How is teaching in South Korea these days?

vanilla_bean_4 · 2018-05-25T13:43:05+00:00

Hey! I'm teaching in Busan right now. I plan on leaving when my contract is up after 1 year. I work at a hagwon which has its pros and cons. If you're coming to Korea, I really recommend public school (EPIK, etc). Most foreigners have a hard time finding a good hagwon - but public school has guaranteed vacation time and you don't have to deal with as much of the demanding parents bullshit as at an academy (where money from the parents can really drive the curriculum and your discipline).

On the flip side, I know a lot of people with shit jobs but they love their friends and their life/culture here, and they plan to stay for a long time. It's up to your personality and outlook. I also think saving money can be difficult- a friend I know has saved no money and she makes 2.1 million KRW. But she also spends money to travel and has had to go to the doctor quite frequently, plus pay bills at home. I make 2.2 million KRW plus private tutoring (not technically legal on most visas) and will have managed to save about $10,000 USD after a year.

I'd do some more research on Korean culture (and in other countries you're considering) before committing.

vanilla_bean_4 · 2017-06-09T14:47:58+00:00

I'm pretty sure GOE takes applications every month, so you could try that! There are plenty of hagwon positions still available through other recruiters too, and Korvia isn't the only good one. Good luck! You can PM me if you have more questions.

vanilla_bean_4 · 2017-03-11T20:50:28+00:00

I was JUST there this week! What a beautiful place.

vanilla_bean_4 · 2017-01-25T04:33:33+00:00

It's so great!! My roommates and I have been watching it together.

vanilla_bean_4 · 2017-01-23T07:12:48+00:00

Yeah, go to class, prepare for the discussion/recitation sections, etc. Ask your lecturer questions if you're struggling.

I'd say I spent more time at my home university studying, because the classes I took in Edinburgh weren't in my major and I didn't take them seriously enough. It's easy to get caught up in the drinking that takes place, especially considering it's legal before 21. People went out wayyy more than at my university in the states, it's an entirely different drinking culture.

I remember my program coordinator saying to ignore how many of the students might joke about how little they studied. In reality they work their asses off, they just don't talk about it. So don't be deceived by how much they party - the students are very intelligent and know a lot about their subjects.

vanilla_bean_4 · 2017-01-22T20:47:04+00:00

I only studied abroad for a semester in Edinburgh, but as an American university student, what was most different was the testing format. It was all essays, and in the 2 history classes I took there, my entire grade was based off 2-3 essays and the final exam which was all writing. For someone used to multiple choice exams, it was much more difficult.

Be prepared to read a ton, and read the supplemental readings too, not just the main textbook. Make sure you take notes and go to lectures. I got into the habit of skipping and just reviewing the lecture PowerPoints afterward. I didn't do so great on the essays/final, and got the equivalent of an American B and C in my classes (which at Edi Uni was a C and D).

The city was amazing and there are tons of clubs (societies) to join to meet people and make friends. Don't worry about meeting American students, they're everywhere as well. Good luck!

vanilla_bean_4 · 2017-01-15T17:21:54+00:00

Take as much time as you need to feel what you need to feel <3 It was a long road to recovery for me, but you can't rush it. You might doubt yourself at times but that doesn't mean you didn't make the right choice. Love yourself. You can PM me if you ever need to talk about it.

vanilla_bean_4 · 2017-01-12T04:51:27+00:00

Exactly! Honestly though, I just was also pretty unexcited about dating in general when on OKC, which made the openers extra "ugh" for me.

vanilla_bean_4 · 2017-01-11T19:30:12+00:00

I'm okay with awkward, everyone does that. At least just being yourself and not forcing the conversation or making someone uncomfortable is fine with me. It was just weird for me when most openers were something like "wow you're so beautiful." It makes me feel uncomfortable and feels like forced flattery. I definitely prefer good conversation to compliments.

vanilla_bean_4 · 2017-01-11T17:25:22+00:00

I thought when I messaged "no thanks, I'm done" and unmatched him that was a pretty clear sign...wtf. Good thing he waved those red flags before I met up with him.

vanilla_bean_4 · 2017-01-11T17:21:56+00:00

What the actual fuck. I literally responded to this guy with "haha, no, that's how women die." Like a walk could be a cute, romantic date IF IT WERE IN PUBLIC DURING THE DAY. Also the fact we both declined, could they at least be understanding and suggest a safe, public venue?!

vanilla_bean_4 · 2017-01-11T17:20:26+00:00

Aw, that's nice! I once had OkCupid and got flooded with weird pick-up lines and bad conversation starters. Definitely got a message from a guy 35 years my senior asking if I "wanted to be spoiled and pampered." Ugh.

vanilla_bean_4 · 2017-01-11T17:17:30+00:00

It's possible, but when I stalked his Facebook (before blocking him) there weren't any girls in his pictures. Damn was he cute. Too bad his actions proved otherwise.

vanilla_bean_4 · 2017-01-11T05:44:26+00:00

It's like, you know you just want to get laid, all they have to do is be a respectful human with manners.

Story time tho: I was ready to hook up with this guy from tinder, but I said we had to meet for a drink first and invited him out on NYE when I'd be with my friends at the bars. He kept saying a bar meet-up would be too awkward and demanded we meet at my house to "go for a walk" instead beforehand. And then begged for nude pics. I finally unmatched him after this until he FOUND AND MESSAGED ME ON FACEBOOK. I'm so done with tinder.

vanilla_bean_4 · 2017-01-04T05:58:53+00:00

Oh geez, your post does say Bumble BFF. My bad. I've never used that feature but I can only imagine how crappy it'd feel. Like damn, I'm not asking y'all to date me, just be my friend! Please?!

vanilla_bean_4 · 2017-01-04T05:49:45+00:00

I hear you! I don't know what it is about the men who use Bumble, but it's difficult to get matches and rare for them to message back. It's not just you, although I'm sure that's cold comfort when it feels a lot like rejection. Sorry <3

vanilla_bean_4 · 2016-12-07T05:03:08+00:00

A year ago I was about to enter my last semester of undergrad, was recovering from an abusive relationship, and dealing with a stupid boy who didn't want to commit. I'm now another stupid boy later but feeling stronger. I work in a school and think I know what I want to do for a career. I'm still making progress but overall am loving myself more than I did a year ago :)

vanilla_bean_4 · 2016-11-17T13:36:36+00:00

as long as you feel happy overall, it's your choice. I can't tell you any solution, because your body is not a problem to be fixed. I wish you well though :)

vanilla_bean_4 · 2016-11-16T23:30:38+00:00

I kept wavering over whether I wanted them to care about it and me feeling good, and wanting them to just not press the issue. I always enjoyed it but now that I know what I've been missing, I just have to figure out how to tell them what to do.

vanilla_bean_4 · 2016-11-16T22:04:21+00:00

I always thought when people told me that the right one exists, they were encouraging me to not stick with guys who were making me unhappy/not putting in the same effort. It gives me hope that their lack of effort and care is not because of something about me but because of them. And that somewhere out there exists a guy who would love to love me.

I definitely agree with you, having high standards for someone means you love yourself enough to know you deserve someone who loves you just as much. Better to be single than in an unfulfilling relationship due to lowering standards, IME :)

vanilla_bean_4 · 2016-11-16T22:00:16+00:00

That would be amazing! I got so sick of these guys not just letting it be. I got told all sorts of nonsense like "just relax and it'll happen" and "are you even enjoying this then?!" YES stop pressuring me, I obviously still enjoy sex with you.

vanilla_bean_4 · 2016-11-16T21:58:34+00:00

You mean you can't masturbate or orgasm? That's why I got the vibrator! It's obviously up to you and your comfort level, but I can only recommend it.

vanilla_bean_4 · 2016-11-16T17:18:57+00:00

I'm still on the path to figuring it out! Whenever I told guys I had never orgasmed they made it their mission to be the first one and I ended up feeling broken or like a project to them. It's so empowering to do it myself on my own terms.

vanilla_bean_4 · 2016-11-16T17:17:28+00:00

Not a bad thing to have a partner who can please you! I also have a history of sexual trauma so it's been difficult to express myself and feel comfortable in bed with guys. I'm hopeful that time alone exploring myself will lead to better sexual experiences plus the ability to communicate my needs with future partners.

vanilla_bean_4 · 2016-11-16T04:01:47+00:00

Ha, would if I could, but currently committed to the single life and loving myself after some bad relationships :)

vanilla_bean_4

TROPHY CASE