I get a lot of questions on dating Korean  women and if there’s ONE rule I can share is  this:  Keep your standards high and your expectations low.

If you want to have a fun time with a beautiful  Korean woman then I recommend keeping  this rule in the back of your mind.  It will help  you by guaranteeing that

• you and her have fun

• you stay true to yourself

• you stay sane

As you apply this into your dating life you’ll find yourself having more fun experiences with Korean women. You might just end up being with a Korean woman who makes you happy!

Make Sure You Have Fun!

The #1 mistake guys make when going on dates is taking them and the women too seriously.  They also hope against hope while walking on eggshells that everything will go well.

If you want to make the date a success I recommend acting as if you don’t expect anything from her.  Not even her showing up to the date!  In fact the lower your expectations the more likely you’ll be yourself and she’ll be into you.

You’ll also find yourself more able to relax and make her have fun.  This is very unique for any woman! Most women (and especially Korean women) yearn for a fun date.  Korean women especially because they only go on their soggaeting dates with some boring (read: typical) Korean guys.

You can shine by dropping the expectations whilst keeping your standards high.

Attention: This Is Not About Your Beauty Standards

I’m also talking about how she treats you.  If you feel like she’s mistreating you (for example showing up late at the date) make sure you let her know – gently but firmly.  This is easier if you didn’t expect her to show up on time.

With respect to how she looks it’s up to you.  Understand that the prettier she is chances are that she’ll be busier and more unable to date you.

I also recommend knowing yourself well. Know yourself with respect to what you’re willing and not willing to tolerate.

This is just one reason why applying this crucial rule to your dating life is helpful.

Stay True To Yourself

Most people think that being alone is the worst situation to be in.

I disagree.

What’s worse is being in a relationship with someone we’re not happy with or want to be with.  This happens with guys who settle for women they’re not happy with.

To make sure you avoid that trap is by staying true to and keeping your standards.  At the same time if your expectations are low then you avoid being disappointed and frustrated.  Instead you’ll be at peace with it all which will ironically bring you closer to what you want.

Stay Sane On Your Dating Ventures!

Many women think that men meet and date a lot of women because they’re dogs!  Although there’s some truth to our reproductive behavior the main reason is that many women (and men) are unreliable.

This is even worse with Korean women! I’ve travelled the world and have never met women as flaky as Korean women! Granted it’s mainly because of their social and filial obligations that are more important than your date but still…if you let the flaking get to you it will (as I have if you couldn’t tell by now.)

Note: Many Korean women ARE reliable and yes there are flaky men too.

So when you’re working on dating your ideal Korean woman there are many things you don’t control.  Her behavior is an example.

So what can you do?  Keep your sanity as you go out by keeping your expectations low.  Even if SHE sets the date and talks about it – don’t expect her to show up.

International Dating Is Tough!

Searching for your ideal partner is a tough game. Everyone gets hurt and gets pleasant surprises.  This is more true with interracial dating – there’s a different

 • gender

• culture

• language

It’s important to be patient with yourself and accepting that some things won’t work out.  All in all it’s a game of life and this #1 rule will make sure that you’ll stay true to Rocky Balboa’s cliche quote that I’ll leave you with:

“It’s not about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. It’s about how much you can take and keep moving forward.”

Stay true and you’ll find and date a beautiful and fun Korean woman who can’t thank you enough for coming into her life.

For  more free interracial dating tips for dating Korean women I recommend clicking on the link.

Talk soon!

BlueM

Korean Dating Tips Advisor on meeting  and dating Korean women!

After living in Korea for 4 years I’ve seen many Westerners have a great dating life in Korea.  They got past the myths of dating Korean women and were able to accept the truth.

If you want to have a successful dating life in Korea well know that it’s not possible without understanding and accepting these 7 facts.

Myth #1: Korean women only want affection; Men only want intimacy

Fact: Both men and women want ‘affection’ and ‘intimacy’

Society has done well separating the roles between men and women.  Korean society has also done well to make sure women cannot show their sexual desires.  It is called the “eumjae and yangjae” dichonomy or ‘음재 양재’.  It stands for ‘light’ and ‘shadow’.  For some reason Koreans classify a woman into one OR the other category. She’s either a good woman or a whore.

A Korean woman must always come across as a being part of the ‘light’.  That means never showing sexual desires. If she does (even though she wants to) she might be in social trouble.

A man is able to show his desires but then society labels him as a ‘feeling-less dog’ giving women leeway to hurt his feelings (because he “doesn’t have any”.)

The reality is that men and women are human beings and have the same desires (maybe not to the same extent.)  Being able to stay ‘nonjudgmental’ and understanding of the opposite sex will help you with dating Korean women.

Myth #2: Women want ONLY men with money and status; Men want ONLY gorgeous women. 

Fact: What women and men want varies from person to person!

This is a really horrible myth for both men and women.

As men, if we see a gorgeous woman, we might think that if she enters our life, she will bring tremendous value. Therefore we need to have the amount of money and power that equals her beauty.

Women who only work on improving their looks are leaving themselves short-changed as well.  A real man wants a woman who looks pretty but who also has other things going for her (if she is to stay in his life.)

Myth #3: Korean women are easy

Fact: Korean women sense that mindset and are more skeptical about those foreigners who think that way.

This is the worst myth out there.

I can’t tell you about all the posts I’ve read, and people I’ve talked to (and I’ve believed this myself before reaching where I am today), who thought that Korean women are easy.

Myth #4: Koreans are “Americanized”

Fact: Koreans are in a state of change

Although there is a strong movement thanks to the younger generation here that is making Koreans more independent and seeking individual pleasures, Korean society itself is still very much Confucian.

A good friend of mine who hangs out with higher society people (executives, business owners, etc) at clubs, would bring in his regular friends (guys who have decent jobs, but nothing too grand by society‟s standards) and the higher society group WOULD NOT mingle with my buddy’s other friends.

The regular friends understood and accepted that.  If you want to do well with dating Korean women you need to understand that your social status plays a big role on your dating life.

Myth #5: Korean women are not sexually active!

Fact: Korean women are human beings in that department too!

While reading posts from people living overseas who are trying to date Korean women, I’ve come across the issue where Korean women will act “surprised” or shocked at any sexual advance.

For the most part Koreans are still quite conservative but not all of them.  A lot of Korean women are very active and experienced in bed.  They just dress like all the other Koreans so are hard to spot.  Also they are very careful with whom they share that side of them.

Remember the ‘eungjae/yangjae’ dichotomy?  A Korean woman’s most important asset is her reputation.

Myth #6: In Korea everyone speaks English.

Fact: English is considered a subject in school the same way that Math and Science are.

Just because Korea’s government is investing tons of money (about 15 billion dollars back in 2006), doesn’t mean that they’re getting their money’s worth.

Koreans aren’t as fluent in English as we’d like them to be.  Not only that but their wording and grammar can throw you off. They do try though, and yes it’s a lot easier today than it was 5 years ago.

Myth #7: Koreans should accept me for who I am, just like in America / Canada / Australia / etc.

Fact: Welcome to a “Whole new world!”

Eh, welcome to Korea!

This is a country that is still ruled by Confucianism where title, age and occupation still determine your social status and value.

Personality and individuality are Western traits and has to do with world’s history.  The West in general had it easier than Korea in terms of surviving.  The West was able to spend time focusing on individuality and abstract thoughts.

Not so in Korea. Their focus was on surviving and how nice a person is played no role in helping people who are looking for food. In Korea the higher your status the less likely you were to starve.

You can see that mindset today as well.  Most Koreans value your social standing and its’ benefits.  Who you are may be nice on an individual  basis but in general your personality plays a smaller role.

And no Koreans don’t have to accept you for who you are.  Either you bring value to their social standing or you don’t.

Dating Korean Women Is Worth It!

These myths may shock you. They will also prepare you for what Korean culture and society is like.  You will be better prepared for what you’ll have to face.  For more on Korean ladies I recommend clicking on the link.

Good luck!

BlueM

 Beautiful Korean women  Dating Coach

They’ll boost your chances for a date because the Korean women there want to meet foreigners!

She’ll more likely welcome your advances and will make things easier for you.  If you’re new to Korea you’ll have more in common because the Korean women who frequent these places are more familiar with Western culture.

I recommend either meeting her

• online

• at Itaewon coffee shops

• at foreign bars

The best part is that each type of places accommodates your style.

Meet Korean Women Online

If you feel more comfortable meeting Korean women online then you can meet a lot of Korean women.

Korean women who go to online dating sites are looking to meet and date foreigners too.  For a lot of them it’s their only way to meet foreigners.  Sadly most Koreans have never befriended a foreigner.  They don’t know how to make foreign friends except for doing so online.

I recommend going to either worldfriends or koreancupid.  You can easily set up a profile for free and take a look at your pace.

A university student guy friend in Korea has done really well with meeting Korean women online.  Personally when I’m looking for a date I prefer meeting Korean women at coffee shops.

For more on how to meet women in Korea I recommend clicking on the link!

Meet Korean Women At Itaewon Coffee Shops

If you’re more of a day-time person.  If you enjoy a more relaxing atmosphere and like meeting new people over a coffee or tea then this might be for you.

A lot of Korean women who go to Itaewon are curious about you.  They want to know more about your culture and country.  This is a great place to share your stories to a fascinated audience.  She’ll also be willing to share her background and appreciate your curiosity about Korean culture.

The best coffee shops in Itaewon for meeting Korean women are

• Coffee Bean near exit 3

• Starbucks 2 minutes out of exit 3

• Tom n Toms out of exit 4

Just grab your computer and head out to one!  Grab a cup of your favorite coffee and chill out.  When you start to see beautiful Korean women go say ‘hi’!

If you like going out and coffee shops aren’t for you then you’re also in luck!

Meet Korean women At Foreigner Friendly Bars

If you’re a night person and enjoy partying it up while meeting Korean women then I recommend foreigner-friendly bars.  They cater to foreigners and foreign lovers.  The Korean women who go to those bars want to get to know you better.

They want an escape from the Korean scene and hope that a guy like you will start a conversation with then.  They are bored with Korean-style bars and clubs and most are looking for something new…

Last weekend I went to a foreigner friendly bar in Gangnam and we saw 2 beautiful Korean women at a table.  Needless to say that we grabbed our drinks and went to say hello.  They were very receptive and we had a good time.

You can too!

I recommend going to bars in either

• Gangnam

• Hongdae

• Itaewon

because most Korean women who go there are curious about foreigners.

 I Don’t Recommend Meeting Women At

Korean nightclubs have a lot of Korean women who are looking for a date.  On the other hand they don’t speak English.  If you

• speak Korean

• go in with Korean friends

• have money to spare

then Korean nightclubs is an option for you.  In fact it would be a great option because most foreigners never go to Korean nightclubs.  Also they would enjoy the fact that you can speak Korean and have Korean friends (makes things much easier.)  Granted a typical table with drinks and food would cost you and your friends 1,000,000 won

Foreign nightclubs usually have Korean women who just want to listen to music.    In general if a Korean woman is looking to hookup she’ll go to a Korean nightclub or a foreigner bar.   Korean women who go there to socialize are or want to be a part of the social scene.

If you can

• stand the loud music

• enjoy the night scene

• have solid ‘game’ or social circle

• a table

then the foreign nightclub scene might be for you.

 Meet Korean Women In Your Daily Life

If you see a beautiful Korean woman as you go about your day then talk to her.  Chances are that she’ll welcome your approach and will be just as curious about you.

If you’re nervous about the thought of talking to a Korean woman then have a prop!  Bring a Korean/English translator or a map and ask for some help.

Chances are that she’s grateful you have a prop because then she also has an excuse to talk to you! 

As long as you’re having fun and meeting Korean women you’re genuinely into you’ll be fine – she’ll probably have fun as well.  If you want more on dating Korean women then click on the link.

Good luck!

BlueM

Would a Korean woman ever want to date an English teacher?

Only those that know what they want! Well what do Korean women want when they date an English teacher in Korea? Wouldn’t they want the same things that they would want from a local Korean man?

Not exactly – In fact you can boil down a Korean woman’s desires to these 4 things:

• an alternative
• an adventure
• Acceptance
• Activity

Soon you’ll discover what it takes to become the man that she’ll think about all day. All it takes is understanding and applying these 4 points.

Note that this also applies to women looking to date Korean men.

A Korean Woman Wants An Alternative

When she’s dating you she’s really interested in how different you are from Korean men. She’s tired of the same old dating routine. She’s at a point in her life where she finds local Korean men typical and wants an escape.

We’re talking more than just behavior. We’re also talking about expectations. Korean men typically became too domineering and intrusive for her. Not only that but she probably met them through her social circle and has to stay tied up to their expectations.

When she’s dating you she can relax because her friends and family don’t know you (she probably won’t tell them either.) She’s looking for a new experience and you can provide her with it.

So I recommend showing her your world and culture. Teach her your language. Dress like you would from you country and she’ll appreciate it (as long as it’s not TOO different.)

A Korean Woman Wants An Adventure!

In addition to an alternative dating experience she’s also looking for an escape! Your differences scream ‘adventure’ to her! A lot of Korean women are bored with their repetitive lives. They watch foreign T.V. and are curious about the experience.

This is where you shine! You can present yourself as an escape from her everyday life. This is something where Gyopos can actually shine more. Gyopos (foreign-Koreans) can provide her with the adventure AND make her feel more comfortable. This is because we are all more comfortable with what looks familiar.

A Korean Woman Seeks Acceptance!

There is an abundance of beautiful Korean women. Sadly they don’t pass the ‘standards’ of what Korean men want. Maybe they’re not ‘white’ enough. Maybe they’re not ‘thin’ enough. Perhaps their face isn’t ‘small’ enough.

So what can they do? They know that foreigners have different tastes than the locals. Korean women can land more quality foreign men than they could with a Korean man. It doesn’t mean that Korean men have more quality – it just means that they have a different taste.

This is why you can have a long term relationship with a Korean woman. She can have a much more attractive and quality foreign man than a Korean man.

A Korean Woman Wants Activity!

Sadly most Korean dating resorts around going to restaurants or movies (with their huge camera.) As a foreign man you can introduce her to new foreign experiences!

You can take her salsa dancing! Introduce her to darts and a Western sports bar! If you live in Korea you can bring her to Itaewon in Seoul (most Korean women haven’t had the chance to go.)

Get Started With Approaching Her!

If you want information on how to approach a Korean woman with success then I recommend going my site on dating Korean women. You can discover what it takes to meet and date Korean women anywhere around the world.

It’s All Fun And Games Until Someone Gets Hurt!

So you are an alternative experience but would she want to date you forever? Would you? She understands that as an English teacher you won’t be in Korea forever. You must understand that Korean women have social expectations – and they value those expectations.

That being said if you understand your relationship (or relationships) might not last forever then you’ll have a great time in Korea!

Have fun!

BlueM

dating tips site on meeting and dating korean women!

How well do you know Korea? Come and meet the charms of Korea at Touch Korea! You are warmly invited!

I wanted to enquire about places for English teachers in Korea where there are 2 spaces available for a start this September (2011), for a year, or in February next year (2012), for 6 months. We are both degree qualified people from London. One with a degree in English who has taught English before and the other with a degree in Chemistry who has taught English before in a foreign country. We are looking to come to Korea together, and would like to find out if there is availability this year such that we could be together, not necessarily in the same school (although this would be perfect), but perhaps at two schools in a similar area / province so we can live together. We would be open to teaching in a city location OR countryside location and would consider either. If it is too late to apply….perhaps you could facilitate a start in September this year (and stay for a year) for one of us, and the other could come in February next year (and stay for 6 months). Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Regards, Ben

Short Answer: Yes.

Long Answer: There are hakwons (private academies) and then there are public schools. Korean Public schools begin in March and end the following February with a month or two break in the summer, and a month or two break in the winter.

Hakwons are always hiring. Public schools, not so much. They don’t follow the typical Western Education schedule (developed around harvest time- I think.)

Your best bet is to find a RELIABLE Hakwon for two. Recruiters love high quality foreign folks, because when they connect teachers they can collect a bounty of a million won (Roughly $1,000 USD) or so.

I hope that helps. It looks like in your question you’re already asking other firms – smart move.

One of the largest and by night the most colorful cities in the world, Seoul is truly an eye-popping experience.  Whether you’re here for a month or three years, never hesitate to seize any chance to take a look around.  The following are 10 popular destinations.

1. Gyeongbok Palace.  Destroyed and reconstructed several times, Seoul’s grandest palace offers English tours (three times daily) for foreigners looking to learn about Korea’s history and architecture while admiring the stunning view.  It’s closed on Tuesdays and not far from the Blue House (the President’s seat).  You probably won’t have much trouble finding it, seeing as it’s at the north end of Sejongro, Seoul’s main thoroughfare.
2. Bukchon Village.  Nearby Gyeongbok and Changdeok Palaces sits this well-preserved village of traditional wooden homes (hanok) featuring small courtyards, beautiful outer walls, and tiled roofs.  Take your time through the neighborhood and admire the art galleries.
3. Eat.  A lot.  Anyone who’s ever had kalbi never forgets it.  The same can be said of doenjang jjigae (stew with bean paste, vegetables and/or meat, and tofu) and bulgogi (literally “fire meat,” marinated barbecued beef, chicken, or pork).  If you’re feeling brave, try the kimchi, although you may want a breath mint on hand.  For a full-course lunch, try heading to Baedongbaji in Samcheong-dong.
4. Shinsegae Department Store.  A stroll through here is a cultural lesson in itself.  A veritable labyrinth of shopping snares like fresh fish, beloved kimchi, and Ferragamo shoes will likely mesmerize you for (gulp) hours.  Prepare to be overwhelmed by the sheer variety of goods offered and have a well-earned breath of fresh air on the rooftop.  Find it between the Namdaemun market and the Myeongdong shopping district.
5. War Memorial and Museum.  Sadly the butt end of countless foreign invasions, prepare for a sobering morning by visiting the museum ($3 admission) and learn about its military and cultural history.  Much of its current tensions with nearby neighbors (and those across the Pacific) make a lot of sense after some time spent here.  Head for Samgakji Station via subway line 4, and try to visit the place early in the day to give yourself time to cheer up.
6. Bugaksan.  Seoul is nestled in the mountains, so you might as well climb one.  On this one, you’ll find several trails to take you through reconstructed 15^th century gates along fortress walls.  About 40 years ago, North Korean commandos sent to assassinate the president climbed the very peak but were unsuccessful.  The Seoul Fortress is newly re-opened for touring (although you’ll want to make your reservations at least a week in advance) since its closing over security concerns.  Don’t forget to bring your passport on the trail.
7. N’Seoul Tower.  This 480m high beauty—complete with elevators and a chill lobby—replaced Mt. Namsan’s fortifications.  The area underwent a makeover in 2005 and now looks totally modern.  Take a seat in one of the many cafes and restaurants (try the revolving one) and admire the evening lights.
8. Namdaemun market.  The best place to get the best bargains in town is undoubtedly Namdaemun market.  You’ll find everything from household appliances to food, jewelry to fabrics in a stretch of street-vendor stalls.  Try some of the vendors’ food—mandu gook, a dumpling soup, is a widespread favorite.  Get to the market via subway line 4 to Hoehyeon Station.
9. Cheonggyecheon Stream.  It may not be a babbling brook in the woods, but this manmade waterway is the place to bring your romantic partner, although half of Seoul will be doing the same.  Whisper sweet nothings all the way to the stream, just off Sejongro.
10. Itaewon.  Even if you’re new to Korea, if you’re a foreigner you’ve likely heard of Itaewon’s bars, clubs, and shopping district near the U.S. Army base.  In the basement of the Crown Hotel is one of Itaewon’s most beloved clubs, Club Volume, where you’ll hear some of the world’s most celebrated DJs.  It’s not all late-night entertainment, though; have Sunday brunch at Le Saint Ex, a French wine bar and bistro.

Don’t forget that Seoul is also home to four UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Changdeokgung, Hwaseong Fortress, Jongmyo Shrine, and the Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty.  These are worth checking out, too.

Bio: Alexis Bonari is a freelance writer and researcher for College Scholarships, where recently she’s been researching African American college scholarships as well as college grants by degree level. In her spare time, she enjoys square-foot gardening, swimming, and avoiding her laptop.

Hello! I’m living in South Korea permanently with my husband. I am from California. I would like to know if I can get a teaching job or a teaching assistant position. I don’t have bachelor’s degree. Can i still get a job in Seoul?

If I remember correctly you need a specific visa.

This site is Seoul’s Official Site: http://english.seoul.go.kr/lh/work/employment.php?pidx=1

I hope this helps. If you don’t have one of those visas you could do it “illegally” but if you get caught you could get deported.

1. They all like kimchi. Not too long ago, I saw an ad in a Korean magazine for a small refrigerator specifically for kimchi.  Since it said “#1 best seller,” I’m guessing it sells a lot.  Still, it’s kind of like saying all Americans love hamburgers, isn’t it?
2. They all know Tae Kwon Do.  I know Tae Kwon Do; I’m Japanese-American.  My half-Korean, half-German friend does judo.  For Koreans and all other Far East Asians stereotyped in this manner, consider responding, “Do you want to find out?”
3. They like golf.  I’m going to let Margaret Cho answer this one.  Regarding the stereotypes that Koreans all like golf: “Well, everybody does but me.  So, there is one Korean person who doesn’t.”
4. They eat dogs.  Yes, many of us have grown up with Fidos and Lassies, but the truth is that so have many Koreans, especially of the newer generations.  When it comes down to it, a dog is an animal like any other that is technically edible and is valued differently in the older Korean culture than in the American one.  Eating a dog in America would be similar to eating a beef steak in India—a huge no-no. Today, while some Koreans eat dogs, it might be safe to say that it’s a minority of the population.  The overall attitude in recent years seems to have gone from “personal choice” to “unnecessary cruelty” (and the issue of sanitation also comes into play).  The dogs that are eaten are supposedly killed by an electric rod rather than being beaten to death, so the issue of cruelty is as debatable as cow slaughter in America.
5. They work too much.  I came across a transcript to a KBC 9.9 podcast between 4 participants who talked about misconceptions of Koreans.  In it, the overall consensus seems to be that while Koreans do hang around the classroom or office long before and after working hours, their time isn’t always spent productively.  Whereas some Koreans consider Americans lazy and inconsiderate for “working” from only 9 to 5, Koreans see themselves as dedicated members of the workplace.  They arrive early so they’re not hurried before a class or meeting, and they stay late in case the boss needs someone to do something.  Meanwhile, many of them can be seen playing with their cell phones or browsing the web.  The issue here is availability and dedication, not always quality of time spent.
6. They’re terrible drivers.  When judged by North American standards, Korean drivers are rude.  Consider this, though: there are 47 million people in a 100,000 square km country.  There’s not a whole lot of space.  Those three inches between your car and the Korean guy who cut you off?  That was nothing.  Moreover, Daniel (on the KBC 9.9 podcast) says that Koreans are taught to drive that way in driving school.  They’re taught to drive “by instinct and that’s what they do when they get on the highway.”  When asked whether the concept of right of way has ever occurred to them, Daniel says that Koreans don’t have it in their culture, and it’s all about who steps on the gas first.  This isn’t rude.  It’s different.
7. They’re rude.  While we’re talking about rude, many non-Koreans complain when they go to the peninsula that nobody apologizes or thanks them for anything.  Let’s remember that 47 million people are crammed into a country the size of Tennessee.  If you apologized to everyone you bumped into or couldn’t hold the door for, you’d never get to the office before noon.  Perhaps Koreans can be found to be less friendly than “Western people” (although this statement, made by Chance on the podcast, is itself iffy, since many Americans find Brits unfriendly, and so forth).  Still, once you get to know a Korean, he or she is a friend like anyone else, yes?
8. Insert misconception here.  See Misconception 10.
9. Insert misconception here.  See Misconception 10.
10. They’re jingoists.  This one is sticky and long-winded, and because it plays into every other stereotype (and why I’m only writing on 8 instead of a clean 10), I’ve listed it last.
    Let me elaborate.  Until now, I didn’t know any Korean stereotypes.  As a Japanese-American, I’ve seen both sides of my heritage screw over Korean heritage pretty badly.  I should be full of ideas for stereotypes, right?  Wrong.  After a two-hour search on Google, I could gather no more than these 8 misconceptions of Koreans.  Here’s why.

In the June 30, 2002 article of the New York Times titled, “Soccer Must Keep The Ball Rolling,” the writer elaborated on a controversial referee call in the match between South Korea and Spain on June 22 in the FIFA World Cup of that year.  “Some fans and national officials see these questionable calls as part of a plot favoring South Korea, a blend of jingoism and paranoia that is quite unbecoming.”

If the writer intended to be subjective, fine, but let’s not pretend he’s calculated Korean history into his judgment that a) there was a plot, and it showed a blend of b) jingoism and c) paranoia that was d) unbecoming.  He might consider them “jingoistic” because he’s not used to a country stomped on for so many centuries utter a cry for unity.

On June 25, a writer of the Associated Press ends the article “Record crowds watch South Korea lose semifinal to Germany” by saying, “The success has been a huge boost in this land of 47 million that has long suffered from an inferiority complex, being squeezed between China and Japan, who often invaded and subjugated the country.”

Korea is often referred to as “the shrimp that gets caught in the middle of whales.”  China and Japan have both chewed on it.  But dear Associated Press writer, let’s not forget that whole Korean War bit.  The Korean Peninsula is the only remaining place in the world that remains divided since the Cold War thanks to the U.S. and Russia, according to Kosuke Takahashi, a journalist born to Japanese parents and raised in Koreatown near Tokyo.

Many people in the western world would dismiss Korean nationalism as jingoism because it’s been a long, long time since North America and England have been stepped upon by an outside empire.  Because Korea is often dismissed as a subjugated nation that influenced no country save its own (a crippling and false accusation), it lacks in resounding stereotypes, at least that a non-Korean and my sometimes-friend Google could find.  Most other “misconceptions” applied to Far East Asians in general, like enjoying rice and not being able to see out of squinty eyes.  If you feel the need to enlighten me, please do so.  I’d welcome a mature response.

Bio: Lisa Shoreland is currently a resident blogger at Go College, where recently she’s been researching disability grants as well as comparing student loans. In her spare time, she enjoys creative writing, practicing martial arts, and taking weekend trips.

If you’re a teacher of any kind, you’ve probably experienced the sudden and frightening realization that you’ve got empty time to fill and no creative ideas for short activities. This can be especially difficult for ESL teachers because thinking on your feet to educate children who speak a different language is a unique challenge. One of the best ways to stay prepared for those surprising times when your lesson comes up short is to plan ahead and keep teaching tools within reach. If you’re not comfortable with building in activities on the fly, add optional material to the end of your lesson plan just in case. Either way, you can use the following tools to help you keep your students focused and learning for the full duration of the day.

1. Wordless Books
This tool is well-suited to teaching younger ESL students, but if you’re feeling creative, you can make a picture book for older classes using photos from magazines or other sources. You won’t have to worry about making up a story – that’s your students’ job. Whether your wordless book is purchased or handmade, it can be the perfect way to spend extra time once you’ve exhausted your lesson plan. For younger students, have everyone sit in a circle while you hold up the book for them to see and turn the pages, letting your students take turns making up a few sentences for each picture. If you have older students, pass the book around and have each student describe his or her page of the story in a few sentences. By doing this, you can have them explain what the background and characters look like before they continue the plot of the story. This makes for a slightly more advanced degree of vocabulary usage, verb tenses, and creativity.
2. Songs
If you’re musically inclined, keep a list of English songs that your students might like to learn. Whenever you have a few minutes to spare, you can either sing a song that you’ve already taught as review or teach part of a new one. Students often enjoy making music and are happy to participate in this activity. You can also take requests from your students if they know song titles that they’d like to learn, then have students vote on which song they want to learn next.
3. Question Cards
Keep a box of index cards that have simple questions on them and set aside some time each week to write new ones as you teach fresh material to your students. Whenever you find that you need to fill some time, take out a card and have students raise their hands to see who can answer the question correctly first. You can use the material on these cards for test questions or extra credit questions if you re-word them. It’s also a great way to keep track of what your students have learned over a semester, which can help you develop assessments and re-work your lesson plans based on student progress.
4. Monolingual English Dictionaries
If you have the funding, it’s a great idea to buy enough dictionaries for each of your students to keep in the classroom. If not, try keeping one dictionary for every pair of students or as many as you can get. Not only are monolingual English dictionaries excellent teaching tools on their own, but they’re also helpful to students while you teach and in short activities. For example, you can tell students that they’re allowed to look up unfamiliar words that you’ve used in your lesson plan. If you want to turn this into an activity, have students write down words they don’t recognize as you teach. At the end of the lesson, have everyone share their unfamiliar words and try to guess what they mean. Then, encourage students to race each other to see who can find each word in the dictionary first.
5. Newspapers
Having access to English newspapers is a great opportunity for developing short classroom activities for ESL students. If you can easily get enough for each student to have one, you’ll be coming up with creative activities in no time. If not, you can just get one or a few copies for everyone to share. Some examples of newspaper activities are:
• Go to the Sports section and read the first article, then write down five adjectives that describe a star soccer player.
• Skim through the Entertainment section and find two places you would like to visit, then write a short paragraph about why you chose those places.
• Find three new words on the front page, look them up, define them, and then write a short paragraph that uses all three words correctly.