My First Day - Teaching English in Korea

Talking about my first day teaching at a Korean private language institute.

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[lvbandmore]

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.

[stephenworldwide]

@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.

[Rongowhakaata]

lol you where a b grade student... and yet they allow you to give students advice and a name! ..... I don't get it

[stephenworldwide]

@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.

[wilson8383ify]

Also howe closley do you work with your co teacher

[stephenworldwide]

@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).

[PiroMunkie]

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.

[AmatuersbutGeniuses]

Have you experienced much of a culture shock? And if so what, how did you cope with it?

[wilson8383ify]

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.

[stephenworldwide]

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.