips have always been for a personal hiatus. This time I’m here to work. Overall, this experience gave me perspective, augmented to my occupation experiences, and allowed me to mature (to a certain degree) so I guess the experience has been going well. Honestly though, I thought I’d enjoy myself much more than I actually am.

TK: Is there anything you can suggest to others that would improve their experience?

RK: If you’re not happy with what you’re doing, do something else (as cliche this sounds, it should be common sense – put your happiness first). I realize many English teachers are chained by their contracts (and E2 visas), but if you have one of the understanding bosses that are willing to supply you with a letter of release, find another job if you think it’ll ameliorate your stay in Korea. I have a proclivity to change jobs often. I fear commitment so I have a difficult time signing contracts (I do not even have a signed contract with where I’m working at now). So far, this has been keeping me relatively happy.

TK: What’s your worst experience you’ve had in Korea?

RK: Well, one of my “friends” ripped 800,000 Won out of my wallet, but I don’t contact him anymore (I don’t really want to re-type/re-live what happened). Other than this, I haven’t really had any bad experiences. One thing I absolutely detest is traveling in Korea. It takes too long to get anywhere because of the traffic and congestion. But I guess that’s all major cities.

TK: Well, thanks for your time and good luck with everything.

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Tell us a little bit about yourself?

Hey everyone! It’s the one and only Gdog, author of The Daily Kimchi. I am from Victoria, BC. I came out to Korea with my girlfriend in July of 2006. During university I spent time working in the hospitality industry so you could call me an expert on the ins and outs of running a banquet of any sort. I enjoy traveling and also love playing tennis, golf, volleyball, and basketball. I am also addicted to the internet like the rest of you guys!

How long have you been in Korea?

I’ve been in Korea for almost a year now. My time is almost up…so crazy!

Where have you worked in Korea?

I’ve worked in Seoul with one of the largest hagwons in Korea. So far, the work has been relatively easy and the kids have been a lot of fun. I would recommend doing your homework when trying to find a job in Korea!

What is your fondest memory of Korea?

My fondest memory is eating endless amounts of food, in particular galbi and samgyeopsal. People say Korea is a highly homogenius society, so sometimes getting help from people might seem difficult. I have found that on the most part, if you ask politely they will help you. For example, our kitchen knives that were supplied to us were dull. I went to the crab shack downstairs and the owner happily sharpened our knives! I couldn’t speak any Korean, so I was pretty stoked that he was able to help us out.

What is your worst of Korea?

Hmmm…worst memories…well, I try not to think in a negative light when it comes to dealing with another culture. I think acceptance plays a huge role in adjusting to a new environment. Some days when people are pushing and shoving to get on the subway, that can be very annoying. Also, the pollution of a large city can definitely get to you and make you sick. Other than that, you just have to learn to live with what’s given to you and try not to complain.

Do you have any advice for future English teachers in Korea?

I would encourage people to remain open minded about Korea and living in a new culture. Also, it would be worth while to learn about children and educate yourself about what strategies you can use in the classroom in terms of management and teaching to different abilities. I’ve stayed positive throughout my experience (even when I was sick and had dreaded PINK EYE!) and that has helped keep me sane. Oh yeah, don’t forget to bring your camera!

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