Feel free to use my "stories" as you deem fit. My e-mail address can be included if you so choose.

Dave Goode
dgoode@su.edu

Someone wrote to warn ESL/EFL job seekers to avoid Korea.

I feel compelled to respond to the recent postings of those who have had negative experiences as ESL/EFL Instructors in Korea. I worked in Seoul from 1992-1996, and although I may be in the minority, I must say that my experience, for the most part was quite positive.

I worked for a hagwon in Chongno from 1992-93 and a very reputable university foreign language institute between 1993-95. I worked as a copy editor from 1995-96, at which time I returned to the U.S.

Although I did experience a certain level of discomfort stemming from my inability to understand what was going on around me during my first year in Korea, I must admit that overall, my four years in Korea was a distinctinctly positve and rewarding experience.

Yes, I did hear of many horror stories regarding pay, housing, harassment, etc., etc. But I can only wonder, whether or not these tales were not partially precipitated by an inability to adapt to and/or respect cultural, professional, ethical, political and moral differences.

I also would like to inquire as to how many of the disgruntled complainants were desperados in search of any position that paid, willing to hurriedly accept the first offer to come along without investigating the prospect. Chasing a pot of gold?

I can, from experience and without hesitation, say that the recent flurry of negative feedback from the Land of the Morning Calm do not represent the majority of those expatriots who have lived and worked in Korea . I would instead suggest that unmet and inflexible expectations have brought forth vindictive, and therefore patently self-serving types, who have no other recourse but to air their dirty laundry to console their injured egos and consciences.

Take reponsibility for your actions and their consequences. Stop whining (dainkon pooreejeemah) and move on. You are not saving the the ESL/EFL community in your search for professional solace and support.

Someone inquired about why the Canadian and U.S. embassies are advising their citizens not to work in Korea.

Anyong hasayo:-)

I'm no longer in Korea at present, but I'm considering returning to accept an offer at either LG or, believe it or not, Andong University.

It might seem a bit cynical, but I imagine that both embassies are more interested in their own bureacratic needs than serving the public interest. In other words, I imagine their doing all they can to reduce their work load.

I left Seoul in December of 1996 and had no problem whatsoever, with Korean males or anyone else for that matter. I suppose it depends on circumstances and the individual. But I can say in all honesty, my worst experience in Korea was at the hands of a non-Korean head of studies who felt morally superior because she was celibate or asexual. She creatively interpreted and selectively enforced certain clauses of the contract all instructors had signed.

My experiences with Korean men, I suppose, was different than yours, because I could be more Korean (obnoxious, threatening, intimidating) than they could if the situation called for such behavior.

At any rate, I really do question the validity of an opinion based on insights gleaned from such a short stay. Six months is not even enough time to overcome the effects of culture shock, let alone become an expert on any given culture.

I was in Korea from April 1992 until December 1996, and am of the opinion that people often bring problems upon themselves (i.e., the unfortunate kneecap injury). Similarly, it is true of human nature that many people attribute all triumphs and achievements to their own hard work and ability, and all failures and disappointments to the unfair scoundrels who populate the world we live in.

I'm glad Japan has been more hospitable to some of my professional peers. To each his/her own. I hope all of my colleagues are able to find a position and location to their liking. I'm also considering accepting a position in Japan as as well. Perhaps we'll have a chance someday to sit down and have a beer to compare experiences and have a few laughs.

Anyong hee kasayo