Keep Your Bonus Money

You all know how Tuesdays go at YCE. I was sooooo annoyed today and slightly pleased. School will be finished  so soon! Another semester will start. After all the crappy times at this school, I am ready to tell my main school, "You know what? Money isn't everything. I don't need a bonus check and YCE can do bad all by itself. I don't need to go over ever week. In the meantime, how about I just step it up at your school?"

My wallet would cry and my credit card debt would laugh, but I don't care. Happiness is so much more important than working at a place that makes you crazy. If I have the same co-teacher, I can't do it. However, if the co-teacher changes, I may be willing to test the waters. In that case, it would be the as if I went to a new school altogether.


On a positive note, in Chinese class today we were supposed to present a movie idea. I listened to my peers but honestly, they hadn't done their homework. Not much thought put in and soooo many pauses as they tried to think of stuff to say. Come on Korea! You guys are paying for this class! Anywho, I was sooooo happy for my turn. I explained the concept and everyone kept asking questions I'd yet to think about. I'm gonna take that as a sign that I need to write that book. Although, if it's anything like this blog, don't expect it for a while. :(

By the way, I really really really really (keep it going) want 소지섭 So Jisub to be the main character if the book ever becomes a movie, but that means I need to hurry before he retires. He would definitely be able to make you feel the way I, the writer, want you to feel!!!! And that would involve noooooo marital feelings. That's just for me.(How embarrassing to say that out loud write it on the world wide web but he really makes me happy!)

I am really sorry for not updating in time on time.

Angry Enough To Vomit

I went to the English service at Nambu Church for the 11 am service. I go late most of the time because I prefer my own praise and worship style. I try to focus on the lesson and think about how to apply it to my life. Many people are happy to see me and whisper how much they would love it if I attended every service and on time. After service we eat lunch together and I chat with the different members.

Unfortunately, I'm thinking "I am not really comfortable with you and not sure I enjoy chatting with you each Sunday as if we are friends." My definition of friend isn't so light. I accompany my Chinese teacher that comes to church to practice English, to Gangnam Joongang Church. They don't have any English services, but at 2pm there is an abundance of young Koreans and we try to listen to the sermon as much as we can. We have downloaded bibles to our phones that have dual language capabilities, but as we all know, in church you aren't reading the whole time.

We finish the service and head down to the church cafe like always. We sit in a group consisting of us two, a 2nd Chinese teacher that joins us for this church's service, a Korean guy that apparently loves languages, the pastor's wife and the pastor. The chit chat is fairly minimal but the pastor and his wife express that they'd love to see me at more services. They are very friendly people and I enjoy them being there, but we can't quite communicate, because I don't really have much to say in Korean...to them. I'd prefer to discuss the sermon of the day or life battles and my personal bible study time but that just isn't my level of Korean...speaking anyway.

The pastor then calls some random kid over around my age and tells them to talk to me since their English is good, as they are students that study in Australia, the U.S., etc. We talk a bit about what they're studying and they welcome me and ask about my hometown, etc and then leave.

Today is when I couldn't lie to myself any longer.
1. I do not enjoy chit chatting with people that have no intention of doing so in the first place. If we don't talk outside of church, I don't consider you a friend that I need to commit to a schedule of being available for each service to chat about non-service things.

2. I do not enjoy people seeing me in church for the past couple of months, not greeting me and explaining that they live/study in my home country. I know many will want to bash me for that line but here's the thing. Korea is a "I'm sorry I don't speak English so I won't talk to you" culture. It's also a don't-introduce-yourself-wait-until-you-have-mutual-friends culture. On top of that, it's a don't-acknowledge-that-person's-presence-until-an-introduction culture. (Not as in they are rude to foreigners, as in this is seen as rude and strange in their culture.)

3. I don't have any friends in my city. After my one left to finish her MA, good luck, I have no one. The Koreans I salsa with here seem determined to ignore my interest no matter how much Korean I speak to them. Then again, they are in their 30's and possibly can't be bothered. My Chinese teachers work at night and on Saturdays, so we don't have much time to hang out. They are awesome people and my age, but our schedules don't fit. The foreigners here are so against brown skin that I can't attend all the parties they have and such.

Overall, I'm not liking my thinking about staying on for a second contracted year. Maybe by being honest with myself I can pull through. Afterall, I'm not lying to myself about enjoying my schools 90% of the time. My soon to graduate 9th graders included. ^^ Good luck babies~~!

Dealing with After School Classes

I run a special English after school class that doesn't have any cool name at all. It's just called English Conversation After school class. These classes are actually clubs and, unfortunately if you work in the countryside, it's highly likely that the kids were placed in your club as a result of not being able to decide what to do.
You will most likely be running the entire 45min/class yourself. (Middle school)

I only had about 12 students this time and 10 for the first semester. I've had 2 students sign up voluntarily each time for this club. One decided my club would be movies and games all the time and signed up before anyone asked what club he'd want to join. Two others were forced coerced in because English is their best subject. One joined because he enjoyed my last winter camp.

That's just random fact, but it give you a bit of background about the students that you may end up with too. I am not the one to be showing movies that I haven't pre-screened and playing a bunch of random games that I don't make a lesson out of. So, there have been quite a few days that I felt like an English club in the countryside just isn't worth it.

"Game game! we want a game!" Well you know what? My kind of games that enrich English learning include, Clue, Guess Who, Where's Waldo, Scattergories, Pictionary, etc. Do you see where I'm going? The crappy part is that most of the students are not good enough at using adjectives, describing situations or vocabulary. 0.0  Yea, I know.

Well, of course many of the students complained about not playing games. We did play but they were just bad in the beginning so I stopped it. We ended up doing a bunch of drills and learning cultural things instead. After they got the hang of making more sentences and describing things we did play games again. We also played Life and Monopoly because I love those games. 

One student, the third grader, that volunteered for my club, tried hard to not pay attention and get the other students to follow in his footsteps. I know about some of his family problems and academic problems so for weeks I tried to reason with him and get him on track and give him extra, then none then some attention, but then I realized something. I am not like the people on those forums complaining that they can't get students in line due to cultural differences. I was raised in a different kind of household. 

The whole 형 system won't be working with me. I am the  and that means my word should be final. From that point on I decided to punish any kid that listened to 형 after my distinct orders. If I said be quiet, sit down and get ready, 형 would tell them to engage in conversation with him and move to sit by him. I made them write lines, etc. Soon, only one boy would listen to 형 and I decided that he could be ignored along with 형(whom I'd just started ignoring). That kid isn't as strong as 형 and ended up begging to be left alone so that he could just follow my rules.

Unfortunately 형 and I could not get on the same page and he had to leave my club for good. Actually, this decision was made by my coT because she felt there were too many misunderstandings. Kids will be kids and interpret what they want if it gives them a certain outcome. I wrote this entry so that people know something. Children must have some sort of order and discipline. This goes across all cultures and languages. Letting them be disrespectful or disruptive with no consequences makes them win each time and soon no student will be on your field.



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Will make a relationship blog soon.

Summer Vacation~~~

That's right! I went to Japan for 7 whole days. And not a word from you! Seven whole nights-ah. (ok I'm done.)

I have a friend teaching English in Japan so I decided to visit her first, as she is my best friend. Living no where near Osaka; my final destination. We went to a castle and tried to be fierce Japanese empresses in the beautiful Kimono that they dressed us in. We ate at different places at random times of day and even "splurged" on some waffles and such. We did Karaoke even though most places charged a half hourly charge on top of a drink charge. And best of all, we just relaxed. No work and all play. I even brought work...and didn't do it :)  (Believe me, my mom would be proud.)

Then I left the bestie to join a friend that's teaching in Suncheon as well. We were to meet up in Osaka for the weekend. Sadly, the Japanese must not care for free wifi because not only did we both NOT want to pay roaming charges and call each other, we also both COULD NOT use our wi-fi/4g services to contact each other. It was slightly depressing but we did found each other within 3hrs and swiftly headed off for an expensive night of Okonomiyaki, bar hopping and clubbing~~. 

Actually the clubbing was not easy to judge, which made us decide on just bar hopping first. Then a simple wave of the hand brought over 2 guys that should have known better (out of our age range) to "help" us drink more and "help" us find a club. I speak Japanese but I have never had to turn down any from jump. (Love for Japanese men) So eventually, meaning I did try but failed, I just told them they could sit with us. We had a sparse discussion as my friend and I weren't feeling them and she doesn't speak Japanese and they didn't really speak English. Anyone know what to do in that situation? *Looking for hands*

In the end, we met a group of girls at the club that were mad cool. One asked me if we were feeling those guys and I said no. So when we let her know we were leaving, two of them came out with us and told the dudes to just go home. It was a bit meaner than that and possibly embarrassing for them, but hey, I tried to say no from jump!

We spent the night in a gracious capsule hotel in the heart of the busy city. I felt great because as a long term studier of Japanese, it was comforting knowing that I'd finally made it to the country. Even if it was only to vacation. 

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The next day we ventured hard! Shopping districts galore, finding our hotel,  figuring out the subways and of course being fatty patties. Japanese food is quite delicious and a great change from the blandness of Kfood. I also don't eat a bunch of raw meats/fish but I made out ok in Japan~~

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Of course we also toured Osaka castle, the RAMEN MUSEUM!! and more shopping districts. I honestly love the way people dress in casual wear out there. I plan to make a trip back soon 0.0 and return broke as a joke. I also want to mention that going salsa dancing at CELL in Osaka was much needed and appreciated. It was different from Korean style and I learned new things. What? You didn't know I started up salsa again? What have I been blogging about?! T.T until next time.

[P.S. Most contracts at Korean public schools give you about a week of summer vacation (7dys). I took mine all at once but realized a mistake I made. This year we have a few Red Days that I could have planned next to my vacay days, thus extending my paid vacation. Alas, my dear mind was full of GTFO of Korea and GTFI to Japan and reignite that Japanese learning passion! I did. Now I'm passing the time with lesson planning and Expo hopping.]



Most of you know this post was way late. I didn't realize I never pushed publish...sorry.

What I NEED Korea to STOP Doing to Me in Particular

Crystal Kay

Amerie

Insooni

#1 thing to shock me and cause me to pray: walking into my elem 1 school on the first day. Staff turns and says"...umm are you looking for your child?"

Wow madam. No blasians are running around this school right?

#2 thing that made me feel like the wind: old lady comes up and says "oh woooow are you a woman? *gropes me then says* "Oh you are a womaaan~~ you're so pretty and black!" *while petting me*

#3 thing to appall me: the same woman says "Do you have a man? *making a sign for male in Korean* "No? You need one to have babies!" 

0.0 (Let it be known that she asked the pharmacist for medicine to help me...concieve T.T I'm guessing that, but she asked for something "good for women". It's possible that I watch too many dramas.)

#4 thing to just make life awkward: co-teacher finds that I have no boyfriend in 7months yet. "Why not? I asked all the students for their brothers too! No good men in Suncheon? How old are you? Yea~~ you need to start looking~~!"

#5 thing to sadden me to no remedy: old man comes to sit at my lonely table in the middle of a half packed food court. "You live in Korea now? That's great! Did you marry a Korean?" T.T (Why is this sad? Because I wanted to say "If you're willing to let me marry {insert male celebrity} then by all means I will!!"

Junki Lee

Jisub So

Yuchun Park

Open Classssss!! #1

So some of you have heard of the infamous Open Class in Korea. This is when a few teachers, possibly parents and the vice principal or big (wo)man themselves come in and watch you teach. (With a video camera.)

It was teacher parent conference week at my middle school and i was told that every teacher must do an open class for parents at least once a year. Then they do one catered to other teachers twice a year. (This may be a new rule.)

I had to do one at one of my elems. (The good one.) My co-teacher was convinced that our 4th grade class of only 9 students would be the best to show off so I just went with it. We'd already argued so I didn't want another one.

I have been told repeatedly since the beginning of the school year that the VP hates NSETs and he wishes Korea would get rid of all of them. I've also heard plenty on the NSET that ran before me.

He came into my open class looking utterly distasteful. He sat at the back and began to read his pamphlet. I decided not to change anything that I normally do, but my co-teacher had already warned the kids. When I asked how they were (4th grade) they didn't do the normal "I'm hungry! I'm angry! Because English!!" but they did answer so that was good.

During the chant I didn't use the CD and just made up actions for them to do and they did it, slightly less enthusiastically, but they laughed.

Then I showed the crappy Story Time once and asked, "What happened? What did you hear?" The VP gave his disapproving look because he's told me before that the kids are low level and need to stick to the book. (He should have watched that class before that lecture. ugh) Anywho, to his surprise, all but one hand went up desperately wanting me to call them. They explained what they saw and heard beautifully. They also knew the moral of the story. He smiled in my class and was impressed by my students.

Then I teamed them up and had them present it. They were a little more comfy and acted with enthusiasm. Even my girl without her friend.

I apparently changed the mind of this school's VP. I tell you this because I just got a text saying he thinks I'm the best NSET ever~~!

I like kids. I feel like I have more energy than them, so that's probably why. MY kids are NOT low level. They are learning.

Serious Gap From Elementary to Middle School

I came into this job working only at the middle school for one month straight. I had sensed that my 3rd graders (9th grade) were ok, but should have been better. 2nd graders (8th grade) were totally slackin' but possibly just shy. My 1st graders (7th grade) were on the ball. Not necessarily in knowing more vocab, but definitely in listening and trying to formulate sentences.

Fast forward. I finally have started my real schedule of going to the 2 elementary schools in the week. These kids are pretty much rockin' it. They have more enthusiasm too. They stick to simple sentences, but they are making sure to get them down packed! 

Of course since it's technically the new school year now, everyone's moved up a grade. I'll never see those wavering 9th graders again, but the 8th graders still suck and have kids in the class that totally disrupt anyone trying to learn. I will be making a seating chart for use starting next class. The 7th graders are just improving their butts off! lol We even joke in their class. Not all are good enough to understand the jokes, but I can feel it coming in due time.

So why did I make this post?

Because it seems to me like (at least in this area) Korea has lost a generation. Why are their 8th and 9th graders even moving up in the world? How? They don't know any of their subject well!! This was confirmed by my co-teacher today when I told her I was worried for the kids' futures. She just reluctantly replied that all of the teachers are! They have been doing poorly in ALL SUBJECTS! I don't understand.


Apparently no one showed those kids how hard life will be without wisdom and knowledge. No one has mentioned the differences between them and their juniors. The juniors will definitely be the ones to carry Korea on in the future, but first Korea will suffer the consequences of the mistakes made by the current 15-18yr olds. Now luckily for us in America seniority is not everything. Age is but a number in the case of choosing the better person for the job. Hence I feel like our students at least try their best and don't completely hold back other students from doing well. They accept that the better people will end up as their bosses.


Korea on the other hand seems to accept the even if the older person is wrong, they are still older and should have first pick. 0.0 I'm hoping I'm wrong, but this is what I've learned from word of mouth and books. Of course since times change, it's possible that they are working on a plan right now to try and circumvent that Confucian philosophy.

NETs of the Past

What is an NET? Native English Teacher. When you sign up to be one and you set your sites on a country, what are you really signing up for? 

• A way to make bank!
• An easier place to live that allows for great travel and stories!!
• Just a good kick back so I don't have to pay rent.
• A chance to marry a submissive Asian wife.
• A chance to marry a way more family oriented and caring Asian husband.
• I don't know yet...

Ummm wrong! You are signing up to be a TEACHER you punk! That means helping in some way to brighten the long hallway leading to many children's future. Do you disagree? Then you suck. Seriously. I love all of the benefits that come with being an overseas teacher. Those should be a plus for a job that you know you can do. If you were money hungry or lost in life and just up and decided to come to these countries to "figure out who you are", then don't bother.

1. I came to Korea because the benefit package matched just what I needed. BUT! 
2. I knew that I like working around children. Preferably ages 3-14. 
3. I knew that I like helping others. I've tutored in school since middle school. I used to play "School" as a game when I was babysitting my younger siblings and other rugrats. 
4. I knew that I prefer to control what I'm doing in MY job. I liked working in the service industry but if I'm not a manager then I'm left thinking of what I would have invoked, done differently or what is better for the company as a whole. So being an underling just doesn't fit with me.

Okay... -_- Why did you write about this?


Well, my co-teacher at elem2 and I were talking and she had told the students that we would be giving out a lot of homework. Korean students do NOT get homework (most commonly). When it is assigned they DON'T do it (commonly) and the baffled Korean teacher accepts that...(commonly). I tell you public school is very peculiar. Anywho the kids were like 0.0 "We don't get homework!" to which she responded "You do now. No crying about it either." I stifled a laugh each period.


Now about the accusations. As she was telling me the above she mentioned how great she thought I was. I was confused (momentarily) because I'm just doing what teachers do. Lesson planning, assignment making, home work/ project brainstorming, etc. I know of some slackish NETs and I wish they'd get replaced already. I told her that and she said, "Yeah, it's too bad. The principal, vice principal and a few teachers here hate NETs. The guy before you just left after 9mos. Disappeared. They called his home country one day and he answered the phone saying yes he was home."
The former Korean co-teacher that I met also had stories on him. "He came in and would sit down at the desk for each class...for the whole class. He didn't do any planning really. He usually didn't want to talk. He didn't even want to give out candy. I made him repeat after the recordings a lot because of that."


Moving on to a different teacher from the year before, my co-teacher says,"The principal had to ask him countless times not to smoke in the classroom! He looooved smoking so much and just smoked anywhere."


Another guy from a previous year, "He didn't want to eat anything at lunch. He just came in and had a coke...he was fat too." -__-


I don't think the fat part bothered them so much as the NOT socializing at all part. Possibly the not eating and yet staying fat part too.

Elementary One Week (Version 1)

I kind of like this whole two different school types gig. Middle school and Elementary school both should start around 9am, but Elementary actually lags to about 9:20am. Not sure how but it gives me a feeling of refreshedness in the morning.

Anywho, I went in and thought and found the cabinet with flip-flops and switched a pair with my boots. I'm actually getting annoyed of taking off my boots all the time and putting them back on, but you just can't wear outside shoes inside. My feet were getting cold in the sandals though :(

The vice principle came in the same time that I did and she asked what I was there for. I wasn't sure if I'd remembered her from the last time I'd been there (2months ago). I didn't think I understood her question so I just said, "Chonen yung oh sungsangnim imnida." and she said, "oh wah so?" and motioned for me to follow her. [I'm the Eng. teacher, -Oh you're here?]

**Pause!** I don't know how some people go to another country and actually don't understand the language enough for polite conversation. I had planned to feign ignorance to everything, but that went out the window the first time I went there because one teacher asked if I was looking for my child! 0.0 Is there a child that resembles a black person here? Do you think I've adopted a child and just came to school to check up on him? NO MA'AM! No kids from this youngin'!**Resume**

When we got to the office it occurred to me that she was the VP. One of my co-teachers was in there going over plans with another teacher. The VP had apparently forgotten that I was going to be teaching at their school long-term because she immediately started talking to my co-teacher about me. Asking about how often I'd visit and such. The principal came in and we all greeted him. I would like to take the time now to let you in on a cultural tidbit. You want to stand and greet superiors. I was taught this in 5th grade, but over the years I stopped doing it because no one else did and I started feeling too ... much like others thought I thought I was better than them. I won't lie, I feel better than others when I seem better home trained.

We went off to teach the first class. I was expecting and hoping to play games with the 3rd and 4th graders, but my co-teacher had planned for them to go over their lessons. It's funny because yesterday my FB group and I were talking about who would just show movies and who would actually teach. There were sooooo many people that were saying the kids need a break so show a movie or just play games, but honestly for middle school I wanted only to engage in lesson learning. Middle school was done with the book, but I was going to have them do that good old "During my vacation I...." speech :D   I expect to push and get results. I come off a bit too abrasive and bothersome and complex, but I still push even when disagreeing with myself.

My advice...or explanation for those just reading to enjoy my life (*chuckle*)... is that you have a few options about what to do depending on your work situation. My co-teachers seem to have the 'they might as well learn something' attitude. They range within themselves when it comes to who actually teaches a full lesson and who just lets the kids review. Other schools have co-teachers that force you to play a movie. Other schools let you tell them what you'd like to do and might go along with it implementing only minor changes. (Or so my FB group has experienced.)

My coteach and I discussed a few things during the break today. She is very passionate about English and teaching it to students. She aspires to improve her already impressive English and have students, preferably high school, that excel in a way that will make her proud and feel that her effort is worth it.

Now some of you are saying, those other cats were right. Asian kids are in school 20/24/7 and need a good break. They have so much stress and high suicide rates!! I don't deny that the students spend a lot of time in school/classes physically or that the suicide rates are high. My problem lies in the amount of truth to the facts. I have had more than a couple (meaning just 2) Korean friends in my lifetime. I've met them throughout high school and college years in significant numbers. I've befriended a good group of native Korean friends at each stage. I say native because they were studying abroad in the states. Two of them from college have become long term friends.

Why are you telling me this? Because. According to them we muddle the numbers of the students actually studying and trying hard to pass those tests in that 20hrs worth of school. They've told me that it's not that serious. Like a lot of parents, theirs didn't want them to fail and so did carry out punishments at appropriate times, but the majority of the kids are not trying to come out with a 300% in all of their classes. They aren't losing sleep and upsetting their eating habits over school work. They are just being kids. They sleep in class not because they are worn out from class work, but because they are worn out from the physical hours put into class.

In fact I've seen with my own eyes students staying after school to "do their homework" or stick around "in case they need help" only to find them watching kpop mvs, playing video games, and outright socializing with each other. This was 2 hours after school had completely ended! No extra after school program, or volunteer activity, or anything.

I'm writing all of this to encourage one thing. Pay attention to your students. Some of them will go to a hagwon for English among other things, and still not be able to say or spell, "Yesterday I went to the market with my family." -_- Others will beg you in improving English not to give them anymore work and to just let them play a game. They will also talk to you as much as possible. Then you will have those that don't speak due to shyness but can write up a paper like no body's business! With understandable mistakes of course. (Misuse of an article here and there, incorrect conjugation of some adverbs, etc.)

So do what you think is best for your class. My classes need to be pushed this year. So shoving, I will do!  *laughing to self and doing a Hwaiting~~! pose.*

One Week of School!!

I know it's been a while but I like to investigate a new country for a bit myself and then post about the place. I feel more informed now and school has temporarily restarted so, I will too!

Let's start back at the end of my English camp. I was told that I'd have to come to school 2 days before it started because that's how my vacation mapped out (26dys only). So I was at school on Thursday and Friday last week "preparing". It's in quotes because apparently other visiting teachers do other things. (Not judging.)

I prepared vocab lists and homework because the students have a hard time with spelling and I feel having the workbook answers in the back hinders their learning. I did waste a lot of Thursday but Friday I made it count.
Went to Seoul on the weekend and was ready for school Monday! Well, kind of. You see I wasn't told anything about how this new year transition works. So let me explain now that I'm more informed.

In korea the schools do a winter break in December/January (depending on where it is. Ask.) And come back for a week of classes in February. A lot of teachers let them watch movies or play but it's ok to teach too. Just remember that by this point they should have finished their textbook.

After this week you will have to come to school for another 2 weeks for planning. Allegedly everyone will be mapping out the new school year and making the schedule. At my school, the teachers will take a 3day 2night trip. I'm invited. Then I have to attend a training workshop for 7dys.

And finally but sadly, the first day of school will be on Friday (result of a federal holiday) the 2nd of March. So we'll see how that goes.
****Wait. Why are you guys going on a trip during planning week? Oh, the school board had given our school a lot of money and it must be spent. Of course we're not allowed to buy school supplies though...

Sometimes we play volleyball together.

This was lunch today. The top right was a type of octopus kimchi. The middle was chicken and noodles. The soup is a popular veggie soup.

This was dinner because our principal's daughter got married. :)  He was very excited. He's about 60yrs old.


It's because of the wedding and joy of the principle that we are obliged to stay after on a Monday and play volleyball and eat dinner. (Not really complainin' since I had no plans...)

A Few Rules for Korean Schools

I work in the public school system. Since a lot of people here are really causing me to doubt their judgments I will just post my own personal thoughts :p

Afterall, this is my blog about my experience. So lets get started.

1.  You should have a co-teacher. This is the person that is dedicated to your well-being (provided you are on good terms). They will be helping you settle into your new home and getting properly documented. Sometimes you teach classes with them, sometimes you don't. This person is usually in charge of the English department of school so they will have a lot on their plate in the case of students. Sometimes they will have to prepare all of the exams, grade them, stay afterschool for homework help until..., etc. Please bear with them.

2.  You probably will start class late because time is not as big an issue as in the states (American here so just ignore this if you're from somewhere else). This does not, however, mean to make your own time schedule. In my personal experience classes are started only 3-5min late.

3.  There are a lot of last minute changes, but so far changes are being done by the time I get to school. So you should check the school's message board (board in the front of the teacher's office) as soon as you get in to make sure your first class is still your first class.

4.  Your school's books are pretty much the same across the country. Whether you will only be allowed to rely on that or not is totally up to your co-workers and how your relationship and understanding is.

5.  You will probably have at least one more Korean English teacher that you will do classes with. You will be the only foreign teacher though.

6.  It is possible that you will have a desk right with everyone else in the teacher's office. I have heard of some people that have their own "office" but I definitely like being around everyone else better.

7.  It is expected that you will eat the school lunch in the cafeteria with everyone else. I eat there with the other teachers and have been informed that it will come out of my paycheck each month. If you bring your lunch you will have to use a "common room". There is also probably a bed in there for when you need a nap lol  Anywho, please use the common room when eating something not provided by the school. They are not trying to alienate you because every teacher has to do it. Some people think this is stupid, but I don't really see a problem with it. Rather than letting everyone see me and start rumors that I think I'm too good for the school's ____, I would just eat in that room.

8.  Some ridiculous bums have decided to just give out prizes like crazy in their classes so the children are expecting it from you. I personally don't give prizes. I might if a holiday is coming or if it's the end of a section and certain kids were on the ball the whole time, but I'm not a sweet teacher. Sorry.