As most of you have figured out by now, I haven't teached a day of English in my life. In fact, the only experience I had that could even be considered "Teach + English + Korea" took place over 11 years ago.
I filled in for a buddy and did a 1:1 rap session for two hours with a student of his, as he was at the Immigration Office defending himself in a hearing for various visa violations, and thus had a "time conflict." The student apparently paid 50,000 won an hour, which, back in 1999 was the green. For the record, I didn't take any money (hey, I enjoyed the convo) and I never "taught" again.
Photo: Me "teaching" a class of disadvantaged Korean youth how to make pizza without corn, garlic cheese swirls or pickles.
What I am curious to know, as are many of our first time visitors to HiExpat.com, is the most interesting story from our users on just how they ended up in Korea teaching English. Most of you, I'd hazard a guess, graduated from college, had a buddy tell you about how great living in Korea is, and how they had a chair at their school with your butt's name written all over it. The promise of 2-3mil a month, with housing, plus airfare and including 4-6 weeks vacation and wrapped up in the kim (김) of the exoticism of Asia; well, I get it.
But I've also heard different. I don't just mean flight to escape prosecution, either. I'm talking about getting married to a Korean and coming back to Korea; I've also heard about folks who came to Korea as high powered attorneys, consultants and finance masters who preferred the pace and social interaction of teaching ESL. Adventure, Asia, Altruism...Share in the comments your the best story on how you ended up teaching English in Korea!
DannyB
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