The Lost Nomad links to an article in the newsletter that thinks it is a real newspaper The Korea Herald (this link will die soon so I have uploaded a copy of the article - note to firefox users - right click and save as and then open in IE) The Infidel also rings in on this one with a lengthy post. The article above is in response to another article on the Korea Herald that I was fortunate enough to find over at Asia News Network - I didn’t originally write about this topic because I considered it to be a white trash vs Korean trash thing. If you are interested in extensive coverage of this then go here and here.  I, however, will be focusing on what Murdo McNab and The Infidel have to say.

I generally agree with what McNab says in his readers view especially the part that goes As this was a news focus, a perspective on the issue from a different angle than just blaming unqualified foreigners, as was the focus of your recent article, is certainly merited.

From here McNab describes the conditions that generally keep the quailified teachers from coming to Korea in the first place including low salary, being paid less than korean professors, Orwellian restrictions in the VISA status of foreign teaching staff, and difficulties obtaining cell-phones and credit cards. All of this information is freely available on Dave’s Cafe and other expat message boards but still newbies flock to South Korea and sign questionable contracts and end up getting burned (I did this too in 1997 but the internet was not as prevelant).

Now working at an institute long term is not a good thing. It’s not good for your social life (split shits early mornings & nights), vacation, or career. Admittedly not everyone in ESL is in it for a career, but if you are working at a hagwon for more than 2 years is not going to get you far. Working at an university has many benefits but surprising not everyone is interested in improving thier situation. McNab’s complaint about the lack of standards in Korea is not a two-headed coin for expats already in Korea. If you are looking to improve yourself then getting into a university contract is not difficult.  The problem here is that there are a number of slackers who do make it into the system. But there are also quite a few dedicated teachers who thrive and improve themselves once in that position. I include myself in the second category as I did not (and not until June this year) have proper qualifications to be a university instructor or instructor of any kind.

If universities (and institutes) were to have standards and stick to them, then they would have better teachers would be less likely to run into situations with incompetent teachers, teachers sleeping with students (also very prevalent here - but not unheard of in western countries either). Giving teachers respect and equality (where deserved) with Korean teachers would not result in foreigners resist[ing] the extra duties, like extra hours, bad schedules, and the social drinking. But unfortunately many, if not all, ESL employers in Korea are extremely parochial and myopic in thier treatment and expectations of foreign employees. I must agree with McNab’s closting thoughts

trying to blame foreigners for problems that are 100 percent the result of a Korean system is, unfortunately, a tired exercise the type which those of us who have spent extended periods of time in Korea have seen before, and will undoubtedly see again. It is unfortunate that Koreans don’t seem to realize that making foreigners a scapegoat will not solve their problems, only honest attempts at true change will.

I, however will not go so far as The Infidel and tell prospective teachers not to contemplate teaching in South Korea. I would recommend caution and as far as possible contact someone already working at a school you are considering as an employer. If possible get friends living in Korea to help you get set-up and show you the ropes so you don’t get burned.

update
I was just looking through Dave’s Cafe again and came across this thread which provides a link and information on an upcoming news piece about the illegal teachers in Korea.

The long-running SBS program “그 것이 알고 싶다” will be featuring in its next episode the recent controversy regarding English teachers in Korea. It will air this Saturday, the 19th, at 10:55 p.m. on SBS.

if any readers in Korea have a TV card and could record this I would be happy to host it on my site later. I could even add sub-titles to it if someone translated the script. This is of course provided that it is interesting.

If it’s so bad, Why have you stayed almost nine years?
I’m comfortable with my job. Having a good position is key to having a happy life. If you hate your job, how can you be happy? Having time to persue hobbies and be with my family is also good.

Too many teachers spend all their free time teaching privates (illegal) and end up having little or no down time. Having done this for my first 2 years in Korea I know what it is like. When I quit teaching private classes, my quality of life improved dramatically. I was no longer burned out, I had down time, I could read books and do hobbies. While teaching privates I was always teaching.

I have also noticed that most long term expats (by that I mean longer than 5 years) are involved in a serious relationship with a Korean, have a mixture of Korean & expat friends, and have recreational hobbies to break up their work time. However many of the ones who don’t make it, only hang out with other ex-pats, drink like fish, and generally complain about everything.

I like my life in Korea, but it may not be the best for everyone.  Do your research, listen to your gut, and leave time for recreation. If you do all that, you will be more likely to enjoy life.