Enjoyed yer vid. I taught in Pusan in 96 and was the exact same way LOL! Except that my students were all HS and up (meaning from 18 to 50). This is now way in your past so I'm wondering how you liked the experience? I loved it - but it was extremely demanding and I basically quit after 6 months. I feel guilty about that now, but there were some departmental "issues". However I still have many gifts that I received from my students and many fond memories.
@lvbandmore My first month or two was physically demanding, went home exhausted. Then I learned to take it easy, no pressure, prepare, and it got better. Your schedule must have been pretty stout, and teaching is not for everyone. Too bad you quit, but glad there were some fond memories.
English names? That's very funny. xD It's cool that they like it, though.
Did you know any Korean when you started teaching? I heard another video say that it's not uncommon that foreigners who work in Korea don't really know any Korean. I find that a little surprising. I can't understand why someone would go to work in another country and not make an effort to learn the language. Even if it's very basic phrases. But especially if you're a language teacher, it almost seems hypocritical.
was the shcool a strict learning envioroment what advice would you give a freshman teacher just getting into the game as i am working in russia at the moment but only as a volenter also whats the genral attiued to lerning diffaculties out there just out of couriousity.
Depends on the school, you have more freedom in a private academy most of the time. But, in general you can do whatever you want with your lessons as long as you accomplish what the school is asking. Sometimes that's just "get through the textbook", and it can be frustrating when it seems nobody cares what the students learn. They just want you to make them happy and get through the book.
@wilson8383ify No co-teacher. I'm the only foreign teacher here. As for other schools, it's always different how your co-teacher interacts with the class. Some of them do mostly everything while you sit back, and others do practically nothing (and in between).
I am also thinking of going to south korea to do the same thing my degree is in film so im hopeing to use this as a possible teaching aid i was wandering how tight the caricurlium is in these schools or can you through in some of your own ideas into the lesson plan.
hi, thank for your video. I'm thinking for teaching in korea... I just finished my TESOL and I'm worried about which school is nice and which is not... do you know any people or schools that you are great? Do you have university degrees? thanks for respond :-)
ps. My first language is French because i'm from Quebec (Canada) do you know if it is hard to find a job when you have an accent?
@Karynecorbeil I have a bachelor's degree and a 50 hour TESOL online. usually koreans want native english speakers without a french accent. but, maybe you can find a job if your english is fluent, otherwise. best of luck!!
@spacitydrummer4JC no co-teacher. i used the internet and youtube to see how it's done and what everyone else is doing. plus, i took a 50-hour online TESOL which taught about lesson planning basics.
@casadejoey A little at first, you're nervous to have the class go well and the kids to respond to you. After you get comfortable with the kids, there's no more anxiety. Takes a few weeks, but that's normal. The hard part is remembering their Korean names!
Hi mate, I'm in the process of applying for a teaching position in South Korea. However, I've heard horrible stories of teachers' encounters with private schools (hagwons) like how badly they've been treated, or where their contracts have not been met. You are in a private school right? How would you comment on this? Would you say private school is still better than public school? Guido
@nx6754 Public school is the safe bet. Hagwans can be great, but there's more risk and your reasons are some of them. Will make a video soon exactly on this topic.
@iamjayyarre no training at all. the outgoing teacher wrote some notes about the classes and handed me the sheet, that's it. but everyone's experience is different, public school jobs have training and orientation.
I might be going to teach in China, i want to go to korea but i only have an associates degree. Have u come across anyone with a 2 year degree teaching???
@naruto753852 Then you're in a kindergarten, so you teach the alphabet and do basic stuff like that. Kids are like sponges, they are adaptable and soak in everything they see so you have a great chance to communicate in different ways to help them learn English. At the elementary level, they know "wrtie your name", etc. They are taught English from kindergarten.
I'm going to be doing this soon and I'm so scared. You seem to be very well-spoken and entertaining, overall great english teacher material. But I get stage fright and I'm not that well-spoken and I have no experience even tutoring kids. I'm so scared but I have to try because my entire family is moving back to Korea. So scared... AHK!! How do you look for open positions??
@phantomwaltz Watch tons of Youtube videos about teaching in the classroom. Learn lots of games and activities you can apply to English speaking. You learn on the job, and you need to have an attitude of trying to better yourself in the proicess of doing a good job and making the kids/school happy. You are not expected to be the worlds best teacher. I can refer you to my recruiter or you can look on the internet at sites such as DavesESLcafe
So your year is almost up. How do you feel about the whole experience? I will probably apply as soon as I graduate this December. I think I will go to a public school though. Looks like you went private.
@Atari3419 My year was up in early May. I resigned for another year. This is something I can do for the rest of my life. I enjoy my life that much. I always need change, don't like routines, and this sort of life can satisfy that need to change it up every few years. I went private only by timing, I took the first job that was there when I was ready. But I ended up with the best job and apartment of anyone I have met in Korea. I got lucky.
@stephenworldwide My mind is made up. I'm doing it. If not next spring then as soon as possible. Did you have a recruiter that you were happy with? Have you heard other english teachers talk about recruiters they would recommend? Thanks.
@DrJohnyHaze okay i will, right away! thanks for the warning. and stupid is spelled with one "i", but i like what you did with the f-word, very creative!
Thank you so much for this. :) I hope not much will change by the time I'm done with school and begin teaching in Korea. :) I'm already super nervous!
@Zeldaaa11 being nervous is totally normal, part of the process. i think 95% of the people who do this enjoy the experience and never regret it, you will likely be one of those.
You have to be friendly and somewhat extroverted. Teaching is a performance art on a minor level, you don't really need talent if you prepare ahead of time. You can learn as you go. I would recom. a job at a small Hagwan (like me) if you're apprehensive at first. The kids are customarily polite to their elders, but they goof off just like all kids. You should have the desire to help kids learn Eng. in a fun way. The rest you'll gain through exp. Co-teachers usually only in public schools
Im considering doing this but a bit apprehensive about what i'l be like as a teacher, as i've never done it before... so im just wondering how you found it? what are the kids like? and do you have korean teachers sitting in with you to help?
hello, i was wondering when you were intorducing yourself and learning about this kids were you talking korean? or english .. or was someone translating for you? thanks fo much :)
@vanessaxmonster English. You are not expected to speak any Korean as a native English teacher. All my students have at least an elementary ability in English, so I have to talk at the level of the class. Some classes I have to speak slow and easy, and some of my classes (14-16 year olds) I can just talk naturally and they understand almost everything.
@stalkingalizee: This is generally not true anymore. There may be many hagwans where the owner or manager works you like a slave, but not mine. I have 5-10 students in my classes and teach 3-4 hours a day. I got paid exactly one month after I started. My boss is super laid back and buys dinner nightly. My situation, from the school to my apartment, could not have been better. Check out my "payday" and "apartment" video and see if you agree.
Nice video! Hey I was wondering if you could let me know your recruiters contact email? It seems like you are working at a private school. That's really cool that you got a good job and that's great to hear. I'm looking to teach in Seoul with a friend. I have quite a bit of tutoring experience and I use to be a juvenile probation officer, so I know about giving the "look" haha to correct their behavior. If you don't me asking what is the salary range where you teach and vacation? Thanks, Eric
@somarriba333 There have been a few "No's". I just named a new student "John", (because Juan is not an English name). Sorry. By the way, my students like your videos! The music ones.
Enjoyed yer vid. I taught in Pusan in 96 and was the exact same way LOL! Except that my students were all HS and up (meaning from 18 to 50). This is now way in your past so I'm wondering how you liked the experience? I loved it - but it was extremely demanding and I basically quit after 6 months. I feel guilty about that now, but there were some departmental "issues". However I still have many gifts that I received from my students and many fond memories.
lvbandmore 4 days ago
@lvbandmore My first month or two was physically demanding, went home exhausted. Then I learned to take it easy, no pressure, prepare, and it got better. Your schedule must have been pretty stout, and teaching is not for everyone. Too bad you quit, but glad there were some fond memories.
stephenworldwide 4 days ago
lol you where a b grade student... and yet they allow you to give students advice and a name! ..... I don't get it
Rongowhakaata 1 week ago
@Rongowhakaata I know, isn't it amazing? But, I grew up to be a real hard worker who cares and is excited about learning and teaching.
stephenworldwide 4 days ago
English names? That's very funny. xD It's cool that they like it, though.
Did you know any Korean when you started teaching? I heard another video say that it's not uncommon that foreigners who work in Korea don't really know any Korean. I find that a little surprising. I can't understand why someone would go to work in another country and not make an effort to learn the language. Even if it's very basic phrases. But especially if you're a language teacher, it almost seems hypocritical.
PiroMunkie 1 week ago
Have you experienced much of a culture shock? And if so what, how did you cope with it?
AmatuersbutGeniuses 1 week ago
was the shcool a strict learning envioroment what advice would you give a freshman teacher just getting into the game as i am working in russia at the moment but only as a volenter also whats the genral attiued to lerning diffaculties out there just out of couriousity.
wilson8383ify 2 weeks ago
Depends on the school, you have more freedom in a private academy most of the time. But, in general you can do whatever you want with your lessons as long as you accomplish what the school is asking. Sometimes that's just "get through the textbook", and it can be frustrating when it seems nobody cares what the students learn. They just want you to make them happy and get through the book.
stephenworldwide 2 weeks ago
Also howe closley do you work with your co teacher
wilson8383ify 2 weeks ago
@wilson8383ify No co-teacher. I'm the only foreign teacher here. As for other schools, it's always different how your co-teacher interacts with the class. Some of them do mostly everything while you sit back, and others do practically nothing (and in between).
stephenworldwide 2 weeks ago
I am also thinking of going to south korea to do the same thing my degree is in film so im hopeing to use this as a possible teaching aid i was wandering how tight the caricurlium is in these schools or can you through in some of your own ideas into the lesson plan.
wilson8383ify 2 weeks ago
hi, thank for your video. I'm thinking for teaching in korea... I just finished my TESOL and I'm worried about which school is nice and which is not... do you know any people or schools that you are great? Do you have university degrees? thanks for respond :-)
ps. My first language is French because i'm from Quebec (Canada) do you know if it is hard to find a job when you have an accent?
Karynecorbeil 3 weeks ago
@Karynecorbeil I have a bachelor's degree and a 50 hour TESOL online. usually koreans want native english speakers without a french accent. but, maybe you can find a job if your english is fluent, otherwise. best of luck!!
stephenworldwide 3 weeks ago
How did you plan for lessons? Did you have a co-teacher help you?
spacitydrummer4JC 3 weeks ago
@spacitydrummer4JC no co-teacher. i used the internet and youtube to see how it's done and what everyone else is doing. plus, i took a 50-hour online TESOL which taught about lesson planning basics.
stephenworldwide 3 weeks ago
How nervous were you when you first taught?
I'm an outgoing person, but I do tend to get some performance anxiety/stage fright.
Did you have this when you started? If so did you get over it quickly?
casadejoey 1 month ago
@casadejoey A little at first, you're nervous to have the class go well and the kids to respond to you. After you get comfortable with the kids, there's no more anxiety. Takes a few weeks, but that's normal. The hard part is remembering their Korean names!
stephenworldwide 3 weeks ago
How old are the kids you teach? I'm think of heading out to South Korea after uni to pay off some loans.
joejoethemonkey85 1 month ago
@joejoethemonkey85 Good plan. You can pay off those loans in double the time with what you can save in Korea. My students range from 8-15 years old.
stephenworldwide 3 weeks ago
Hey, I'm really interested in this and subscribed to you and I'm about to go watch your other videos :) How much Korean do you actually know? :3
CarrotVirus 1 month ago
@CarrotVirus I'm studying but it's very hard, i'm a slow learner but i understand a lot.
stephenworldwide 1 month ago
Hi mate, I'm in the process of applying for a teaching position in South Korea. However, I've heard horrible stories of teachers' encounters with private schools (hagwons) like how badly they've been treated, or where their contracts have not been met. You are in a private school right? How would you comment on this? Would you say private school is still better than public school? Guido
nx6754 1 month ago
@nx6754 Public school is the safe bet. Hagwans can be great, but there's more risk and your reasons are some of them. Will make a video soon exactly on this topic.
stephenworldwide 1 month ago
Nice video, how do you have such good sound?? Macbook?? Good micraphone???
dalglieshandrew1234 2 months ago
@dalglieshandrew1234 just a digital camera and windows 7. i use sony vegas to edit.
stephenworldwide 2 months ago
hey can you please let us know if you given training before your first day
iamjayyarre 2 months ago
@iamjayyarre no training at all. the outgoing teacher wrote some notes about the classes and handed me the sheet, that's it. but everyone's experience is different, public school jobs have training and orientation.
stephenworldwide 2 months ago
You work at a Hagwon?
KLHtattoo 2 months ago
@KLHtattoo Yes I do, still do.
stephenworldwide 2 months ago
Comment removed
Lyvetacus 2 months ago
But nice voice, and distinct pronuciation. He will be nice teacher!
kaisermuto 4 months ago
@kaisermuto Wow thank you!
stephenworldwide 4 months ago
I might be going to teach in China, i want to go to korea but i only have an associates degree. Have u come across anyone with a 2 year degree teaching???
12Oc7ock 6 months ago
@12Oc7ock You need a four year degree to get the visa to work in Korea, I have not seen anything different.
stephenworldwide 5 months ago
What I don't understand is what happens when you say "write your name" and none of then understand? And you aren't able to say it in Korean?
naruto753852 6 months ago
@naruto753852 Then you're in a kindergarten, so you teach the alphabet and do basic stuff like that. Kids are like sponges, they are adaptable and soak in everything they see so you have a great chance to communicate in different ways to help them learn English. At the elementary level, they know "wrtie your name", etc. They are taught English from kindergarten.
stephenworldwide 5 months ago
I'm going to be doing this soon and I'm so scared. You seem to be very well-spoken and entertaining, overall great english teacher material. But I get stage fright and I'm not that well-spoken and I have no experience even tutoring kids. I'm so scared but I have to try because my entire family is moving back to Korea. So scared... AHK!! How do you look for open positions??
phantomwaltz 7 months ago
@phantomwaltz Watch tons of Youtube videos about teaching in the classroom. Learn lots of games and activities you can apply to English speaking. You learn on the job, and you need to have an attitude of trying to better yourself in the proicess of doing a good job and making the kids/school happy. You are not expected to be the worlds best teacher. I can refer you to my recruiter or you can look on the internet at sites such as DavesESLcafe
stephenworldwide 7 months ago
So your year is almost up. How do you feel about the whole experience? I will probably apply as soon as I graduate this December. I think I will go to a public school though. Looks like you went private.
Atari3419 8 months ago
@Atari3419 My year was up in early May. I resigned for another year. This is something I can do for the rest of my life. I enjoy my life that much. I always need change, don't like routines, and this sort of life can satisfy that need to change it up every few years. I went private only by timing, I took the first job that was there when I was ready. But I ended up with the best job and apartment of anyone I have met in Korea. I got lucky.
stephenworldwide 8 months ago
@stephenworldwide My mind is made up. I'm doing it. If not next spring then as soon as possible. Did you have a recruiter that you were happy with? Have you heard other english teachers talk about recruiters they would recommend? Thanks.
Atari3419 8 months ago
respect ma authorita lol..south park
Fhenry 9 months ago
@Fhenry you know it!! big fan here!
stephenworldwide 9 months ago
get the fuk out of korea you stupiid fuker. You may get murdered and buried in the mountain area.
DrJohnyHaze 10 months ago
@DrJohnyHaze okay i will, right away! thanks for the warning. and stupid is spelled with one "i", but i like what you did with the f-word, very creative!
stephenworldwide 9 months ago
@stephenworldwide just saying koreans are barabaric animals who are a backwards nation. so be careful
DrJohnyHaze 9 months ago
@DrJohnyHaze i will be very careful of the barbaric animals!
stephenworldwide 9 months ago
Thank you so much for this. :) I hope not much will change by the time I'm done with school and begin teaching in Korea. :) I'm already super nervous!
Zeldaaa11 1 year ago
@Zeldaaa11 being nervous is totally normal, part of the process. i think 95% of the people who do this enjoy the experience and never regret it, you will likely be one of those.
stephenworldwide 1 year ago
Respect ma authorita!!!!!!!! LOL
billnyethe1742 1 year ago
@billnyethe1742 Thanks! (from one SP fan to the next)
stephenworldwide 1 year ago
You have to be friendly and somewhat extroverted. Teaching is a performance art on a minor level, you don't really need talent if you prepare ahead of time. You can learn as you go. I would recom. a job at a small Hagwan (like me) if you're apprehensive at first. The kids are customarily polite to their elders, but they goof off just like all kids. You should have the desire to help kids learn Eng. in a fun way. The rest you'll gain through exp. Co-teachers usually only in public schools
stephenworldwide 1 year ago
Awesome videos dude... very helpful.
Im considering doing this but a bit apprehensive about what i'l be like as a teacher, as i've never done it before... so im just wondering how you found it? what are the kids like? and do you have korean teachers sitting in with you to help?
cheers bro
punjabsheep 1 year ago
hello, i was wondering when you were intorducing yourself and learning about this kids were you talking korean? or english .. or was someone translating for you? thanks fo much :)
vanessaxmonster 1 year ago
@vanessaxmonster English. You are not expected to speak any Korean as a native English teacher. All my students have at least an elementary ability in English, so I have to talk at the level of the class. Some classes I have to speak slow and easy, and some of my classes (14-16 year olds) I can just talk naturally and they understand almost everything.
stephenworldwide 1 year ago
@stephenworldwide oh okay, thanks so much (Y)
vanessaxmonster 1 year ago
I heard teaching in hogwan was a crappy job. Do you get paid on time?
stalkingalizee 1 year ago
@stalkingalizee: This is generally not true anymore. There may be many hagwans where the owner or manager works you like a slave, but not mine. I have 5-10 students in my classes and teach 3-4 hours a day. I got paid exactly one month after I started. My boss is super laid back and buys dinner nightly. My situation, from the school to my apartment, could not have been better. Check out my "payday" and "apartment" video and see if you agree.
stephenworldwide 1 year ago
Nice video! Hey I was wondering if you could let me know your recruiters contact email? It seems like you are working at a private school. That's really cool that you got a good job and that's great to hear. I'm looking to teach in Seoul with a friend. I have quite a bit of tutoring experience and I use to be a juvenile probation officer, so I know about giving the "look" haha to correct their behavior. If you don't me asking what is the salary range where you teach and vacation? Thanks, Eric
ericr747 1 year ago
Which one did you name "Juan"? Is he the one that said NO!?
somarriba333 1 year ago
@somarriba333 There have been a few "No's". I just named a new student "John", (because Juan is not an English name). Sorry. By the way, my students like your videos! The music ones.
stephenworldwide 1 year ago
Not bad. Last year my classes had 4 students in each one. This year (or rather my current school) has a max class size of 16. Most have about 12.
qiranger 1 year ago
@qiranger I met a couple here from USA who said they have a 40 student class, and work two Saturdays a month. Let's be thankful for what we have!!
stephenworldwide 1 year ago