There are many jobs around the world that are essential to the growth of society. Whether it be doctors, lawyers, police officers, or teachers, society needs these jobs to educate and keep the world moving in a productive manner.
When it comes to teaching, this is especially true because it educates children, promotes their growth, and assists in developing their minds. However, in some parts of the world, this is taken to new levels. It can even at times be considered a positive, but also a negative experience for both the teacher and the student.
Hakwon Teacher in Korea: The Good
When I first decided to come to South Korea, there were a lot of people who gave me so much advice on how to choose the best job in Korea. Whether it be what to look for in a contract, pay rates, vacation, or even days off, the assistance that I received was helpful in preparing for my move to the country. This also while also had me worried because I didnโt know what to expect when I got there.
In my personal experience, I believe that I have been incredibly lucky with the language schools that I have worked at. They have all paid on time and were very clear about what was expected of the teachers and staff while they were employed at the institute. One of the best things that I love about the schools that I have worked for is that they are dedicated to the student and their growth. This is the most important thing about teaching and I believe that if you arenโt accomplishing this then you are not doing your job at all.
Hakwon Teacher in Korea: The Bad
Overall, I have had a positive experience being employed in South Korea, but there were times when working in this environment was challenging. An example of this is the language barrier between you and your co-workers. While generally speaking English is a requirement for most language institutes, there will be times when one might experience problems with miscommunication. Because of this, there will be slight misunderstandings when it comes to work, deadlines, or even cultural things. This can sometimes cause issues so it is important to make sure that your co-workers completely understand what you are trying to convey to them. This way you can have a pleasant working environment.
One other thing that doesnโt bother me, but might bother other people is the inclusion of workplace dinners. This is usually mandatory and is considered a team bonding experience. During this process, there is usually a lot of alcohol consumed, and depending on the person, they might feel pressured to drink more than they should. The important thing to remember is that you should know your limits and donโt be afraid to stop drinking if you believe that you have had too much.
These workplace gatherings were once very common in Korea, but nowadays, they are less common than they used to be. I think most of this is due to the pandemic, but I also believe that it is due to the changing mindsets of the younger generation and the impact that has on workplaces in general.
Hakwon Teacher in Korea: The Miserable
Now, I want to state that just because I have had a positive experience working in Korea, not everyone does. There are many instances where individuals are mistreated, face discrimination, and sometimes unjustly fired for no reason. As lucky as I am to have never faced this, it is something that is still going on in the country. The important thing is that you know your rights, review your contracts, and not be afraid to seek advice if you are facing these problems.
If you are facing any issues like this, you can always check various blacklist websites on Google to assist in choosing the right school. You can also join the legal group for teachers on Facebook for guidance.
Conclusion
Overall, there are many great things about teaching in South Korea. You will learn so much about yourself, other people, and the world around you. I have had the pleasure of meeting so many interesting individuals while being here and I would not trade these experiences for anything. However, there are some who might feel differently than I do, and encourage you to be wary.
My suggestion to you is not to rush in choosing a job, try your best to cooperate and understand the people around you, and most importantly, enjoy yourself. Teaching is fun and you should try your best to live the life you want to live, while also doing your best to enrich the lives of others. If you do this, I will not say that you wonโt face difficulties along the way, but you will have a much better time in this country overall.
