I had my Korea experience from 2003-3009...off and on for six years.

I love working with the kids, no doubt. I excelled in that aspect.

But dealing with Koreans, in general..............no more. Their outlook on life is 180 degree version as to how westerners see it. That is OK, in respect to differences. But I just don't understand these following points.

1. Korea spends sooooooooo much on English education but has the lowest results. Yet, they blame these results on the foreign teachers, not their backwards way of learning, which will NEVER work.

2. Korea does not want to keep good teachers. This is evident by the lowering standards to public school contracts, visa regulations and the lack of legal support for expats. Instead of promoting ways to keep the few good teachers it can attract, they drive them away.

3. Korea has the idea that looks and age determine a teachers ability. People with any sense know this is not how things operate in a succesfull industry.

4. Koreans in general, are not known for keeping their word.

5. In the ESL industry, those in power are not capable of leading by example. During my time in Korea, not once did I meet one Korean co-worker or supervisor who had any ability to teach a class in English, prepare and show a solid ESL lesson plan, actually listen to the expats who knew what they were doing, provide useful ideas on who to enrich a learning environment, provide solid feedback to not only encourage but to help promote new ideas, ............the list goes on.

6. 99% of ESL recruiters in Korea are not to be trusted.

Personally, Korea gets what it derserves in regards to its reputation.

Newbies, don't be fooled. Though there are SOME good opportunities there, they are few and far between. You are not considered a "teacher". You are considered to have equal status as a dishwasher (though if it is an honest dollar then I don't see anything wrong with washing dishes). Korea blames its poor results in the ESL industry (really, they are a joke) on the teachers that it brings in.

But hey...................there are some who have had a great experience, no doubt. But be careful of expat teachers as well. They will sell you out in a minute.

eslguy