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KOREA TESTIMONY

If you would like your own testimony and name added, with or without a pic, please
add your testimony here

• Meet michael mchugh, from the USA, good friend and fellow ESL teacher. The following was submitted by Mike, word for word:

"I have been in Korea for 18 months. I have lived and taught in Busan, on the south east coast of the country the entire time. Like many foreigners I have talked to, my attitude about Korea goes back and forth between attraction and, sometimes, repulsion. It's difficult to know what makes those attitude shifts: just being a foreigner generally, living in the biggest city I've ever lived in, etc. For aspiring ESL teachers, all I can say is, "Come and see for yourself!"

Korea is the safest place I have ever lived. It's nice to leave a bag on the beach and go for a swim without worrying about it. But it's a real joy to see children able to wander about alone or with friends; to see them out at night strolling peacefully through their neighborhoods. I have not had any threats, thefts, disagreements, or any entanglements befall me in Korea. Ok, once a vendor tried to add 50 cents to a bottle of water (I think), and one time a taxi driver forgot to turn on the meter (we figured it out). Perhaps the safety is related to the absence of a drug economy here. There is no absence of alcohol consumption, however.

Korea is a user-friendly country. It is very manageable. Almost all Koreans that I have encountered have spoken basic English at least. Every Korean I have communicated with has understood the universal language of gesture and grunt, and was willing to see that our interaction resolved. Ok, one time a teen standing outside the mall didn't want to give me the time. And sometimes the older generation is reluctant to accept my attempts at speaking Korean. But every time that I have asked for help, I felt like I had made a new friend--one who, perhaps, walked ten blocks or so to make sure that I found the Dentist's office. The Koreans have proved very generous to me. Especially in the mountains. Meet some Koreans in the mountains away from the busy city and see that they are as beautiful inside as their country is outside. Meet them in the city after drinking, and maybe you'll still usually see that generosity beneath loud chatter and spitting.

Food. Fresh vegetables are standard with so many dishes. Unbelievably good prices. Most meals are well-balanced with several fun side dishes. I have not had any digestive issues since coming to Korea. The lack of sugar and additives in most of the restaurants make it ideal for losing weight. Healthy, fun food. I'm still exploring the dishes. My favorite thing about the food is the fresh market near my apartment. Far more interesting that an American grocery store.

Dating. I have had a sporadically successful romantic life since I've been here. There are definitely some cultural differences with this. But a good attitude, a genuine smile, and the willingness to speak slowly and clearly have helped me a lot. Meeting and dating women is just another way that Korea has been a good experience for me. The woman here are quite beautiful.

Work. I came into a good institute, so I have not had any problems. Do your research if you're an aspiring ESL teacher. The hagwon (academy) system is a business, and business is about money. Business people can be greedy, and miscommunication can happen. There are more good employers than bad here. That is, Korea is not a poor, gangster- driven economy. It is a strong modern economy with (perhaps too) hard-working people who do mostly honest business.

But all of what I say comes from a primarily positive experience. If you do come here as an ESL teacher, be prepared should the worst happen. Have enough cash to get out of the country. Other considerations. Korea is a great place to start from to travel throughout Asia. The medical care here is great. And though I don't always care for everything here (the fact that you will definitely be a foreigner, and sometimes feel that acutely), it's a happy peaceful life."

By michael mchugh

• Meet Ian Schofield, from Australia, long time good friend and veteran ESL teacher.

  Ian came to Korea in 2001 and has remained here for most of that time since then. He is now married with a lovely son, Sam and living in a small city not far from Seoul, called Cheonan, South Korea. I want to thank Ian for giving his personal commentary about life teaching ESL in Korea. He is very gracious, extremely funny with a great sense of humor and usually quite positive. The following has been written by Ian as his personal testimony about life in Korea. Of course perhaps many of us coming to Korea will find different aspects, both positive and negative. The following is submitted by Ian:

• “I have lived in Korea for 8 years in total. I first arrived back in April 2001 knowing very little about Korea, not even geographically. They always say first impressions last. When I arrived I had a very good impression of the kindness and gentle nature of Koreans and my opinion today is still the same.



• Korea is an advanced country but it is very relaxed in rules and regulations unlike that of other advanced countries. Korea is a safe country and its people rarely fight and crime appears to be none.




• I can’t believe I have been in Korea so long and have never seen a serious fight. It really is a culture of none violence which to me is a wonderful thing. Violence in Australia often shows its ugly head which I believe is fueled not only by alcohol but by its mainstream acceptance. Violence is often confused with bravery and toughness. So as you can see Korea is a non violent culture which is a big plus for me.




• You can see that no culture or religion is perfect or more correct than another. However, Korean culture suits me more than others such as the pope is more suited to Christianity than Buddhism.




• Some other positive facts about Korea are:




• a) the food is healthy.




• b) the ESL teaching hours are short and thus pay high per working hour.




• c) It’s easy to make friends as most people are here for a fun time, not a long time.




• d) A change in seasons such as hot summers and cold winters although some might not see this as positive.




• e) Low cost of living and you are given plenty of fun vouchers (Korean Won) to help your hedonistic life style.




• f) Centrally located to lots of great countries and cheap airfares are easy to find.




• g) Low taxes.




• The negatives are:




• a) Waiting sometimes for some things done on time such as certain apartment furniture, although if you are patient you will get everything eventually.




• b) The language barrier as many foreigners struggle to gain some command on the Korean language.




• c) Poor maintenance of storm and sewer water drainage.”




By Ian schofield