Why study or work abroad?
As I am an English teacher I can only attest to the rationale in regards to working abroad as opposed to studying abroad. The reason I choose to work abroad was the same as most, in my opinion. The chance to try something new and challenging, to see a different part of the world, and of course to earn money. The obvious hurdle most foreigners face is homesickness only further agitated by the language barrier one faces in a new country. Hence, many of my friends have gone, or will go home, in a 1-2 year period.
What do you think of Korean culture?
In my opinion Korean culture has done an excellent job of maintaining it’s ‘roots’ all the while expanding to meet the needs of a changing world. The traditional Korean foods are similar, if not the same, as they have always been; so I have heard, as I was not here in Korea a long time ago and of course I am not Korean. However, Korea does such an interesting take on Western foods; it is delicious, fresh, and overall healthier. To speak to the social culture; Koreans are extremely considerate to foreigners for the most part and always try to be as helpful as possible; I must say I am astonished by the ‘politeness’ I see every day. The values possessed by Korean people for the most part, seem to me, to be very high and moral. There is not a lot of lying, stealing, or cheating that goes on, to the best of my knowledge. Also, as I high school teacher I am truly shocked at how hard the students work and that there are little to no fights.
For foreigners, why come and study/work in Korea? in SCNU?
Again I can only offer a bit of insight into why a foreign English teacher would come here to work. So the rationale most likely comes down to money and ease of qualification. Korea pays the most out of Asian countries and perhaps more importantly only requires a university degree, as opposed to other countries which require a TESOL/ TEFL certificate or something of the like.
What are your future plans?
This question is a tricky one, the only thing I can tell you is that my future plan is to return home to Canada in April 2012, 2 years away from home in the same place, is enough.
How is/was your experience?
My Korean experience has simply been the best year and 6 months of my life, and will be the best 2 years. I feel the more words I use will only take away from true meaning of ‘best years of my life’.
What can you say to motivate people to go abroad too?
Feel like most people get comfortable and/or really try to achieve careers and stability at such a young age now; then when they are older and are trapped in a career and have families, there is not time to travel and see the world and try new things, so there is regret; not for all, but for some. I would suggest young graduates with student loans confused about how they will get a job, get out of debt, afford a car, afford an apartment, to go abroad and teach or try to work somewhere else. See the world, make some money, get valuable experiences. Honestly, I have changed and grown so much as person thanks to my time abroad, I have really had my eyes and mind opened much bigger than they ever were before.
How did your experience/s change or affect how you think and your personality?
My experience here has definitely helped me become more of a confident public speaker as well as even more outgoing. I was confident before when speaking, but teaching a new language requires a much more developed confidence and skill, I have certainly benefitted from that. Also being here, you are not with your family and friends, so you must ‘really’ be outgoing in order to meet new friends.
What is the most difficult thing for you when you have stayed in Korea?
The most difficult thing would have to be being away from my family. I really grew close to my family in the two years before I left, so I really miss them. Also in my second year I am really missing food from home.
Why did you decide to come to Korea than other countries?
I came to Korea because of the money and the simplicity of qualification to get a teaching job.
Have you ever experienced a racial discrimination?
Yes I have experienced it, a few times. However, most Koreans are so polite, helpful, and considerate to foreigners.
What is the best necessity to be a global talent?
