The questions
were unfailingly predictable: What’s your
name? Where are
you from? What university did you graduate
from? What was your major?
They came in rapid succession. It was the start of my very first semester here
in Korea and almost every student was asking me the same questions.
I gave my name,
mentioned that I went to school in Boston and said that my hometown was New
York. My major? American history. More than several students reacted in a
similar manner:
“American history? How could that be a
major? American history is only 200-years old. Korean history is 5000-years
old. That’s a major!”
That observation
was not lost on me. “Wow,” I said to myself, “there’s something to this.” It
didn’t take long for a self-induced wave of humility to cascade through my
body. My country wasn’t the center of the universe? I began to unravel some
22-years of misguided self-importance that had been grafted on to my world of
presumptions.
 |
| American history major--right off the bus |
Tip #1 Be humble.
No matter where
you are from, it’s not likely you have 5,000 years of history backing you up. More
than just ancient history, according to Daniel Tudor, author of Korea: The Impossible Country, South
Koreans have produced the most impressive story of nation building in the 20th century. And besides, humility goes a long way here.
Tip #2 Learn the language.
You hop in a cab,
patch together a few words of the native language, telling the driver where you
want to go. Only thing is, you said you wanted to go to the train station. That’s where he took you.
You meant to say, the local subway
station. He’s confused. You’re frustrated. Make the time to study the local
language--even if you’re exhausted from all the teaching you’re doing. Learning
the language helps provide part of the necessary tool-kit for navigating life
in your adopted country. Learning Korean opens the window to a better
understanding of this incredible culture.
 |
| Korean Class: learning language, culture and making friends |
Tip #3 Cultivate friendships with both
Koreans and other expats.
Studying Korean, especially
when done in traditional classroom fashion is a great place for meeting others.
In my recent Korean language classes I was both the only American and the only
professor. Befriending the owner of a
local coffee shop or dry cleaners may lead to a weekend hike in the woods.
Joining an area club or organization (running, paintball, softball, or
traveling) is a great way to make friends and enrich your expat experience.
Tip #4 Avoid thinking you can change the
system.
By now you’ve
heard all about the crazy drivers, the antiquated customs, the lousy weather,
the seemingly ridiculous approaches to managing people. Guess what? Get a grip.
It ain’t gonna change. And, more importantly, it’s not your culture.
Tip #5 Avoid Korea bashers.
Yes indeed,
misery loves company. Finding flaws and faults can easily become contagious.
“Red flag” this dynamic as soon as you notice it. Take two steps back. Find
colleagues and friends who have a more balanced view of their experience here.
Korea is not a perfect place, but it does offer a world of mostly pleasant
surprises. For most people, even those who experience a few early “speed
bumps,” Korea provides more than its share of spectacular memories.
Tip #6 Keep developing yourself
professionally.
My current
employer requires each faculty member to have an ongoing plan for professional
development. You can do research, observe other teachers, attend conferences
and write reaction papers, or give presentations to colleagues at regularly
scheduled staff meetings. There’s a good message here: standing still
professionally is not OK. There are many ways to become a better
teacher--whether it’s through joining KOTESOL, becoming part of an acting
troupe, taking traditional Korean art classes, or doing yoga.
Tip #7 Be an ambassador.
You didn’t join
the Foreign Service when you decided to become an ESL educator. That’s true, but
for better or worse, you are an ambassador. You represent your country in the
eyes of your students, your Korean bosses and colleagues, and to Koreans
at-large. Many people don’t welcome such an appellation bestowed on them
without their consent. Totally understandable, but it comes with the turf. In
fact, how you behave is not only a reflection on you, and your country, it is
also a reflection on all foreigners who are guests here in Korea.
Recently, a
fellow former Korean Peace Corps volunteer mentioned that he thought there was much
evidence to suggest that a stint as an ESL teacher can be an invaluable “Part
1” in preparation for the adventure that is life. For others, an extended
tenure as an ESL teacher can, as in any profession, lead to burnout. Tips for
success aside, inertia can be an intoxicating trap. Staying fresh, on top of your game,
motivated, and most importantly, in service to your students, is a timeless and
worthwhile challenge. Losing one’s humility may be like the canary in the coal
mine—an indication that it may be time to check things out.
