Iwas faced with this question in the past and it has occurred again. As a Teacher in Korea, you are not allowed to teach private lessons while under contract with an English school. But I have heard that if you talk to your Director about it, they will sometimes allow you to do it as long as a percentage of what you make goes to them. But obviously some Teachers do it without their Directors knowledge and make a good amount of money on top of what they get paid from their institution. It is risky because if caught, it could be your last job in Korea, but I haven’t heard of anyone getting canned for teaching private lessons. But then again I haven’t heard everything. Have you heard of anyone?

I got asked this question by a gentleman here in Paris who wants lessons for his daughter for a short period of time. In Korea the average price for private lessons is about 40 thousand won and sometimes more. How much do you charge?

I am wondering because it is something I am considering to boost my earning power while on the road. I have heard of people funding their entire travels by doing private lessons Teaching English and other languages. But how do you decide how much to charge? Is 45 euros too low for someone with a degree and lots of experience both in the classroom and publications(not talking about me here)? Is the same amount too low for someone with a certification and other teaching certificates(not me again)? I am curious because you don’t want to undercharge and you don’t want to overcharge. That balance is delicate.

I know a Teacher in Korea who used to charged about 45 won per lesson. She was a terrific Teacher, but is that too low because I personally thought her skills far exceeded her pay. On the other hand I know a Teacher who in my personally opinion was charging well above that, but had no enthusiasm for the job nor did I think was that great of a Teacher. So, what should you consider when naming your price?

I was in Korea when the Cheonan, Korean Navy vessel, was sunk back on March 26. 46 sailors were killed and South Korea launched a full investigation to find out what happend. The South Korean government blamed North Korea for the attack after its investigation. Since then, tension has been mounting between the two countries although North Korea maintains that it had nothing to do with the attack. So, where does that leave you as a potential English Teacher in Korea?

Are you scared? I am not asking to make you afraid but you should be aware that things have not gotten better between the countries. You might want to keep that in mind when making your decision to go to Korea in the next coming months when schools are recruiting heavily. Hint: this is the best time to apply.But back to the issue at hand. I had plans to return to Korea in August and still have plans but if the tension between the two countries escalates then I might just have to scratch those plans for the time being.

War is not something I am in favor of and I hope it does not lead to that. I will keep an eye out for developments because this could play a part in my decision to go back to Korea and perhaps in your taking a job there as well. Although Korea internally is a pretty safe country, externally, I can’t trust the other guy. Even though the two countries signed a peace treaty after the bloody Korean war from 1950-1953, they are technically still at war because there have been numerous acts of voilence between the countries. In 1983, a bombing meant to kill President Chun Doo-hwan killed 21 people. In 2002, there was a gun battle at sea with North Korean patrol ships injuring 19 people and killing 4. And I doubt this will be the last incident between the two. This time, could this be the beginning of war? Why are these countries destined to be in conflict?

Are you going to Korea soon? What’s your take on this?

One of, or perhaps the smartest student I teach one on one walks to class today and says, “Teacher, I don’t want to study English”. And I look at her and say well Sara, I have prepared all this material for you and your timed exercises and fun activities; do you want me to put it all in the trash? She looks at me without hesitating and says, “yes”. So I got to thinking, well, she looks exhausted and she studies for more than 12 hours a day with school, English academy, Taekwondo academy, Japanese academy and Piano academy I see why she is tired. But at the same time her mom pushes her to be the best speaker in the school and I have to accomplish that and maintain her interest. So I decided to play along.

First I sympathized with her and listened as she went on talking then, listed all the things she does and how her parents put pressure on her and how I am surprised she maintains a great attitude and gets “excellence” (my highest grading scale) on nearly all her assignments. By recognizing her plight, her mood improved a bit and she started smiling as she always does. Then I decided to take it a bit further by making it look more like she is studying English because she wants to and it’s going to benefit her and not just because her parents want her to. So I decided to do an interview with her to illustrate my point. It went like this:

Me: Are you sure you really don’t like to study English Sara?
Sara: Not really!
Me: Why?
Sara: English is difficult.
Me: But you are a very smart student and you do very well on my intense lessons. If you don’t like English, then why do you come to a English academy?
Sara: Because my mom makes me come and when I ask her why she wants me to learn English she doesn’t give me an answer. But sometimes I like English plus my friends are in this academy and it is fun to see them.
Me: Excellent sentences. You see, you are very good at English. (She smiles). I have taught you for months now and I have never had a student do so well, not even the older students. How long have you been studying English?
Sara: I have been studying since when I was 5 years old.
Me: Why do you think it’s important to learn English?
Sara: I don’t know.
Me: Do you want to know one reason?
Sara: Okay, why?
Me: Do you like to travel?
Sara: Yes.
Me: What country would you like to travel to?
Sara: Sydney Australia. I really want to visit the Sydney Opera House someday. And I want to go to America too.
Me: What language do they speak in America and Australia?
SaraEnglish.
Me: Now do you understand why it’s important to learn English?
Sara: Yes.
Me: Let’s get started.
Sara: Okay.
Sara is nine years old and she is a fantastic student. She grasps information like a sponge and she puts together very good sentences.

Many foreigners don’t find learning Korean beneficial. And rightly so because most contracts if not all of them last only for one year. Who wants to strain their brain in learning a language that you will not be able to use once you leave Korea? It is tedious and time consuming to learn a new language. We are in an age now were we want things fast and easy. Why is that? Because the process of doing something is no longer valued. We want more for less and we more than often put quantity before quality.

You have to ask yourself however. What are the benefits of learning Korean while in Korea or any other language for that matter? Don’t you want to increase your value as an employee? Don’t you want to stand above the crowed? There is an increasing demand in Korea for foreign Teachers that speak Korean. In fact, those Teachers are offered better positions and in most cases higher pay. Isn’t that a benefit in learning a second language?

I think it’s important to speak a second language not just for the reasons stated above but for personal growth and a plethora of other reasons as well. It’s important to learn the language of the country you are traveling to because it allows you to move about the country more freely. It will make your time there more enjoyable and you will be able to experience more of the country because you can freely express what you want to say. And you will be more confident in yourself and your ability to interact with the people you meet along the way on a deeper level.

The world as Thomas Friedman puts is flat because communication is becoming less of an issue with time. The world’s nations are merging in a technological and communication revolution. Why get left behind? Language is the biggest barrier between individuals and nations. That is becoming less of a barrier but not fast enough.

Coming to Korea, I only knew a few words and phrases but the longer I stayed in Korea, the more I wanted to learn. This is partly because I really don’t have an option and since I have been offered another job and considering it, it is even more pertinent. But the more I learn the language, the better my experience here gets and not only that, when traveling within Korea the fear of getting lost dissipated and I can move freely within the country and thus experience more of it.

By learning a new language, your opportunities only increase. So what have you got to lose? Although it is not easy, it is highly beneficial. But don’t let me do all the talking, what do you think?

Today I had one of my best students visit me. I taught her for about 7 months but as it is customary with the way my school works, she was moved to another class after she reached a higher level and could handle more challenging books. Although I was happy that she had mastered everything in my class and was “leveled up”, I was sad to see her go. When no other students did their homework, she did and because I would reward her, other students started to do their homework as well. She always studied hard and it showed in everything she did in and outside of class. It was great to see her today but also sad because like other students she wonders why I cannot stay longer.

She heard that I was leaving in two weeks and going back to U.S from her younger sister who is in another class of mine. She came to say goodbye in case she didn’t see me again. I made only one or two spelling corrections to the note. She wrote,

I heard that you will go back to your hometown. It’s good to you, but I’m sad. Because you are my funnest Teacher. You make me happy everyday. I’ll miss you. But I will send you email just like my other Teacher. I sometimes send messages to her. I’ll send you too.

I heard that Theshelen(Teacher from Canada) went back to his hometown and I will try to send him email too.
Thank you for Teaching me English. I’ll always miss you Tata Teacher.
Erica

This is why I do not like goodbyes because although you leave a part of yourself behind in memories of those whose lives you’v touched, it is usually not enough. Life is a continuation and the only thing constant about life is change. I understand this and it is easier for me to move from place to place since I have been traveling sine I was 10. It is difficult sometimes however and this is one of those times. And I know it is difficult for them too. The only place I have stayed for more than 10 years is America since my immediate family is there and the rest of them are spread out across the world. From Africa to Europe, from Japan to Canada and from Germany to France and France to America they are everywhere. So it is not new to me to meet and develop deep relationships in a place and root a part of yourself in it and then find yourself leaving those who have come to embrace you behind.

I have 14 days left in Korea. My chances of coming back although in a different area are high. I can already see the growing sadness in most of my students faces. Although others are happy that I am leaving (you can never win them all), it is nevertheless a difficult transition for me and them whether they see it or not. After all, we never really understand or appreciate what was until it is no more.

As I count down my days in Korea and soon to embrace the beauty of Europe, I realize how fast time goes. I look at the students as they try to figure out why I am soon to leave them and I cannot give them a good enough explanation. They ask, why Teacher? Why do you have to go? No answer can heal their little hearts.

We have grown together. We have laughed, we have danced, we have acted to our hearts content and made use of the English language even in their lacking in pronunciation of the “r” letter. I have come to ardor them and I can say they have come to accept my uncouth ways as well. I don’t like goodbyes. But they cannot grasp the concept that goodbyes are just another beginning for them and me. I have grown to love them even in their strange liking of me, even when they find it necessary to lick my hand because they think my skin is made of chocolate. Unsanitary yes, but kids will be kids. How can you not love them?

Have I failed to realize the bond that we have shared for a year now? Why then do I choose to leave them when I have been asked to stay both by them, their parents and the Director? Have I grown selfish and withdrawn from their love? No that’s not it. I would do anything for any of the kids. Even the sol called bad ones. I am just sick of the unnecessary bullshit that the management brings on that has nothing to do with teaching. I am just tired of the need to worry that just maybe you might not get paid this month or your check might be short and you have to waste your energy to go and ask for the rest of the money you have worked for. How can one willingly come back to such a place? I love the kids but I refuse to work in organized chaos. But how can I explain to them that it is not them and that it is me? Is this going to be another one of those bad break ups? How can I get them to understand?

Christmas in China

Traveling can get addictive. I have been traveling my whole life and I don’t think I will be stopping anytime soon. There is too much out there to see and be a part of so why stop at one destination? I am in Korea now and time is winding down on how much time I have left on my contract. And since I don’t want to waste any of that time, my need to explore has intensified. So, for Christmas and New Year, I have decided to go to China. I could have went home to see my family and friends but after looking at those flights to U.S and Brazil, my wallet started screaming. So I decided to go to Beijing with some friends.

Excited

We leave in four days and I am excited although I haven’t packed yet. We are going to see the great wall of China, the terracotta warriors and many other historical sites. I will be taking lots of pictures so stay tuned. We will be going by boat. Not that flights are too expensive because they are not, but we just want the experience of going to China on a boat. It’s a 14 plus hour boat ride, but I am taking lots of books to keep me busy. I have to say though, this is definitely one of the perks on being an ESL Teacher in Korea.

Why not?

Being in Korea is a perk because you are close to Japan, China, Thailand, Taiwan and other Asian countries. This makes traveling very convenient. Although I wanted to visit Japan first, China is just as good. I am hoping I will get another vacation long enough to visit Japan before the end of my contract. I already have plans to visit Thailand and Taiwan because just spending a weekend in either of them would satisfy my interest and then if I like it, return another day. Stay tune for more updates and pics of China from the boat ride to the return.

It can sometimes get lonely in Korea. This is especially true for people who have not traveled before. What you do the first couple of days, weeks and for some even months is important. This is the time you feel the loneliness of being in a foreign country the most.

When I arrived in Korea, it wasn’t that bad because I met other foreigners who went above and beyond to make things a little easier for me to adjust. I really appreciated it because even though I have traveled to other countries before, I could still feel the loneliness, especially on weekends when I was not working.

So, what do you do to help you adjust? I found the ideas I have listed below to be very helpful because they allowed me to be a little more social than I have ever being at any point in my life. Now I am comfortable enough to retreat to my “loner ways” because I know when I need to hang out with other foreigners, they are there, I have found them and we have a very interesting group dynamic.

I employed a few methods in coming in contact with other foreigners in Korea. However, you can use these no matter where you travel. So, don’t go to the top of the highest building and yell,

hello, anyone out there?

If I didn’t meet other foreign Teachers at my school, I would have tried this. I don’t know what would have came of it but if you try it and it works let me know and I will add it to this list . If you are lucky, you will arrive knowing a person or two either from talking over the phone, or previous interaction before your travels. If you are not one of those luck people then here is what you can do.

1. Random walks

   I go on random walks some Sunday mornings and on these aimless walks I have met some Teachers at other institutions. I have met families on vacation. It is refreshing when you meet families because they remind you of home.

2. Attend events

   Luckily for me my recruiter hosts some events for their Teachers. I attended one of their events and although I didn’t meet anyone I keep in touch with, it was still nice. Ask the people you can communicate with for a local paper in your native language; there is a local paper in English here in Korea, so if you are coming to Korea, I suggest you subscribe.

3. Facebook

   This is a good one to do before you even leave for the country of your destination. There are millions of groups on facebook and other social media websites that have groups for people traveling almost anywhere in the world. Join one of these. I joined a group called “pyeongtaek” on facebook and it helps to see what is going on and what other foreigners are doing and where they are going. Don’t stalk anyone, it is not as cute and they say it is.

4. Interest groups

   Ask around for for groups that meet for a particular hobby. I know a guy that does pottery or something like that and there is actually a group for that. I on the other hand love soccer, so I asked around for soccer teams in my area. I play on Sundays with a church group and practice a few days a week with a local team I play with. Since I also love creative writing, I found a few guys through a co-worker and we meet for poetry, wine and pasta here and there.

5. Coffee shops

   Koreans love their coffee shops and so do some foreigners. I have met a few interesting people at coffee shops.

6. Local paper

   There is a local English paper that has a list of events.

7. Songtan/Osan

   If you want to meet foreigners in Korea, go to Songtan; they are everywhere there since the U.S military base is there. Plus the nightlife there and almost everything else mimics Western style. Itawon and other cities are great for meeting foreigners but I put Songtan because it’s like foreigner headquarters.

So, make use of your time abroad and network. You will make lasting friendships and network with people from all over the world.

Have you traveled somewhere and if so, how did you met people of similar interests and language?

I say language because that is the only thing that really separates people.

When you arrive in South Korea, one of the most important things you will have to do is open a bank account. Koreans don’t use checks so your check card is your life-line when it comes to paying for anything unless you like to carry cash; I don’t recommend carrying too much cash.

To open an account you will need to have and do several things. It will be very difficult for you to live in Korea without a Korean bank account because you will need the account for a lot of things. You will need an account for these reasons and more.

1. To get paid by the school you will be working for

   The first time you get paid by your school, you will get cash because it takes time to set up your account. I will talk about the process later.
   Once you have your account, your school deposits your payments straight into your bank account. Sometimes, you have to use the bank the school tells you to use so don’t be alarmed if your Director tells you to open an account with a specific bank.



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2. To send money home

   At some point during your stay in Korea, you may want to send money to your home country. The fee to send money internationally is about 17 thousand won which is about $15 (this differ depending on the bank and the exchange rate however).

3. To make purchases

   I was unable to use my Bank of America credit card in Korea when I needed to but I called them and they said it is now possible for me to do so. I don’t intent to anymore since it’s paid off. So, check with your home bank to see it’s possible to use your check card or credit card abroad. I use HSBC so I can use my debit card internationally with no fees or worries. I recommend opening an account with them if you are a constant traveler.

With that said, what is the process of opening an account? What does it take? Opening an account is very easy but you will need a few things.

4. Your passport

   Until you get your alien registration card, this is your only form of identification. Guard it with your pepper spray. Your Director will ask you for it a few days after you arrive in Korea. He will take it to the Korean immigration office to get your alien registration card made.



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5. Alien registration card

   Once you have this card, keep your passport at home unless you need it for a particular reason. It takes about two weeks to have the card made. After that, make sure to take your passport back from your Director. If you lose your passport, it is a very bad and a painstaking process to get one made abroad. But if it should happen to you, contact your home country embassy in Korea or wherever you are. It speeds up the process if you have a copy of the information page handy, so run to Kinkos or any color copy machine and get that done.

6. Your address or your school address

   You need one of these addresses to open a bank account. If you want to use your schools, just take a business card from your Director.

7. A Korean

   You will need a Korean co-Teacher or a Korean friend to go with you. They will translate for you because it is very difficult trying to communicate with only gestures and sounds. You will look like a retard if you don’t take a Korean with you.

Once it’s opened
You will get a check card and a bank book. The bank book has your account number on it. Give the number to your Director so you can get paid. The bank book can also be used to access your account at the ATM and it records all your transactions. If you want to get fancy, you can get a monthly phone plan and ask the bank for mobile updates and or the ability to pay with your phone.

That’s all there is to it.

I have heard other foreigners say their bank account opening process was more complicated. If you had a tougher time than I depict above, please do share so others will be aware.

If you are thinking about traveling to the Eastern part of the world and perhaps to other places, you will definitely need to bring these things.These are especially for those looking to visit a country for a long time; maybe you are going for weeks, months or years. These are essential so prepare yourself ESL Teachers.

1. Deodorant

   I don’t know about other countries but if you are traveling to Korea whether to teach or for vacation, make sure to bring deodorant. Koreans don’t sweat like Westerners so finding deodorant will not be easy. And if you do find it, it will cost you your soul-kidding. Deodorant will cost you about $9 or more.When I was packing for Korea, I packed 10 deodorant sticks and I am glad I did. If you pack 7-10 you will be fine but if you pack anything less, you better be able to transform into a Korean or you are going to smell like rotten refried beans. Take your deodorant.

2. Spices

   If like me you like to cook, bring your own spices. It is difficult to find Western spices in Korea but there are plenty of fresh non-canned/bottled spices you can buy. You can find spices, but they are also very expensive especially if it’s spices that Koreans don’t use. A few weeks ago I went to a grocery store because I wanted to make pesto chicken and macaroni and cheese. A co-worker bought me the macaroni from the military base grocery store among other things but forgot to get me the pesto. When I found the pesto on the foreign section of the grocery store, it was 13 thousand won, which is about $11 and it was the smallest bottle of pesto I had ever seen. Not only that, it didn’t taste like the pesto I buy from Wal-mart back home. It tasted like leaves and oil. And if you like your hot cocoa with honey like I do, mmmm so delicious, then bring
   your own honey. Honey is very very very very expensive in Korea.



3. Insect repellent

   This one is a must. If you forget this one, you might be swallowed by a Korean mosquito, like I have mentioned in other posts, mosquitoes are huge in Korea. I brought one 8oz can of “off” and it is almost out. So if I don’t write for awhile after the can runs out, fly to Korea and find the biggest mosquito nest, I will be wrapped up next to the queen.

4. Big Towel

   If you don’t want to wipe yourself with a face towel then bring a towel. Koreans don’t use big towels and unless you are in a big city, you might not be able to find one. I brought two and it was a smart choice. I recommend bringing at least 2.

5. Dental floss

   I am keen on personal hygiene and I am sure you are too. Unless I am wrong. Bring dental floss because it is not widely used in Korea and therefore overpriced.

6. Tampons

   I know guys are not supposed to talk about these things but when was I ever a part of the norm? Ladies, bring tampons to last you the time you are going to be in Korea or anywhere else you might want to go. In Korea, you will have a hard time finding these. I know pads are common among women (I really should have stayed out of those conversations) but you will find tampons before you find pads in Korea. I know the foreign girls here will not lie about something like this.

7. Condoms

   Gentlemen, better be safe than sorry. My foreign friends who have been hear longer say that you will find condoms but you will not find your size; not only that, they are expensive. I think that is all I need to say here.

8. Money for the first month

   Do not overlook this one or the sky will fall on you. As an ESL teacher, you get paid at the end of the month. If you come in the middle of the month, not only will you not get paid at the end of the month you arrive in, you will have to stay home for a week or two without working because of the new regulation the Korean government has enacted to aviod the spread of foreign diseases. Maybe I heard wrong when I heard kimchi cures everything. Better safe than sorry I suppose.

9. International Drivers License

   This is something I wish I knew about before leaving for Korea because I met a gentleman who was more than willing to give me motorcycle lessons for free but I don’t have an international license. You don’t need to take a test to get one; just go to the DMV and fill out a form, show your ID and you are on your way. The hardest part of this process is getting at the front of the line since DMV lines can be a few blocks in the U.S.



10. Passport

    You need it to even get on the plane but you need it for much more than that in Korea. It is your only form of identification for the first few weeks you are in Korea until you get your alien registration card. You will also need your passport to send money home, open a bank account and to use the bathroom-joke, in my previous life I was a comedian. If you don’t have one and plan on traveling to Teach as an ESL Teacher, you are not going anywhere, so make getting your passport your number one priority.

11. Shoes & clothes

    If you are a tall handsome guy or a drop dead georgious angel from the heavens or just big, you are going to have a hard time finding clothes that fit you. You will find clothes and shoes that fit but it’s going to be a scavenger hunt.

12. Reading material

    Bring reading material because the foreigner section at the bookstore is very small.

I think that covers the most important things. These are the things I was and was not made aware of before coming to Korea. Hopefully I didn’t forget anything, but if I did or you just have questions, ask away because I love questions.