Living in South Korea for a year

[Dantplayer]

What's the first think you're thinking about as you leave the university scene and graduate?

Get a job!

That's what everyone does. I have a slightly different proposition. Why not get a part time job, but do so in a different country. I was talking with my friend last week and we agreed that after 4 years in any given city, it gets a little old. You feel this impending desire to try something new and discover a new city and culture.

I certainly do, which is why in the fall I'm leaving (good ole Canada) to teach English to South Koreans in Seoul.

This may not be a complete retirement, but since the job is part time (20-28hr/week), you could consider it a part time retirement/job (depending on how you look at it).

Anyone else teach English (or another language) abroad after graduating? What's your experience with this?

[sub8hr]

I did exactly that... well, the going to Korea after graduation part and not the teaching English part anyway. Couple pointers, get a position in Shinchon and or Kangnam if you can. I lived in Shinchon and I loved it. There are two universities nearby, and lots of cheap, fun things to do. Also, make sure it's actually in Seoul and it's not in Bundang or Kyunggido and they're telling you that Seoul is just a stone's throw away. It will be a pain in the butt for you to get anywhere and you will be bored out of your mind.

Another pointer, don't ever, ever, ever let the school hold on to your passport for "safe keeping." I've heard horror stories from those who have. You also probably want to stick with one of the more established schools like YBM or Wall Street. Private "hagwons" are hit or miss (though most often miss it seems).

[DaveCraige.com]

awesome, have a blast!

[bmonsma]

What's the first think you're thinking about as you leave the university scene and graduate?

Get a job!

That's what everyone does. I have a slightly different proposition. Why not get a part time job, but do so in a different country. I was talking with my friend last week and we agreed that after 4 years in any given city, it gets a little old. You feel this impending desire to try something new and discover a new city and culture.

I certainly do, which is why in the fall I'm leaving (good ole Canada) to teach English to South Koreans in Seoul.

This may not be a complete retirement, but since the job is part time (20-28hr/week), you could consider it a part time retirement/job (depending on how you look at it).

Anyone else teach English (or another language) abroad after graduating? What's your experience with this?

Uhh, I just got this twinge of excitement reading your post...

I LIVE IN DAEGU, SOUTH KOREA TEACHING ENGLISH AND I'M WORKING ON A MUSE BACK HOME AS WE SPEAK. Too bad you're not already here. I'm leaving in August.

I'll help you anyway I can with friends, contacts, advice, etc. Come earlier if you can, or don't come at all. If you're type-A enough to start up a biz, you're probably going to find teaching as horrid and boring as I do. The plus side is you get lots of free time AT your school that I use for my business purposes. But I hate sitting still.

Happily, other opportunities arise and I've grabbed several to liven things up a bit here. You'll find them, too, no doubt. And do follow the first person to reply's words of caution. He/she is dead on (except hogwan is spelled like that ha ha), and stick to a better known university or private school (hogwan) if you can. I'm in a public and HATE life when I'm there. Make sure your apartment isn't a crap hole like mine is and try to get something with a view. Seoul is the best place to go, Busan would be my next choice. Daegu is alright. I'm beginning to like it now. Also bring things that remind you of home, your sanity could waver.

Best of Luck!:p

Brandi

[sub8hr]

He/she is dead on (except hogwan is spelled like that ha ha)

I don't know what crack you are smoking, "hagwon" is correct. =) A small minority misspells it as "hogwan," but that is clearly wrong if you know the Korean word.

[holterbarbour]

I did 학원 gigs for 4 years+ (let's just use 한글 so as to avoid confusion over transliterations) and had some wonderful experiences. I lived in the thick of things in Seoul, and then in a small town outside of Busan called Jangyu (part of greater Gimhae City).

Currently, I'm working as legal consultant for one of the largest conglomerates in Korea (you have three guesses), so I'm the 1 in 50 foreigners who is not military, English teacher, or factory laborer.

Korea can be incredibly polarizing for westerners teaching at 학원-- many complain to the extent you expect them to burst a blood vessel, but most will treasure their experience and come back for more. I admit that I was one of the complainers--but I learned to shut out the noise of the complainers and look past the reasons for complaint.

It would be next to impossible to free myself from the workplace per Tim's suggestions (the work culture simply does not allow that kind of outside-the-box thinking), but when my teacher friends tell me about their lifestyle, I just love hearing about their freedoms. Of course, I have a wife, 11 month old, and another one on the way in a few months, so it's very hard to just pick up everything for a 4 month jaunt to Buenos Aires.

But for a first gig out of college? Oh yeah, I definitely recommend it. Just save your money to pay off student loans or scuba in Thailand or something, and don't blow it all on booze and nightclubs like some people do (you know who you are). It's a great lifestyle and good money in a cool place offering a unique experience in exchange for relatively little work. Do it.

[holterbarbour]

To the OP: 20-28 hours is most definitely NOT a part time gig. Those are almost certainly CLASSROOM hours, not including prep time and off periods. You may not exceed 40 hours per week, but you'll be closer to 40 hours at work than 20.

[bmonsma]

I don't know what crack you are smoking, "hagwon" is correct. =) A small minority misspells it as "hogwan," but that is clearly wrong if you know the Korean word.
When it becomes a pressing matter in my life, I'll find out the correct spelling. Thanks for your input, however.