I would be lying if I said my experience at KIS was perfect but I would also be lying if I said I did not benefit from working there. I am well paid teacher at an international school in Hong Kong and own a little business in HK just for kicks and fun. My salary is 6 times more than what I was making at KIS but my experience at KIS is what gave me the opportunity to succeed in Asia. I learned my trade at KIS and for that I am forever grateful.

I am an American and yes I do feel there is much anti-American sentiment from the ESL teachers from other countries. That comes with the territory of being an American which some people may see us as the world dictator or maybe a little jealous of the special treatment we get from the locals. Of course I am biased. My friends from other nations will all say the same thing about themselves and their countries. We argue and have a good laugh about it afterwards.

Christina mentioned Canadians and Australians as being goons more or less. I have met my fair share of scary people from Canada & Australia and perhaps worked with a few...but I have also met some of my best friends from Canada and Australia...and Italy, the Philippines, the UK, Korea and China as well. I am sure there are a number of bad Americans, New Zealanders, Brits and various other types of Westerners in Shenzhen too. I think people from Australia and Canada have a longer history of working in Shenzhen which is why there are more people from those countries there. KIS was under one principal from Australia in 2007 who I thought did a good job and had a natural ability with teaching kids. He left for greener pastures somewhere else. Then we had another principal in 2008 from Canada. He was a young guy but very motivated with a lot of great ideas. What I think about them personally is irrelevant as long as they did their job well, that is all that should matter. But I could care less if someone is gay or straight. I am not a bigot. Anyway, now KIS has a new principal from Canada who is doing a fantastic job.

I am proud to say that I am still associated with KIS. I have been associated with KIS from 2007 to present. I am no longer on permanent staff at KIS obviously but I like to help out the school on my free time. Being a NET in HK of course has shortened my free time but I do the best I can.

What some of the Western staff fail to recognize is that Korean International School is a family business. Most of the people with a stake in the school are related in some way through blood or marriage. Also, they are very shy because of the language barrier. But they are open to anyone who try to speak with them. I have been invited in their homes and listened to some classic American R&B while drinking coffee with the Korean principal more than several occasions. Most of the family members are Christian but some practice other religions. They absolutely love Americans and love American culture. I have had the experience of eating dog for the first time with some rice wine at my Korean friend's home. I felt a little guilt about it but it wasn't too bad. The chairman of the school paid for my hospital bill when I was ill and never mentioned it to anyone else. He slipped it under the table expecting nothing in return. That is the sign of a true and loyal friend.

I think KIS is a good school to teach at especially for beginning teachers. If you are a new teacher with limited experience then KIS is a great way to get started. I think if you are planning a one year sabbatical in China then KIS is a great school for you too. If you are planning to spend a semester in China with your family to learn some Chinese or just to experience China then KIS is a good opportunity for that type of wish. I would encourage student-teachers to give KIS a try as well.

Well, I wish everyone the best who both enjoyed their tenure at KIS and I equally wish the same blessings to those who didn't. These are just my thoughts and opinions.

I am sure many people have legitimate gripes and concerns about the school and maybe a few illegitimate. But I hope Korean International listens to all of them even if it is sometimes very hard to take. That is how the school can improve and produce a better product for the sake of its students and staff.

God bless everyone,

F