From 2003 to 2010 I was fortunate enough to have lived worked as an English teacher in Korea. This had a big impact on my life, and in many ways I am still trying to process what it all meant to me. The world is changing quickly and I would to take some time to reflect and comment on some of these experiences.
I originally took the job teaching in suburban Seoul because of the bad economy that existed in 2003. Sadly, conditions have gotten worse. I am currently a student at the New England School of Photography partly out of my own personal passion, but also because of the fact that even with my degree from the University of Texas my job prospects aren’t good. Many people today are in that same boat. As a matter of fact, my younger half sister who is due to graduate next year with a degree in chemical engineering is worried about employment. Apparently, half of last years graduating class has been unable to find employment.
For me, teaching was one of the best experiences I have had in my life. In Korea, people debate the importance of English education, but education itself is highly respected. I look at all the political nonsense surrounding education reform here in the US and I can’t believe people are unable to see the reality of our situation.
People often compare classroom hours, standardized testing, etc. and miss the simple point that Asians place a greater cultural value on education. Because they value education, they spend more both personally and as a nation. Likewise, they demand more from both students and teachers. In Korea, to be one of the cool kids you must be a straight A student. This has a self-motivating influence on the students. The students may not enjoy studying, but they don’t want to fall behind their peers. This makes the kids pretty easy to work with, and makes them successful in class as well.
Standardized testing won’t solve the problems facing our schools. They need greater support. Both in terms of money and respect. Computers and technology are driving up the costs of maintaining schools. At the same time, low pay and a lack of respect from society at large makes the recruitment and retention of good teachers difficult. Without talented educators it is impossible to have good schools. In Korea, just like here, teachers don’t make much. Due to the high status given teacher in their society, education programs are harder to gain entrance to than medical schools. This brings some of the brightest minds in their country into the education system.
I found the elder generation endlessly fascinating. The trials these people faced are almost unimaginable. From repressive Japanese colonial rule, to devastating civil war, to modern development and rapid cultural change; with so many changes I often wondered how they view the world. The Korean War still looms large in the minds of Koreans. In America it is easy to view the conflict as part of the cold war. For them, it is no different from our own civil war except that the conflict is unresolved and the wounds still fester.
What to say about the modern Seoul I knew and loved…
This is the hard part. On some levels people are the same everywhere, but if you travel to Korea there are some things to be aware of. First, conventions are more important than honesty or the expression of true feelings. Because of this, they are very good at reading body language and understanding all that gets left unsaid. They will expect you to read between the proverbial lines as well and become frustrated when you don’t. Conflict is to avoided at all costs and it is incredibly rude to disagree with an elder. Because of these cultural differences it is important to stay calm, be patient, and accept that things won’t always go the way you want them to. Most Koreans are very friendly and want you to leave with a good impression of their country. Consequently, they will at least try to help you as much as they can. This makes Korea much easier to travel in than some of its neighbors.
Would I suggest taking a job teaching English in Korea to others?
I absolutely would. If you have a degree and are willing to work hard as a teacher then this can be a great opportunity. Aside from being able to experience another culture first hand, travel elsewhere in Asia becomes much easier and the pay isn’t half bad. I was able to travel to Japan, China, and Thailand while working in Korea. If not for the job in Korea, I would not have been able to take those trips.
Travel has broadened my horizons. Working as teacher has shown me how difficult and rewarding that profession can be. Most of all, I am humbled by how little of the world I truly understand and how radically different some peoples conceptions can be. I think that anyone who can travel should; and should spend more than just a vacation overseas if possible.
Pingback: Matthew Hanson « Biz @ NESOP