Teaching English in Korea The following information is provided by the government publication Teaching English in Korea. Dealing with Korean Culture Shock Teach English Abroad Online TEFL course. - £195/$295 Cultural Differences

There are many different types of people teaching English in Korea. Some are professionally trained with degrees in TESOL; some hold postgraduate degrees in other disciplines and are teaching in Korea because they want to experience another culture; some are teaching English while doing other work, such as research; some are teaching English while looking for other jobs; and some are merely passing through.

Most of these people bring their own unique expectations to their jobs, as well as their own individual reactions to the circumstances in which they find themselves. Some expect to be treated professionally and are shocked when they are not. Some expect to make a lot of money but later realize that they are actually earning about the same as a unionized bus driver in Seoul. Some expect to receive a large Western-style house and are disappointed to find themselves living in very modest accommodation. Being aware of cultural differences before you start employment as a teacher in Korea will help you prepare for any disappointments you may encounter.

The Status of Foreigners in Korea

Korean society makes a sharp distinction between an individual's inner circle of family, friends and business colleagues, and outsiders. Members of the inner circle must always be treated with absolute respect and courtesy, while strangers are treated with indifference. Korean society is not egalitarian: a person's status is strictly defined in relation to others. How do foreigners fit into this scheme? The simple answer is they don't.

Most Koreans who travel abroad do so in group tours, which limit their interaction with the foreign environment. Korean society thus remains very inwardly focused.

Living in Korea as a foreigner requires patience and fortitude. Most foreigners have found that Koreans can be quite friendly and warm, but you should not expect to be accepted as a member of a Korean's inner circle.

The Status of Teachers in Korea

Most teachers in Korea, including TESOL teachers, are treated with great respect by their students. However, it is important for teachers to exhibit the personal qualities and behaviour that help to maintain that respect. A foreign teacher who acted disrespectfully would be regarded with great disdain by most Koreans, and would run the risk of getting into serious trouble with both his/her employer and the Korean immigration authorities. In other words, you should always act in a respectful manner and with discretion.

As a foreigner in Korea, you will be very visible: you may find everyone around you watching what you do with great interest. Always remember that Korean society is much more conservative in many ways than North American society; you should try to be sensitive to cultural norms and expectations.

Female Teachers in Korea

Korea is culturally very different from Canada. Working females and, in particular, foreign females are often in a different, and negative, cultural category. Sexual harassment is not the norm, but it does happen and Canadian female teachers should be aware of the situation in making a decision about work in Korea.

Korean Employers

Korean society is extremely hierarchical, like most East Asian societies. In Korea, the boss is the boss. Keep in mind that employees are not expected to question decisions made by their employers or to challenge their authority, especially in the presence of others. You should therefore be careful about how you deal with your employer. When discussing issues that might become difficult, do so in private and make sure that you do not lose your temper, raise your voice or use disrespectful language.

Communications Problems

Neither the language nor the social mores of Korea are very precise. As a result, many things are left unsaid by Koreans but are still understood. Of course, foreigners are often at a loss. It is important that you understand what is expected and required, and that any misunderstanding be resolved immediately. Otherwise, problems may continue to develop.

Please choose from the following sections:

Teach English Abroad Online TEFL course. - £195/$295

Introduction
Types of English Language Schools
Visa Matters
Contracts
Housing
Working Hours
Severence Pay
Income Tax
Medical Insurance
Ticket Home
Cultural Differences
Adapting to Korean Society
How Canadian Government Offices can Help

Canuck Abroad takes no responsibility for the information or accuracy contained in this section and suggest you go to http://www.voyage.gc.ca/main/pubs/Korea-en.asp for the latest information.

Email this page to a friend

Sign up for the CanuckAbroad Newsletter