Tuesday, June 21, 2005

Teaching in Asia



Often left without a clue on what path to take after graduating from collage, teaching in Asia is a widely popular adventure many a native English speaker embark upon. I can personally testify that although it may not teach one the work skills you would want to use in a corporate career, it definitely opens your eyes to a whole new culture (or in some cases, the horrors thereof) and gives you the memories of a lifetime.

Cookiesap has taught English in South Korea and China, where he had a stupendous time. Indeed. One of the best ways for him to maintain the positive recollection; however, was through his ability to "move on." By returning to grad school and commencing on something new, he was not be trapped in the world of ESL and ABCs for the rest of his days.

I would like to hear about your teaching experiences in Asia, whether it was in Japan, Taiwan, Korea, Thailand, or wherever, tell us all about it. I want to hear your take on this popular undertaking. Also - which country is best..and even better, what place should be avoided?

Kamsahamnida!!

6 comments:

Jackie Bolen said...

Where to start...I had a bad experience at an evil hagwon in Korea. That said, I did love the adventure or Asia. I'm thinking about applying for the JET program when I'm done grad school.

I'm a big fan of the decent savings, not too much work and opportunities to travel.

Ever since I left...I think about it everyday and want to go back.

SAP said...

Just wandering: where in Korea were you? For how long were you in Korea?

Jackie Bolen said...

Loved your message about Starbucks on my site! That was awesome.

In korea, I was in Cheonan for a year, went home for a couple months and them came back for a winter camp in Sokcho. I think if I came back it would be to Jeju Island. I went there on vacation and had good times all around

SAP said...

Wandering: In which "do" is Cheonan? Did you learn any korean?
I myself was in Gyungsangnam-Do, didn't learn any Korean. No offense against the Koreans, but I found them too shy to help a foreigner like myself with the langauge. The Chinese seem more accommodating.

Thanks for participating.

Jackie Bolen said...

I think the subliminal messages about Starbucks have already started though and that Seattle is well on the way to captildom.

Cheonan is in Chungnam-do...it's about a 1/2 south of Seoul by bullet train or 1 hour by bus.

I did learn survival korea...how to ask what time the movie is, how to tell a taxi where to go, enough to bargain in markets. I learned Hangeul as well to read bus schedules and order food at restaurants and such. Not many people spoke English in Cheonan so it was a necessity.

Take care, Jackie

Anonymous said...

I've been teaching for eight years to chinese people and in Taiwan. I'm glad to be off this life style now ! That's right: great memories, good and easy money, some unsual free time but at least, it coulb be a track if you still stuck on these nice experiences. Conclusion: use it as more than needed without crossing the deadline !